You Girls Are Way Too Obsessed With A Lone Wolf Like Me - Volume 2 Chapter 4: Misaki Karin and Urogase Yumeno Still Try to Reach Out And Epilogue

Volume 2 Chapter 4: Misaki Karin and Urogase Yumeno Still Try to Reach Out

Cloudy skies on a day off are bound to make anyone—young or old, man or woman—feel gloomy. And yes, that includes even those who enjoy being alone.

What’s worse, when the forecast says it’ll be pouring by evening, you can’t help but let out a sigh or two.

It’s like when someone spoils the ending for you—no matter how fun the story might be, knowing how it ends just kills the thrill. Even if you start the day pumped to enjoy your time off, hearing “there’s gonna be a downpour later” just drains the mood.

Basically, spoilers should be like Next Conan’s Hint—just enough to tease, not ruin.

Looking out from the living room window, I could see the afternoon sky with light rain starting to drizzle. Looks like I still had a bit of a grace period before it really came down.

I tore my eyes off the tablet I’d been reading digital magazines on and looked down at the warm weight pressing against my thigh—Yuzu. The monster child was peacefully napping on my leg like it was her rightful throne.

I waved my hand in front of her firmly shut eyes. No reaction. Not even a twitch.

Yeah… I’d feel bad waking her. She looks too comfy.

I gently slid a cushion under the back of her head to substitute for my thigh, then laid a blanket over her. And lastly, I pressed my palms together in prayer. “Please remain in this state for another two hours.”

Alright, time to make my move and head to a café.

Ame ni mo makezu

Kaze ni mo makezu

Sou iu ohitori-sama ni

Watashi wa naritai

T/N: Rough translation would be

Not yielding to rain,

Not yielding to wind,

To be that kind of solitary soul—

That is what I wish to become.

Yeah… what a beautiful poem. Miyazawa Kenji feat. Himemiya Haruichi.

If we’re putting solitude into a win-or-lose framework, then I think that’s just nonsense. Solitude isn’t something to fight against. It’s something you coexist with. A destined companion, if you will.

What you should push back against is the judgmental gaze of a society that sees solitude as a bad thing. Lone wolves always get the cold shoulder from the world around them, no matter the era.

Sekai no kaze atari ni mo makezu (Not yielding to the winds of the world). Yeah. Let’s add that line too.

I quickly freshened up, tossed my half-read tablet into a linen tote bag, along with a compact raincoat and a packable parka for the weather, and got ready to head out.

As I stood at the umbrella stand, picking a sturdy one just in case, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

This phone… is basically a “Buy some milk on your way home” device for my mom. But I remembered seeing a fresh, unopened carton in the fridge this morning.

Which meant… only two people came to mind. And once they popped up in my head, it was game over. I knew this was going to be bad news.

I tapped open LINE.

And let out a sigh of relief when I saw the message.

[Kimika]: We’re closed today, so don’t come, okay~?

The sender was Koino-san. The pure café “WELL” was closed today for floor waxing, apparently. She’d already told me that last time I visited, but she’s such a responsible person.

[Himemiya Haruichi]: Thank you for the heads-up. I’ll head to a nearby café instead.

[Kimika]: Ah, cheating on us, huh~!

Okay. Conversation rally complete. The only place rallies are fun is in sports.

With that needless worry off my chest, I felt my mood lift like the sun breaking through the clouds. The way I dramatically yanked out one umbrella was not unlike a chosen hero drawing their sacred blade.

Alright, let’s go.

Toward the Demon Lord’s Castle—or rather, the local Tully’s—I now begin my solo quest.

I opened the door, taking that first step on my grand journey…

“Wah! You scared me! I was just about to ring the bell when you came out, Himemiya-kun!”

“……”

An encounter right off the bat. A comrade? A creature?

No. The surprised face that soon turned into a cheerful smile belonged to Misaki. Her dotted umbrella added a splash of flair, and her healthy-looking legs peeking from her boots gave off a mix of innocence and allure. It was charming—and annoying.

“Hello, Himemiya-kun♪”

Would “sunlight” be the right word? If I looked up and felt no rays from the sky, it’s probably because they were all gathered down here. Her radiant smile had descended like a divine being.

If I had to summarize my feelings: Please, kindly return from whence you came, ojou-sama.

I refuse to “defeat” her. Because if I did, she’d definitely hit me with that “I want to join your party” look.

My command is: Farewell.

“Goodbye.”

“Don’t go~!”

Escape failed. She grabbed my arm firmly.

“Misaki… Did I do something to make you hold a grudge?”

“Nope. I just came to hang out with you today, Himemiya-kun.”

“You do realize it’s going to rain heavily this evening, right?”

“Of course! I brought my raincoat and I’m wearing rain boots. I’m totally ready~”

“I really love these boots~♪”, says Misaki as she does a quick spin—kururu~n! Just one twirl, and she’s already picture-perfect. If I had to nitpick… just half a spin more, and I wish she’d head straight for the station like that.

I already had a feeling—no, I knew why she showed up.

“Is this about yesterday… when I said we weren’t friends?”

“Mhm♪”

That dazzling 100-point smile didn’t make it better.

She wasn’t mad. That somehow made it worse.

“Friendship isn’t something that happens overnight, y’know.”

“Being lectured by someone who prefers being alone…? Still, maybe that’s exactly why I came today—to build that friendship little by little.”

“Yeah… I guess that’s fair. But I did tell you before—if I have to give up my alone time, then I don’t need friends.”

Misaki seems to remember what I said too, giving a small nod.

“Yeah… you did say that.”

But still—she doesn’t back down.

“But I told you too, Himemiya-kun. I said I’d do my best to get close enough that you’d actually call me your friend.”

“Yeah… you did say that.”

“See? I told you!”

“Then that settles it.”

“What settles what!? Stop right there!”

Second attempt at escape: failed.

“What now?”

“That’s my line! How does that conversation lead to this outcome!?”

“Endless arguing is pointless. If it’s gonna be a clash of spear and shield, the smart move is to keep some distance and avoid the fight altogether. So I’ve decided—I’m going to the café.”

“Isn’t that just way too convenient for you, Himemiya-kun…?”

Tch. So I got found out, huh.

Misaki, eyes narrowed in suspicion, still wouldn’t let go of my wrist. At this point, it was less of a gentle stop and more of a soft house arrest.

“It’s gonna rain pretty hard starting this evening, so you really shouldn’t go out.”

“You’re the last person I wanna hear that from… Besides, if I end up soaked in the rain just trying to chill alone, then so be it. I can die happy. Just let me go.”

“That sounds cool and all, but it’s actually the least cool thing ever, y’know?”

“You’re like one of those grandpas who insists on checking the fields or the ocean during a typhoon!” she added, tightening her grip even more by looping her arms around my upper arm. Something super soft is pressing against me right now…

Of course, she didn’t seem to realize that at all—completely focused on stopping me with everything she had.

“Also! I definitely told you yesterday I was coming over to your place today, didn’t I?!”

“…Hah?”

What is she talking about? Is she one of those people who can’t tell fantasy from reality?

Just as I started thinking maybe I should keep my distance from her—

“Ah! It’s Karin-nee!”

A tiny body, recently awakened from its deep slumber, came rushing at us full speed from behind. It was Yuzu.

And without slowing down, she launched into a diving hug straight at Misaki.

“Welcomeee~♪”

“Hello, Yuzu-chan. Let’s play a ton today, okay?”

“Uh-huh!”

…Hold up. Since when did you two get so chummy you’re already on hugging terms?

More importantly, “Let’s play a ton today,” huh?

I glared at Misaki, my eyes full of silent complaint and deep questioning. But then she suddenly stopped playing with Yuzu and turned toward me, like she just remembered something.

“Wait… Yuzu-chan, you did tell Himemiya-kun that I was coming over today, right?”

“? ……Ah! I didn’t tell him!”

And there it was—an absolute double whammy of shocking truth, served up by Misaki and Yuzu like a practiced tag team. Misaki let out an awkward laugh while Yuzu cheekily stuck out her tongue, then both gestured for me to check my phone.

I opened LINE.

Here’s what the messages from last night said:

[Karin]: Good Evening! Does Himemiya-kun have plans tomorrow?

[Himemiya Haruichi]: It’s Karin-nee!! Good mornight sup~!!

[Karin]: Huh? Yuzu-chan?

[Himemiya Haruichi]: It’s Yuzu! I’m playing games on Haru-nii’s phone!

[Karin]: I see! But don’t play too many games, okay?

[Himemiya Haruichi]: Yuzu’s gonna watch YouTube after this too so it’s daijoubu! (all good!)

[Karin]: It’s not all good…

[Himemiya Haruichi]: What’s up?

[Karin]: Sorry to ask, Yuzu-chan, but do you know your Onii-chan’s plans for tomorrow?

[Himemiya Haruichi]: Hmmm… Yuzu thinks it’s the same as always!

[Karin]: Then how about we hang out together tomorrow, all three of us?

[Himemiya Haruichi]: Really!? Let’s hang out at our place!

[Karin]: Thank you! I’ll come over without holding back then. Could you also tell your mom and dad, not just Himemiya-kun?

[Himemiya Haruichi]: Ocakes~! Let’s make slime together!

[Karin]: Let’s do it! I’ll bake a cake and bring it too!

And at the end… a salute sticker from a police-bunny.

This entire conversation—one I had absolutely no memory of—had played out while I was none the wiser.

My knees felt weak. A sigh spilled from deep within.

So that’s why I never noticed… it was already marked as read.

“Hey, Yuzu. Why didn’t you tell me something that important?”

“I didn’t not tell you! I just… forgot!”

“That doesn’t make it any better, you know.”

Her mysterious burst of attitude left me too drained to even scold her properly.

As I stood there wallowing in this pointless sense of resignation, Misaki casually lifted the basket in her left hand and said, “Wanna eat some cake?”

“…Yeah, sure.”

I mean… if there really was a promise made to hang out, I couldn’t exactly tell her to go home now.

Even if it was all because my stupid little sister forgot to tell me.

※　※　※

Even a dumb elementary schooler would probably stay home quietly on a day with rain like this.

But for a loving humanitarian like Misaki, that option doesn’t seem to exist. No… that’s not quite right. It’s because she’s such a loving humanitarian that she gets all fired up to go make friends, come rain or typhoon.

…It’s not even a joke.

I, a hardcore loner supremacist, was also about to go out for tea like it was nothing despite the downpour.

We’re both idiots, huh.

Right now, Misaki and Yuzu are totally hyped up, making slime together.

Obviously, in my room.

“Yuzu-chan, amazing! It’s already starting to solidify!”

“Yup! Neba-nebaa~!”

Misaki carefully pours a liquid from a bottle into a bowl, while Yuzu mashes the slime inside with her tiny hands, squealing in excitement.

They kinda look like mochi-tsuki craftsmen or something.

Despite the occasional bursts of noisy laughter, reading while listening to the squish-squish of the slime is surprisingly soothing. Hatori once passionately claimed that slime ASMR videos are peak relaxation, and now… yeah, I totally get it.

Suddenly, the sound of the slime gets drowned out by something else—outside noise.

I slide open the curtain while lying on my bed.

Looks like it’s really coming down now.

Heavy raindrops blur the scenery, pouring down and soaking the ground and buildings completely.

The harder the rain falls, the more I feel like, man, Misaki really is an idiot for coming out on a day like this.

At the same time, I still don’t understand why she tries so hard to befriend someone like me, a total loner. It just doesn’t click.

I mean, come on. She should definitely know by now that my love-for-being-alone ideology isn’t something that changes easily.

As I stare blankly at the sky that shows me nothing, Yuzu’s voice suddenly cuts in.

“It’s doneee!”

“Haru-nii, look look! I mean—touch it, touch it!”

Yuzu, running full excitement mode, charges over with two globs of gooey slime in both hands. I’d rather deal with the storm outside than this incoming chaos.

“H-Hey, you…! Don’t come this way, you’re gonna get slime on the sheets!”

At least she’s obedient when you actually tell her.

I hold out my hand and go, “Wait!”—and sure enough, she freezes in place, sparkling those round puppy-dog eyes of hers like she’s waiting for a treat. You a lil’ puppy or something?

I could just keep ignoring her in that wait-pose, but… the slime in her right hand is starting to ooze through her fingers like delo~on… and heading straight for the carpet.

Five seconds to a disaster.

I toss my tablet onto the bed and resign myself to my fate. I take the slime from Yuzu’s right hand.

…Ohh. This actually feels kinda nice.

It’s a soft-type slime, and the moment it hits my palm, it clings to the skin like it belongs there.

It’s probably because it’s got a high moisture content—cool to the touch and soft in just the right way. It hits that perfect combo, and makes you wanna keep squishing it with both hands. There’s an addictive quality to it.

“Try this one too!”

Yuzu hands over the one in her left hand, and the judging begins.

Hmm. This one’s good too.

Unlike the other, it’s got a pleasant firmness to it, with a bouncy kind of resistance.

Maybe it’s made from different ingredients? It’s heavier too. When I squeeze it tight, it pushes back for just a split second, like it’s saying don’t forget me.

That fleeting sensation… it leaves you wanting more. Top tier.

Even co-creator Misaki looks plenty satisfied with the final product.

“The soft one was made with carbonated water and shaving cream. The firm one, I added paper clay.”

“Heh, huh. Makes a huge difference.”

“The base ingredients—borax and laundry glue—are the same, but Yuzu-chan really focused hard on the amounts too!”

“You made all that on your first try? Not bad at all.”

I give Yuzu my honest praise.

“Ehehe ♪ Ehehehehehe~~!”

Yuzu squeals in delight, wriggling back and forth like she’s trying to out-squirm the slime itself.

“Which slime do you like better, Haru-nii?”

“Hmm… let’s see… I think I like the firmer one. Easy to fidget with while multitasking.”

“Okay, then that one’s a present for you! Gimme your phone!”

“…Phone?”

I turned my gaze toward Misaki, but she seemed just as clueless and shook her head twice.

Even Yuzu wouldn’t do something silly like docking a smartphone with a slime. After handing over my phone as instructed, Yuzu fiddled with it, tapping away with her tiny fingers.

After a few seconds, Yuzu finished and said,

“Hello!? I can’t believe a call is coming from Himemiya…!!”

Was that… Hatori?

Yuzu, ever so polite, switched to speaker mode and immediately started talking.

“Ere-nee? It’s Yuzu~!”

“Yuzu-chan? What’s up?”

“I’ve got some important news!”

“Huh?”

“Listen, listen! Haru-nii says he likes Ere-nee’s oppai!”

“Ha…?”

“Eh!?”

“Hatori-nii touched a slime that recreated the softness of Ere-nee and Karin-nee’s oppai! And then he said he likes Ere-nee’s oppai more!”

“Th-this little brat…!”

What in the world is she making…? What in the world is she letting me touch…?

I tried to tighten my fist in frustration but couldn’t. To my right was Misaki, and to my left, a false booby version of Hatori’s special forces team.

Hatori was frozen in shock.

“Himemiya likes… my… oppai…?”

That was the final blow.

“Yep! He wants to touch them while multitasking!”

“H-Himemiya, my…~~!!!”

There was a crashing sound from the speaker. Something was falling, and Hatori’s scream couldn’t even form a voice. You could practically feel her spiraling out of control. I could sense both Misaki and Hatori’s chest reactions too.

“Well, gotta go!” Yuzu said, hanging up the phone, acting like she’d just done a good deed. She snorted with a smug expression, looking up at me.

I couldn’t say anything anymore…

A few seconds of stunned silence passed. I noticed that the slime from my right hand had spilled over half the carpet.

In a hurry, I tried to lift the slime up, but,

“Don’t… squeeze it~~!!”

The other victim, Misaki, blushing deeply and with tears in her eyes, quickly snatched the slime from my hand. She had also collected Hatori’s slime, showing the beauty of friendship.

“Y-Yuzu-chan! Do you think we can merge both slimes? I think it’d be better if we did! Let’s combine them!”

“Huh? I thought it recreated everything so well…”

“It’s because it’s so well recreated!”

Apparently, the quality of Misaki’s chest was perfectly replicated.

I thought the same. The feel of her chest against my arm earlier was exactly the same. By the way, Hatori’s chest felt the same too.

Truly, my sister is terrifying. It seems like she wasn’t just using Misaki and Hatori to sit around for fun.

A product called “Beautiful JK Oppai Slime – Loli Handmade,” could easily be sold for about 10,000 yen each. Seriously.

“I’ll never be able to get married… Himemiya-kun touched me…”

I’m a victim here too.

What should I say to comfort the depressed Misaki?

Now’s the time to test my communication skills.

“Misaki.”

“What…?”

“This is just my personal opinion, alright? There’s no need to worry about things like ‘rank A’ or ‘rank B’.”

“~~! Himemiya-kun, you pervert! Freak! Pervy!”

“You’re the one who wants to touch things while multitasking!!” Misaki raised her right hand, but she was gripping her own creation. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, her face turned bright red… She was practically exploding with embarrassment.

If I were to make a post on a message board, it’d probably be titled something like, “Sad news: Let a low-tier guy fondle some fake boobs lol.”

“Anyway, I think you should head home now before the rain gets stronger.”

“No!!”

“Huh?”

“I’m not going home yet! If I go now, I won’t even know what I came here for!!”

“…”

I couldn’t find the words. I felt the same way.

“It’s not like I wanted to get closer to you over something so perverted like this!”

I couldn’t think of anything to say. I could only feel sympathy.

Communication is definitely difficult.

For someone with low communication skills like me, there’s nothing more to be done right now. So, I sent a sympathetic glance to Misaki as I walked away, thinking, “Leave the happy people alone.”

“Himemiya-kun, where are you going?”

“I was thinking of watching a movie downstairs.”

“Can I join you?”

Misaki, mixing the two slimes together, smiled faintly.

“I really feel like watching a movie… especially something moving in a pitch-black room.”

Don’t try to cry for another reason.

“Well, if you’re quiet, it’s fine.”

“Thanks! I’ll clean up the table and go to the living room.”

“Nope.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s gather in Dad’s room.”

※ ※ ※

“Wow…!”

The first words that came out of Misaki’s mouth upon entering my dad’s room.

If it were me, I’d probably say the same thing the first time I saw it.

The room was larger than mine or Yuzu’s, with an overwhelming presence thanks to the 70-inch screen. Then, towering surround-sound speakers surrounded the screen. To avoid disturbing the atmosphere, the furniture was all black, and tall plants were placed around. The LED lights were all indirect, adding to the refined atmosphere.

This was my dad’s room, also known as the theater room.

Misaki, who had been downcast, was now full of energy, excited to be in the theater mood.

“It’s like a movie theater! No, it’s even better than a movie theater!”

“My dad loves movies and music, so he’s got this whole setup.”

Apparently, he often lets me and Yuzu use it while he’s away. Sure, watching movies on a phone or tablet while lying down is comfy, but watching them on a big screen with surround sound is really immersive and amazing.

“It’s amazing, Karin-nee! We can even watch Pretty Cure on the big screen! I’m so glad I’m Dad’s kid!”

What’s the real value of my dad’s existence, I wonder.

Yuzu was the first to sit on the sofa, eagerly sipping a can of juice and munching on popcorn. Wait, those snacks were the ones I had stocked in my room, weren’t they?

“So, what are we watching, Himemiya-kun? Pretty Cure?”

“Horror”

“Eh…?”

When the projector is turned on, the screen displays the on-demand service interface. With a practiced hand, I continue to operate the remote: video content → movies → genre: horror, and soon enough, the title screen I was aiming for appears.

The title is Akuma no Ikenie (The Demon’s Sacrifice). It’s a popular American horror series, with sequels and remakes being churned out constantly. Even in the survival horror games that both Hatori and I enjoy, it’s not uncommon for a serial killer demon to appear.

If I turn off the room lights, it’s always ready to play, but the person sitting next to me keeps making noise after seeing the title screen.

“Hey, hey, hold on, Himemiya-kun!”

“What is it?”

“How about we watch Precure(Pretty Cure) instead…?”

“No way.”

Why should I, along with my sister and a classmate, have to watch a children’s anime together? It feels so… homey.

“If you’re so fixated on Precure, I’ll lend you my tablet, and you can watch it in my room.”

“I’m not fixated on it, but… you know… that type of show… right?”

“Are you scared of horror?”

“…You’re absolutely right.”

Misaki awkwardly nods, then exaggerates her explanation.

“I can’t stand it when blood goes bwaa! and intestines go bshaa!…”

I wonder if even Funasshi can’t handle it. There’s no way I’m getting anywhere near Funabashi City.

But more than that, I didn’t know this about Misaki, and I can’t help but let out a surprised “Heh.”

“? Why are you so surprised?”

“Well, Misaki’s such a humanitarian, I thought you’d be able to laugh it off even if blood was splattering everywhere.”

“Isn’t that a bit too extreme for my image…?”

That’s true. If she were like that, I’d never want to watch a horror movie with her. I’d probably be dead before the actors!

“Well, basically, Misaki doesn’t want to watch this splatter-type horror, so she’s asking to watch something else.”

Finally, he gets it! Misaki’s face brightens up in relief.

“Yeah, so I’m sorry, but—”

“I’m turning off the lights!”

“You devil!”

It’s the classic “you think you’re safe but then you’re killed” pattern… I’m learning this from Misaki’s own experience.

At this point, Misaki sends out an SOS like a 9-year-old.

“Y-Yuzu-chan, don’t you think fun movies are better than horror?”

Misaki turns to Yuzu, who is sitting beside her, asking in a half-crouched position. Yuzu tilts her head, the right side of her twin-tails swaying.

“I like fun movies, but if Haru-nii and Karin-neesan are together, I think scary ones are okay too?”

“Yuzu-chan, you’re too cute!”

Super cute! Misaki tightly hugs Yuzu. She can just take her home with her, for all I care.

My brain is screaming to experience the thrill already.

“I won’t just compromise to please someone else. Don’t underestimate my lack of cooperation!”

“That’s way too confident… Ugh, fine.”

Though she still looks anxious, it seems she’s made up her mind. Misaki clenches her fists, mentally preparing herself.

“I-I’ll try my best…! I came here to get along with you, Himemiya-kun…!”

It seems the option of watching Precure in my room was never really on the table.

Because Misaki is willing to go this far for me, I have to make sure she knows something.

“I don’t really like being forced to go along with things, you know.”

“It’s just that I want to match up with you, so please don’t worry about it! Also, please don’t shake my big decision!”

Communication is seriously hard.

“Is it okay if I turn off the lights?”

“Y-Yeah…”

I press the light switch and sit down on the sofa. Misaki lifts Yuzu and sits next to me, placing Yuzu on her lap like a teddy bear, holding her tight. Even though nothing is showing on the screen yet, Misaki’s face already shows signs of fear.

She’s way too delicate.

Of course, there’s no way she’d be okay.

As we move into the second half of the movie, the scenes become even more thrilling and shocking.

Which means, Misaki’s fear is only going to rise.

She’s now visibly identifying with a woman desperately running away from a chainsaw-wielding killer, her face already resembling that of a heroine. Her frightened expression is so cute.

Apparently, when people are anxious or tense, they often try to touch their own body. Misaki covers her mouth with her left hand and stares at the screen intently. But that’s not enough; she presses Yuzu against her knees, and then, for some reason, leans heavily into my arm as well.

Once again, what hits my upper arm is not slime, but the real deal: breasts. It’s the reappearance of the Chichi Kami-sama (Breast God).

The pressure and overwhelming sense of happiness on my arm are immense, as if my whole arm is enveloped by the sensation… no, it’s not just that, it’s chichi (breast) pressure. The feeling of the slime is perfectly replicated. If I had to point out a difference, it’s that the real sensation wrapping my upper arm is not cold, but warm instead.

A movie review?

O-pai wa yawarakai (The breasts are soft). That’s all there is to it.

There’s no way a typical high school boy could focus on a movie with breasts in front of him.

I don’t want to admit it, but… this is the kind of mistake a person makes due to their youth.

I suddenly notice Yuzu is looking at us.

“? “

After observing the scene where Misaki is sticking to me, Yuzu gives me a big grin, as if wanting to say, “Good for you, Haru-nii!”

That alone wouldn’t be worth mentioning. But Yuzu doesn’t stop there. Her eyes light up, as if she just got an idea.

I don’t know… I don’t know, but for now, I must not think about it… Don’t get any ideas…

At that very moment, a monster holding a chainsaw bursts onto the screen.

Yuzu, in place of sitting on the couch, grabs both of Misaki’s thighs and squeezes them tightly, shouting “Wah!”

As expected,

“Kyahhhhhh~~~!!!”

Misaki goes into a full-blown panic.

It’s all part of Yuzu’s plan. Misaki, terrified, clings even tighter to me. Not just one, but both of her breasts press into my arm and side, pushing against me so violently that I almost want to scream, too.

“Yuzu!?”

Yuzu seems just as surprised. She’s shocked by Misaki’s loud scream and ends up tumbling off the sofa, crashing down.

It would have been fine if she just fell off. But in an unfortunate turn of events, Yuzu performs a somersault kick right into the coffee table, sending popcorn and cola flying onto the floor. The worst part was the slime. The bowl filled with slime goes flying in a grand arc.

The slime flies through the air and the overturned bowl lands perfectly on Misaki’s head like a helmet.

Not my head… Misaki’s head.

The sticky slime pours down over Misaki’s head, dripping all the way to her shoulders. This slime, combined with the beautiful girl, is supposed to be the quintessential lucky pervert trope, right?

But the reality was…

“Gross…”

There are limits to what’s acceptable. The semi-transparent slime dripping from Misaki’s head to her shoulders devours her, covering her in a slippery, disgusting mess. It’s beyond just being slimy. It’s disgusting.

Misaki, not understanding what just happened, goes into full-blown panic mode.

“What… What is this!? It’s all gooey! Blood!? Flesh!? A curse!? Kyaaaaahhh!!”

“O-Ore, calm down, Misaki! …Misaki?”

Huff, and Misaki’s body becomes light.

“Misaki…? H-Hey…”

The grip Misaki had around my arm weakens. Once she completely pulls away, she collapses onto the sofa with a loud plop as the sound of something dripping fills the air.

Even someone like me, who lacks coordination, wouldn’t want to keep watching the movie in this situation.

※ ※ ※

The cleanup afterward was a real hassle. I had to shove the slime-covered Misaki and Yuzu into the bathroom after they woke up from their light fainting, and I also had to tidy up the mess in my parents’ room and hide all the evidence. Especially, scraping off the slime that had been spilled on the sofa and carpet was soul-crushing work.

It was a day filled with slime-induced joy and sorrow.

After finishing most of the work, I sat down on the chair in my room for a short break. I took a sip of the ice-cold canned coffee, followed by another sip. I could have made iced coffee from water and instant coffee, but honestly, I just wanted to avoid the hassle and effort right now.

After soothing my throat, I savor the taste of the coffee in my mouth. It’s moments like this when coffee really helps blow away stress and exhaustion.

Then, Yuzu, wrapped in a bath towel after her shower, dashes into my room.

“Haru-nii! As expected, Ere-nee’s boobs are bigger! But, Karin-nee’s butt was amazing! It was so tight and round!”

“!? Cough! Cough…”

Maybe it was because the stress and fatigue I had been holding in were too overwhelming. The canned coffee I had just taken a sip of suddenly triggered a massive rejection response, causing me to spit it out in a dramatic burst.

“If I were to compare the sensation of a slime to a butt… it’s like—”

In the middle of Yuzu’s inappropriate statement, hurried footsteps come from the first floor, rapidly approaching.

“Y-You…!”

Misaki, with her well-formed, bath-towel-wrapped figure, suddenly appears in front of me.

She must’ve been in a tough spot, having to choose between showing her chest or her butt, or maybe even letting me see her in the bath towel.

“~~~! Y-Yuzu-chan! From now on, you’re not allowed to make slime in front of Himemiya-kun! Himemiya-kun, don’t look over here!”

It’s strange. When comparing swimwear to a bath towel, seeing someone in a bath towel generates a stronger sense of guilt and sinfulness.

So, is it true that swimwear and underwear are different after all…?

Misaki skillfully gathers up Yuzu, then slams the door shut and leaves the room. When I turned to glance back, my eyes went straight to her beautiful backside. But I swear, it wasn’t my fault—it was Yuzu’s fault.

After a while, Misaki—having returned to a presentable state—came to visit my room. Even if it was due to an ultimate choice being forced on her, there’s no way she wasn’t at least a little conscious about having shown up in just a bath towel.

“I-I showed you something so indecent… And I ended up causing you all sorts of trouble, too…”

“It’s all that idiot Yuzu’s fault, so don’t worry about it.”

And that baka Yuzu, by the way? She got tired from playing around and just went to sleep in her own room. She’s seriously beyond saving.

Misaki, wearing a slightly sheepish smile, gave off a different vibe than usual. Her flushed skin, her damp, glossy hair, the scent of shampoo and body soap drifting off her body and hair—even though it’s the same stuff I use—felt like something else entirely. Almost like luxury-brand stuff. It was messing with my senses.

“Thanks for the shirt and shorts. As expected, they’re kinda big on me.”

The T-shirt’s already one size too big even for me, so when Misaki wears it, it’s way too loose. But when someone with a figure like hers puts it on, it just turns into something else: stylish, cute, kinda sexy… Like she’s my girlfriend who suddenly decided to crash at my place. My brain won’t stop spinning out positive reactions.

…She’s probably not wearing a bra, is she? That thought alone is enough to make my mind spiral into chaos.

Misaki, as if putting her exhaustion on full display, flops onto my bed without a care, lying spread-eagle.

“Phewwww… I’m totally wiped out.”

“If that’s how you feel, I think you’d be better off relaxing on your own bed.”

“Eeh~? I’m not going home ‘cause Himemiya-kun still won’t call me his friend~”

“Yeah yeah. We’re friends, we’re friends.”

“You dummy.” Misaki said as she grabbed a pillow. I thought she was gonna throw it at me, but nope—she hugged it close like a dakimakura.

“I came in all fired up today like, ‘I’m gonna get Himemiya-kun to call me his friend!’ But things didn’t go well at all…”

“Tough break.”

Normally, Misaki would pout at my sarcastic remarks. But this time, she just gave a weak smile. It was like she was admitting defeat.

“As I thought, Himemiya-kun is a total tough nut to crack.”

Even so, Misaki still hadn’t given up. Lying there, she let out a drawn-out hmm as she groaned, trying to somehow find a glimmer of hope.

“You really are an idiot, huh.”

“Where did that come from!?”

“Well, yeah. You get told ‘You’re not my friend’ and then you storm into their house like that? On a rainy day, no less? That’s not normal.”

Misaki looked super unamused at being called an idiot, but even she couldn’t deny I was right. She covered her mouth with the pillow, peeking over it and glaring at me with embarrassment.

“…Yeah, maybe you’ve got a point.”

“Things just went too smoothly before. I know you’ve been putting in a crazy amount of effort and doing stuff most people wouldn’t, but the truth is—no one can be friends with everyone at school.”

Honestly, that’s harder than trying to reinvent yourself in high school. Way harder.

A low-tier guy like me can’t just go up to someone from a high-tier group like Endou and say, “Let’s be friends!” and expect it to work.

It’s the same in reverse. Someone from the top of the hierarchy like Ikari can’t just approach someone from the lower end, like Ameya or Takechi, and become friends just like that either.

Even if you’re on the same level, if your personalities clash, you might not get along. If your hobbies don’t line up, same deal.

When you factor all that in… Trying to be friends with everyone is just insane. If you keep pushing ahead, it’s only natural you’ll hit a wall like me at some point.

“I said this during the social gathering too, but… it’s not that I hate you. Even if we think differently, I honestly think what you’re doing is pure and right.”

“Then why won’t you be my friend?”

“I don’t know.”

“…Huh?”

“I’ve been alone for so long, I don’t really get where the line for ‘friend’ even is anymore.”

We did stuff together—like planning the social gathering, sharing hobbies, chatting, even ranting together at that café, visiting clubs…

If friendship is built up from those things, then… where’s the border? Where does casual become ‘friend’?

There’s no doubt Misaki talks to me more than anyone else. But for her, maybe that’s just normal—not something special. There’s such a huge gap in how we see things, it makes me wonder: can that even count as friendship? Maybe it’s fine to keep things separate—me doing my thing, and others doing theirs. Maybe it’s fine just being alone.

“So no matter how much you want to be my friend, or make me call you one… until I figure out what ‘friend’ even means to me, I won’t make friends. I can’t. And honestly, I like being alone so much, I don’t even feel the need to figure that out.”

Becoming friends on a whim, only to get caught up in obligations? No thanks. I don’t want my alone time taken from me.

Bottom line—I’m satisfied just being alone.

When I finished speaking, Misaki’s face had gone totally serious. She wasn’t angry, and she wasn’t pitying me either.

“Himemiya-kun…”

“Yeah?”

“You’re a pain in the ass!”

“…Yeah, I know.”

I know, so what?

“But I’m glad…”

She’s glad? Misaki’s expression started to melt into a smile. She almost looked… relieved.

She sat up from her sprawled-out pose.

“I honestly thought Himemiya-kun just outright hated making connections with people. I feel kinda relieved now. You actually do think about it deeply, huh?”

“I’m either lost in thought or just mentally checked out, though.”

Then, Misaki said—

“So then—”

“Even if you like being alone, if you really clicked with someone, you’d be willing to be friends with them… right?”

“…Yeah, I guess that’s possible.”

If I ever meet someone like that, anyway.

“Just hearing that made today a pretty good harvest.”

As if she’d just woken up, Misaki suddenly rose from the bed and stretched her arms out wide.

I never actually said we could be friends—but does she truly believe we will be?

Right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s totally okay with a one-sided friendship, or even just being a convenient friend.

“Y’know… Trying to make friends on purpose is harder than I thought. I kept overthinking how I should act, and now my shoulders are all stiff.”

“True. You kinda give off that image of someone who ends up with friends without even realizing it. Like, you turn around and—boom—they’re there.”

“That’s kinda scary…” Misaki muttered with a little chuckle.

“Maybe I am unconsciously trying to get along with everyone, just like you said, Himemiya-kun. But that doesn’t mean I’m not noticing the good and bad sides of people too, y’know.”

“That’s why,” Misaki said, stopping her smile—only to smile even wider.

“It’s because I know so many of the good things about you, Himemiya-kun, that I want to be your friend.”

The way Misaki smiled—as if saying Yeah, it’s embarrassing, but I’m not gonna hide it—made my heart skip a beat.

That kind of vibe… that must be why she’s called the school idol. It actually makes sense—she’s got that magnetic charm, that kind of feeling of, “Ah, so that’s why she’s popular.”

Even flattering words that’d normally be praised like a title of honor probably feel like casual small talk to her.

“Oh, that reminds me. Himemiya-kun, you take after your dad, right?”

“Where’s this coming from…? But yeah, I do. Might sound weird to say it about myself, but I think I really look a lot like my dad.”

“I knew it!”

Misaki giggled, delighted as if she’d just answered a quiz right.

“After seeing your dad’s room, it was pretty clear he’s a major meticulous hobbyist. I was like, ‘Ah, this is totally Himemiya-kun!’”

“Can’t fight blood.”

“And if a guy who looks just like you got married, then I’m sure Himemiya-kun’ll find someone good too someday.”

“Is that so…”

I can’t deny it—feels like I’m turning more into my dad every year.

While Misaki’s clothes finished drying, the two of us passed time with idle, harmless little chats.

※ ※ ※

“Thanks for having me today.”

“Yeah.”

At the front door, Misaki had finished drying off and wringing out her clothes, then put on her raincoat from the top down and her favorite rain boots. Now she was all ready to head home.

Then, she glanced toward the second floor—toward Yuzu’s room.

“Yuzu-chan’s still asleep?”

“Yeah. Once that kid hits zero energy, she crashes fast. She won’t be waking up for a while.”

“If she had that much fun, then I’m glad. It felt like playing house with a family today. I had fun too.”

You went through all that chaos, and still call it playing house? Misaki, you’re seriously something else.

“Be careful on your way home.”

“You’re not gonna walk me back?”

“Nope.”

“You said it like it was the most natural thing in the world…”

Well, yeah. ‘Cause it is.

Misaki reached out for her umbrella from the stand—but then paused.

“Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“About Yumeno and Hina-chan making up… there really isn’t anything we can do to help?”

Still going on about that, huh…

I shot her a tired look, but Misaki’s expression made it clear—she knew exactly what she was asking.

“The field trip’s coming up soon, right? And then it’ll be summer break before we know it. Isn’t it kind of sad if they stay mad at each other like this?”

“Well… I mean, yeah. You’re not wrong.”

“Right? That’s why I wanna shorten the time it takes for Yumeno and Hina-chan to patch things up. And I think… if anyone can do it, it’s you, Himemiya-kun.”

“As always, you say the most ridiculous things…”

“If it’s not Himemiya, I wouldn’t say something so ridiculous.”

Heard that one before… Someone else said the same thing, and I gave the same response.

They all seem to think that if they say the right cliché, I’ll just nod and go along with it…

“I know there’s nothing in it for you, Himemiya-kun. But… I still want you to help. Especially Yumeno—because the only one she ever trusted with her secret, her worries… was you.”

“Just me?”

“Yup. You’re the only one Yumeno opened up to.”

“…”

“It’ll help with the class vibe too. Of course, I’ll help as well. Okay?”

Honestly, I kind of like when the class vibe is a bit tense and quiet.

“…Fine. I’ll at least try to do something.”

“Really!? Thanks!!”

“I said I’d think about it, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh♪”

I never said anything about actually fixing it.

With a cheerful “See you at school!” Misaki headed for the station like the pouring rain didn’t even matter.

…Maybe the rain’s eased up a bit? Feels like it, anyway.

※ ※ ※

Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday’s thick cloud cover had completely vanished—today was sunny skies all the way.

And under that midsummer sun, the asphalt, grass, and even the dirt roads were practically bone dry. Now this is what you call perfect weekend weather—for the young and old, introverts and extroverts alike.

I was reading on a park bench with my tablet when—

There she is.

“Ah… Himemiya.”

“Yo.”

Urogase showed up in an apron, leading a small group of kindergartners.

Honestly, I’ve wandered the neighborhood so much, I might as well call myself the Local Walking Master. That’s why I could figure out where Urogase and her kids were last time, and which preschool does weekend daycare. With that, narrowing down their walking route and which park they’d show up at? Piece of cake.

Do you think someone like me could become part of the address-identification squad on Twitter? Probably not, though.

While the kindergarten kids are running around excitedly with their soap bubbles, Urogase sits down on the bench next to me.

“…”

“…”

Urogase doesn’t say a word. Back at the café, she’d said, “Strangely, I feel like I can talk to you about anything,” but now not a single complaint or whine escapes her lips.

Still, I know. I’ve experienced it. When someone sits next to you—or makes you sit beside them—it means they want something. It’s something a self-centered person wouldn’t understand.

She has pride, but deep down, she probably wants someone to ask her how she’s doing. She has pride, but she probably wants to change. Urogase is like that.

“How about it, Urogase?”

“Huh?”

“How does it feel to be a solo-er?”

“!!”

Urogase’s face, which had been sinking into gloom, suddenly darkens with irritation.

“…You’re not… starting a fight with me, are you?”

“Maybe.”

“Are you serious…?”

“Back at the café, you said something like, ‘I kind of envy the freedom of living solo,’ right?”

Urogase’s expression shifts into one of realization. Then, that same dark expression returns as her gaze drops to the small shadow at her feet.

“…I did say that.”

Those are definitely not the kind of words you should say to someone who’s down.

But, I couldn’t hold it in. Even if it’s a tiny pride, this is my identity—something I can’t compromise, something I can’t let go of.

“Don’t underestimate the greatness of being a lone wolf.”

“…Yeah… You’re right. I was underestimating it.”

“Sure, being alone is free and easy. But the pressure from others? It’s much stronger than being with a group. Being alone requires more resolve than you or society realize.”

Only once you’ve made that resolve does the joy of being alone and the sense of fulfillment fill you up.

Urogase must have realized that recently, after experiencing a solo life.

“Being a lone wolf is impossible for someone like you.”

“…Yeah.”

“I like reading books on a quiet park bench or by the seaside on Sundays. Even if nothing much changes, it’s still the same place.”

Like, “Ah, it’s a cool day,” or “It’s hot,”

Like, “Ah, the wind is strong today,” or “I can smell the sea…”

I even make the background noise a part of it—the sound of containers being moved at the nearby harbor or construction noises from far away.

In between my reading, I observe the warm-up routines of university club members nearby, or I just watch passing stray cats or birds I don’t even know the names of.

It’s those small changes that let me live every day happily.

“You probably can’t relate to that, huh?”

“Yeah… I don’t get it at all.”

I don’t mind at all if she can’t relate. The joy I find in using all my senses to enjoy tiny environmental changes while reading is something I don’t need anyone else to understand.

“You’re better suited for the ‘riajuu’ life…”

If you can’t even be happy that nobody talks to you in class, then you can never be a lone wolf.

Urogase doesn’t suit being alone. She’s not a lone wolf; she’s a natural-born “normie”.

“You’re more suited to messing around with the group behind the lockers than sitting alone messing with your phone.”

“Don’t call it messing around. Just say I’m laughing around.”

Despite her red eyes, Urogase starts to show a bit of brightness in her expression again.

Her lips curl into a smile.

“You’re totally right, Himemiya. I seriously don’t get what’s so fun about that stuff. Fufu…! Just the thought that you’re thinking about crap like that while reading alone—man, that’s nuts. Real loners are just on a different level.”

“Yeah sure thanks.”

“I’m complimenting you,” Urogase says as she laughs.

“If you think I’m that messed up, just go back to your ria-jū life already.”

“Nn… I will.”

Urogase stood up, pressing both hands against her cheeks like she was squishing her own face.

“Aaahh… The pollen or whatever is killing me. Sorry, but could you watch the little ones for a sec? I gotta go wash up.”

“Pollen? In summer? That’s a stretch.”

“Try showing a little empathy, will ya?! Geez… You’re as lacking in delicacy as ever!”

That kinda stuff tends to go missing when you’ve been alone this long.

“Yeah yeah, go on,” I said, waving my hand lazily to send her off. But Urogase just kept looking down at me.

“…What?”

“Thanks. I feel way better now—thanks to you.”

“…I see.”

The usually fiery girl had such a soft smile just then… the gap-moe was straight-up criminal.

After telling the kindergartners a quick word or two, Urogase walked out of the park and crossed the street.

…She’s rushing things. Nothing’s actually been solved yet.

Though maybe she just meant thanks for watching the kids.

Well, a little appreciation every now and then isn’t so bad.

Just for a moment, I felt the weight of responsibility—for the lives of these little gremlins—and figured I couldn’t just keep reading my book. I turned to keep an eye on them.

“Hm?”

“You! Don’t make Yumeno cry again!”

“…”

Before I knew it, I was surrounded by a full-blown squad of kids.

Who would’ve thought my first-ever lynching would come from a group of preschoolers…

“Yumeno’s been acting all gloomy lately—is it your fault!?”

Apparently, my job now reflects my school life too.

“It wasn’t me, okay? And hey—kicking people in the shins is not okay.”

I don’t discriminate based on age or gender. That includes kids.

See: Yuzu.

I grabbed the attacking boy by the head and asked,

“Uhh… Kaito, right? You like Urogase, don’t you?”

“…N-no I don’t!!”

“Ah. You don’t have to play dumb. What about the rest of you?”

The other kindergarten kids were way more honest.

“I love her!”

“I think she’s great!”

“Me too, I like her lots!”

—one after another, a flood of LOVE calls for Urogase.

The fact that she’s loved this much by the kids says everything.

It means she’s taking her job seriously.

Which means… I’d be a fool not to make use of that.

“You guys… do you really wanna help Urogase?”

※ ※ ※

The following Monday morning.

I arrived at the classroom a little later than usual, and the air hanging in the room… was oddly heavy.

Sure, coming back from a break always feels sluggish, but this wasn’t your typical “Sunday Scaries.”

Nope—this atmosphere had a name.

It was because those two at the top of the social food chain—Endou and Urogase—were still not talking.

I’d held out some hope that things would be patched up by the time I got here, but no dice.

Their relationship was still on ice.

…Hm? Urogase is looking at me?

Had she been waiting for me to show up?

She slowly stood from her seat, then began walking toward the lockers at the back of the room.

Her footsteps were heavy.

Step by step, the tension was palpable just watching her move.

Finally, she came to a stop in front of Endou, who was leaning against the wall, fiddling with her phone.

“Yu… Yumeno…?”

Maybe she hadn’t even noticed until now.

Endou blinked, surprised to find Urogase right in front of her.

She fidgeted, looking uncharacteristically nervous, twirling her signature fluffy perm nonstop—

NOW LOADING.

Of course, the popular kids group was watching.

So were Misaki and her two besties.

The whole class held its breath.

Everyone was hoping for peace to return.

A hush fell over the room, thick with anticipation.

“Hey… Hina…”

“…Y-yeah?”

“…”

“…”

Oi. You two are like me and Hatori…

They were probably both trying to apologize.

But neither could land the first hit.

The vibe screamed deadlock.

It was like a game of chicken—both had the gas pedal floored, but no one wanted to slam the brakes first.

Like… whoever made the first move would lose.

They’re both so full of pride, maybe they don’t even know how to apologize.

That’s why I was glad—I’d prepared the secret weapon in advance.

All eyes were on the two of them.

And if I wanted to shift that spotlight to myself, there was no better helper than her.

“Misaki~ Can you help me put these up?”

“Himemiya-kun? Y-yeah, sure!”

Imagine the bottom-tier pyramid dweller (me) talking to Cleopatra herself (Misaki).

Yeah—of course the entire class turned their attention my way.

Misaki trotted over.

“What do you want me to help with?” she asked.

I handed her a brown B4-sized envelope I was carrying.

“Everything inside. Help me stick it all on the board.”

We worked together to put everything up.

By the time we were done, the stares of not only Endou and Urogase but the entire class had drifted to the blackboard.

The most surprised of all, though, was Urogase herself.

“Wait… This is… me?”

“Yup. It’s a present from the kindergarteners.”

It was filled with portraits of Urogase, drawn by all the kids she took care of.

Each and every child she looked after had drawn one.

While Urogase had been away from the children yesterday, I’d given them a “homework assignment” to draw her face.

Then this morning, I went to the daycare and collected them all.

“They said they drew these ’cause you were feeling down, and they wanted to cheer you up.”

As she looked over each drawing, one by one… a gentle smile slowly crept across her lips.

Her eyes sparkled, just a little.

And watching Urogase’s expression melt with joy like that, Endou—standing beside her—finally seemed to understand.

She realized just how much Urogase truly loved those kids.

And because of that… she looked genuinely remorseful.

She knew her careless words had hurt something precious—Urogase’s dream, and the kids she held dear.

No more pushing needed.

Just like the kids love Urogase, Urogase loves them back.

Because she loves them—she faced Endou head-on, ready to answer sincerity with sincerity.

“Hina, these were drawn by the little ones at my part-time job.”

“…Yeah. I figured.”

“There’s this one kid—Kaito. He’s suuuper into me. Lately he’s been saying he’s gonna marry me and everything.”

“…”

“I’ve decided. For the off-campus program… I’m gonna stick with something education-based. Like a daycare.”

“…I see.”

“Hey Hina, why don’t you go with me?”

Endou, usually so listless, suddenly lifts her head.

“…! …Hina too?”

“Un!” Urogase grabs Endou’s hand.

“Let’s go! Who knows, you might end up liking kids after all!”

Urogase isn’t the type to just voice her opinions—she tries to make them happen too.

She never used to make an effort before. Maybe that’s why no one really took her seriously.

Then Misaki comes over, gently pulling both Urogase and Endou closer by their arms.

“Yumeno~ Can I join in too?”

“Karin… Yeah! Let’s all go together!”

When Misaki goes, “Let’s all go!”—even Hatori and Kurashiki respond:

“Yeah. I want to go too.”

“Can’t be helped nyaa~ Well, well I’m not on my Love Life Enhancement Week right now, so guess I’ll tag along!”

All eyes—Urogase, Misaki, and the rest—fall on Endou.

Endou stops twirling her hair, her fingers still.

“If Yumeno’s gonna go that far… then maybe Hina’ll come too…?”

“Thank you!”

Neither of them says sorry.

But that’s okay.

Because the fact they’re laughing together right now… says it all.

※ ※ ※

After school, in the private room. As usual, Misaki and Hatori are there.

And on top of that—

“Man~ What a joyous day, what a joyous daaay~!”

Kurashiki, sipping tea like it’s the most natural thing in the world, celebrates peace returning to the class.

Shoulda just gone to a café instead… After moving around all morning, I just wanted some solo chill time…

“As I thought—Himemiya-kun, you were moving behind the scenes, huh?”

Not that I was being secretive or anything. But if I said that, I’ve no idea what kind of response I’d get from these three, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Here, a thank-you macaron,” Misaki says, handing out her homemade treats.

Macarons.

My brain automatically starts playing word association.

Macaron → Aircon → Cooler.

Cooler…

“A macaron, huh… I was hoping for a cooler instead.”

“Don’t whine about things you don’t have. Eat the macaron,” Misaki retorts.

She’s not wrong. But the disappointment… it hits hard.

In the end, I never managed to catch the mystery part-timer. There’s still time, but chasing leads now feels hopeless. Starting tomorrow, the third-years are off for exams, and the first and second-years only have shortened classes.

No point wasting time chasing the phantom known as “Cooler” anymore.

It’s with a heavy heart that I call off the investigation.

I take a bite of Misaki’s handmade macaron. Of course, it’s delicious, but instead of tasting it, a sigh slips out of me. Man, I’m really hung up on this.

Kurashiki notices my blues. “What’s up?” she asks Hatori.

And Hatori bluntly fills her in.

“Whoa. Now that you mention it, I did think Himemiya was up to something now and then… So that’s what it was. I thought you were just pretending to bump into me on purpose!”

“You’re the same as ever.”

“If that was praise, I’ll give you 1 pt?”

“Not even close. Keep it.”

“Honest guy like you gets 3 pts!”

This girl is seriously unavoidable.

“Nyahahahaha!” Kurashiki laughs, pulling out her student handbook—AKA her Death Note.

And then—fwip. A tiny folded piece of paper slips out and lands on the floor.

“Ruri, you dropped something.”

Misaki picks it up. When she opens it—”T-This…!”—she can’t hide her reaction.

Hatori peeks at it from beside her and mutters, “That’s… that thing, right…?”

What thing, exactly?

I peek too, alongside Kurashiki, at the paper laid out on the table.

“This is…!”

No wonder they’re shocked—it’s a part-time job application.

What’s more, it has a big red ‘Re-submit’ stamp on it.

Naturally. The reason for the job listed was: “To get a boyfriend.”

All of us turn our eyes to Kurashiki, clearly asking for an explanation.

“What’s this?” she mutters, pinching the paper and thinking for a moment—

“Totally slipped my mind! Nyahahahahaha!”

While Kurashiki is cackling—

“Excuse me yapyap,” comes Amami-sensei’s voice as she enters.

“!?”

It happened fast. Kurashiki crumples the paper at lightning speed—crumple crumple crumple!

“? Is something the matter, Kurashiki-san?”

“N-Nothing at all, Ama-chan! Things are so peaceful it’s almost boring!”

Kurashiki, drenched in cold sweat, sends me a silent message.

With Morse-code-level blinking, she’s saying:

DON’T-YOU-DARE-TELL-HER-OKAY?

Okay. Got it.

“Sensei. Kurashiki’s been working a job without permission.”

“Himemiyaaaaaaaa────!!”

Afterward, Kurashiki got stuck writing ten pages of reflection essays, while I scored:

Permission to use the cooler

And a sweet -100 pts from Kurashiki

Looks like this summer’s gonna be a comfy one in the private room.

Good job me.

Volume 2 D – Epilogue

The day of the field trip.

Naturally, with groups like the Misaki group and the Endou group all joining forces and heading to their desired destinations, the boys—like Namikawa and Ikari’s group—tagged along too. It was just the flow of things.

Our destination? A vocational training facility. But not for us high schoolers—for little kids.

Basically, it’s an amusement park disguised as an educational center. Over sixty real companies sponsor it—restaurants, hotels, airlines, even TV stations. It’s a place where you can try out all kinds of jobs for a whole day. The fact that you get paid in their original in-house currency just for working is honestly wild.

Why do I know so much about the place the others are heading to? Simple.

Because I’m going there too.

“Think of it as my payback for what you did,” Kurashiki said, and practically shoved me into it.

My job? Patrolling the grounds and helping lost kids find their way—basically a security guard gig. But I wasn’t in a full uniform or anything—just a comfy staff T-shirt and an armband. No intense patrols, just casual strolling.

All I had to do was walk around the place under the pretense of security, and before I knew it, the day was done. At the staff locker room, other high schoolers doing their field trip duties were already changing back into their uniforms, getting ready to head home.

After changing, I stepped out to the large hall near the back entrance. Once roll call was done, we’d be free to go.

“Good work out there, Himemiya.”

“…Yo.”

Apparently, Hatori had already finished getting ready.

“What were you doing, Himemiya?”

“Security.”

“I see…”

…
…

“I-I was a librarian today!”

“I see.”

…
…

Man, we suck at conversation. Okay, maybe that one was mostly my fault.

“H-Himemiya!”

“O-Oh, yeah?”

Something was clearly up. Hatori’s energy was different from before. She pulled out some kind of document from her bag and showed it to me.

“U-Um… So about summer break, how about we all go camping… or to a summer festival… or the beach… or maybe a hot spring…?”

“…You really covered all your bases there, huh.”

She’d clearly been planning this for a while—each idea was neatly marked up with highlighters and sticky notes. She must’ve put this together just to invite Misaki, Kurashiki, and me.

“Camping and summer fests totally get you hyped, right?”

“Y-Yeah! It’s super exciting!”

“Maybe I’ll head out solo again this year.”

“I—I wasn’t talking about going solo…! I-I mean… if you’re going camping or to a fest, then tell me, okay!?”

Even if I did… a ‘meet-up on site and go home separately’ kind of deal would be pretty brutal.

Still, Hatori was persistent. “I’ve got more ideas too!” she said as she flipped through her notes, eagerly suggesting one thing after another.

“There’re summer festivals with fireworks and—”

“A-Ah, um!”

Suddenly, Hatori’s voice got drowned out by someone else. Things were moving fast, as usual.

We both turned to look—and standing there was a girl in a different school’s uniform.

Petite, graceful build. Innocent-looking face. A quarter-Japanese, maybe? Her pale skin, glassy eyes, and naturally blonde hair gave her a doll-like look… Wait. Have I seen her before?

The feeling wasn’t wrong. She stepped forward cautiously, eyes fixed on me.

“Do you… remember me?”

“…Honestly? Kinda blurry.”

“I… I see…”

“It’s been a while after all…” she said with her shoulders slumping. Just then, Misaki, Kurashiki, Urogase, and Namikawa’s groups started gathering around us.

“What’s going on, Himemiya-kun?” Misaki asked as she approached. The girl’s eyes lit up.

“So your name is Himemiya-san! I finally know your name!”

“…Uh-huh.”

What, do I get free salad and soup at some fancy Western restaurant if I say my name now? Good for you, I guess.

“Well then—”

“P-Please wait! I’m not letting you go until you remember me!”

What if I never remember her? Am I stuck here forever? I glanced over at Misaki for help, but she just shook her head—no clue. Hatori and the others didn’t recognize her either.

Then, the girl dropped a huge hint.

“I’m… the one who confessed to you before, Himemiya-san! Don’t you remember!?”

“““““……Eh?”””””

That wasn’t a hint, that was a bombshell.

Not just our usual crew—Misaki, Hatori, Kurashiki—but even Urogase, Endou, and Namikawa all froze, staring at me like I’d turned into a ghost.

Then the chaos exploded—

“““““EEEEEEEEHHH!?”””””

This isn’t a summer break rom-com, it’s a panic horror flick now.

Even I, who had completely forgotten, couldn’t ignore that kind of shock to the system.

She was… the girl who showed up on exam day… but had accidentally come to the wrong school.

Or maybe… the one who confessed to me out of nowhere right after starting high school.

My honest reaction after finally remembering?

Yup. Time to quietly vanish in the chaos…