Kämpfer:Volume 9.5 Chapter 5

After all, after all these things happen, it's normal to think, "Is my life doomed?" And I did, reflecting on my actions. I hadn't broken any laws or done anything unnatural; it must have been Kämpfer's fault. All the unfortunate events began at that time. At this moment, I was at home, absentmindedly watching TV.

I usually tuned to comedy shows, but when there weren't any good ones, I'd watch a recorded football game. Since J. Rick's games weren't often broadcast on terrestrial airwaves, I'd only watch them when they were broadcast via satellite. After saying goodbye to Mikoto, it was already completely dark when I returned from school. What the hell was going on? The school bell rang over and over, as if to say, "Go back, go back!" If I stayed any longer, I'd probably be called in for a police interview. It wasn't impossible to lurk on campus if I wanted to, but what good could come of that?

After that incident, I went back to the boys' club to get my shoes. I didn't see anyone on the way, and I felt a bit lonely. Of course, Higashida had already gone. I was probably the only one still in a place like this at this hour.

School isn't a place you can stay all night. Even if you do, it's best to be with close friends. A few days before the cultural festival, I was so excited to stay with everyone to prepare for it. But the festival is over soon, and the next one won't be until next year.

So, now I'm just idly staring blankly in front of the TV.

My mind keeps thinking about all the things that have happened in the past few days. My life has been a little too eventful.

Especially before I came back, the events at school were the most difficult. Mikoto confessed to me.

Ah, I can't believe it. After all, she's Mikoto. My childhood sweetheart, full of energy and vitality. The girl who, since kindergarten, built a boat out of cardboard and Styrofoam and planned to sail across the Pacific Ocean—that's the girl I'm talking about.

Even though, if I'd been asked who confessed to me, no matter how much I think about it, it would have been Sakura Kaede... but it turned out to be that guy... Although that's a bit rude of him, I was still shocked. And he ran away screaming right after confessing. I was really shocked.

I hadn't even considered a response to the confession. He said I could answer later.

I walked to the convenience store in a daze and bought a bento. I really didn't feel like making my own bento at home. Actually, I bought more than just a bento; I also bought bread. Then, I don't know if my mind was confused or not, but I bought curry bread instead. When I came to my senses, I wanted to die. Incidentally, the bento at the convenience store was delicious.

Before halftime, the center forward stood there and let the ball go out of bounds. This happens all the time for Japanese players.

The moment the final whistle blew, another voice rang out.

"Here, here."

The phone is ringing. I have a habit of answering the phone or alarm clock when it rings. It's not meant to be heard, it's just a soliloquy. Don't think I'm weird. When you live alone, you tend to talk to yourself more and more.

It wasn't my cell phone that was ringing, but the landline. My cell phone had been sitting there for a while due to battery problems, so it wasn't working properly at all.

"Hello?"

I picked up the phone and responded. If it was a wrong number, I would hang up, and if it was a sales call, I would have hung up too.

"You're there."

The next moment, I seriously regretted picking up the phone.

‎

But this call was neither a wrong number nor a sales call. After struggling for a while, I continued the conversation.

"President, what's up?"

"Oh, you knew it was me. I'm so glad."

It was the president who called.

"Of course I knew."

Shizuku's voice was very nice. Her slightly deep voice sounded very comfortable. To be honest, my voice is a bit disgusting. After recording my own voice and listening to it, I wanted to hang myself.

"What's up? I'll be at school tomorrow."

"It's a good thing you like school."

"I came here specifically to get a diploma, so it would be weird not to go. Honestly, I just want to sleep."

"But I'm not talking about tomorrow, I'm talking about now."

Huh? I blurted out without thinking.

"What do you mean now?"

"I mean, I want you to come to the Star Railway tonight."

"Why? Isn't it late at night?"

It was definitely late at night, the stars were out. Why would you go at night if you already went during the day?

"Or are you going to set off fireworks or something?"

"I need you. The library repairs are almost finished, you should come check on them."

"That's not something you should do at night."

"Actually, it should be done by noon." Anyway, this is the librarian's job, but he seemed to have completely forgotten about it. He called Shizuku, looking like he was about to cry, and then he started dealing with it.

So, he was in trouble. He had assumed it was the librarian's job, so he'd just refused. It was probably part of the student council president's job, after all. It's probably because she helps with things like this that the student council president is trusted by the students.

But I can't trust Shizuku. That being said, that has nothing to do with this matter.

"If the president is doing it too, I'll just forget it."

"Did you forget? You already agreed to help with the student council."

That's true. Even though it was Mikoto's decision, helping the student council was a fait accompli.

"I'm heading to school now."

"Is it okay if I don't go?"

"Yeah. Yeah, just do this little thing."

"What about Akane... or Mikoto and the others?"

"Hey, you, are you planning on letting girls go out so late at night?"

Then who are you? Anyway, is it really okay for me to go? What if I turn into Kämpfer? I'll turn into a woman.

But Shizuku completely ignored my feelings. There was no way I could even consider them.

Never mind. I'm in such a mess right now that anything doesn't matter. As long as it's not hell, I'll go anywhere.

"Got it."

"Ah, surprisingly obedient."

"I suddenly feel like going."

"Then let's meet at school. Meet me at the girls' gate when you get there."

"You won't be considered a bad person, will you?"

"We've got permission, so it's fine."

"It's the girls' club."

"Also, change into your uniform and come. After all, it's still a school."

With just those words, Shizuku hung up.

You're asking me to do it unilaterally, but what are you going to do if I don't go? Standing you up and leaving you to starve seems pretty good.

Even with that in mind, I went anyway. The reason was, after all... Mikoto. It was to calm my head or something. If I didn't do something else, I'd really break down.

Even though I had to go back to school and even be with Shizuku. But in the end, I said to myself, "Oh, this is fine, whatever happens," and accepted the situation.

The school was already closed, but even at this late hour, it was still hot. Then again, if it were cold at night, I definitely wouldn't go out.

I put on my recently taken-off uniform again. If I kept this up, it would probably be tattered by the time I graduated.

I didn't plan on bringing a wallet; I figured just putting change in my pocket would be enough.

I did see Shizuku at the girls' school gate. She lives farther away than me, so why did she get there earlier?

Shizuku was also in her uniform. It was only natural.

"I really arrived on time."

"Because I ran."

That was actually nonsense. Not only was my breathing steady, but I hadn't even sweated a drop.

After all, what happened on the school rooftop would have been a big deal if I'd been concerned, but the woman in front of me seemed completely unfazed. Her attitude was exactly the same as always. If I was relaxed, it wasn't a bad attitude.

I glanced around briefly.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"Oh no... I thought Mikoto was there."

"No. Meeting Natsuru-kun is a free competition."

"Did you sneak out?"

"You could say that."

I was just joking, but Shizuku readily admitted it.

"That's fine. Kondou-kun did the same thing, after all."

"..."

"Huh? Did he really do it? That guy, he's really flawless."

I couldn't say anything. If I opened my mouth now, it would seem like I'd confessed everything.

Shizuku started to urge me.

"Go in."

"Hey, is it okay for me to go in like this?"

"It's okay. It's late at night, after all."

"So that would make it worse. What if we get caught?"

"I told you I already have permission. I've already called the school administrators, and they'll testify if anything happens."

If that were the case, then it would be fine. You're actually able to call the school administrators so late at night! After all, there are plenty of people who haven't called in three years.

School gates are usually kept locked these days to prevent crime. Seitetsu Academy is no exception; the girls' department uses a massive iron gate, like one from a massive fortification.

Shizuku took a slight detour and used a key to open a small door barely big enough for one person.

"Is that a duplicate key?"

"Of course not. I borrowed it because I'm the student council president."

Ah, that makes her even more trustworthy. Maybe it's not because of the student council president, but simply because you're Shizuku.

After letting me through, she used the key to restore it to its original state.

"Let's just go to the library."

The school was pitch black at night, as it should be. The atmosphere was completely different from daytime. It was quite interesting, if you must say.

"This is the first time you've come to the Women's Club so late at night."

"It happened once before, right? During the fight with Kuzuhara."

"Ah, now that you mention it, it reminds me of that."

Kuzuhara... what happened to her after that incident? I completely forgot about it. That girl I barely knew had become a Kämpfer.

The Women's Club is so large, it takes quite a while just to cross it.

Shizuku flashed a light from her hand, grabbing a flashlight.

"You brought it with you?"

"It's nighttime, after all."

"It's okay without it."

"That's usually the case. But there's hardly any light here."

It's true that some lights are turned off at night to save electricity. However, complete darkness wouldn't be good for crime prevention, so at least a few areas are lit. Then again, it's not wrong to say it's "very dark."

The library was also opened with a key—Shizuku's key, of course.

The library at night is truly terrifying. I carefully shone my flashlight into every corner of the bookshelves, worried that a strange old woman might appear there.

I really didn't want to go to the deepest shelf, where all sorts of things had happened with Mikoto.

Shizuku used her flashlight to illuminate the ceiling and floor from time to time, and then occasionally wrote something in the account book in her hand.

"Wait for me a moment."

"Wait here?"

"Ah, yes. I want to get this over with quickly."

She just went deeper. Are you just leaving me behind?

Deep inside the library seems to be the office where the librarian and library committee members work. There's a light on.

Shizuku seems to be doing something there, but I can't quite make it out. Meanwhile, with nothing to do, I've become more alert.

It's not completely dark, so if I look closely enough, I can see a lot. Wow, that shadow of the bookshelf is absolutely pitch black. Will a monster escape?...

Once I start thinking about it, I can't stop. A spider weaving a web in the corner of the ceiling wouldn't be strange, but the entrance feels like a monster with its tongue lolling out, attacking.

Oh no! It's not anything scary, but I can't stop imagining it. Could this library actually be the cursed one mentioned in some book that devours and kills anyone who enters at night? Ugh.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Wow!"

Shizuku screamed. Her expression became strange.

"What's wrong?"

"I was completely startled. If you're done, just say you're done!"

She stared at me for a moment, then smiled as if realizing something.

"Oh, are you scared?"

"A sudden noise from behind would scare anyone."

"Natsuru-kun is afraid of dark places."

"That's not the case."

At least I can turn off the lights and sleep at night. But, how should I put it... my imagination just kept running wild like my underwear.

"Indeed, the school has a unique atmosphere at night."

"The library feels like a place surrounded by resentment."

"That's not the case."

Shizuku turned off the lights in the office and took out a flashlight.

"Let's get ready to go to the next place."

"Are we going back?"

"Anyway, let's just do a little campus inspection."

"That's not what a student council president should do."

Of course, it's not what I would do either. But the woman said, as if it were a matter of course:

"Only by taking the lead in implementing even these subtle measures will the student council's credibility be enhanced."

It wasn't about herself, but judging from the perspective of the entire student council. Was this impressive, or was it something else?

"But if something happens to the president, it'll be troublesome."

"We have two Kämpfers here, it's okay."

Yeah, that's true. If you encounter a violent person, you can usually solve the problem by becoming a violent person yourself.

And so we began our nighttime patrol of the girls' school campus. We started with the first-year building.

As we've explained many times, the girls' school buildings for different grades are separate, while the boys' are connected. This doesn't fit in with the traditions of Seitetsu and the vast grounds. It's mainly because the boys' school is a new member and naturally has a smaller allotment.

The first-year building is small but magnificent. I've hardly been here before. Shizuku, however, seemed to know what was going on and moved forward without hesitation.

"In short, it's about checking whether the locks of the emergency exit doors are locked. If they are properly locked, that's fine."

"What about emergency items like fire extinguishers?"

"There's no way to check that."

Just as Shizuku said, she began to patrol. It was really troublesome to check all the classes one by one, but Shizuku did it very quickly and efficiently.

"This is Kondou's class."

She said this and opened the classroom door.

Unconsciously, I remembered what happened on the roof... Oh no, this is clearly indoors.

The flashlight only illuminated one place.

"I'm surprised you even know this."

"Because we are partners, how can I not investigate?"

What kind of partner is this? I couldn't bring myself to ask such a question.

"In that case, why don't you try sitting on it?"

"Why would you do something like that?"

"Aren't you childhood friends? Maybe doing this will cheer you up."

"Anyone who gets excited by tables and chairs is a true pervert!"

There are many people in this world who pay exorbitant prices for things used by idols, and tables and chairs are probably included. But I'm not one of them. Of course, if it's something Sakura Kaede used, that's a different story.

"Natsuru-kun was stunned, serious."

"I've always been this serious."

"You can handle being called a pervert, right?"

"Stop saying such weird things."

"Oh my, Mishima-san said about Natsuru-kun, 'I like running around naked as a woman.'"

"How could that be possible?"

It's obvious that it's Akane's fantasy. What kind of fun is that? High school students who do things like that will get arrested, right? I'm not saying they'd do it if they wouldn't get arrested.

It was too dark to be clear, but I felt that Shizuku was smiling softly. A smile didn't suit this woman very well.

"Kondou-san also said that you two had already been 'honest with each other'."

"That happened in kindergarten, it's time for you to get over it."

"How cunning, childhood sweethearts or something. Because you can create beautiful memories with Natsuru like this."

Why did she call my name again? Shizuku would suddenly call my name like this if I wasn't paying attention. And I never called her "Shizuku," so it was a bit bad. The president is the president, right?

She turned on the lights in the classroom. The tables and chairs were neatly arranged. It was a class that was very serious about cleaning.

"What happened with Kondou?"

"Huh?"

"That's a bad way to ask. How do you and Kondou get along?"

"Don't you know that? We've been childhood sweethearts since kindergarten."

"………………You call Kondou by her name."

Don't delve into this kind of thing. It doesn't matter what it is. It's a habit that started a long time ago.

"We were together in kindergarten, elementary school, and pretty much middle school, that's all."

"She went overseas."

"She's been going overseas since kindergarten. Her parents are scholars, so she's been traveling around with them. She seems to have done all sorts of business. She was often absent from school in elementary school. I was just wondering why she hadn't been to school for over six months, and then I found out she'd gone to Indonesia. She was so proud of traveling all over Southeast Asia, that girl. What on earth did she do in a place like that..."

"I'm glad she graduated safely."

"That girl, she's so good at studying. She didn't come to school for almost half of middle school, and yet she apparently graduated in Australia."

After hearing this explanation, the incomprehensible aspects of Mikoto became even more clear. Traveling the world like this, and yet she supposedly never learned a single foreign language, it's just bizarre.

"I don't know why she likes curry. I heard she was even mistaken for a spy when she first went to India in kindergarten. She even said the curry at the shelter there was delicious."

"Maybe she's just fallen in love with Japanese flavors."

"Isn't miso soup good, too?"

The only thing I have no idea about is Mikoto's eating habits. What does she usually eat at home?

Shizuku is still checking the doors and windows, never slowing down even while chatting like this. As expected of Shizuku.

"Natsuru knows a lot about Kondou-kun."

"Well..."

"What about me?"

"I don't know," she replied.

The only rumors I know about this school are from the information from the Bishoujo Research Society, and Shizuku is someone who has very little information, not to mention a lot of false information mixed in. Ah, but it seems I heard about the location of Shizuku's home a while ago.

"...That's really sad. Natsuru is interested in Kondou-kun, right?"

"That girl would have told you that even if you weren't interested."

"Are you happy to hear that?"

"Well... not so bad."

Anyway, Mikoto has been through so much that telling it all would just be a series of surprises. If she threw in some devil fruit references, it would be enough for a long manga series that would run for over a decade. "If you go hiking on the Yucatan Peninsula, you'll see a mysterious compass that emits light" kind of feels like a lie, but it's also interesting. That guy wouldn't be so nervous even if he asked her to give a speech.

"That's great! You have more life experience than me. I feel a little inferior."

"President, you feel inferior? Don't be ridiculous."

"You're human after all. That's a normal thing."

No, I always thought you looked like one of those robots in computer animation. It wasn't just me, but everyone in the manga club said the same thing. Even if the president appeared in a weekly shonen manga or a game, it wouldn't feel out of place. I completely agree, hmm.

"So, what does Natsuru really think of Kondou-san?"

"...I can't tell you."

"She'd be mad if she heard."

"Because, we're childhood sweethearts."

"She's a very cute girl. And she's very interesting to talk to. Isn't that enough?"

"As for the curry, it's more than enough. If she keeps eating like this, please spare me."

"Maybe she'll learn to cook."

"Probably ramen again."

That wouldn't really be considered a cooking lesson, and the broth wasn't homemade either; it was just an egg beaten into instant food.

"If it's a cooking lesson, the president's cooking is better."

"Are you complimenting me?"

"...sort of."

Oops, I actually complimented her. There was no need to go on about this. I've always been praised by students and teachers, so there's no need for me to say anything.

"That's really a pleasure, though I might feel a little sorry for Kondou-san."

"Ah, I'm saying this just to avoid misunderstandings. It's not that I dislike Mikoto. It's just... well, you've been around for so long."

"You and Kondou-san are on a first-name basis."

"That's fine. That's how it's always been. You're on a first-name basis because you've been around so long."

"After all, she's often abroad, so we don't see each other that often, right?"

"Because that girl... often intrudes into my personal life. I don't like her, even though she's quite cute."

I dropped the subject, finally changing the tone, but what I just said brought back unpleasant memories. "That's enough of that, right?"

"...I always feel like you can't explain yourself clearly when it comes to Mikoto."

"That's what I'm saying now."

"That girl seems really happy to be on the same page as Natsuru. She also seems happy to have become a Kämpfer."

That's true. Mikoto has always had a strong interest in the unknown.

"So, she's happy with you."

"...I don't really understand," I replied. For me, if I had to choose which is better, I prefer to be alone and lazy. Although I do like to be with people sometimes.

"For me, being with Natsuru is also very happy."

"You must be lying."

"Why?"

"...I just feel that way unconsciously."

As for Shizuku, I always feel like the aloofness of someone superior to me suits her better. Her strength lies in the fact that even with this aloof air, she never seems foolish. A normal person would be considered an idiot. She looks down on people like a wolf, which is actually quite cool.

"...Well. If you were a little more proactive, you might be able to surpass Kondou-kun."

"Why are you acting like that?"

"I just realized it after seeing your reaction."

This guy's observation is truly sharp. It's like he can read people's emotions. This guy must be the most advanced lie detector, huh.

"Ah, now that the inspection is over, there's no need to stay here."

"Yeah."

"Let's go back."

"Go patrol somewhere else."

I desperately wanted to go back, but I was pulled away by this guy's sense of duty.

Next up was the second-year school building. I usually go to class here. I arrived inside. Of course, no one was there. I'm pretty used to this place, so I know exactly where to check. If it's an unconventional exit, even I could have checked it.

I stood in front and quickly checked. Shizuku, behind me, shone her flashlight at one of the doors.

"Aren't you checking here?"

I replied without turning back.

"There's nothing worth stealing anyway."

"No, you have to do it properly. This is your class."

"...Got it," I muttered as I opened the door. This was Class 4, Grade 2. Why did they have to check even the place where I usually attend class?

"It's not that clean."

"Are you here to find fault?"

I retorted, but honestly, I felt the same way.

The desks in the classroom were arranged in a haphazard manner. They were clearly cleaned, so why was it like this? Honestly, there aren't many honest and diligent girls in this class. Even the homeroom teacher often leaves early to celebrate a game's release date. It's really not doing his job. Give me some limits, please. It would be better if Akane was cleaning.

"Where's Natsuru's desk?"

"You don't know... there."

I pointed to a spot near the back.

"Where's Mishima-san?"

"Next to me."

"Do you guys chat a lot during class?"

"Akane-chan is very attentive in class. I usually just listen a little."

Akane-chan is a very serious person. She takes notes diligently and will intervene if anyone tries to do something inappropriate. Actually, the commotion is mainly caused by the vice-class monitor, who can happily catch insects when they see them fly by the window. There are also people like the accountant who are talented in economics and management.

But Shizuku's attention has shifted to something else.

"Where's Akane-chan?"

"Huh?"

"I'm talking about Mishima-san. You call her 'Akane-chan,' don't you?"

"Yeah, yeah, but when she transforms, she calls her by her name. Akane-chan gets angry."

If she were just angry, that would be fine, but she'd probably just wave a gun around and even aim at you and pull the trigger. While calling her Akane-chan is a bit childish, her trigger is too short.

"Kondou-san is Mikoto, and Mishima-san is Akane-chan..."

Shizuku fell silent for a moment, as if contemplating something.

"Hey, Natsuru."

"Don't call me by my name. It makes you sound like we're close."

"I refuse. Can you add 'chan' when you call me?"

"Why?"

She suddenly said something so strange. What are you planning on doing?

But Shizuku seemed very serious about this. For a moment, I felt like I couldn't lie to her.

"Give it a try?"

"Is that really okay?"

"Yes," Shizuku turned and stood in front of me. She looked like she was about to receive a certificate, except it was from me.

"Ah, that... Shizuku-chan..."

"..."

"Shizuku-chan," being addressed like that, seemed to feel uncomfortable, as if it were something very rare. Even I, who had said it, felt a strong sense of incongruity.

"As expected, this isn't going to work. I'm getting goosebumps," she sighed.

"I'm not myself anymore. I think I can understand Mishima-san's feelings a little."

"Haven't you been called that by Sakura Kaede?"

"I'm used to it when it's Kaede, but it might feel different when it's a boy. From now on, I'll call you that."

"As expected, Natsuru still has to call me by my first name."

So, we've been talking about why it's like this. Calling a third-year student by their first name or something. Normally, they wouldn't have planned that.

Shizuku turned on the flashlight and sat down in Akane's seat. The light reflected on the desk, and the view was strange. This seat had always been occupied by a weak-looking girl wearing glasses, and now the strong, mature, and versatile student council president... the contrast was stark.

"What's wrong?"

"...I don't feel like Class 2, Grade 4 anymore."

"Is that so?"

"Your presence is so strong."

Shizuku's strength lies in her aura, as if she can transform her surroundings into her own. It's a fact that everyone recognizes. There are people like that in fields like soccer and baseball, and Shizuku is just like that. Just standing there naturally draws attention and people follow her lead. Whether it's nurture or innate, she simply has the talent to lead.

Well, even if I said that, Shizuku wouldn't agree. She seems to dislike being judged.

"Personally, I'd rather you treat me the same way you treat Mishima-san."

"Don't say something impossible. That's problematic from the beginning."

"It's impossible to treat each other the same way."

"Right."

"Then why don't you try to please me?"

What then? Hypothetically, hypothetically. If I wanted to reach Shizuku's level, I'd not only have to fully develop my abilities, I'd probably have to go beyond that. If we were to date, just keeping up with her would take everything I had to do. She's already like this as a high school student; there's no telling what kind of extraordinary abilities she'd possess as an adult. Regardless, this girl seems to be constantly growing.

"That's wrong. I'm talking about hobbies."

"Do you like food?"

"Stupid, girls' hobbies."

That's easy enough. First, Sakura Kaede, then Akane.

Sakura Kaede seems to have changed recently. While that's nice, I still wish she could return to her gentle self. How should I put it about Akane... well, she's very cute. Especially with her choice of books.

I don't dislike Mikoto either. I feel at ease around her. A woman full of energy and excess energy can be tiring to be around, but I'm not unhappy about it, just a little annoying.

And Shizuku... well, yeah, she's not the kind of woman you can just smile at. That's all.

She just stared at me. She acted like she could see right through my thoughts. Well, maybe she really did.

"Huh..."

Wow, she's sighing.

"Do you think that's what you think of Mishima-san?"

"That's a grammatical error."

"I feel like I'm being discriminated against. Didn't Kondou-san say the same thing?"

"...Yes."

"Right. I'm kind of thinking of using some trickery and trying to sit in Mishima-san's seat."

"You're sitting there right now."

You're sitting in Akane's seat. I just told you this is the second-year building, not a place you, a third-year student, can just wander into.

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what exactly do you mean?"

"You already know, there's no point in saying you don't know."

"..."

At that moment, I tried my best to suppress the serious reality of everything I'd said and thought, which was now flooding my face.

Shizuku suddenly stood up. I didn't know why I was suddenly stunned.

"Go inspect other places."

"You have to do it again..."

"It would be meaningless if you don't do it from beginning to end."

Shizuku did as she said and inspected the entire second-year building.

Then it was on to the third-year building. This inspection was the last task. It felt like an eternity, but in reality, it might not have taken as long as I thought. Next to the third-year building was the faculty office building. It was pitch black, as it should be.

"On a normal day, the lights would stay on at night, too."

"Huh? Who would be there?"

"The teachers who stay here."

"Does this school still have that system?"

"It didn't before, but they're starting to have it. It's been revived recently."

"Then we shouldn't be the ones doing the patrols."

"That's true, but even the teachers who stay here wouldn't want to patrol the school at night, right? I called him and told him I'd accept the task, and he happily nodded and agreed."

What kind of teacher is this? I hope I can at least fulfill my duties well.

So we entered the third-grade building.

It felt more worn than the first- and second-grade buildings. This was my second time here. It certainly felt new, if I had to say.

Shizuku quickened her pace.

"Hurry up and patrol. Natsuru thinks this would be a better idea, right?"

That was a real help.

Every third-grade classroom was spotlessly clean and tidy. The doors and windows were securely locked. I thought even girls could be careless sometimes, but it seems they aren't. I've heard that Seitetsu Academy has always been home to talented individuals, and it seems the rumors are probably true.

"Third years are easier to manage. There are many students who will work diligently even if I don't say anything."

Well... but then again, among the girls who hide at the school gate and ambush girls like me every day, there are quite a few third years. I haven't heard of anyone as strange as the class monitor; I guess most of those girls are sincere.

"The president can handle any troublesome situation with his own tactics."

"That's not the case."

Yeah, that's right, I said something stupid.

"But, that's true. The vice-president might be a little strange. She's a rich girl, but she often does some inappropriate things."

Ah, I've heard of that title. If anyone's into promiscuity, it's probably the secretary, but anyway, for someone so talented to have such interests is a bit out of place.

"But he's very mature when it comes to the big picture, so I'll just have to put up with him."

"That's fine."

"Oh, doesn't Natsuru like making decisions on his own?"

"It's impossible to be at peace if no one is allowed to intrude on other people's lives."

Whether it's the men's or women's division, I'm surrounded by crazy people running on the edge of a cliff. I guess they'd still be laughing even if they fell into the sea, but I can't stand it.

"Isn't it nice to have fun like this?"

"It depends on the situation."

"This kind of thing only happens now, so enjoy it. It'll definitely leave you with wonderful memories."

Shizuku, speaking these words, had a subtle adult air. It was hard to tell she was still just a high school girl.

We arrived at one of the classrooms. Ah, I know this place.

"This is where I'm at. Natsuru should have been here."

This was Shizuku's Grade 3-1 class. She opened the door.

"Please."

Although it felt a little strange to respond to this "please," I obeyed.

The classroom remained the same, neat and tidy. Where would Shizuku's seat be?

"Here," she pointed me to the spot. Even in the darkness, I could tell the desks and chairs were old, the scratches showing their age.

"It's very wobbly; it can't stay level anymore."

"You'll definitely have the best seat."

"That's absolutely unnecessary."

She chose to sit in a seat that was almost falling apart.

"Come sit down."

"Why?"

"I hope you can sit down."

Finally, I did as she wished. I see. It does feel like it's about to fall apart. Wouldn't it be better to just put some thin wood under the legs?

Shizuku walked over to the podium. Hey, hey, why are you at the teacher's desk? It's not that far from here.

Shizuku turned off the flashlight. At that moment, the only light shining on my face was the moon and the stars. Then there were the lights from the houses in the distance.

"Well, Natsuru. Let's get down to business from now on."

"What? Was this just some pre-test drill?"

"I want to understand your innermost thoughts."

What are you talking about? It's a bit scary.

Shizuku whispered softly, "Here, no one will come and mess around. You won't feel shy. You can keep secrets."

"What do you want to whisper?"

"It's okay if I tell others, but Natsuru wouldn't like that."

Seriously. If other boys knew that Shizuku and I were alone together, it would be a big deal. Maybe even an assassination squad will show up...

So, I carefully considered my words, asking, "...Is this the reason you called me out?"

"Yeah. An inspection of the school was just a side job."

This guy had something planned. Even though I'd casually agreed to the president's request, I was a little unsure. Why would he resort to such a stunt?

"Then let me ask. This is my seat. What do you think?"

Whether it was a thought or something else, it was just an old, worn-out desk and chair. Apparently, the school bought them from some handicraft company and replaced them every few years.

"Ordinary."

"What about the others?"

"Just ordinary, nothing wrong with that."

"Even compared to Kondou-san or Mishima-san?"

"Yeah."

That's what I thought, but others might think differently. This is the student council president, incredibly popular throughout the school. He might spend his days thinking about taking the president's desk and chair back for himself. Well, it's more like blind worship, or even fetishism, than admiration... Oh, oh, oh.

"...So, can I take it that the three of us are starting from the same starting point?"

"Why do I have such an opinion?"

"But Mishima-san is your type, isn't she?"

"..."

"As for Kondou-san, we're childhood friends."

"Whatever's fine."

"What am I, exactly?"

Shizuku rested her hands on the desk. A female teacher... oh no, she's in a student uniform. But one thing is for sure: she looks very mature.

"You're the president."

"What does that mean to you?"

"...Um, what does that mean?"

"My type and childhood friend. Both of these have clear connections to Natsuru. But how does your position as student council president affect you?"

"..."

No... probably.

Being the student council president would attract attention, and since Shizuku is so beautiful, there would probably be quite a few boys excited about it. And she seems to be quite popular among the girls, too. There have been many girls who've lost their minds over the occasional performance of putting on a dignified front in front of the entire school.

But I just don't have any interest in it. If Sakura Kaede were the student council president, I'd join no matter how hard I tried. But Shizuku... she's always been someone I admired from afar, and even now I don't really feel anything for her. Even in this dark night, when I'm alone with her, it's the same.

Shizuku seems to understand this very well.

"From a positional perspective, it's meaningless."

"What's wrong with that? The president is very popular."

"As for me, I'd rather have the popularity of someone from Natsuru's school."

"In that case, I'd better give up."

"No," she replied bluntly. "Please like me, too."

Like whom? Ah, this question must be really stupid.

"Um..."

"Isn't it a simple thing?"

Oh no... it's difficult for me. It's like holding your breath underwater for an hour. Either that or holding your breath for an hour would suffocate me to death.

Shizuku's gaze pierced me like needles. Ah, damn it, I know. You're talking about my attitude, right? That's it. Even if I say I have no choice, the facts are still facts. I've been confessed to by multiple girls, and they're waiting for a response. I have to respond no matter what. And the decision is mine.

But let me tell you... at this time and in this place, and the person on the other end is Shizuku. It's just causing me trouble. I took deep breaths again and again. I calmed down somewhat. My heart settled.

"Um..."

"What?"

"Um, I can't answer right away."

"Oh."

"Mikoto confessed to me, too, and I have to answer her."

"Why don't you just answer her right away?"

"Didn't you say you were going to Sakura Kaede's house? I planned to wait until everything was settled by then before answering. And she agreed."

Well, it wasn't so much an agreement as it was just a scream and a runaway.

Shizuku seemed surprised... no way.

"Buy time."

"That's a bad way of putting it. Say it's time to mentally prepare."

That was exactly what I meant. After all, because of Mikoto, there was a limit to what was unbendable.

Shizuku glanced at me briefly, then spoke as if to herself.

"...I understand."

I was stunned. I was sure I'd get a lecture if Shizuku knew, so I tried my best to appear calm.

The student council president never took his eyes off me.

"Hey, Natsuru. What do you think a girl would consider at this moment?"

"I don't know."

"Normally, they'd just give up. If the other person said yes, they wouldn't think about it for so long, they'd just respond immediately. But I'm different," Shizuku said clearly in her beautiful voice. "Even if you don't love me, I still love you, and I will always love you. One day, Natsuru will be mine."

After a pause for breath, she continued, "I've made up my mind."

There was no way she could just brush it off. This student council president was a super high school student who could make the impossible possible. Through her unwavering will, she'd overcome all kinds of difficulties.

And right now, that same unwavering will was being directed at me.

"After Kaede's situation is over, I'll make you mine even if you don't want me to."

"Is that a done deal?"

"Of course."

Shizuku got down from the table. I clearly understood that this move meant she was preparing to leave school and go home.

Translator's Notes

This chapter was translated from the Chinese translation of the original Japanese text.

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