CH 4

Aramiya Remi and Loner Logic and The Beginning of Love!

“Now then, this starts our orientation! You will work together with the members from your group, using what nature offers you, and gather points while being careful on your way!”

And with this, the second day of our outdoor school began with the well-known orientation. The beginning was the open plaza before the inn, and we are to return within the time limit. The rules are to put the names of the birds written on the various plates scattered around the area, using the answer sheet, and the group who answered the most questions in the quest time wins. The winning prize is a library card for each person that is worth 20,000 yen. As a book lover, that is a juicy prize.

So, the members of the peculiar future course support club, we all stood in front of the stairs leading to the plaza of the inn.

“Shizuki-kun.”

“Hm? What’s up?”

“What do you think about my summer clothes?”

Kasuga suddenly called out to me—and now that I think about it, this is the first time I see her wearing clothes like these. She went with a no-sleeves, white-collar blouse. Compared to this, her uniform showed much less skin. It was as beautiful and white as always, but it also made my heart race…Her denim pants reached up to her knees, with high socks on her legs, with girly shoes, not the mature kind. If you did a survey, maybe two to three people out of ten would call it boyish. On her back, she had a somewhat sporty but still adorable backpack.

“No comment.”

“I see, thanks!”

“Huh!? Why!”

“If it didn’t look good on me, you’d be honest and tell me directly, and if it looks good on me, you would be hesitant to admit it as the loner that you are, so you would go with no answer at all. Basically, no comment is the greatest praise from you!”

“Grrr….”

Alright, no more talking about anything unnecessary! But, right as I was thinking that, I heard talking voices close-by.

“Remi~ I’m looking forward to tonight’s live~”

“You got Tori, right? Good luck~”

“Of course! Standing, I’m cute. Sitting, I’m pretty. Walking, I’m charming~ Remi’s smile is always a full 100 percent, and she’s the most beautiful high school girl in the world, so just leave it to her!”

Just like Kasuga, Aramiya wore her own casual clothes. It was a white tank-top emphasizing her well-endowed chest, as well as some thin, sun-blocking hoodie. By the way, the color of her hoodie was a bright pastel yellow. Adding to that, she wore a cherry blossom-colored micro miniskirt, adding an absolute territory between her skirt and white knee-socks. It was blinding my eyes. Additionally, she wore sneakers like Kasuga, as well as a small backpack for drinks but probably mostly just decoration.

“There it is, lol. Remi’s intro.”

“The very best way to get things started~!”

“Okie dokie~”

“Aramiya.”

“Hm? Shizupai, what’s up?”

“The self-absorbed Chisaka-senpai is glaring at you, you know?”

“Oh, apologies!”

“Cough! So this is the game-ification!”

Naturally, Chisaka-senpai was wearing casual clothes as well. She wore a white blouse with added collar, and actually had her sleeves on unlike Kasuga, with attached frills and laces. Her skirt was a mix between blue and white, as well as black triangular shapes as an extra, high-socks, and sneakers on her legs. On her back, she had an adorable and feminine shoulder bag, looking like it was made for outdoor purposes.

“Harupai is talking nonsense again…Shizupai, could you translate that?”

“Game-ification basically means that you’re subconsciously working like a machine, and simply work to accomplish a goal.”

“That’s Shizupai for you, you know a lot! So, what goal? The library card?”

“Probably for us, but the school wants us to deepen our bonds, if I had to guess.”

“Shizupai, and Sakupai as well, how do you feel about that?”

“Nothing but disbelief, really. If they wanted us to learn about the importance of friends, they should also teach us about what it means to be alone. Just listening blindly will make you stupid. I realized that myself through my own effort.”

“Hah, makes me feel like puking. Being happy at working together? If this was a game, then the amount of experience would be split, right?”

Naturally, the annoyed Akizuki was also wearing casual clothes. They were so-called virgin killer clothes, with quite thin fabric, but not much skin showing, probably to avoid a sunburn like Aramiya. No, in Akizuki’s case, she probably doesn’t want to get stung by insects, to touch any grass, or get hurt. She was wearing flat shoes as well.

“Uwah, shouldn’t have done that. Remi thought it sounded interesting, but maybe she shouldn’t have.”

“Anyway, let’s go. We have a time limit, so we should get things done quickly. After that, we can use our time freely.”

“That’s right. If we come back with no points, we’ll just get scolded, and I really want to avoid that.”

“Your reasons are all backwards, Shizuki-kun, Sakuya-chan…”

“Then, let’s meet up here 10 minutes before the deadline.”

“Eh?” “Huh?” “Fueh?”

“Sounds good to me, Kujou-kun. Let’s split up here then.”

“No no no no! Shizuki-kun, Sakuya-chan, this is supposed to be a group exercise!”

“If we don’t work together, you can’t call it that!”

“No, that logic doesn’t add up, Kasuga, Aramiya.”

“Eh, why?” “Seriously!?”

“Yup. If you both wish to become loners, you need to come up with this kind of conclusion. Who decided that we had to move in groups?”

“Ah, now that you mention it! Okay, I’ll be more careful!”

“R-Remi too!”

“No no no! Doubt! Everyone, blindly listening to my secretary is NG! At this orientation, you have to move in groups to gather points!”

“Ah, yeah, that makes sense.”

“Ahhh…Shizupai almost deceived me…”

“Secretary, don’t pull those two to the dark side.”

“No, just wait a moment, Chisaka-senpai. Think about it carefully.”

“Meaning?”

“If we move as five people to one location, the amount of points we can gather is limited. However, if all five of us move to separate locations, we can gather more points at the same time.”

“But, we only have one map, right?”

“Besides Akizuki, we all should have a digital camera. We are prohibited to use our phones except for emergencies, so we’ll just take a picture with the camera. I told my parents that I wanted to make lots of friends and memories, so they gave me one.”

““““— Fwoosh .””””

“Hey, why are you all looking away.”

“We only have one answer sheet, you know?”

“We’ll take care of that with the digital cameras as well. We’ll take a picture of the sheet, take pictures of the plate with the answer, and then write it down at the end.”

“But, we also only have one compass.”

“We can use wristwatches. The small clock hand points in the direction of the sun, so when it’s 12pm, the smaller one points South.”

“Shizupai…Why don’t you use that cleverness of yours for something else…?”

“Um…Um…Don’t bully me like this…”

“So…what should we do, Shizuki-kun? Sakuya-chan and Remi-chan as well. Haruka-senpai doesn’t know what to say.”

“Can’t help it, we’ll make a compromise.”

“Meaning?” Akizuki asked.

“We’ll do heads and tails, and split into two groups. That way, we’re still working on groups, but we’re still working more efficiently at getting points.”

****

Aramiya and I trotted along the walking course. The brimming July sun shone down on the ground through the treetops, and although we were further away from the big city, it was still quite warm up here in Izumigatake. Bright green grass was growing on both sides of the course. Naturally, simply walking wasn’t very comfortable, as small rocks were all over the path, and one wrong step could send you down the hill. Sweat gathered on my skin. You can feel your stamina draining with every step. All I could think about was my desire to go home, put on the A/C, and sleep.

“Shizupai, I’m tired~”

“I’ll treat you to some juice later, so put up with it.”

“Lucky~ Would you like to fondle my breasts as a token of gratitude?” Aramiya created a wide valley between her breasts, as she lifted them up, flashing a charming smile, but…

“I don’t need that.”

“Maybe you prefer Remi’s butt?”

“That’s not the problem here…”

“…Eh, ah.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Gyaaaa! Shizupai! Shizupai! An insect, an inseeect!”

“Ahh, yeah, yeah.”

I picked up a random tree branch, and moved away the inchworm that was on Aramiya’s clothes, throwing away the branch all the same.

“T-Thanks, Shizupai.” Aramiya showed an oddly maiden-like reaction, as she blushed.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not the biggest fan of insects myself.”

“That reminds Remi.”

“What now?”

“This is the first time that it’s just Remi and Shizupai, right?”

“Now that you mention it, yeah.”

“……”

“……”

And now we both went silent. This is so awkward. Even though I have Kasuga, this feels like some romcom development. I mean, she had to point it out…I glanced over at Aramiya, and she had her lips pushed out, like she was pouting, not satisfied, and fidgeting with the tips of her twintails.

“Shizupai.”

“W-What…?”

“Talk about something.”

“Eh?”

“Hm?”

“Huh? Why? I’m bad at talking, why would I have to?”

“Because things have gotten all awkward now!”

Ehhh…I feel like that’s because she said something weird though…

“Not to mention, you might be bad at talking, but it’s not like you can’t entirely, right?”

“I mean yeah, I can speak Japanese, but…it’s a pain.”

“Is that what it is?”

“Specifically, I just can’t figure out the meaning behind some conversations. The weather, the temperature, all these idle talks, it just feels so lifeless, right?”

“Ehhhh? What’s it matter if it’s fun? You don’t talk with people to create a use for it, but rather because it’s the normal thing to do.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously!”

“Being with Kasuga, I somewhat realized, but it’s more like a territory of sense, right?”

“Territory of sense?”

“I like spicy food. What about you?”

“Sweet food!”

“So, when I asked you why exactly you like it, you’d probably say from the very beginning after you were born, right? I would answer the same way.”

“So?”

“That’s why, whether you enjoy having a conversation or not simply depends on if you’ve been influenced positively or negatively as a child. Now that I’m a high school student, I can only answer that I’ve never enjoyed it for as long as I can remember.”

“Basically?”

“Just because it’s awkward doesn’t make me want to talk with you.”

“Ehhh? Zero points!”

“Why don’t you bring up something then? I wouldn’t ignore you if you actually came up with something…I think.”

“You think!?”

There, Aramiya looked like she was thinking about something, audibly groaning. Still, looking at the map and stations, we still have quite a long way to go. Not to mention that this wouldn’t be the end either. It’s not that I’m holding back towards Aramiya, but talking all the time would be exhausting.

“Alright, Remi’s got it! She’ll tell you how she started aiming to become an idol!”

“Eh?”

“Eh?”

“Well…I guess normies like to talk about themselves?”

“Who knows why, right?”

Probably some type of psychological self-suggestion? They only tell people about themselves, but not letting the other person speak. And if they’re two people of the same group, the contents change.

“So, Remi’s been a normie ever since she was born. At the very least, since kindergarten.”

Oh, she already started. By the way, I’ve been a loner since then, and forever.

“So, Remi thought that she was a pretty cheerful girl, but Hinapai is more like the orthodox type of a normie, if that makes sense.”

Ahh, I see…Basically, Remi doesn’t see herself as the kind and friendly normie that is Kasuga.

“See, Remi has a lot of friends, but she’s not that good at studying. She may like talking, but it’s only about herself, and she doesn’t listen to others.”

Yeah, I may be Kasuga’s exception, but she really manages to build up a proper conversation with others.

“That’s why, Remi had always been a normie, but not the best kind—”

“That’s why you wanted to become the number one?”

“Yes! Surrounded by friends, working towards a common dream, being supported by a lot of people, pushing forward, being in the center, that’s what Remi always admired.”

Being in the center, huh…Even though you’ll only suffer the more you’re surrounded by people…

“When Remi was in kindergarten, she was watching TV, and thought to herself. That’s what Remi wanted to become. Selfishness, compromise, she doesn’t really understand much about that, but she just wants everybody to smile, as she’s in the center of everyone!”

“What an emotional story.”

“Yup yup! Those idols on stage looked like they were sparkling!”

“Huh.”

“So, do you have any impressions, Shizupai?” She asked me, walking ahead, but turned towards me with her arms crossed behind her back, smiling.

…That’s dangerous, you know? We’re walking on a mountain, not to mention a forest path.

“I feel like I’ve figured out the special traits of a normie.”

“Huh? Eh? What’s that?”

“Normies tend to, and this is just a stereotype, try to make something big out of a small thing. In your case, you saw idols on TV, and decided to become one yourself, and in Kasuga’s case, she…you know, wants to marry me.”

“Yeah…S-So?”

“I was always dubious. Compared to Kasuga’s actions, her motive seemed so weak. But, that explains it. It was a small trigger, but it changed into something big. That’s how normies do their things. It doesn’t really make much sense to me, but I’ll take it.”

“R-Really now…”

“What’s that face about?”

“Well, normally Remi would expect a reaction along the lines of ‘Do your best!’, or ‘Maybe rethink that’, you know?”

“Why would I say that?”

“Ehhh…”

“You were expecting something like that from a loner like me?”

I simply wanted to make fun of her along the lines of ‘Aramiya is still Aramiya~’. But then…

“Because…Kya!?”

“!? Aramiya!?”

That moment, Aramiya looked like she was close to falling for a second, and she sank down into the floor.

“A-Ahaha…I tripped…”

“What are you doing? Come on, can you stand?” I offered Aramiya my hand.

“Eh? Eh?”

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re helping me get up?”

“Of course?”

“Even though you’re a loner?”

“What does that have to do with anything when there’s someone in trouble?”

“O-Okay…” Aramiya oddly enough became very docile, as she accepted my hand like a shy cat.

But, when I tried to pull her up…

“Ouch…!”

“What’s wrong?”

“No no, it’s nothing!”

“Hurry up and tell me.”

“…Remi twisted her ankle.”

****

“……”

“Sorry about this, Shizupai.”

“……”

“And, thanks.”

It felt like Aramiya put more strength into her arms holding onto me. Right now, I’m carrying her on my back, walking back to the inn. Kasuga, Akizuki, and Chisaka-senpai moved to the North area, meaning North of the inn, and looking at the map, it was pretty much inside the mountains. At the same time, Aramiya and I were tasked with the South area, which was more forest. The slope wasn’t as bad, thankfully.

“Aramiya.”

“…Yes.” Aramiya gave a dejected response.

Doesn’t fit her usual energy at all, that kind of saddened voice.

“D-Don’t get the wrong idea, alright. It’s not like I wanted to help you or anything…It’s just…yeah, something you do as a human being.”

“Heh.” Aramiya seemed to have gotten some of her energy back, as she let out a laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“The moment you think of helping someone as common sense shows that you’re pretty kind, Shizupai.”

“I told you that’s not what this is…”

After all that, I continued to carry Aramiya on my back, aiming for the inn.

“Shizupai, isn’t Remi heavy?”

“Heavy. Very heavy.”

“Gah!”

“Don’t worry, humans are just lumps of protein, so we’re all heavy to some degree.”

“This is why you’re a loner, you know?”

“Then I don’t mind staying one until the day I die.”

At the very least, she’s not heavy to the point where I can’t carry her. She’s a human being, and even if she’s a girl, she’s in high school, so it can be pretty exhausting to continue this for a longer amount of time, but she’s still on the light side, I’m sure. Well, not like I have any experience in carrying a girl.

“Hey, Shizupai.”

Is she still trying to force up a conversation…We ended on a smooth note, so why…Also, what is it now?

“Why did you not make fun of Remi back then?”

“Back then?”

“When we forced you to join the club, and Remi told you about her dream of becoming an idol.”

“Ahh, then.”

“And even right now. Because you didn’t make fun of Remi, she thought of telling you about her ambition.”

“Eh? I’m not interested enough in other people’s lives to make fun of them.”

“Huh? Wouldn’t you be interested after someone tells you?”

“What? Interested in a normie? Interested in someone else’s future? Why?”

“Hm? Loners don’t? Even though a person opened up to you?”

“No no no, what does that have to do with me?”

“I mean, it’s important to talk so that you can become closer to that person.”

“That logic doesn’t add up. Using a conversation to convey only the utmost limit is more than enough, right?”

“Yet you’re helping Remi?”

“Well, that will allow me to save more time, I guess.”

“—” Aramiya suddenly grew silent.

“Let me ask you as well. Having heard your dream before, who else ridiculed you besides Miura-sensei?”

“A lot of people did, you know.” Aramiya laughed it off.

But…Eh? Wouldn’t it be the opposite normally? How am I even supposed to react here? Being able to find a smooth answer here makes me realize that normies really are amazing.

“I mean, Remi plans to become an idol, you know? An idol! Even Remi knows how difficult it may be.”

Well, I guess that makes sense. It’s the kind of business that could grant or crush your dreams in a matter of a year.

“It was still good in grade school. Parents, teachers, friends, they all supported Remi, saying that she could become one 100%. But…”

“After grade school?”

“Told her to pick a proper future path.” Rarely enough for her, Aramiya let out a sigh.

That sure came from deep down, huh. Just like with the happiness that Kasuga and I have, Aramiya has her own dream. It’s just other people talking down on you again for no reason.

“Honestly speaking, I’m not interested in other people’s lives. The only exception is if it involves me in some crazy marriage plan, which would be Kasuga. Our futures sort-of overlap after all.”

“Shizupai, maybe choose your words more carefully…”

“Leaving that aside, it’s the same for you, Aramiya. Even if you end up as a hit, and work as an idol, once you’re 50, that dream is over, and your life will break apart, but that’s none of my business.”

“Eh? You’re actually the worst. Wouldn’t you normally feel something at least? Not to mention that, no matter if Remi went down a good or bad path, you’d still care, as a friend.”

“Eh? I mean, friends are friends, but that doesn’t include me.”

“No no no, you’re still curious, right? We have a connection.”

“Phew…You’re so incoherent, Aramiya.”

“Hmpf! Remi doesn’t want to hear that from Shizupai!”

“That’s a double standard. You want people to ask about you and your future, but hate it if they go against it.”

“Hm? That might be true, but that’s normal, right?”

“…? At the very least, I won’t get in your way.”

“…Fueh?” Aramiya let out a shocked noise.

What is she so surprised about? First of all, I don’t want other people getting in my way. Second, I don’t do to people what I wouldn’t want them doing to me. Third, that’s why I won’t bother people like Aramiya, or other complete strangers. This is logic even a grade school student should understand.

“Of course, I won’t make fun of you, or say that your dream will definitely be granted, but I won’t also deny the chance that you can do it. After all, it’s your own life, not mine. Having other people obstruct you, or meddle with your business, is nothing but shackles holding you down. It’s common sense as a loner.”

“Shizupai—” Aramiya called out my name, but since I carried her on my back, I couldn’t see her expression.

Not that I wanted to see it.

“Adding the principle of self-dependence, it’s your own choice how to live your life, right? Decide on a proper path? Since I have my own communication disorder to worry about, I can’t argue against them, but you surely can, right? What even is a proper path!? Why is an idol not regarded as a proper job!? Stuff like that.”

“Mama and Papa got angry at me, saying that it’s illogical…”

“Then return something. Limiting someone else’s freedom is even more illogical.”

“Fufu, that’s very much like Shizupai.”

“Of course, they are saying this because they’re worried about you, I’m sure. I’ve seen that kind of development over and over in novels and movies. But…”

“Hm?”

“A forceful good intention can easily change into bad will, right?”

“So there’s a difference between a good and bad meddling?”

“True as well.”

“Ehhh? You sure talk a lot despite not holding any responsibility.”

“It’s your life, so you have the responsibility. Not to mention…”

“Hmmmm?”

“If all of the responsibility is yours, then so is your success, right? Why not show them, and then brag about it once you make it?”

“…Ah.”

“I’m not telling you to become a loner, but imagine yourself up on the stage.”

“Up on stage?”

“Your parents and teachers were against you, but you pushed through, saying that it’s your responsibility. And now, you managed to grant your wish yourself, as you tell everyone in the audience. Wouldn’t that be the greatest?”

“~~~!” Aramiya let out an odd gasp, but I couldn’t grasp what that meant.

Well, it’s at least nothing negative, if I had to guess. Or, so I want to think.

“That’s some life advice coming from a loner.”

“It’s not that big of a deal after all.”

“But, is that a loner’s way of thinking?”

“Thinking that far is probably a rare occurrence, but if you went with the loner logic to its extreme, that’s probably what you would end up at, yeah.”

“Heh, you say whatever you want because it’s not about you, right.”

“It’s the truth. I have had a similar experience myself. I just felt more comfortable being alone, but everybody looked down on me, deciding on my own happiness…when I was in grade school.”

At the same time, I selfishly decided on Kasuga’s happiness during Golden Week. Since I reflected on that, and made progress as a loner, I can say this.

“You really are strong, Shizupai.”

“No, I’m weak.”

“Remi might start admiring loners.”

“You probably shouldn’t. Nothing good will come out of that.”

“Listen—”

“What is it now? Talking while carrying someone is pretty exhausting.”

“You just said that friends are friends, but not you, right?”

“Am I wrong?”

“Eh, are you really just accepting that?” Aramiya grinned.

“What are you on about?”

“You’ve been talking under the premise that Remi is your friend for a while now, remember?”

“Ah.”

Aramiya hugged me even stronger from behind. Her chest hit my back, and another type of warmth hit me.

“Ahh, we’re both way too easy.”

****

Luckily, the orientation ended with somewhat satisfying results. Splitting up into two groups was the right choice after all. Although Aramiya and I couldn’t get the best results, Kasuga and her group carried us. Of course, we already apologized to them. But, since it was an accident, they all forgave us.

Safely reaching the inn, I handed over Aramiya so that she could get proper treatment. Next up on the program was outdoor cooking. So right now, we five were in one corner of the outdoor cooking facility.

“Guess we’re making some orthodox curry, huh.”

“Seems like it.”

“Since Kasuga-san is the club leader, please give us orders.”

“Fight, Hinapai~”

“Um…Then, me and Shizuki-kun will cut the vegetables.”

“Hey now, her selfish desires are showing already.”

“W-Well, let’s hear her out until the very last.”

“Remi-chan got the chair from Sensei because of your leg, so could you take care of the fire?”

“OK!”

“Then, we’ll have Haruka-senpai knead the rice, and Sakuya-chan will…”

“Hm? Yes?”

“Wood-chipping?”

“Wait a second, that’s the place furthest away from Kujou-kun, right.”

“Not to mention that this is quite the hard work assigned to a girl.”

Seems like Chisaka-senpai means to say [Ahh, that work is a bit harsh for a girl! Not good, not good! I’ll tell Sensei!] or something along those lines. I mean, I have something myself to tell Kasuga, okay…

“Kasuga, a word.”

“Yup yup?”

“You want to become a loner, right?”

“Yup, so that we can get married in the future~”

“If so, then you can’t split up the groups like this.”

“Kujou-kun is like a puppeteer.”

“For now, we’ll split up the work to make it more efficient.”

“What do you mean, Shizupai?”

“We’ll be making curry, so if we can’t make it in time, that means no lunch for us, right?”

“Agreed.”

“At the same time, if we skip out on the lunch, we don’t have to do any cooking.”

“Eh?” “Waeh!?” “Fueh!?”

Kasuga, Aramiya, and Chisaka-senpai all looked at me in disbelief.

“Alright, since we don’t need lunch, let’s spend some time on our own.”

“That’s right, I was thinking about that myself.”

After I raised my hand, Akizuki gave me a high-five. Yup, perfect coordination. And at that moment, a teacher came walking over.

“You can’t do that, think about it rationally.”

“Aki-sensei!” Kasuga called out to the woman, some hope having returned to her expression.

“You should know right, Hirahara-sensei. If you told me to return the cleaning utensils more clean than when they were given to me, I’m the type of person to not cook anything in the first place.”

“Same here. If someone told me to return the futon more cleanly than when it was given to me, then I would never use it, even on a 3 days 2 nights trip.”

“Hey, Akizuki, there’s a difference between laziness and peer displeasure.”

“I’m just thinking efficiently, so why do I get that reaction?”

“Urk…why does Sakuya-chan understand Shizuki-kun more than I do…”

“Anyway, make it normally! Jesus christ!”

****

“It’s done~ Curry~!” Kasuga raised the curry up with screams of joy.

At the very least, I’m glad we managed to make some passable curry. Looking around…Hmm, most of the groups moved to eating their curry, but without trying to brag, ours probably looks best. By the way, the distribution of seats was as follows. Me next to Kasuga, with Akizuki sitting in front of me, and Aramiya next to her, with Chisaka-senpai on the opposite side.

“It’s quite unexpected that you can cook, Kujou-kun.”

“Well yeah, most of the work during home economics in grade school was pushed onto me.”

“How is that related to being a loner? You were just bullied, right?”

“Aramiya-san, you can’t say that!”

“But, Shizuki-kun was really reliable, you know? Ehehe, I like you. I wanna always be with you. Let’s get married one day~!”

“Oops. Because you said that, now Aramiya is closer to being a loner.”

“Gaaaah!”

“Eh!? R-Remi is more…of a loner?”

“Well, only compared to Kasuga. Doesn’t mean you improved much.”

“R-Right…”

There, Remi started fidgeting awkwardly…What is it now? Why is she constantly glancing over at me? There’s a high chance she might go visit the toilet, but since we’re in the middle of eating, I shouldn’t ask that. I’m a boy after all. Especially remember what happened last time over text. The reason she’s glancing at me all the time is because I’m from the opposite gender, stopping her from going to the toilet after all. Should I step away for a second?

“~~~! Shizupai.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Um…”

“?”

“~~~! T-Thank you for before…”

“Eh? Ah, you’re welcome.”

“So…um…to repay you back…”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“H-Here! Open up wide!”

Aramiya said, and scooped up some of her curry, pushing it towards me…Huh? Aramiya wants to feed me? Why? If she does that, then Kasuga will…and Akizuki…

“Shizuki-kun!”

“Kujou-kun!”

“…Yeah?”

“Can I feed you?”

“Open your mouth, I’ll feed you.”

“Hold on! Hinapai! Sakupai! Remi was first! She wants to thank him!”

“I’m Shizuki-kun’s girlfriend, so I come first! Also, why do you want to feed him, Sakuya-chan!?”

“Because we’re library buddies?”

How did things end up this way…