CH 6

Kasuga Hina and Aramiya Remi and Kiss!

It looked like the scenery of a gathering of adventurers who came back from the hunt during the Middle Ages, sitting around a fire to discuss stories or laugh together. Put simply, I guess it’s like a banquet?

Indeed, we reached the time of the campfire. The silver-shining moon illuminated the clear night sky, and the million-year-old stars looked down on us on Izumigatake. Only the campfire added an orange-red color amidst this silver-white world. Honestly speaking, it seemed a bit surreal, almost mythical. If I didn’t know any better, it would make me feel like we weren’t in modern day Japan.

The Ooba group stood around the campfire with drinks in one hand, whereas the Kasuga group got a bit ahead of the season with hand-held fireworks. Aramiya herself was busy with preparations for the firework, but her group had received some of the fireworks from the Kasuga group. As for Chisaka-senpai and her group, they were holding mugs while having the usual “Global?” “Agreed!” “International?” “Agreed!” “Self-conscious?” “Disagree!” conversation.

The hiking club borrowed some of the fire to do a BBQ, the photography club received permission from everyone to capture these precious moments of everyone’s youth. The astronomy club sat a bit further away from the fire, stargazing. As for the other normie groups, they talked about this and that, love and life. As for me, I’m observing that from a corner of the campfire place, and that shouldn’t come off as a surprise to anybody.

“Shizuki-kun.”

Of course, there’s only one person who would call out to me like that while approaching me. So, after they reached me, they sat down next to me. I looked at my side, and was greeted by a cute girl, smiling at me.

“Kasuga, huh.”

“Are you having fun?”

“Does it look that way?”

“But, everyone else is having fun! Koide-kun and Takaishi-kun are doing a comedic routine.”

She’s right. Koide-kun is saying some weird stuff, and Takaishi is slapping him. But, the ones laughing are mostly the Ooba group and Kasuga group. What is this, some private comedy club? By the way, Aramiya’s turn, namely the live concert, is the last, and I’m just on stand-by in the corner, waiting for my turn to start the ‘Certain operation’. I mean, I’d still be sitting here in the corner either way.

“It’s fragile thinking to try and get along with people at a campfire. Google the darkness effect.”

“I don’t know if I can look that up online…I barely have any battery left, and the connection isn’t the best here…”

“Haaa…Put simply, when you’re in a dark place, you feel anxiety or fear, forced to speak with other people to feel safe, and since they’re in the darkness, they are basically not seen much by other people.”

“W-Why do you know about that?”

“It’s basically like a self-defence so that I won’t be deceived. The teachers are all ‘Let’s get along at the campfire~’, or ‘Stand around the fire to deepen your friendships~’, constantly lying.”

“A-Anyway! The reason that we deepen our friendships is because of this?”

“Exactly. If you want to become a loner, you need to remember this sort of stuff.”

“Yup! I’ll do my best! I remembered the darkness effect!”

“Huh, quick on the uptake, huh.”

“Ehehe~ It seems worthwhile for being lovey-dovey at night~”

“Ehhh…Don’t use my knowledge for your weird fantasies…”

“So, are you having fun, Shizuki-kun?”

“Can you guess it already…Why are you asking a loner, who clearly isn’t having fun, if they’re having fun?”

“Eh!? I-I mean…”

“If I lied and said ‘I’m having fun!’, then I’d clearly be forcing myself, and if I said ‘I’m not having any fun!’, then it’ll just ruin the mood, so both answers are red flags, don’t you agree?”

“That’s true, but…it’s like a greeting!”

“Ahhh…that does make sense. Normies get excited with this stuff, yeah.”

“Right right!”

“It’s annoying me because it feels like you’re taking the upper hand.”

“Gaaaah!”

“So, do you have any business over here in this area?”

“This area!? Alright nevermind! Tada!”

Hand-held fireworks, huh…

“So, where are we getting the fire from?”

“You’re bad with Eri and Mai, and even Ooba-kun and friends, right? You wouldn’t want to borrow the fire from them.”

“They’d forcefully pull me into their group, yeah.”

“So, you don’t want to borrow some fire from the hiking club who is responsible for the BBQ?”

“I’m not nearly as good at talking as you are, Kasuga. Especially with people I’m meeting for the first time, I can’t ask them for fire simply because we’re doing some fireworks.”

“Right, I knew that you’d say that.” Kasuga nodded, making it evident that she was plotting something. “I knew that, which is why I borrowed some matches from the teachers!”

“I never said I’d do it, you know?”

“Eh, why?”

“Even if we did it, it’d just attract the normies, asking to join in because we’d stand out. On top of that, they’d be going all ‘Let’s get along!’ nonsense.”

“Yeah, you’d definitely attract attention…And, that sure sounds depressing…”

“Right? If you want to become a loner, then you can’t do something a normie would do. It might sound like a prejudice, but fireworks is like the national hymn of summer party-goers.”

“U-Understood!”

“When it comes to the ideas of a loner, unless we’re using sparklers in a secluded area, I really don’t feel like doing it.”

“Hm? Sparklers fine then?”

“I doubt all these normies would get excited about that. It’s less dangerous than normal fireworks, and not nearly as noisy, plus it’s more fun and leaves more of an impression. But, sparklers go out immediately.”

“……”

“This is just another stereotype, but it’s something you can simply enjoy and take it for what it is. A perfect fit for loners.”

“Ah!”

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

“Could you wait here for a moment, Shizuki-kun?” Kasuga suddenly jolted up, approaching the campfire in the center, approaching the Ooba and Kasuga group…

Oh man, I have a really bad feeling about this…Because of the light, I couldn’t properly see much, but it seems like she’s getting something? Ah, she’s coming back.

“What do you have there?”

“Ehehe, they’re sparklers. Twenty, to be exact. I got them from them.”

“That’s amazing…I never even thought about that…”

“U-Um, Shizuki-kun?”

“W-What’s up?”

“With this…we can do some fireworks right, Shizuki-kun…?” She muttered.

~~~!? She was that adamant on doing these fireworks…? I’m happy, I’m embarrassed, I feel flustered, and ticklish…Unable to put a name to this feeling, my heart just kept racing, making me feel weird inside. But, I don’t hate it at all. At the same time, the light from the campfire felt gentle, and warm, sinking deep into me like Kasuga’s smile. I’ll just blame the campfire for my ineptitude.

“Shizuki-kun?”

“Alright…I can’t say no when you’re that adamant on it…”

“! Y-Yeah! Then, I’ll light them with the matches, okay?” She said, and lit up the sparklers. “This feels pretty nice.”

“It’s sparklers after all, not causing any ruckus. The world around us is calm and relaxing. Well, Ooba and the others are showing me a thumbs up…”

“Y-Yeah…the people from Remi-chan’s group are looking awfully excited…”

“Just ignore them. We’re isolated from them.”

“So, we’re in our own world, then?”

“Don’t phrase it in a way that would invite misunderstandings.”

“Is it a misunderstanding?”

“…I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

As I was saying that, Kasuga was focused on the sparklers. Sparks flew, illuminating the small area around us. It made me feel melancholic a bit, but at the same time, I admired its beauty.

“You know, sparklers feel like the final touch, something that lovers would do, right?” Kasuga’s profile was lit up by the sparklers, as she said these words with a gentle voice.

It was calm, collected, but still had a saddened tone to it.

“You’re right.”

“If only this time could continue forever, right?”

“Forever, huh…”

“If only this time never ended, yeah?”

“You’re an idiot, Kasuga.”

“Ehhhh!? W-Why!?”

“Forever, never-ending, that’ll only give you more pain, you know. With these sparklers, we both have five each until we both get fed up, you know?”

“I guess we have to treasure this time then!”

“S-Such positive thinking…”

I accepted my first sparkler from Kasuga, and had her light it up.

“Somehow, this feels fulfilling, huh.”

“Really?”

“Normally, there’s three sparklers in a set, right?”

“Yeah.”

“And just now, you said that it feels like a sentimental object. I think that using the sparklers after everything else makes you seem more like lovers, yeah?”

“Doesn’t simply rely on being lovers, but sure.”

“That’s why, how do I say this, I can enjoy that precious ending even more than normal.”

How am I even supposed to respond here? What am I supposed to say? Not like my words would come out right away. But at the very least, I’m curious about this docile atmosphere Kasuga has right now.

“Shizuki-kun?”

“Kasuga, that’s exactly it.”

“Eh?”

“The way you’re acting calm and collected, docile and relaxed as you’re explaining everything, it’s close to my ideal girl.”

“Really!?”

“Ah, you’re getting excited because of a bit of praise…”

“Urk, s-sorry…”

“Can’t be helped, it’s you after all.”

“………”

“Since that can’t be helped..I’ll try and help you become more of a loner.”

“~~~! Yeah, I might be inexperienced, but please take care of me~”

Eh? Wait, is Kasuga…Why is she approaching me with her lips? And why are her lips aiming for mine? And why…

****

“Ah, Kasuga, stop.”

“Ehhhhh!? At such a timing!? I really thought I could go for a kiss!?”

“It’s time for Aramiya’s live concert.”

Now that the play from the hiking club is over, it should be Aramiya, at least according to the program Aramiya informed me about. I’m cheering for you at least a bit, Aramiya.

“Urk…I’m a bit jealous…Right when I was about to form my promise of marriage with Shizuki-kun…”

“Hold on a damn second. Whatever you’re talking about, 99% of that is simple fiction, alright?”

When I directed my gaze towards the campfire, away from Kasuga, I saw Aramiya who had borrowed a microphone from somewhere, doing introductory remarks. She wore casual clothes, but definitely the cute kind. Well, I bet she must have put a lot of attention into her clothes. At the same time, behind her stood the light music club members with borrowed instruments from the…Oh, I see. They’re part of the Aramiya group. That makes sense, then.

The three girls from her group were respectively responsible for guitar, base, and drums. It’s basically a 4P band. As for the vocals, that’s obviously Aramiya, now taking a deep breath—

‘Everyoneeeeeee! Good eveniiiiing! 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! Aramiya Remi has arrived~!’

That moment, the entire crowd went wild, chanting ‘Woooo! Wohoooo! Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah!’, standing up all at once.

“Remiiiiii~ You can do it~!”

“I’m cheering for you! We’re taking videos too!”

“Aramiya, be careful of your step, lol!”

More joyful than hecklers, more comfortable but energetic than just random noises. I bet a big reason for this ruckus around the campfire is the legend it harbors, but they’re all simply enjoying it as well. It really is amazing. Because there’s no neighbours around they could bother, they’re going at full volume. The vibrations in the air, I can’t even describe it beyond saying that it makes my skin shake, and the introductions from Aramiya made my ears bleed. Just like the comedy act of Koide and Takaishi, it feels like an act of a small group, but nobody reacts.

However, even if it was just amidst her small group, Aramiya acted in a way that involved more people. I guess this is the real deal of her live concert. I might think of it as cheesy, but the other people certainly don’t have that kind of train of thought, and it definitely isn’t just some weird play, but a full-blown live concert. Without any prejudices and thoughts, it feels real. At the culture festival, there are live concerts in the gym hall, but not all people present are there to simply watch the live concert.

At the same time, now all participants of the outdoor school are forced to stay. Resulting in the concert getting enough attention like during a culture festival. And with that, Aramiya has the attention of around a hundred people.

‘Are you having fuuuuuuuuun!?’

““““Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!””””

‘Are you exciteeeeeeed!?’

““““Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!””””

I’m surprised, honestly. And at the same time, I think my image of Aramiya changed a bit. She said that she didn’t have any money to make an actual CD, but it feels like she has experience with live concerts? Her phrases fit that image, and her voice sounds confident enough. More than anything…

“Aramiya might not be accepted by adults, but she can get other people excited.”

I’m not praising her simply for the sake of it, she must have really worked hard. She doesn’t seem nervous in front of others, and instead bathes in the attention. It changed anxiety into excitement. And then, with a loud voice, she screamed…

‘This is Remi’s first outdoor live concert! For the first time ever, she’s going to sing outdoors! Everyoneeeeee! Hopefully, you have fun! I want to make this a great memory for everyone!’

““““Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!””””

‘Are You Ready!?’

““““Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!””””

And then, with the gentle but alluring light from the campfire at her back, she started singing. It was a sound mixing between rock and JPOP, and the lyrics sounded like a sugary love song. With the drums and guitar, the bassist supported Ayamiya’s song of love. It was the type of youthful song that would be popular with high school girls, and the audience jumped in rhythm.

With this dazzling scenery, the bursting sound and voice matched. The stars shone, and so did the summer sweat on Aramiya. She sang of love, feelings, and friendship. As her throat vibrated to create the voice, Aramiya and the others smiled at each other, fully in their youth.

‘Alright, second song here we go!’

““““Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!””””

I said that I was never interested in Aramiya’s future. I still don’t plan on taking responsibility, or meddling with it…But, I might be a bit curious now at least. Even if it was me being lost for a moment, she definitely managed to shake my heart. It might just change tomorrow again for all I know. Because I learned of her efforts, I’m thinking about something I normally wouldn’t. Basically…

“Whether you’re a loner or normie, you wouldn’t want your efforts to go unnoticed.”

Let me just check…Ah, there’s Miura-sensei. He had a harsh expression as always, but I guess he has to stay here despite that. And right with that timing, Aramiya’s second song ended.

‘Phew~! That still wasn’t enough! With just songs! Well, Remi’s time here is limited, so she sadly can’t respond to the encore though, haha!’

There, Aramiya took out her smartphone from her pocket, confirming something last minute. She stuffed it back into her pocket, took a deep breath, and—

‘Everyoneeeeeeeeeeee! Please listen to Remi for a bit~!’

The audience looked at her in confusion, question marks above their heads. Doubts went through the rounds, and the excitement stopped momentarily, which had even me questioning what she was going to talk about. But at the same time, it allowed the place to cool down, and Aramiya to speak clearly.

‘There’s Shizupai, Kujou Shizuki-senpai, who is part of Remi’s club! When she told him about her dream, and her hard work to become an idol, he said that Remi was fine to do whatever as long as she didn’t bother him, since it’s her life, and that he didn’t really care! He pushed Remi away! Remi thought he was really cruel!’

That’s right, since I knew she’d be saying that, I preemptively sat in the corner of the field like this. I knew that my train of thought would definitely be misunderstood, or not understood by the normies and teachers here. So naturally, I would try to run away. Then again, I came up with everything she’s about to say.

‘Honestly, Remi thought he was irresponsible, and cold! Though, other people probably feel the same way! What is he saying without taking responsibility, you know! Can’t do that, normally!’

Checking over, Miura-sensei was nodding deeply. As expected, huh. After all, Aramiya suddenly started using words like responsibility, and what is normal. It might give her the impression that she has matured, that she has grown up.

‘Thinking about it that way, it made Remi realize that maybe the future guidance counsellor Miura was simply caring about Remi! But–’

Suddenly, Miura-sensei looked at her in confusion. He must have realized that there’s no way Aramiya could have changed in these few hours, and that she wasn’t that easy to be changed either. Well, it still is Miura-sensei, so the best you can do is push him down instead of slowly making him admit it.

‘But! Both Remi’s parents and teachers tell Remi about this and that! Yet in the end, just like Shizupai, none of them are taking responsibility~!’

“Wha! Aramiya!” Miura-sensei screamed.

‘Every year, hundreds of students are graduating! And, a lot of them are probably doing exactly what their parents or teachers told them! How many of us here will do the same?!’

“……!”

Ahhh, Miura-sensei’s face is beet red from the anger. At the same time, the students were laughing. Yeah, what Aramiya is saying is a fact after all. Parents and teachers raise the children, but once they graduate, it’s all up to them and their choices. Well, praising my own written script sure is embarrassing.

‘If Remi does what she’s told, will she get 200,000 yen paid a month!? Will they pay for her when she gets sick!? Will they take care of her when she ends up in an accident!?’

“Stop making fun of adults!”

Oh, I expected that reaction. Aramiya should remember the phrase I prepared.

‘If you’re going to say that, then stop making fun of a student’s determination!’

“Wha!?”

‘Rather than parents or teachers, Remi thinks that Shizupai is in the right! It’s much better than simply trying to be responsible and stop me! It’s much better to be irresponsible but let Remi do what she wants!’

“That’s simply illogical! That won’t work in society!”

‘Won’t work in society? Then us students have to act ignorant! Since we’re all irresponsible, we can do that! Also, illogical, and not viable in society, words like that you should say while being willing to take responsibility, don’t you think!?’

“I’m saying that you’ll definitely regret it! Why are you not listening to an adult’s advice!?”

‘Nobody will know that! If Remi can’t achieve it without feeling regret, that means she wasn’t fully devoted to it!’

“Urk…!”

Even if flexibility doesn’t work, Miura-sensei is still a teacher. Leaving aside the identity of the person, if he had the choice between making the students give their all, and simply having them attempt it with a lukewarm determination, he’d definitely choose the first one.

‘It’s the path Remi decided on! At least let her have her own regrets then!’

Ah, crap, Miura-sensei’s gaze wandered towards me now. I really shouldn’t have believed Aramiya and her ‘Leave it to Remi! You won’t get any attention!’ reassuring nonsense. Ahh…Miura-sensei is walking towards me…In order to reach Aramiya, he’d have to break through the row of students. Now that he spotted me, it’s easier to chase after me…

“S-S-Shizuki-kun? What are you two trying to do?”

“Aramiya said that she won’t hold back anymore, right.”

“Did you come up with everything she said? I don’t think Remi-chan is the type to say this stuff…”

“We thought about it together. According to her, a loner who can say anything, and a loner who catches up to everything are the greatest tag-team combination or whatever…”

“So what are you going to do about this mess!?”

“Aramiya said she had her own idea, and…”

“What are you whispering about!”

Crap! I wasn’t able to run away!

“Kujou! Did you influence her!?”

“N-No, I mean, it’s the truth, right? Ah, well, um…Don’t you think that illogicality and non-applicability for society, t-these kinds of things should only be said if you’re taking responsibility, right?”

“Did you think that teachers are not taking any responsibility!?”

“T-Then…well…um…that must be rough, but…if I may…could I ask for an example where you’re taking responsibility?”

“Huh?”

“A-An example…”

“……Don’t blame me for whatever happens, alright!? You’ll simply regret not listening to your teachers once it’s already too late!”

Ah, I see. I bet he could have answered my question, but simply chose to ignore it as simply me acting childish.

“W-Well…the teachers don’t really care to begin with. Not to mention…um…if I may be so rude, were you listening to Aramiya? She said she wanted to experience her regret…”

There, it happened.

“Shizupai!” Aramiya walked towards me.

All students offered a path for her.

“Shizupai, thanks a lot for coming up with her speech. Well, since Remi isn’t too clever, she had to read from her smartphone.” Aramiya said.

The students around us were silent, wondering what we were doing, simply watching over us. Chisaka-senpai seemed to be panicking about something, and even Kasuga stayed quiet, simply listening. Oh yeah, I’m not seeing Akizuki anywhere, she probably ran away from a group event like this.

“No no no no, enough about that! Can’t you just do something about this situation, as the normie that you are! You know, the method you mentioned before.” I pleaded.

In response to that, Aramiya looked up at me, her eyes wet for some reason.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! How much do you think my stomach ache is killing me because I’m standing out like this!?”

Everybody’s attention was directed at us. Probably on the same level as back when Kasuga and I kissed at Sendai station. Worse is that all the people watching I might walk past in the hallway once we’re back at school. My back feels so sweaty. The tension made my head feel red. I feel the urge to vomit, and I’m dizzy. Despite my body feeling hot, I equally felt cold. I think I’m an extreme loner that even other loners would make fun of. But, as long as Aramiya can divert the attention here…

“Then, Shizupai…”

“What is it!?” As I was confused, agitated, and bewildered, I happened to scream out loud.

I wasn’t particularly angry, but I simply had reached my limit. However, Aramiya showed a calming and relaxing smile.

“Sorry, Hinapai, Remi is a bit interested in Shizupai now…”

““Huh?””

She took a step towards me, pushing her lips towards my face, and then—

“—Mnn.”

“~~~!? ~~~!! ~~~???”

She kissed me. Even if my brain grasped that fact, I could not even hope to understand why she suddenly kissed me. All I could hear was explosive cheers and roars. Naturally, most students participating in the event knew about the legend of the kiss. Even if that was just fiction, they couldn’t help but be entranced by the idea.

If that wasn’t enough, Aramiya just got done with her live concert, and now she’s kissing the boyfriend of the school’s most popular normie in front of everyone! There’s no way I could tell you about all the reactions of the students. It was like the myriad colors appeared in the sky.

One person was excited about the kiss, another was excited about a love triangle, another also smelled the love triangle but was more worried than excited, another was jealous, another was watching us like a movie on the big screen. A few seconds later—after a time that felt eternal, Aramiya moved her lips away from me.

“Shizupai.”

“W-Wha…whawhawha…”

“Please continue to be Remi’s producer for her faux loner~”

Huh!? I thought it was just for those three days!? Oh yeah, I forgot to ask about that…No, more importantly! What about Kasuga…!?

“Shizuki-kun…”

“K-Kasuga, that was…”

“…Dummy.” She glared at me, tears in her eyes.

However, at that time, I hadn’t even realized that if I kissed a girl other than her, she would be sad. And, it took me too long to grasp how important that was.

But—a few days later, the relationship between the three of us, as well as Miura-sensei…