CubexCursedxCurious:Volume5 Chapter1
Chapter 1 - Cultural Festival / The Party Begins With Nurses as Far as the Eye Can See / "Nurses excessive."
Part 1
Everything started with the lightspeed nomination of the festive male classmate, Hakuto Taizou, as the "cultural festival executive committee's assistant." Due to his intense speech during homeroom regarding their shop for the cultural festival, even Kirika, who was originally supposed to summarize everyone's opinion, was overwhelmed by his vigor.
According to him, what people sought in the current era was still healing.
According to him, speaking of "healing," one would naturally think of nurses. With that, the perfect power for drawing in customers was secured.
According to him, for the sake of achieving higher sales volumes, one must consider the turnover rate. In other words, they needed to find shop space that could accommodate the more customers the better and as many staff as possible, as well as a spacious work area. Furthermore, the cultural festival allowed shops to be run by at most two homerooms as a joint venture. Hence, I hereby propose that we cooperate with our neighbors of Class 4 to open a nurse cafe...!
Given Taizou's enthusiasm, the interests of some of the boys who agreed that nurses equaled healing, as well as the curiosity of some the girls who went "Why not? After all, we don't have any other ideas for a shop and dressing up as nurses sounds like fun," the combined result was that the venture surprising went full steam ahead with astounding speed—
A few weeks after Taizou was nominated as the candidate, in other words, today...
United Nurse Cafe «Recovery Ward, Room 1314» was ready and approaching its moment of opening.
"Okay, «Crimson Blood Pack» done!"
Taking out freshly squeezed tomato juice that was kept in the fridge, the juice was then sealed into a thick plastic bag that imitated an intravenous drip bag. The original plan was to drink directly from the bag with a straw, but due to hygienic (cannot be reused) and economic (should not throw away after a single use) considerations, they ended up deciding to deliver the drink in the bag, then have a nurse pour it out into a paper cup. Although it was no longer an IV drip, what mattered most was probably the atmosphere.
"Then following that... «Milky-White Medicine», right? The assorted cheese platter seems to be quite popular."
Haruaki swiftly placed the cheese onto the platter and arranged them neatly. Although he had never worked at a restaurant to serve customers, having done similar tasks at home frequently, this was not a particularly tasking job for him.
Handing the arranged platter over to a nurse who was free, Haruaki finally found a rare moment of respite.
"Looks like there's a brief interlude after all that work. Why don't you have some water and take a break?"
"Oh~ Thanks."
Haruaki straightened his back and instantly downed the cup of water that Fear had handed over to him.
"Phew... It feels like I'm alive again, this is really the world's tastiest water~"
"Hmph hmph~ After all, it's the water I poured, of course it'll be tasty. I don't really know why, but people say that my getup seems to have loads and loads of healing effect on people's hearts and souls."
"Loads and loads huh..."
Haruaki re-examined Fear's outfit. Although she was dressed up as a nurse like all the other girls, Fear's costume was custom made to order. It was neither the standard white style nor the pink design.
Reportedly, the man in charge of this cafe had borrowed the outfit from a certain laundry store's owner (even Haruaki could hazard a guess who it was). Speaking of which, the outfit sort of counted as—retro style.
Namely, the kind of retro nurse outfit "worn by girls illustrated on legitimate medicine cans."
By on first glance, parts of it somehow felt quite similar to a maid costume. A cute flounce skirt with a pure white apron. She was even wearing a dainty little headdress.
Furthermore, she was carrying a massive syringe plushie, roughly requiring both arms to hug around in circumference, on her back as custom equipment. Kana had brought this today from her personal possessions. After declaring "I found this at home! It should suit you very well!", she went ahead and modified it to be worn on one's back, forcing Fear to wear it. Although Haruaki clearly could not tell what meaning there was in carrying that thing, the plushie syringe did match Fear's outfit rather well, so he could not really stop Kana.
"Healing effect huh... Somehow, all I can picture is you holding that massive syringe, giggling as you try to inject people on sight... Hmm, feels horrifying actually. In other words, you are totally not the top candidate on my list of people who are suitable for a career change to nursing."
"W-What are you talking about? I'll curse you! I'm the angel in white, my existence equals~ healing! That's also how Taizou persuaded me with all his effort!"
"Haha~ So 'loads and loads of effect' must be that guy's saying too, right? Come on, could you please not believe everything that guy says..."
While smiling wryly at Fear who began to mutter "what do you know, you shameless brat—" to herself, Haruaki took a seat on a chair on the side. Taking a slight break now shouldn't bring about divine retribution, right?
In terms of arrangements for Class 3 and Class 4's cafe joint venture, Class 3's homeroom was used as the shop space to serve customers while Class 4's homeroom served as the work area. Precisely because the entire classroom was used as a preparation area, not only could Haruaki sit down for a break like this, he was also able to pitch in and help out immediately if things got busy. Taizou's sales target should be progressing smoothly, right? However—for some reason, Haruaki had a feeling that Taizou's vigorous advocacy for this joint venture must have ulterior motives.
"Hmm~ I'm finally able to return for a break..."
"Welcome back—Kono-chan, how are things next door?"
"Good heavens, there's really tons of people. The line has even overflowed into the corridor."
"That's really a lot. You should take a short break."
"Then I'll gladly take your advice~"
The girl in twin braids—Konoha—staggered over, but she smiled radiantly as soon as she spotted Haruaki.
"Thank you for your hard work, Haruaki-kun! You also look very dashing in that white coat!"
"R-Really? Konoha, you're the one who's been working hard. It seems hectic as hell outside."
"Yes. There will be another influx of prescriptions soon, so you should rest as much as you can now, Haruaki-kun... Ah, I should drink some water.
Konoha knelt down before the water cooler and began to pour herself some cold water. Sitting not too far away from her, Haruaki unintentionally glanced at her outfit—and frantically diverted his gaze.
Class 4's Konoha was dressed as a nurse, naturally, but unlike Fear's unique outfit, hers was one of the pink uniforms. But that alone was already sufficient in destructive power. A short skirt plus sexy garters, as well as—Pushed up from within the pink fabric, rather than an angel of healing, that bulging bosom was evocative of a mother earth goddess instead. Added to the fact that she was crouching down, a clear view was offered of the deep cleavage from above. Why wasn't she buttoned all the way up? Or perhaps... It wouldn't button...?
"Damn it!" (poosh)
"Gwah? W-What just stabbed into my ear? What are you doing, Fear? Don't go pricking me with your syringe mindlessly! Luckily, it's only a plushie!"
"Hmph, I'm very disappointed that this is only a plushie! Your shamelessness is already considered pathological. In that case, you need to be treated by my injection! This is simulation no.1 of when I actually obtain the real syringe of the wonder cure for shamelessness, the first thing I'll do is a direct injection into the afflicted area—The brain! A direct injection!"
"I told you already, don't dig into my ear!"
"Glug glug... Phew~ Please don't make a ruckus in other people's classroom, Fear-san."
"Nuu! Clearly it's all your fault for showing off your chest, how dare you say that to me...!"
"H-How am I showing off?"
Konoha covered her chest and awkwardly turned her body away to the side.
"I can't help it at all, this outfit is clearly the largest size already, but I can't button up the top no matter what..."
"K-Konoha-san is right! This cannot be helped, Fear-chan! You're going too far in blaming Konoha-san like this. If you want to blame someone, blame me for preparing the clothes!"
"Nwah! You scared me there. Don't go popping out without a sound, Taizou!"
Just as Fear pointed out, Taizou had suddenly started standing in the classroom without anyone noticing. He was also dressed in a white coat like Haruaki.
Taizou glanced at Konoha but immediately turned his gaze away with his face all red. Then desperately facing a corner of the ceiling, he muttered to himself: "Nonono, I am a gentleman after all, so I can't look. No, her image has already been branded deeply in my mind, so it's okay... No, it's not like that." Then as though he recalled something, Taizou turned around to face everyone again as he stopped his gaze from drifting below Konoha's neck and said:
"Consequently! S-Sorry, Konoha-san... I, Hakuto Taizou, am to blame for not preparing a full range of sizes. It's all my fault, the fault of Hakuto Taizou. if you want to blame me, scold me, or gossip with me, I'll gladly accept any and all of it!"
Perhaps Taizou's sparkling eyes and vigor were too intimidating, Konoha retreated slightly and answered:
"I-I see... No really, umm... I'm not angry at all, it's just that..."
"I'm the one who's angry. Jeez, it's really shameless... Muu, I've got an idea! Just let this girl wear a white coat as a special case! With that, you can conceal that figure of hers that's nicknamed 'The Excess Meat.' I'm sure Cow Tits will happily raise both arms in agreement, right?"
"That nickname is too insulting! I demand that you take it back!"
"Fear-chan, there's no need to word things that way—Wait a sec, white coat? Konoha-san wearing... a white coat... on top of a nurse uniform... A white coat... A glasses-wearing female doctor... A-Ahhh! That also feels like... I think I picture something amazing——!"
Taizou's eyes began to wander randomly while he babbled incomprehensibly. He was completely unaware that Fear and Konoha were inconspicuously edging away from him with stiff expressions. Poor guy.
At this moment, a massive shadow suddenly appeared behind Taizou's head and there was a loud crash.
"Ow!?"
"Shock therapy—! Ahahaha!"
"...What are you talking about in other people's classroom? Absolutely ridiculous."
Immediately making their entrance was Kana in a pure white nurse uniform along with Kirika who was still wearing the normal school uniform. Kana was holding a human-sized advertising placard. In other words, that what was responsible for the very loud impact on the back of Taizou's head.
Everyone present decided to ignore Taizou for now, who had fainted while clutching his head.
"Oh, Class Rep, you've returned? How did the publicizing go?"
"I checked out the storefront just now and it looks like it's working quite well. But my decision to act as a bodyguard really was correct... There were a few suspicious men trying to approach slowly with cameras."
"Oh dear~ This outfit's effects are really amazing, nishishi."
As Kirika murmured with a sour look, Kana happily tottered around, clutching the hem of her nurse uniform. The two girls stood in stark contrast to each other in many ways.
"Taizou, how much longer are you planning to slack off? If you've got time to waste her, go and serve as the bodyguard for the next publicity girl!"
"Oh! What have I been doing here... I feel like... I feel like I've forgotten about something that I must do first..."
Konoha thought "Oh no!" to herself as her eyebrows twitched. A white coat on top of a nurse uniform—She most likely did not want to dress up that conspicuously, right? Hence, she immediately made a perfect smile of courtesy and said:
"Uh, you were going to make a tour throughout the school building to pull in customers, yes? Taizou-kun? Protecting the nurses is a very important job. Please do your best."
"Oh... Ohoh, Konoha-san is cheering for me...! Very well! I'll set off now!"
His memories rewritten, Taizou left the classroom with the girl who was relieving Kana's shift. He had an expression of utter bliss on his face.
Everyone present saw the festive man off, bidding farewell to his back with their lukewarm gaze. Next to speak up was the festive girl who formed a pair with him.
"Okay~ Great, I will work hard at serving the customers outside too~ Then later, I'll also need to help out at the swimming club's booth, so I'd better work twice as hard for now... Ah, the sight is so dazzling! It's a bit late by now, but Fear-chan and Konoha-chan are truly too dazzling for me! Pretty & Violence!"
"Dazzling—" Kana added her own sound effects as she covered her face in an exaggerated manner and fell over backwards. Her impression of "Violence" definitely stemmed from Konoha's particular body part that was full of destructive power.
"Hmph hmph, you're looking good too in your outfit, Kana."
"Yes, it suits you very well."
"Thank you for the compliments—But here right now, I'm going to back myself further into a desperate corner...!"
Kana began to search for something with a rustling sound. Her action caused Fear and Konoha to become baffled. Kirika glanced at those three nurses as she walked over to the long table that was used to cook orders.
"I'll leave the waitressing to you and the others, Kana. As for me, umm... I'm not used to serving customers, so I've decided to help out in the kitchen."
"Fufufu, do you really think you can get away that easily, Kirika-san!"
"What...?"
Finding the atmosphere a bit strange, Kirika looked back just in time to see Kana slowly approaching with a big paper bag.
"All the girls must take on the role of nurses... Isn't it a bit too naive of you to think you alone could be exempt, Kirika-chan? Serving customers in an inexperienced manner is part of the cultural festival's fun whereas watching that happen is also part of the customers' enjoyment—These words have struck a deep chord within me, thus I have reserved an awesome secret weapon only second to Fear's outfit...!"
"W-Wait a minute! Calm down, Kana! I definitely won't wear it, I can't! If you ask me to wear that type of nurse uniform with my arms and legs exposed—"
"Don't worry~ I know you don't like wearing revealing clothes, Kirika-chan. However, this outfit doesn't expose too much. In fact, it covers up even more area than your usual uniform."
"No, but... Y-You should reconsider!"
Kirika extended one hand forward as though she were saying "If we discuss properly, you'll surely understand" as she backed away slowly. But very soon, her lower back bumped into a long table.
Aware of why Kirika would rather die than wear something revealing, Haruaki felt that he had to step up and rescue her in this situation.
"Hey Kana. Class Rep already said she doesn't want to wear it. Don't force her, okay?"
"T-That's right. How about this, isn't it fine if I work doubly hard for Kirika's portion as well?"
"Uh—I believe that forcing someone to do something against their will is not too appropriate. P-Peace should come first!"
"No matter what you guys say, this is one matter I won't back down from at all. Say, Kirika-chan, I don't really mind if I need to help you change by force~! Kukuku, stripping Kirika-chan feels like... a very fun idea..."
Kana moved her hands eerily while slowly closing in like zombie.
Once the distance shrunk to zero, things would be over. In actual fact, were Kirika to resist seriously, pushing Kana away should be an easy task, but of course, she could not do that. But that said, if Kirika allowed herself to be stripped without resisting, Kana would find out her secret...!
The separation between Kirika's body and Kana's hands continued to shrink.
30cm... 20cm... 10cm.
Even Kirika's gulping was audible. Then—
"I-I got it, okay! Fine, I'll change, I'll change, okay!"
Stopped.
The zombie stopped her hands and her eyes returned to sanity.
In contrast to Kana's grin, Kirika slouched her shoulders dejectedly and sighed long and hard.
If the outfit is too revealing, I'll simply refuse to wear it. No peeking allowed! If anyone peeks, even if it's Kana, I'll get seriously mad! By the way, please keep watch for me, Fear-kun and Konoha-kun. If anyone tries to peek, help me stop them with full force! What? O-Of course Yachi needs to be stopped as well! What the heck are you talking about, Kana!? It obviously goes without saying. How absolutely ridiculous!
Before changing, Kirika had already established many rules with her face all red. Only then did she finally disappear into the changing area at the back of the classroom. As the curtain hanging down from the ceiling quivered slightly, Haruaki felt embarrassed for some unknown reason.
A few minutes later, the curtain swayed again and Kirika poked her head out from the gap.
"...I-I'm changed. I'm wearing the outfit now, but..."
"Then come on out—What do you think, it's not very revealing, right?"
"It's... not, indeed it's not. But... ummm... I still feel that this sort of outfit, is really—"
Kirika's gaze wandered, and for some reason, made eye contact with Haruaki a total of four times. Perhaps she was still seeking assistance.
"Uh—umm... I still think that if she's not used to it, just forget about it, how's that? You should know how challenging it is to make people dress up like this when they are unused to cosplay, right?"
Hearing Haruaki's words, Kirika narrowed her eyes and glared at him, murmuring to herself: "Hmm... Damn that Yachi! So what he means is: he neither wants to look nor is he interested? How truly frustrating..." Instead of helping, Haruaki had apparently incurred her wrath. Why was that?
But that apparently lit some sort of fuse, causing Kirika to surrender in self-abandonment:
"D-Damn it, I know, okay! If you want me to come out, fine, I'll come out! Here, have a look!"
The curtain was flipped open and appearing before everyone's eyes was—
Kirika was dressed in the traditional Japanese divided trousers called the hakama. Her upper body was clad in a kimono with wide sleeves. Combined with the hakama, it was perfect. Furthermore, she was wearing a big retro-style apron. Of course, there was also a large nurse cap on her head.
Seeing Kirika nervously clutching the hakama with both hands, speechless with her head bowed down, her face even redder than before, Kana once again made that pose as though she could not keep her eyes open due to the brightness.
"Kyah—! Goodness gracious, so amazing! So dazzling! Too charming, a retro nurse outfit in the style of the Meiji era... Too adorable! I've ushered in the birth of an even greater threat to the world—!"
"Wow... Compared to everyone else, it really is different. Low exposure too... I think it's quite nice, Kirika."
"Truth be told, this impression of purity suits you very well, Ueno-san."
Konoha lightly tugged at her own outfit and said: "I only have a normal nurse outfit, so I'm feeling a bit envious of you~" Haruaki discreetly whispered in her ear:
"So... The nurses back in the Meiji era, do they really dress like this?"
"Uh—I've never paid much attention so I have no idea about the details... But I do feel that something is off somewhere. But what does it matter? After all, it suits her well and it's very cute!"
"Really...? Oh well, I don't mind either."
"Hey hey hey, Akki! You're the only one here who still hasn't expressed an opinion! Kirika-chan says she must hear it."
"K-Kana!"
Kirika looked up once but immediately bowed her head again. Meanwhile, her hands were repeatedly clutching and releasing the hakama, indicating her extreme unease. For some reason, even Haruaki began to feel disquieted.
"No, umm... I-I think it looks very good. How should I put this? It's very much in Class Rep's style."
Haruaki felt as though he heard Kirika sigh in exhalation, but that could just have been his imagination. Because in the next second, he heard Kirika talking in a nasal tone of voice:
"R-Really? Well~ This outdated, modest and uncute outfit definitely suits my style very well. In other words, that's the kind of person I am!"
"No, that's not what I meant!"
Haruaki frantically tried to explain, but Kirika would have none of it. Crossing her arms before her chest, she turned her face to the side:
"N-No explanations necessary, Yachi. There's no particular meaning in my wearing this outfit. I am neither happy nor delighted about this, neither do I harbor extravagant hopes for a certain someone's opinion. Whatever, it really doesn't matter. Truly, absolutely ridiculous... In any case, I'm already wearing it, so are you satisfied now, Kana?"
"Yes, satisfied—With this, Kirika-chan can also help outside now!"
"Seriously, I'm trying this only because I don't have a choice. Don't blame me if any problem arises. After all, this really is my first time waitressing."
"Don't worry. Fear-chan's performance has been commendable too."
"...Really?"
"What! Shameless brat, what's with that skeptical gaze of yours!? I really am performing quite well!"
Just at this moment, a patter of noisy footsteps arrived.
"Uh—sports drink... No! Four portions of the «Nutrient Pack» and three portions of «Dark Green Medicine», please! Hey, those of you standing there! If you've got nothing to do, come out and help!"
The situation out front seemed to be getting hectic again. Fear and the girls readily answered the nurse's request and starting to leave the classroom.
"Excellent, it's time to put on a good show—it's time for everyone to witness the power of the Head Nurse, me, Miyama Kana!"
"Taking customers' orders, returning to the kitchen, then delivering the prepared orders back to customers. There's no difficulty here. Yes! I can surely do it!"
"Ueno-san, you don't really need to be that serious. After all, the customers are mostly students. Just think of it as a game of let's pretend and it'll be fine."
"A game of let's pretend...!? That makes me feel more and more embarrassed. But seeing as you've gotten used to it so quickly, Konoha-kun, I can probably handle it."
"What, Cow Tits is already used to playing let's pretend? For some reason, that sounds so shameless to me... After all, it must be the obscene kind of let's pretend that involves those breasts, right?"
"W-When did I ever!?"
A lively commotion. Haruaki felt like using "just as always" to describe the situation, but then it seemed a little inappropriate.
As much is it was something the girls engaged in frequently, as much as that kind of noisy dispute was not anything new.
But one thing was certain, this was a special and irreplaceable commotion that could only be seen during no other time but the cultural festival.
Part 2
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Part 3
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Part 4
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Part 5
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