V2C1 Part1

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

*****

Mai's group consists of beauties who stand at the top of the school's caste considering their popularity.

The leader, Oozuka Mai, is Ashi-High's super darling.

An angel who's kind even to someone like me, Sena Ajisai-san.

A cute mascot-like character who's treated as everyone's little sister, Koyanagi Kaho-chan.

A cool diva with gorgeous black hair, Koto Satsuki-san.

And somehow there's this small fry mixed in, but let's forget about that for now.

Despite being a part of this exclusive circle, the only ones I'm able to speak normally with are Ajisai-san and Kaho-chan. Mai is popular, so she is always surrounded by a crowd. So while she bombarded me with messages at school, we talked a lot when we were alone.

And with Satsuki-san, it's rare for us to talk to each other. Till now, I was under the impression that she hated me, but it turned out to be a mere misunderstanding on my end. I didn't feel as frightened as before, but well…

A sudden confession, of course I would be surprised.

And I was painfully aware that her true intentions are far from genuine.

Basically, it's that kind of thing.

Satsuki-san wanted to enact her revenge against Mai. The problem is, Mai's mentality was on par with an iron fortress.

Her strong mind was on such a level that I could just imagine her calmly say, “Hm, so it burned down. It can't be helped, let's sleep at a hotel for the night,” if her mansion were to suddenly catch on fire (Imagination).

In order to leave a mortal wound, my existence was necessary and that's why I was the best pawn for Satsuki-san to use.

“Am I right, Satsuki-san!?”

“You're not.”

Satsuki-san shook her head after hearing Detective Renako's brilliant deduction.

Under the scorching sun, Satsuki-san calmly opened her mouth.

“I like you from the bottom of my heart. Somehow, I ended up falling for you, Amaori. I like you so much, it's crazy, I love you.”

“What a splendid, emotionless confession!”

Dammit, if she's willing to go that far, I have no choice but to humor her...!

“Well then, what part of me do you like!?”

“Eh? …..Uh let's see…”

Satsuki-san rested her palm on her chin as she began to think.

Her gaze wandered over to some empty space.

“.............................Because, you properly understand your place?”

“As if that's an acceptable reason to like someone!”

On top of that, you're answering me with a question!? At least give me a more convincing reaction, even if it's all a lie!

“Huh, could it be that you're dissatisfied with me as your partner?”

“Eh!? N-no, t-that'sー”

That's the kind of misunderstanding I wanted to avoid. I should admit that in that moment, Satsuki-san was scary. And that's why it was very difficult to turn down a confession coming from her.

“Of course it isn't something like that. Satsuki-san is very charming after all...and…”

“And?”

“I've always admired your sharp and beautiful voice, and that dignified persona...You look so cool sitting on your chair, brimming with confidence. And you are such a straightforward person that I can't help but be envious of your personality…”

I said everything in a small voice while looking down.

This was surely the expected way for a shabby character to talk about their idols, right…? So that's what it came down to. I looked up to Satsuki-san…Everything that I said to her just then were my true feelings…

“I see, thank you.”

Satsuki-san's cheeks looked a bit red as she turned her face away. It must've been embarrassing for her to see me shamelessly talk about her like that. Ugh, this is awkward.

“Well, but that's um, that's why Iー!”

I admit that I was being honest in that moment, but that was a completely different matter.

“It's impossible for me to have a romantic relationship with you! Of course, I'd be happy if we could remain as friends!”

“Aah, come to think of it, that's why you have an inexplicable relationship with that woman.”

“Uuuh, it's simply impossible no matter who the partner is. It's not Mai or Satsuki-san's fault, the problem lies with me since I have zero confidence…”

Seeing Satsuki-san's sudden smile, I felt like my heart skipped a beat.

That smile was warm, like a sun peeking out through thick clouds...Huh?

“Don't worry. Even if you decide to date me somehow, I have a feeling that we'll end our relationship on good terms after a month. Now, don't be afraid and go out with me.”

“I'm really worried about the way you're trying to convince me!”

The school bell signalled the end of my complaints to Satsuki-san. How mean of her to play with my pure feelings!

I felt tired even though the morning period hadn't begun.

We left the rooftop and headed toward the classroom after I made sure to lock the door.

If it's possible, I really want to go to the infirmary and sleep. I wonder if I can change the course to [napping] until afternoon class…

Geh.

To add fuel to the fire, we encountered Mai right after we stepped into the corridor.

“Morning, Renako. Also…”

I wanted to answer her greeting with a cheerful smile, but.

Satsuki-san who was walking beside me, didn't even spare Mai a thought and just walked past her. Uwaaa….

“G-good morning, Oozuka-san.”

At least I tried to change the mood and smiled at her.

Mai looked like she was thinking about something as she rested her chin on her palm.

Satsuki-san sure is amazing. She might be the only one who's able to ignore Oozuka Mai in the entire school. I wonder if Mai was hurt by her attitude…

Absolutely betraying my expectation, Mai let out a refreshing smile like she was saying, “If you don't have any bread, you can just eat a cake, right? I prefer cake over bread anyway.”

“Today will be a great day since I ran into you before class started.”

“Nnn~~~!!! Oozuka Mai!”

I clenched my hand into a fist.

Satsuki-san came up with an absurd idea exactly because you act this way! Thanks to your usual behaviour, she just confessed to me, you know!? Now take responsibility!

If I said that out loud, Mai would surely say, “Of course I will take responsibility,” and give me a ring that cost her three months of salary. That's why, I'd never say it!

(TL Note: There's a saying that a wedding ring costs you three months of salary.)

“Hm? Is there something wrong? You keep staring at my face, could it be that you're captivated by me?”

“Yes of course! You always look gorgeous anyway!”

“Fufu, it makes me shy when you praise me like that. As I thought, today will be a great day. Well, not that it will be any different than usual since it's me we're talking about.”

Deep down, I conjured an image of punching her stomach and wiping that smug expression off her face. How nice of you to be so clueless! This, this annoying...!”

Anyway, I normally called her [Oozuka-san] while we were at school. It's not like she minds it, and I don't want people to regard us as close friends since it'll trouble Mai. For me, the ideal form of a [best friends] relationship is one where we can be considerate toward each other, so this much is normal.

“Aah, Oozuka-san, good morning!”

“Is it true that you did a live performance? I wish I could see it!”

The other students who noticed Mai's presence started to flock over to her. Looking at the crowd, Mai released her superstar aura with an all-you-can-have free smile, “Hey, everyone.”

Ugh, I wasn't good with those high-pitched noises coming from the crowd. It made me dizzy, like I was hit with a stun grenade.

I'll just let her know about the dress later, for now let's hurry and go back to the classroom…

Thanks to the Satsuki ◉ Mai double attack, my HP had almost reached zero…

By the time I made it back to the classroom, it was already packed with other students. Since I had to pass Satsuki-san's seat to reach mine, I walked carefully, but she didn't show any reaction and I safely arrived at my seat. Fuuh…, huh why did I get jittery inside my own classroom, even though I'm not doing anything fishy…

“Ah, good morning Rena-chan!”

The girl sitting right in front took notice of me and greeted me with a wonderful smile.

The light that came through the window made her hair look blinding, almost like an angel's halo.

Looking at that pleasant and beautiful smile, it felt like she was made from sweet milk, honey, a massive amount of affection, and a little magic as the final touch. It's Sena Ajisai-san.

I unconsciously closed my eyes and made a praying position.

“Aaah, I'm revived…”

“Eh, what was that?”

“Ajisai-san, you will make a perfect priest if you decide to play an RPG.”

“Really? Personally I would like to try a martial artist class, though.”

Ajisai-san took out her fist and placed it in front of her chest. Yup, she'll also make a fine martial artist. Imagining her in a china dress with a high slit, with her legs peeking through...how erotic!

“Wait, that's not it, Rena-chan!”

“Ah, yeah, my apologies.”

“Eh? Huh, no, it's okay? Wait that's not it! Umm.”

Ajisai-san looked fidgety, ah cute. Wait, that's not it.

“You see, this morning when I was heading to the classroom, I saw you and Satsuki-san together and I thought that was rare…”

It would be nice if I could've merrily denied it but I'm not good at lying. So I slowly nodded my head.

“That's true…”

“Did something happen?”

“Eh!?”

You're right, um, actually Satsuki-san confessed to me!

As if I can say that!

Sensing my questionable response, Ajisai-san hurriedly waved her hand.

“Ah, I'm sorry. It's not like I'm that eager, umm, it's just that, I was worried. That's why, you don't have to force yourself, it's okay if you don't want to talk about it, and I don't really mind it anyway! Umm, yeah, so, today sure is hot, huh!”

Ajisai-san spoke at such a high pace that I didn't catch her words or what she wanted to convey.

Since that day of Mai's accident, Ajisai-san adopted the habit of talking at a fast pace with a flustered face at times.

“Y-yeah! It's nice that the classroom is refreshing!”

This time, I chose to imitate a parrot, repeating whatever she said and giving a little nod.

I wonder why……

But of course, I think I knew the reason behind Ajisai-san's odd behavior.

Yes. That day when I declared my love for Ajisai-san.

It was totally my fault. So many things happened at once that I felt like my head would explode and my brain would boil. But still, that's no reason to do that...that…!

Frankly speaking, I marked that event as my black history. It was enough to make me scream into my pillow whenever I remembered that day.

Even now, I'm fairly sure that Ajisai-san thought of me as some sort of weirdo, fufu…

It was a situation where your friend shouted out their love for you, just like a confession…

If by any chance, Ajisai-san makes fun of that day “Rena-chan looked so unsightly back then, lol,” and uses me as a source of a joke, I think it would be the end of me. But no, Ajisai-san was very kind, she would never do something like that. She still behaved like usual and stayed as my friend after all...Goddess…

“Ajisai-san.”

“Eh, w-what is it?”

She appeared surprised and anxiously turned in my direction. Looking at her, I slowly bowed my head.

“I caused you trouble last time, so let me apologize for the things I did…”

“Eh, what is it!? Which one!?”

Faced with my sincere apology, Ajisai-san was at a loss. Ah, even her agitated face looks super cute…

If only Ajisai-san had been the one to ask me out, instead of Satsuki-san, I might've hesitated. Well, enough with the daydreaming. No matter which alternate universe it was, there wouldn't be one where Ajisai-san picked me as a potential love interest anyway.

Wait, what on earth was I thinking?

“Hey, hey, Rena-chan, Aa-chan.”

There's another beauty who suddenly appeared and rested her chin on top of my desk.

The little sister of everyone in Ashi-High, Koyanagi Kaho-chan. With a straightforward personality, she was able to gain everyone's affection, whether it's from boys or girls. That side of hers resembled Mai a bit. She always proudly declared herself as “Mai's fan” and wore a yellow hair-tie, calling it Mai's color.

She had clear eyes and a sharp nose line, and her cheerful attitude made her look attractive and charming to everyone.

In fact, she would fit as an excellent lady if she were to act a bit more graceful, but I wouldn't have been able to talk to her if she became like that, so I preferred her current version.

“Kaho-chan, the class is starting, you know?”

“Y-yeah, the teacher is coming.”

“Be-fo-re that!”

Acting like she had a secret to share, she closed the distance between us and whispered.

“That thing two weeks from now, let's do it in one swoop and bang.”

“Aah, that talk about an outing between the five of us?”

“Ssh! Too loud, Rena-chan!”

“Ah, sorry.”

“You're louder than Rena-chan, though!”

“Let's not get too hung up on the trivial details. There's one important thing that needs our attention.”

Kaho-chan gave an eye signal toward Mai and Satsuki-san's direction.

“Do you think those two will manage to make up before our promised date?”

“Let's see...their fight sure is dragging along for quite a while.”

Both Kaho-chan and Ajisai-san nodded in agreement.

Just like earlier today, Mai and Satsuki-san hadn't had a proper interaction for the past few days. Even if a third party were to step in, there's a limit to how much they could do for them. In the end, those two should have been dealing with their problems on their own, is what I thought but…

“Uuu, uu, I want to hang out with everyone~~~! Wanna go wanna go wanna go wanna go~! It's unacceptable if we're not together~~~~!”

Kaho-chan totally became a spoiled brat!

Kaho-chan who swung her arms wildly suddenly stopped and peeked in my direction, and then started moving again like a fish out of the water.

T-this is…!

The sudden trial made me nervous.

That obvious sign...she wanted someone to give her a sharp comeback, right…? ...I should do something… A retort, to Kaho-chan...!

“S, stop thaaat...!”

I timidly said it while grabbing the tip of Kaho-chan's finger.

After I did that, Kaho-chan completely stopped her movements like a robot with their battery pulled out and looked at me with a lonely gaze.

“Haa, I give you my thanks, Rena-chan...As I thought, it's not the same unless it's Saa-chan who does it for me. I think she already turned my body into something that's no longer able to survive without her…”

“S-sorry...”

“That momentary sensation where she hits you with a chop, that pain was on a level where it left you unable to laugh or cry. It was really something else…”

From the back, someone let out an objection, “I've never done something like that.” Huh so she could normally hear us since the beginning.

“If only we had an inkling of the source of the problem, we might have been able to provide assistance…”

Listening to Ajisai-san's reasonable statement made me jumpy.

Even though I knew the source of their problem, still...It's plainly impossible to tell them without Satsuki-san's permission, and that permission is not something you could obtain anyway…

Kaho-chan stood up and thrust her fist upward.

“I won't give up! I'll definitely make that outing come true! For now I'll do what I can to help them make up! The summer of our freshmen year won't come for the second time after all!”

Kaho-chan's voice echoed inside the quiet classroom. Everyone practically heard her declaration…

I peeked at two who were the source of the aforementioned problem.

Mai tilted her neck slightly, while Satsuki-san acted like she didn't hear the whole thing and concentrated on her note.

“Koyanagi, go back to your seat.”

“Okay, ma'am. Ah, your maxi skirt is very on point today, very cute!”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

I secretly let out a huge sigh.

In contrast to Kaho-chan's wish, Satsuki-san showed no willingness to patch up her relationship with Mai though…

During the lunch break, Satsuki-san wandered off somewhere on her own while Mai acted cheery as always. The four of us proceeded to have lunch together as usual.

Our lunch time felt heavier than usual since it seemed like everyone was avoiding any topic concerning Satsuki-san. Even though I intended to keep the atmosphere in our group normal, once I realized that Satsuki-san wasn't present, I couldn't escape the sense of discomfort. Nonetheless, this feeling was obviously eating me up from the inside like paranoia.

Coincidentally, I was the type that would get uselessly exhausted when exposed to this kind of dreary situation…

I was in a pinch. My communication disorder was bad enough that I took massive damage just from a day's worth of conversations, and now this. I was stuck in a situation where I needed to pretend that everything was alright.

This is too difficult for me...

Yeah, plainly impossible. I would not last if this situation kept going. Of course, if by some chance, the two of them managed to make up and we ended up hanging out together, it would spell another disaster for me. But still, this was not the time to think about that.

Because if this awkward situation kept getting dragged on, I'd surely die.

“Kaho-chan, let me help you!”

“O, ou? You look motivated, Rena-chan!”

I caught Kaho-chan in front of the bathroom.

“Yeah! Well, it's not like I can do anything grand since I couldn't think of a plan and I have zero confidence. I'm only able to provide you with my feelings of wanting them to make up...Yeah, I have nothing other than, feelings...forgive me for my lack of social skills...Sorry…”

“Eh!? Okay then, I'll gladly accept your feelings………...Huh, if you phrase it like that, I wouldn't have any other choice than saying that, right!?”

And then we arrived at the after-school time.

The moment where I was inadvertently dragged into another ridiculous mess…………

***

“Well then, let's go home, girls.”

Mai walked over to my seat after greeting everyone in class.

It was thehe usual when Ajisai-san and Kaho-chan prepared their stuff for going home and I waited for them.

“Wanna stop by somewhere?”

“Ah, since I'm free today, that might be nice. How about taking a walk around the station?”

“Sounds good, right, Rena-chan?”

“Ah, yeah.”

Honestly, my mental condition had already reached its limit considering the chain of events that transpired since morning. I really wanted to go home quickly...but I couldn't turn down their invitations…

Thanks to Ajisai-san, that troublesome curse where I couldn't turn down any invitation had subsided to a certain degree, and I was able to overcome my trauma. But that didn't mean I was magically transformed into someone I aspired to be.

Turning down others' invitations simply caused me a lot of mental stress!

Of course, Mai recognized the turmoil inside my head.

“I see, so you have something to do, Renako? Let's just go by ourselves. Kaho, Ajisai.”

Uh, she helped me again.

But I was really thankful…

I felt happy, but also pathetic. I let out an awkward laugh in the form of an agreement in response to Mai's statement.

When suddenly something soft latched onto my arm.

“That's right.”

Huh?

Mai, Ajisai-san, and even Kaho-chan appeared to be surprised as they looked in my direction. Or rather than my direction, their eyes fixated on black-haired beauty beside me.

It's Satsuki-san.

“Amaori and I need to do something, let's go.”

“Eh, w-wait!?”

She gripped my arm tightly like a spoiled girlfriend indulging in skinship with her boyfriend.

Wait, no, this isn't something cutesy like that. It's like an officer restraining a prisoner's arms!

“You have things to do, right?”

“Huh!? Uh, nah, that's!?”

“With-me-right?”

She's staring like a hawk.

What's written on her face is, “So you want to continue our talk this morning right here right now? I don't mind though, but I wonder what'll happen to you later?”.

She's threatening me!

Kaho-chan sensed something and took action before I could manage to say anything.

“I see I see! I'll trust Saa-chan to you! And we will go home with MaiMai! Right!?”

Wink wink, Kaho-chan gave me a signal.

No, stop it! You totally misunderstood the entire situation!

Rather than a plan to mend their relationship, this was a plan to drive Mai into destruction, are you okay with that!?

Satsuki-san was being really forceful as she pulled my arms, s-someone, help me~~!

“Renako, you…”

I felt like I was being pierced by Mai's sharp gaze.

This was bad. At this rate, she would confront Satsuki-san since she knows that I'm being held against my will and that would lead to a much more complicated situation……..No, please just spare me from that!

“Y-yeah! That's the thing, so...sorry girls! I'll see you tomorrow!”

If you (Satsuki-san) pull a stunt like this, I wouldn't have any other choice than going along with you, would I?!

I quickly moved my legs and followed after Satsuki-san.

From behind, I could hear Ajisai-san's hazy voice, “Re-Rena-chan~~? Why are you linking arms with her like that~~???” I toughened my heart and kept walking.

You see, this is...simply Satsuki-san's evil plan to make Mai pissed, okay!!?

“Just spare me, please.”

“That's why I'm treating you right now.”

“Vending machine stuff…”

“What? Dissatisfied?”

“Of course not…”

Clunk. I picked the green tea from the vending machine and drank it to refresh myself. I think my mind managed to clear up a little. I walked toward the table where Satsuki-san was and took a seat.

She brought me here, to the food court inside the station building.

It's not that crowded and a pretty comfortable place, but I was still breaking out in a cold sweat thanks to Satsuki-san resting her chin on her palm across from me.

“Anyway,”

Satsuki-san laughed sinisterly after drinking her beverage through a cup with [I hate unpleasant taste] written on it.

“Did you see her face? She was so shocked back there. I love this feeling.”

What a wicked smile…

“That's enough, right? You inflicted damage on her, doesn't that mean your revenge has succeeded? So you can make up with her and be friends again starting tomorrow, right?”

“Of course, this is only the beginning.”

“Right…”

Satsuki, with her palm on her cheek, smiled while looking at me.

“You really are her most precious, huh.”

“It really makes you wonder, right…”

“It's whatever at this point. What's important is, it would be very effective to date you.”

“You won't be satisfied until you go that far, eh...”

“I properly said that I like you, right? I'm pretty shy so my way of confessing might be a bit confusing...how about you assume it's something like that?”

“That's cute but still! That's not the truth, right!?”

I lazily rested my body on the table. Satsuki-san looked like she momentarily wavered before making up her mind and staring at me.

I unconsciously held my breath. Satsuki-san's sharp eyes, rather than shining brightly, looked muddy, to the point that they looked boring instead of gorgeous. Even so, I personally thought that they had their own charm and looked beautiful.

Her lustrous hair always looked dazzling, like a bird's feather that got wet after the rain.

When I looked at her, she reminded me of the moon shining bright amidst a dark sky. I was always captivated by those lonely eyes, and whenever I gazed upon them, I couldn't help but feel a slight pain in my chest.

“Ughh…”

So I quickly averted my gaze. I think I'll never be able to beat her for the rest of my life.

“Even you...went through a lot of hardships because of her, right?”

“That's...well, yes…”

The latest event that came to mind is when she fooled me and took me to a party out of nowhere. My lifespan shrank by 100 years thanks to that.

If I didn't do something about it, she'd keep leading me around. I understood it well.

But rather than conspiring with Satsuki-san's evil plan, I preferred to do things according to my own will, using my own power…

“However, I still think that this way of doing things is a bit...If we show Mai that we're dating, it'll only inflict wounds on her...and as a friend, it's a bit too much…”

“Friend…”

Satsuki-san muttered under her breath. She moved her gaze toward the cup on her hand.

“Amaori, are you, my friend?”

“Eh?”

What do you mean…?

If I interpret it in a literal meaning, it might be a bit hard to think of her as my friend..…

“I, I don't know…”

“...You really are blunt.”

“Because…!”

I gripped the green tea tightly.

“We've never talked in private before, and when I thought of you as a friend, you denied it. That gave me quite a shock! Besides, if I merrily answer you with, “Of course! I always thought of you as my precious friend!” you look like you'll get mad anyway!”

“I won't get mad but I'll definitely ask for your willingness to cooperate with me.”

“That's not my point! That way of handling things, please stop it since I won't fall for that!”

I shouted. I no longer had any way to resist Satsuki-san. Only thing that remained were my tears.

But then Satsuki-san opened her mouth while resting her chin on her hand.

“It's okay, I get it.”

“Eh…”

Seemingly sulking, she turned her face away.

“Even I understand that underhanded methods like these won't go well. Also, I never intended to use you against your own will. I'm sorry for making you go along with my selfishness.”

“Ah, umm, it's okay…”

If she suddenly apologizes like that, of course I was going to get flustered.

What should I do...

“Also, we're not friends. We are just two people who got tangled up together since we joined the same circle. That's it.”

Satsuki-san ended our conversation with that.

...I just made her confess her true thoughts.

But to leave her with a, “Well then, I'll take my leave since my games are waiting for me,” here... I didn't have the courage to do that...

“Umm.”

“What.”

I observed her expressions.

“Is it okay if I assume that you've agreed to make up with Mai?”

“................You, did you seriously come to such a conclusion based on our conversation just now?”

“Eh, am I wrong...?”

“This is why you are…”

She stared at me like she was looking at an insect. Scary!

“The bad blood between you two makes the atmosphere turn awkward and it's kinda hard for me to come to school...if I stop coming to school and burden my parents again…”

“Wait a sec, Amaori. Why do you look like you are about to cry...Eh could it be that that was a threat? You have the nerve to threaten me?”

I don't understand myself…

“Aah, geez.”

Satsuki-san's voice filled with irritation.

“I get it, I'll do it. You only need me to make up with her, right? Just like always, I only need to bow down to that clueless woman even though she's the source of the problem!”

“Eh...Satsuki-san...you're so kind…”

“But in exchange.”

“Scary!”

Satsuki-san put up two fingers and directed them at me.

“Two weeks. Give me your time and date me for two weeks. When we're done, I'll apologize to her.”

Two weeks, it means everything will end just before summer break starts.

“I'll properly ask you this time. That idiot, she has never considered me a threat this entire time, so there's no way I can let this chance slip away after I've found her weakness. That's why.”

It's just slightly, but Satsuki-san bowed her head down.

To this me.

“I ask you to cooperate.”

Unlike our previous conversations, this time her voice sounds serious.

…….It's not like Satsuki-san hates Mai. I understood that much.

Before, when Mai had that romance activity party, Satsuki-san asked me to stop her, even though she did not know what was going through my mind. She did it because she cared about Mai.

In a certain sense, she saved Mai. If that Satsuki-san is asking me for a favor, then…

I slowly looked into her eyes.

“I think I can manage if it's that much...But still, don't ask me for the impossible since I have my own limit…”

“Sure.”

Satsuki-san finally looked relaxed and the tense atmosphere since earlier went away.

“Also, thank you, Amaori.”

“Yeah…”

“Well then, we'll be dating starting tomorrow for the next two weeks. Is this okay with you?”

“Uuuh, yes…”

Everything happened so suddenly that my brain couldn't catch up with it all...

But...yeah.

My personality wouldn't allow me to reject anyone's request or invitation. Going by that, it would've hurt my conscience to reject Satsuki-san.

Unlike this average me, Satsuki-san is a strong person. But that didn't mean she deserves to get beaten down numerous times just because she's capable of enduring it. That's why I could come to sympathize with the part of her reaching out to me for help.

I couldn't directly get them to make up since it was a problem between friends, but if I could help them mend their relationship by doing this, I had no other choice… this was my reason.

Just a bit more.

When I imagined a frustrated Mai defeated by Satsuki-san, I felt like I would like to see that, but also not at the same time...it's a little complicated.

Don't lose heart now…!

“Please take care of me…”

And with that, we agreed to fake our relationship for the next two weeks.

It's Satsuki-san after Mai, huh…

But this could be a perfect chance. Since we are going to be pretend lovers for two weeks, unlike the switching situation with Mai, I might be able to grasp the true concept of being lovers. By doing this, I could make sure that I was really not cut out to have a romantic relationship with anyone.

I should see this in a positive light, or it wouldn't go well otherwise, I thought.

We cleaned our table and then left the food court.

The evening air during July felt lukewarm.

I went through a lot of things today, mainly caused by Satsuki-san though…

“Satsuki-san?”

When we left the food court, Satsuki-san stopped her steps.

“Hey, is it okay if we stop by somewhere before we go home?”

“Eh? Yeah, ah, if it's not a crowded place…”

“What was that? I'm not that woman. It's okay, it's close by.”

I didn't really mind if it was close by, so I followed Satsuki-san's steps from behind.

It took around five minutes of walking from the station before Satsuki-san stopped in front of a small shrine in the middle of a residential area. There were grade schoolers who had just come home from school and were playing ball by the side of the shrine's ground.

Amidst the calming atmosphere, a soft wind blew and made the air feel refreshing.

“Somehow it feels nice here.”

“Yeah. This place holds special memories for me.”

We walked past the Torii gate, following the narrow path leading to the small shrine.

I sneaked in a glance at Satsuki-san standing right in front of the shrine. She sure was a sight to behold...Unlike Mai, her beauty screams Yamato Nadeshiko. I bet traditional Japanese clothing like a kimono or a Miko's uniform will look amazing on her.

(TL Note: Yamato Nadeshiko is known as the ‘ideal Japanese woman')

“Umm, so you often come here?”

“That's right. Especially when I need some extra motivation to do my best.”

“That's lovely.”

“It was during elementary school when Oozuka Mai somehow got dejected and clung to me right at this very place as her last resort...Fufufu…

“Is that lovely!?”

“It was an unforgettable and exhilarating memory”

Was she reminiscing a past where she managed to snatch a victory over Mai…?

“What is your intention bringing me to this palace that stands as a memento over your battle?”

“Since we are determined to defeat that woman, no other place is more fitting to make our oaths toward each other, don't you think?”

“We won't defeat her! You need to make up with her! Tying your knots with each other!”

Wait, tying knots sounds wrong.

“Whatever, and that's why, Amaori. Even though it's just for two weeks.”

Satsuki-san tucked her hair behind her ear and looked straight at me.

Her cheeks were smeared in red when the sun began to set behind her, and my heart naturally skipped a beat looking at her.

“I'm someone with a lot of flaws, and considering my personality, people often label me as a woman made of ice. I'm perfectly aware that I'm a loner. I might not be someone that fulfills your personal preference...but, I assure you that I'm someone that will surely repay you for your help.”

I don't know about repaying a favor, but I'm perfectly sure that she's the type who could hold grudges really well.

“No, that's...huh what did you mean by my personal preference?”

“Your type is a blondie with blue eyes, and has a quarter blood, right?”

“You normally wouldn't meet someone like that, though!?”

“Someone like Sena then.”

“Ugh.”

Hearing the sudden mention of Ajisai-san's name, I couldn't give an answer.

“Wait, I think you misunderstand something. I never said that I prefer women, right!?”

“Really? If that's the case, I really am not your type then.”

Umm, but I never said that I don't like them though…

Huh, no, that's wrong! Mai really dragged me down the wrong path!

“Anyway, despite the circumstances, you're willing to go out with me, and that's why I need to do my best as your lover.”

S-somehow it's become something serious…She's doing all of this really properly...

“B-but it's not like you like me, right? You just want to date me since Mai likes me.”

“That's true.”

See, I wasn't wrong!

And then Satsuki-san continued.

“My feelings have nothing to do with this, but since we are getting into a real relationship, I want to commit to this properly.”

“This is somehow turning into a formal marriage interview-like situation…”

“That's not too far fetched, this is a formal marriage interview in a sense.”

These days, there were a lot of reasons that people got married. For example, for the sake of raising children, economical reasons, or simply out of love.

Of course, there were a lot of circumstances behind a marriage that are more than simply love and the desire to be together.

It also applied to me and Satsuki-san, since Satsuki-san wanted to take revenge on Mai and I simply wanted them to make up.

This was a contract that would benefit both parties, and I thought it put us on the same pedestal. But I guess Satsuki-san wasn't satisfied with that condition.

“That's why, even though it's just for a short while, I'll do my best as your spouse to support you.”

“E-eeeeh…….t-that way of phrasing is a bit…”

I felt my body temperature slowly rising, spouse...a spouse…

Satsuki-san wasn't able to hide her embarrassment either.

“Why are you getting flustered like that.”

“No, it's just, considering it's Satsuki-san, the way you phrased it startled me…”

“I don't know what kind of Satsuki exists inside your head, but I admit that I'm troubling you with this request. That's why I plan to show you that I can treat you well.”

“And what do you mean by that exactly…?”

Satsuki-san simply stared at me without saying anything.

What was it!?

“You can go ahead and expect great things.”

“Hiii…”

This was bad. My head felt like it would explode at any moment.

Before I could end up picturing an indecent version of Satsuki-san, I desperately erased the whole thing from my mind by swiftly moving my hand.

She usually walked around with a sour look plastered over her face and a stoic attitude, yet she suddenly made that kind of expression out of nowhere, directed only at me. The impact of that gap was so strong, it almost brought me to my knees.

For a shabby character like me, rather than a sparkling character like Mai, someone who preferred to stand in the shadows, like Satsuki-san, was far more suited after all!

“Wait...you, you are blushing right now”

“Eh!? I am!?”

It was obvious!

“You...so it's like that. I won't criticize your preferences, but if you really want to do stuff, I will, do my best...to indulge you…”

“W-wait!!”

I couldn't stand that kind of relationship though!? I preferred being friends than lovers! Getting my heart beat faster over a romance-like event is simply a burden!

“I don't want that! I totally didn't have any intention to do that! I swear stuff like that never occurred inside my mind since the day I was born!”

What the heck was I shouting? This was not the type of conversation you have inside a holy ground.

“Okay then, it puts me at ease since I'm not really experienced with things like that…”

“I definitely won't seek stuff like that from you!”

When she heard my desperate rebuttal, she raised an eyebrow.

“...But you did stuff with Oozuka Mai, right? I'm not convinced.”

“Can you stop competing with her over something like this!? Anyway, we did stuff but I never asked for it! She's one-sidedly doing this and that on her own!”

“Nevertheless, I'm also confident that society considers me to be at a high level according to beauty standards and you still say you're not interested?”

“I know it perfectly well! Since you are tremendously beautiful!”

When she heard me say that, Satsuki-san started playing with her hair as she said, “That's a given,” while acting like she didn't care about compliments like that. But Satsuki-san, you can't look indifferent if you blush like that!

“In the first place, why did you use words like spouse or marriage? Those words are too heavy...considering it's only for two weeks…”

“You...so you are that kind of an easy woman…?”

“Nnnnn!! That's not what I meant!”

She looked displeased and that gaze hurt!

“I don't know about you, but I'll still act based on my own beliefs.”

“But the real reason you're doing this is for your revenge against Mai, right…”

“I'll act based on my own beliefs.”

I understood…

“Well then, two weeks is a short time, but…”

“Yes. Please take care of me, dear.”

….Just now, did she call me [Dear] with that kind of nuance? It felt very wrong, don't you think? Did her [Dear] means that [Dear] which a wife calls her husband with? That's not it, right? It might have just been my imagination…

(TL Note: This is lost-in-translation but Satsuki uses [Anata] to refer to Renako here. It basically means [You] but is also a word that a wife uses toward her husband.)

“Unexpectedly, Satsuki-san might have the potential to be a good wife in the future...”

“Really? I wonder. You really look like you prefer a woman who's good in bed after all…”

“That's a misunderstanding! A complete misunderstanding!”

The me inside Satsuki-san's head had a completely perverted personality! Why did it turn into something like that!?

We ended our conversation that sullied Satsuki-san's precious place, and left the shrine when she suddenly reached out her hand.

Did she want to do a handshake as a way to start our contractual relationship?

“That's not it, it's just, how about doing this...as a way to start off our relationship...kind of meaning.”

“Ah.”

Satsuki-san smoothly intertwined her fingers with mine.

A chilly sensation instantly enveloped my palm.

It was a hand-holding between lovers.

“I hate to do things half-heartedly after all.”

“Uhh, but, ummm.”

Receiving that kind of treatment from someone who didn't even consider me as a friend just a moment ago gave me a bittersweet feeling.

Satsuki-san, who walked beside me, looked like a strawberry with that color smeared all over her face.

“...This isn't really a problem right? It's a basic thing to do as lovers anyway.”

Looking at her pouting lips reminded me of a little girl who played with her mother's lipstick. For the first time since we met each other, rather than beautiful or scary...

...I thought of Satsuki-san as someone cute.

The sensation in my palm was a completely different one than Mai's. It made it clear that she's a different individual. So I'm holding hands with a different woman...I won't get stabbed for this, right?

I-I'm getting nervous…

“Umm, Satsuki-san...As I thought, holding hands is…”

In response to this frightened me, Satsuki-san pulled out her phone from her bag with an enthusiastic smile.

“Hey, let's take a commemorative photo of our intertwined hands as a proof.”

“Eh.”

“Let's see, why don't we upload it on Insta? It'll certainly be a sign that she can't ignore, right? Fufu, sounds interesting. Just imagine the look of anguish on that woman's face.”

“If you do that, not just Mai but everyone in our group will discover it in an instant though!? If you do something like that, I'll file for a divorce! A divorce!”

Why did I ever think of her as cute! Her real identity was a witch planning to assassinate the princess!

With this, I had jumped straight into two weeks of uncertainties with no way to prepare for the things that were about to happen!