V2C3 Part3

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

I saw a lot of you miss Mai, good for you since this chapter contained lot of Mai. Also, sorry for the late update!

A few days after, during lunch break, we were eating our lunch together without Satsuki-san in our usual classroom spot when Mai opened her mouth and said casually, “I think it’s time for me to have a serious talk with Satsuki.”

I blinked my eyes repeatedly while chewing my bread.

A talk with Satsuki-san? So that means…

“Ooh!!”

“As expected from Mai Mai!”

Ajisai-san clapped her hands and Kaho-chan praised Mai. I was one step behind in my reaction, only managing to blurt out, “Talk...eh, a talk?!”

It wasn’t unusual for her to act so abruptly like this, but what on earth had happened so that she had a change of heart…?

Shimmering with her usual dazzling aura, she shifted her gaze and smiled at the beauty next to her, Ajisai-san.

“This morning, Ajisai came to talk to me.”

How unexpected.

Mai and Ajisai-san get along well, but it was uncommon for them to have a conversation just between two of them.

To think that the two most influential individuals in our class had a talk like that, it almost felt like an important summit between nation leaders.

Ajisai-san looked bashful hearing Mai’s answer.

“Sorry for being so sudden, Mai-chan.”

“No, it’s okay. I also thought that I should do something. You came at the right time and gave me a push that I need.”

“It wasn’t really a big deal.”

Right at that moment, Ajisai-san turned towards me, looking at me like she was giving me an eye signal.

Eh?!

“I want to do something to help my friends after all.”

“Fufu, you really are a courageous girl after all.”

“No, I’m not like that at all.”

The two young ladies conversed back and forth with elegant smiles on their faces. It might have been my imagination, but I could see flowers blooming behind them. How gorgeous...it looked like a background from some scene…

Without a word, Kaho-chan took her phone out and began snapping photos. It was a weird timing for photos, but I perfectly understood the reason she was taking photos.

“And with this, the MaiAji side takes the first lead…”

“What do you mean by the MaiAji side...?!” To ensure that I wasn’t ruining the mood between them, I asked Kaho-chan in a quiet voice.

“After the entrance ceremony, there was a fierce battle underground, between the MaiAji side and MaiSatsu side…”

“Huh? Wait, that’s weird…! They’re all girls, right...?!”

With a serious look as if she was reading a history textbook, she recited her answer flatly, “Most of the popular boys in our school already have girlfriends after all.”

“Is that a reason though…”

Mai did have the title of Super Darling, but she was also a full-fledged girl. I might say that she’s classified more as the sparkling princess type.

Even then, they would still ship her with another girl, huh…

Meanwhile, Mai and Ajisai-san were laughing together elegantly like a pair of childhood friends who had finally reunited at some high-class party after a few years.

“I have few people around me who treat me as an equal. This straightforward attitude of yours is something I need. I think we can get along long-term.”

“Aha, it makes me happy hearing something like that. You see, I feel really happy to have a lovely friend like Mai-chan.”

“The feeling is mutual, Ajisai.”

They suited each other so much one couldn’t help but think that these two were a match made in heaven, a couple arranged directly by God.

It might only be my imagination, but somehow, it was like Mai was a protagonist in a main story...and Mai’s heroine would be Ajisai-san. Or Satsuki-san would also be possible, I think. Kaho-chan was also suitable as one of the options, though she hadn’t made her appearance yet.

As for me, of course my role was to be the protagonist’s best friend...best friend, huh, I felt an overwhelming pressure due the heavy responsibility…

While I tried hard to keep my behaviour neutral to preserve the splendid MaiAji scene in front of me, Kaho-chan fearlessly raised her hand with enthusiasm.

“Here here! I want to know how Aa-chan managed to convince Mai Mai!”

Kaho-chan was amazing. She had the power to break through this type of atmosphere.

Some people might regard her personality as annoying, but Kaho-chan was really good at reading the mood, finding the perfect time to do things like this so she wouldn’t ruin the mood. That’s a high-level skill.

“That’s...”

Out of consideration, Mai looked towards Ajisai-san.

Almost as if she were nervous, Ajisai-san put her hands on her chest and opened her mouth, “Umm, since I really like Mai-chan and Satsuki-chan, it made me lonely seeing the two of them act like strangers. I was simply being honest and conveyed my feelings to Mai-chan.”

While acting reserved, Ajisai-san smiled gently.

“That’s why, in the end it was for my own sake. Mai-chan just spoiled me with her kindness,” she said, smiling bashfully.

Up until now, perhaps Ajisai-san had only shown her ‘selfishness’ in front of her family and I since I never really saw that side of hers in school.

Ajisai-san is popular. She also held good relationships with Mai and Satsuki-san so she didn’t really need to stick her own neck out into this problem.

Despite the risk of getting scorned from involving herself in others’ issues, she still gathered her courage and stepped into the problem.

Compared to me who was doing this for my own survival, she was on a different level.

She truly is a gentle and caring person.

“Rena-chan? Is there something wrong?”

“Eh?”

Turned out I had been staring at Ajisai-san, lost in thought. She had turned her attention to me after noticing. I hurriedly averted my eyes from her gaze. I was very moved and almost teared up, after all. That was dangerous.

So Ajisai-san was the type willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of others.

I had always considered Ajisai-san a wonderful person, but actually she was more amazing than I had initially thought. She wasn’t just cute and kind, she also had a strong heart and was a very admirable person.

“What is it?”

“Uhh, nothing...I just thought that Sena-senpai is very cool…”

“Eh, calling me that feels a bit unsettling, though?!”

I couldn’t restrain my overflowing admiration...I felt so grateful to God for having her enrolled in this school. Really, thank you, God. Let me properly offer You my prayer…

Before I ended up choking with tears of gratitude to God, Mai took over the conversation.

“Well, that’s what happened, Kaho. I realized that I’d never considered that my actions could affect others’ feelings and was very ignorant. Ajisai taught me that my behaviour could hurt my precious friend’s feelings.”

“No, I also should thank Mai-chan. It’s hard to listen to others and properly accept their thoughts and discuss it with them thoroughly. I think that side of you is really mature and praiseworthy.”

“Haha, you make me blush.”

In the end, not even Ajisai-san could see through to Mai’s true nature. That woman was the complete opposite of ‘mature’...

For a while, I enjoyed the scene of Ajisai-san and Mai flirting with each other.

“And that’s why—”

Suddenly, Mai continued the conversation.

“I need some help.”

Mai moved her eyes, fixating her gaze on me.

“Renako, I want to ask you to become the eyewitness. If it’s only me and Satsuki, I’m sure we will end up cursing each other without any proper solution. Of course, I’m aware that it’ll trouble you since it would take up your time.”

Fumu, I see…

Huh, eh?!

Since she had suddenly roped me into some important stuff, my head had stopped working for a few seconds.

“Why did you mention my name?!”

“You really want me to state the reasons?”

Fufufu, Mai smiled meaningfully. Wait, no.

It’s because I know the reasons for your fight, right?!

“Because Rena-chan is MaiMai’s fan, right!”

“Exactement.”

Kaho-chan who splendidly scored the right answer for the mock quiz show hosted by Oozuka Mai pumped her arms in excitement. No, wait, she might be right in some sense, but in the end aren’t you being too much?!

“What do you think, Renako? Is it too much for you?”

“T-that’s…”

Mediating between Mai and Satsuki-san...I really didn’t have the confidence to.

Even though I did say that I no longer wanted to run away from my problems, I was still the same old me who had escaped to the rooftop for the sake of being alone, you know? To have that kind of person act as a main support...no, it was impossible, definitely impossible. There was the matter of taking care of yourself before others!

In the first place, they didn’t really need to talk it through anyway. We just needed to wait one week and Satsuki-san would eventually reconcile with Mai. That was the plan...but...

“You don’t have to push yourself if you find it too difficult, okay?”

This was the opportunity created by Ajisai-san, who was showing me her gentle smile right now. I couldn’t let it go to waste. I understood that much at least.

Uuh, at least let Kaho-chan tag along!

When I stared at Kaho-chan for help, she put her hand on my shoulder and shook her head. Her gesture implied that this wasn’t her role.

“This isn’t my role.”

Wait, she really said it aloud. To be able to understand what I wanted just by reading the mood, she truly was a blessing for us social recluses. She was showing me a splendid example. I should learn from that!

Anyway, the beauties focused their gaze on me. Honestly, I really thought I wasn’t suitable for this role.

But Ajisai-san had worked hard for this! Even Mai was determined to have a proper talk with Satsuki-san! So, the rest was up to me!

I confidently pounded my chest with my fist.

“I understand...just leave everything about Oozuka-san and Satsuki-san to me...I’ll do something about it…”

I tried my best to stop myself from puking the contents of my stomach out of nervousness. I was sure even my smile right now looked zombie-like.

As I wondered how to tell Satsuki-san about the whole thing...turned out that Ajisai-san had already reached out to her first.

In short, after hearing Ajisai-san’s request, Satsuki-san had only managed to answer with, “It can’t be helped then…” while looking reluctant, but agreeing anyway.

Of course it was a good thing, since they now finally have the chance to talk things out.

...no, of course I understood. Satsuki-san had said that everything would go back to normal after two weeks, but it was because she planned to compromise and yield to the situation.

If by any chance Mai bowed down her head while apologizing and reflecting on her mistake, it would be the best outcome.

But!

The one who was going to be present during that important moment was me! Me, you know?! Not Ajisai-san, but me!

Aaaaah, I really had no idea how to reconcile two sides!

Since that was the case, Satsuki-san, don’t expect anything from me, and do your best on your own! I’ll stay by your side and cheer you on!

Fight, fight! Satsuki-san! Do your best! Do your best, Satsuki-san!

“That’s annoying so stop it.”

“Okay.”

After school, the time finally came.

Satsuki-san and I stood in front of the school gates since Mai had told us to wait for her.

“But this is a chance to test my current communication skills after finishing one semester…”

That’s right, I should demonstrate the results of my hard work after getting along with a popular group for a whole semester.

Remember that moment when you had a terrible stomachache, or horrible dizziness, or even a feeling that you had been thrown into a foreign world alone? Yep as expected, it sounded impossible.

“Don’t worry, Amaori.”

I received a word of encouragement from Satsuki-san (I bet she thought that she had said it with a gentle expression).

“Just having you be my side is enough since it gives me courage.”

“...really?”

“Yeah, of course. You make my heart feel warm, and it calms me down. I think you can do it well, just act like your usual self. If it’s with you, on top of being able to achieve anything in a harsh environment, I’m sure I can win something like a two hundred million yen lottery.”

“Why the fishy advertisement-like encouragement?!”

She really had a questionable method of cheering someone up.

“I’m sorry for lying.”

“No, it’s not really a problem...I’m happy with your feelings.”

“In fact, I’d never bought a lottery ticket before since it's meaningless to put your hope on something so vague like that.”

“That’s what you're apologizing for?!”

Hearing my retort, Satsuki-san clicked her tongue all of a sudden. Scary.

“But still, it’s hot, huh...why should we be waiting for her at a place like this...and it might be my imagination but people have been looking at us since earlier...”

Since it was right after school, other students passing by the gates were looking at us...but this-the main reason for this was Satsuki-san, who was unaware of her languorous and erotic appearance in the middle of summer…

Haha, I didn’t have any other choice. I must keep her anger in check before she explodes and decides to go home. Finally, it was time for my mediation skills to shine!

“C-come to think of it, she had said that she would bring us to a quiet place suitable for a discussion, right? I wonder if it’s some sort of cozy café?”

“You really don’t understand her at all, huh.” Satsuki-san snorted.

“As if she would choose a place for ordinary people. We’re talking about that woman. Of course it’s something beyond our imagination, in a bad way.”

“In a bad way…”

I think I could understand.

As expected from Satsuki-san, the life-time honorary president of Oozuka Mai’s Victim Association.

“Hmm, well then, something like a luxurious hotel lounge?”

“Still too naive, Amaori. There are also possibilities of bringing us to a 30-person meeting room at her mother’s company. ‘How is it? We don’t have to worry about other people if we talk here, right?’ with that annoying smile as she sits on the seat designated for executives.”

“Eh...scary…”

Satsuki-san let out a sigh like remembering something. The warm wind made her strands of hair dance in the air like wings.

“Listen well, Amaori. You can’t keep showing your bewilderment whenever she does these antics. She’ll keep planning other surprises since she’s elated with your reaction. Doing stuff like that purely based on good intention is her personality.”

“C-copy that, senpai!”

“The way to counter her attack is by emptying your thoughts. Whatever she does, wherever she brings us, just gloss it over like it’s normal.”

“As expected from senpai...Oozuka Mai’s Countermeasure Specialist!”

“Yes. By continuing to do that since our elementary school days, she ended up having thoughts like, ‘Her reaction is not enough...okay then, I’ll form a better plan next time!’ and the cycle repeated. In the end, I had created a monster who enjoys doing things like that on a daily basis.”

“So everything is your fault huh?!?!”

I was astounded by the impact of getting hit by the sudden truth.

So in short, all of my hardships and suffering—if we trace it back to the past—the main cause was Satsuki-san, right…?!

Satsuki-san smiled innocently.

“My bad, Amaori.”

“Responsibility! Take some responsibility!!”

“R-responsibility…? You, what are you saying with a loud voice in the middle of crowds...?”

“That’s not it! Things with Mai!”

“I know though.”

“I also know that you were joking from the beginning though!”

“Mu…”

For a moment, she looked displeased and furrowed her eyebrows. While deep down I became a bit frightened like usual, I also kind of felt glad since she had been honest and told me the truth…

I was still trying to reorganize my complicated thoughts when Mai arrived. Wait, rather than Mai, I guess it was more her limousine that had arrived.

“It's a limousine again...at this rate I’ll start to think that our country has no car other than limousines.”

“Calm down. Keep your composure, Amaori.”

Up until now, I thought the limousines she rode were different kinds because they were different models. I had noticed at least three different kinds of limousines. Was it because she’s rich? Well, yeah, she's rich.

The limousine stopped before us and the female driver got out of the car, opening the door to the back seat as if she was opening a door leading to the king’s throne.

When the door opened, I was momentarily captivated by the sparkling being inside the car. A woman with long, shiny blonde hair looked at us.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Are we set to go?”

She stepped down from her car and walked in our direction.

Due to the sudden appearance of the Super Darling, many female students started squealing while male students gawked at us.

Umu, that face, that body, that wealth...the combination of the factors that defined one’s worth in society...

Keep your face straight, yeah, empty thoughts…

“Too slow.”

Right after Satsuki-san said that, the gorgeous chauffeur slightly bowed her head.

“My apologies, Koto-sama.”

“...no, I wasn’t talking about Hanatori-san.”

The chauffeur let out a simple laugh.

“Fufu, I’m aware. I just want to see Koto-sama troubled.”

“........................Amaori, I’m going home. Take care of the rest for me.”

You haven’t even had a proper conversation with Mai?!

“W-wait, wait! It would be meaningless if I go alone though?! Hey, hey, wait, ahh! Listen, if you go home right now, tomorrow Ajisai-san will be sad, you know?! She would say, ‘I see…’ with a sorrowful expression, but still try to hide it anyway with a smile! I don’t want to see Ajisai-san with that face!”

“Ugh…”

My trump card, “Sena Ajisai’s Sorrow”. To use a powerful attack right from the beginning…

With a frustrated grimace, Satsuki-san stopped walking away.

“As long as you live, your bonds with your surroundings will keep growing...even though living alone without the needs of others would be far easier…”

“I don’t get what you girls are talking about but well, let’s go, shall we?”

As the exact opposite of the dark and gloomy Satsuki-san, Mai flashed us her flawless bright smile.

Hanatori-san (we’ve met before since she was always the one to drive us around, but now I’ve finally gotten to know her name) opened the door for us with a calm “Please get in.”

“Th-thank you very much.”

“It’s okay.”

Hanatori-san’s smile was so perfect I couldn’t spot a single flaw—it was such a truly exemplary business smile that it was horrifying...!

Satsuki-san and I sat in the rear seats (I wonder if ‘seat’ is a proper word for a limousine), facing Mai.

Huh, why don’t we just talk here instead of going elsewhere?

With that boring question of mine, the limousine’s engine started and we departed. I could hear the engine sound but didn’t feel any shaking. Was it because of Hanatori-san’s skill, or the quality of the car, or maybe both? I really didn’t know.

“Err…”

I timidly raised my hand as Mai perused a fashion magazine, and Satsuki-san gazed out the window.

“Where are we heading…?”

Mai answered me with an effortless laugh. Looking at that smile, I felt like groaning.

“A perfect place for having a talk. A good place.”

She rested her palm on her cheek. My cheeks grew hot as I stared at her simple yet beautiful gesture.

No doubt, it was none other than the smile of a charming beauty who simply enjoyed her own course of actions by surprising others.

“I told you, right?”

“Something beyond our imaginations, in a bad way…”

Facing us, Mai tilted her head, “Hm?”

Considering the place we arrived at, I think I understood what Satsuki-san had meant.

It was a high-class Ryoutei located in Ginza District.

(TL Note: Ryoutei is a traditional Japanese restaurant.)

The car halted right before the ryoutei’s entrance, and we stepped out of the limousine. We entered the ryoutei easily. It seemed like Mai was a regular, since the staff just let her in upon seeing her face. We took off our shoes and walked along a long corridor. It felt like we had been thrown into another world since I couldn’t see the end of the hallway.

I had never seen something like this except in some dramas, especially this Japanese-style room. The room had something like a traditional scroll hung up on the wall, and I could even hear the hazy sound of a water-filled bamboo with its classic “Pon” sound from somewhere.

I had never thought the day would come when someone casually told me, “Hey, I know, let’s stop by a luxurious ryoutei I know in Ginza”. So today was my first and my last ryoutei experience, huh…

Mai who appeared very used to this environment took a sip of her tea.

“This is a quiet place and no one can listen to our conversation—a perfect place for a discussion, right? I’m sure that this time, my behaviour isn’t wrong. This is a perfect decision.”

“This scale isn’t something usual for high school girls you know...something like this place is usually reserved for some secret political deal, or to hide someone from something like a scandal, right…”

Of course I admit that she wasn’t wrong since it really was a place for a discussion. It was just...this level was like Mai bringing me a wedding cake when I was craving for sweets. In short, it was excessive!

“Ah, since it’s this time already, how about having dinner together? They have quite an impressive dining menu. What do you think?”

“That’s a given, huh! It’s a ryoutei after all, right!”

“That’s not necessarily true. There are a lot of places with ryoutei signs but they actually aren’t really doing it properly. But I guarantee the authenticity of this place.”

“I see! I’m sorry for being so clueless! But that wasn't my point!”

Mai had provided her explanation with a smug expression, her eyes sparkling. Now she murmured, “Oh my, is that so,” and then averted her gaze.

“I wasn’t able to serve you a great dinner experience last time, so I thought of this method to fulfill that promise to you...if it’s here, there aren’t any other people and it’s quiet, right?”

“Uu…”

I lost my calm as Mai formed a weak smile.

It was exactly like she had said. A ryoutei was a quiet place, and it would be just us, a perfect place for an ex-shut-in like me since I wouldn’t need to escape to a washroom to calm myself.

Could it be that she had reflected on what had happened during the party last time…? How unexpected.

It troubled me to see her suddenly behaving like that…

Because it made me happy to think she had really thought of me to that degree…

As I agonized over what to do, Satsuki-san, seated beside me, calmly raised her hand.

“Thank you, but I should refuse your offer since I’ve already prepared dinner. If you want to have a meal, have it after this discussion ends.”

“I see, well then, how about just the two of us, Renako?”

“Uuuu~~....w-well…”

My body was instantly drenched in cold sweat. I moved my head stiffly.

This was sudden but, this was an emergency! I should calm my mind and consider each factor. Was it okay?! Of course it was, right? Thank you!

If right now I chose to enjoy a luxurious meal with Mai and let Satsuki-san who worked hard in her part-time job go home first by herself since I didn’t want to hurt Mai’s feelings, it would be bad, right?!

But what about Mai who had worked hard to prepare this for my sake?!

Also, it wasn’t like I had the ability to turn down people’s invitations, right?!

My mind was being pulled by three different opinions towards three different directions. I decided to accept her invitation before I felt like I was torn apart.

As if she realized something, before I could answer, Mai said, “Ah.” and directed her gaze on the teacup before her.

“Pardon me, we don’t have to.”

When I raised my face, our eyes met and she was smiling.

“We don’t have to today since we still have a lot of chances for dinner later. I didn’t intend to change our purpose of coming here. Let’s just have a talk for today.”

My chest! There was an unbearable pain in my chest!

Why are you being that kind! Even though I betrayed you...I betrayed your feelings and dated Satsuki-san…

This wasn’t good. I might die from guilt before they even start talking.

My soul was secretly leaving my body when Satsuki-san interrupted our conversation, “More importantly, you want to talk to me, right? Let’s just hear it out.”

“You’re right. Okay then.”

Mai accepted her suggestion.

“How’s your job going? Are there any problems?”

“Nothing like that. We’re even allowed to buy the doughnuts at a discounted price.”

“I am more experienced in being part of the workforce after all. Just ask me if you need some advice.”

As expected from Mai, she even knew that Satsuki-san had a part-time job.

But wait, part of the workforce…? What kind of job was this queenly woman doing...ah, of course, she had been modelling since a long time ago!

“Workforce...eh, are you classified as a worker?”

The definition of ‘worker’ inside my mind was a lady in a suit. Mai instantly broke it into pieces, replacing it with her image.

Mai beamed.

“That’s right, Renako. The money I used whenever we hung out was the money that I earned from my job. I’m usually too busy between school and work after all, so I don’t often have time to spend it. That’s why you don’t have to worry and just enjoy spending my money. I like to support you with the money I earn after all.”

Hearing that, Satsuki-san looked at me scornfully.

“Amaori, so you are…”

“No, wait, that’s not it! That was a misunderstanding! I never pestered her for money, you know?! She spent it on her own accord! That’s not the truth!!”

I objected to it with all my might and pressed the two of them to move on from this topic.

“There's something more important, right?! Just continue the talk!”

“Ahh, you’re right. Err, Satsuki.”

Mai who laughed as if she was enjoying herself changed her expression in an instant, now looking serious.

Usually, Mai exuded a gentle aura around her, but when she switched into her serious mode, she looked like a different person. It gave off the impression that no one could bend her will, like a goddess that wouldn’t become sullied by evil.

I shut my mouth so I wouldn’t disturb them.

“We’re talking about me after all, so there must be something that you found unpleasant from my behaviour, right?”

Ooh, looking good there.

“...not really.”

Satsuki-san averted her gaze.

It would be far more simple if you just answered with, “That’s right.” Geez, she had a maiden heart.

I had discovered that Satsuki-san could be more stubborn than usual, especially when it came to Mai. Her stubbornness level could likely surpass the toughness of a diamond in this situation.

“You sure haven’t changed at all. You’ve never said it directly and wouldn’t tell me the reasons. You’re always like this. This might sound unfair, but it’s not like I did you wrong because I wanted to.”

“...even though you did a lot of things out of your personal interest.”

“If that’s the main reason for your anger, I guess I don’t have any way of overcoming it. But if that wasn’t the case, it might be something that I’ve done unintentionally. Could you at least tell me why you’re angry? I might be able to find a solution after hearing your answer.”

“...that’s...”

Satsuki-san looked reluctant to answer. She swallowed the words she had been about to say, shutting her mouth. Judging by her expression, she looked like she had wanted to say it, but now couldn’t.

Compared to her, Mai appeared more perceptive than usual. It was a complete opposite of how they usually behaved in the classroom.

“This time, you weren’t angry like usual, your anger was stretched out to a large degree. Usually you would return to normal after three days of fighting, with a face like there’s no other choice after all. You finally exploded after all these times, huh. That’s why, it would be great if you just tell me the reasons.”

“That’s why I told you that I really don’t…”

No matter how hard Mai pressed her for an answer, I was sure that Satsuki-san wouldn’t tell her the truth.

That’s why I decided to open my mouth since I couldn’t bring myself to see this farce any longer.

“U-um, listen, Mai. That time you said, ‘Because, you like me, right?’ and that’s why—uff!”

Beside me, Satsuki-san striked my side with her hand!

While using my hands to press on the part she had hit, I shouted at the suddenly violent Satsuki-san, “That’s because you won’t tell her anything!”

“Then just make sure that this woman understands that she is the center of the problem! I bet she’ll take control of you for the rest of your life if she understands! Wait, it’s not like she’s so significant that she has become the center of the problems in my life, though?!”

“Eeeeh…?”

Even I could figure out that the last part was slightly pushing it even for Satsuki-san...as if understanding what my facial expression was relaying, Satsuki-san’s face turned red in seconds.

“Listen now! This is a good opportunity so let me say it so you won’t misunderstand any longer!”

Satsuki-san squeezed her eyes shut while pointing her finger at Mai.

“I’m going to say it! In truth, it’s not like I harbor special feelings for you, okay?!”

“That line totally sounds like something from someone who likes her...”

“Shut up, Amaori!”

I had intended to mumble that but she caught it perfectly. Scary.

Satsuki-san redirected her gaze at Mai, hostility flaming in her eyes.

“The main reason is you. Why would you think that I like you? Stop saying something so baseless like that.”

“Was that really necessary though? You’re the one who has always stayed by my side since a long time ago. Of course your feelings have reached me.”

Mai placed her hand on her chest and nodded by herself.

Satsuki-san looked taken aback.

“F-feelings?”

“Since long ago, you’ve always challenged me into doing things, just like a grade schooler boy who wants to trouble a girl he likes. Of course I get it.”

I-it’s here! Oozuka Mai, the Princess of Positivity! A sparkling world that she saw through that special lens of hers!

“The heck is that...it’s not like you were troubled by my behaviour right?”

“Of course I am. Even now, I don’t know if I could answer Ajisai, Kaho, and Renako’s expectations to make up with you. That’s why I’m troubled.”

“In the first place, I’m already a high schooler now, of course I wouldn’t do something childish like that.”

“Aaaah!”

I clapped my hand upon realizing something.

“I see. Since Satsuki-san likes Mai, that’s why she wants to trouble—ufff!”

Another sharp pain flared up in my side!

“I’ve grown, in both mind and appearance.”

What Mai chose to say next, after hearing Satsuki-san’s words was...something that sounded cruel at least for me. “Are you? From my personal viewpoint, you haven’t changed much since our first interaction though.”

“...wh...what are you saying?”

If you asked me whether Mai had the ability to assess someone’s quality or not, I’d answer that she didn’t. I could say that because she had regarded me as her “fated person”, so of course she couldn’t judge people well.

But even though she was like that, I was perfectly aware that she’s a person who could see through to others’ true nature.

Perhaps it was because she had spent her days putting up the facade of the superstar Oozuka Mai that she was able to identify the parts others want to bury deep inside them.

It was a given that Mai, who tried to treat people the way she wanted to be treated, appeared as a person filled with brilliance.

Even though I understood, still...if someone desperately tried to change herself into someone better, being honest and straightforward towards her goal, I couldn’t really say that I agreed with what Mai said.

Once again, I realized that Mai and Satsuki-san’s personalities were polar opposites...

Honestly, I could sympathize with Satsuki-san who had gotten upset after hearing Mai’s words saying that she hadn’t changed at all.

“...why...why were you saying something like that…”

Satsuki-san’s dreams and determination were her main everyday weapons, to fight and strive for her goals.

When I imagined the worth of Satsuki-san's efforts in Mai’s eyes, it scared me.

What if for Mai, Satsuki-san’s desperate attempts to better herself hadn’t left a single impression at all?

What if, from Mai’s perspective, everything Satsuki-san did had been meaningless…?

But as expected, it was impossible for Mai to think like that. This was the mere byproduct of my excessive imagination!

Satsuki-san shouted, lashing out her frustration and anger, “ーand what about you!”

“What is it?”

“Putting up a front, but when things don’t go in the direction you expected, you just bawl your eyes out!”

“That’s...”

“You might intend to look mature by behaving like that, but it has only caused trouble for the people around you! In the end, deep inside, you’re still that little girl I had met back in elementary school!”

Satsuki-san ultimately pointed out the undesirable parts within Mai. Unlike Mai, who hadn’t intentionally injected malice in her words, Satsuki-san’s words were swords aimed to hurt her opponent.

Not even Mai could hide the displeasure inside her heart.

“That has nothing to do with this problem, don’t you think? Ah, now come to think of it, you ended up telling Renako about everything back then, huh. How careless of me to not shut your mouth.”

“That’s right, that careless side of you hasn’t changed at all since childhood. You’re always like that. Even when you face a situation where it’s normal to hesitate, you keep walking ahead with baseless confidence, convincing yourself that everything would be okay since it’s you. Of course you ended up falling into the hole you’ve dug for yourself, like that time when you angered Amaori.”

Stung by her words, like she was getting stabbed deeper, Mai narrowed her eyes.

“...that was completely my fault. I admit that it was a mistake. But that’s why, I’ve decided that I would do my best not to repeat the same mistake a second time.”

“Oh my, how admirable. Amaori, you can come to my house next time. I can show you pictures of Mai crying after her failures. I think I can find around twenty pictures if I look for them properly.”

“Eeh…?”

Mai’s crying face...I really couldn’t picture it. Of course I wanted to see it, but…

At that moment, Mai struck the table. Hii.

At last, Mai’s patience had run out.

“Why would you involve Renako in this?! That’s really spiteful of you!”

“Really? I think I’m really kind, considering I let you bother me until 5 in the morning with your crying and complaining?! Because people keep treating you kindly, you think it’s normal for you to receive nothing but kindness! I really hate that part of you!”

“Even though I had intended to pay you back for that favor, I know that your personality won’t let me do it! If you're getting like this now, why didn’t you turn me down from the start!”

“Ha! And what if I really did that? You wouldn’t have anywhere to go if I turned you down back then!”

“No, you’re wrong!”

Ah, they’re fighting. It would only escalate at this rate…

As I became scared sitting on the sideline, Mai suddenly walked over to me and stopped beside me.

And then, she grabbed my arms….huh?

“Right now, I have someone I love from the bottom of my heart. I’ll make sure to depend on her from now on.”

“Eh?!”

Mai gave me her usual enrapturing smile.

And then, she looked sharply back toward Satsuki-san.

“That’s why, thank you for being with me until now, Satsuki. From now on, Renako will be the one who stays beside me. We’ll walk together into the future. That’s why, let’s get married, Renako.”

“We won’t though?!”

Why are you taking advantage of this chaos to say stuff like that?!

On top of it, you were the one who hadn’t wanted to show me your tears back at the pool. I don’t think our relationship will go smoothly if you can’t show me your emotions. Anyway, I think this was just her form of retaliation against Satsuki-san’s words. She wanted to show Satsuki-san that she could fight back…

Upon seeing Mai’s reaction, Satsuki-san scowled at her.

“‘Thank you for being with me until now’, huh…?”

I could feel resentment behind those words. Something like, even though I’ve always put up with your absurdity, what are you saying now? Satsuki-san was someone who would properly return a favor, even for her enemy, but...

I felt goosebumps erupt on my back.

What was this…? Cr-crap, I didn’t know what was coming, but my gut was telling me that if I stayed here, I’d get involved in something dangerous.

Ah, my stomach hurt. It really hurt, I thought! I could feel the trauma from my middle-school days resurrecting. If I thought it hurt, my stomach would actually hurt. By doing this, I had been able to skip a few classes back then. What a real accomplishment. Alright then, time to excuse myself for a toilet break.

“Fufu.”

Satsuki-san grabbed me as I started to stand up from my seat.

“Fufufu…..”

I peeked at her. Close beside me, her lips had turned into a perfect crescent moon shape, a wicked smile. Scary.

She gripped my wrist with all of her might, just like a spider who had caught its prey.

“How laughable. If it’s really like that, then, you’re alone after all. Your loss, Oozuka Mai.”

“...what do you mean?”

Ah, this was dangerous.

“Let me tell you quickly, in the way you can understand. Right now, the one who’s dating Amaori is me!”

Bambam!

That was the sound of Satsuki-san’s confession inside this ryoutei. Ahh!

I bent my shoulders lower and squeezed my eyes half shut. But after a few moments, Mai hadn’t reacted.

I slowly opened my eyes.

Looking at her, Mai was blinking her eyes repeatedly, confused.

Ah, of course, huh. For people who knew my relationship with Satsuki-san before, this truth would sound like utter nonsense.

Even if you asked Ajisai-san and Kaho-chan...no, well, Kaho-chan kind of had the weird ability to sense things, so I couldn’t really speak for her, but I bet they wouldn’t believe this.

“Stop your ridiculous joke, Satsuki. I’m perfectly aware that no one would choose you over me if they really needed to pick between us.”

Even though that might be true, I couldn’t help but think that she was too full of herself by that argument!

Facing Mai who was laughing complacently, Satsuki-san pulled out her phone.

“Time for a picture of a kiss as evidence, then.”

“Impossible?!?!?!”

After staring at Satsuki-san’s phone, Mai collapsed, shocked. Mai!

Her screen showed a picture of our kiss that night.

“Whaaaaaa! Why do you have this?! Satsuki-san!!”

“I figured this situation would happen, so I made sure the camera was working back then.”

This woman! She really had no gaps in her defense!

Anyway, even though it was to Mai, showing a picture like this was very embarrassing. I felt like my brain would boil over.

No, more than that—

“If you show her this—!”

“If I show her this?”

“Mai will misunderstand!”

Hearing my yell, Satsuki-san calmly answered me like she wasn’t bothered at all.

“Misunderstand? What were you saying?”

Satsuki-san placed her palm on my cheek. Hiee. Her palm felt hot, and her excitement in this situation got through to me.

That beautifully shaped face was staring at me. She smiled enticingly, her perfectly sculpted lips looking like a masterpiece.

“That picture speaks no lies, though? Hey, should we do something more than that picture right here?”

If this was me from two weeks ago, without any doubt, I would be defeated by Satsuki-san’s pressure and wouldn’t be able to say anything, or even fight back, all while blushing furiously.

But I had changed. So I smacked her hand away and pointed my finger at her.

“You act like this right now, but you were so embarrassed back then!”

Slowly, Satsuki-san’s face grew redder.

“Th-that’s a given, right! It was my first time after all!”

“D-don’t worry! That kiss did not count! Since I was half asleep!”

“You keep saying that for your own convenience!”

“Because it’s impossible! As if I could accept the fact that I took your first kiss. I’m not strong enough to bear that reality!”

“That’s not really a good reason and it's far more annoying when you pretend it never happened!”

Satsuki-san and I quarreled back and forth. Meanwhile, Mai was still dumbfounded, recovering from the shock of what she had just seen.

“That’s nonsense...I’ve lost to Satsuki…?”

That line made her sound like the last boss from an RPG.

“Ah, no, Mai! At first she had only intended to provoke you by kissing me on the cheek! In short, that was simply an accident! That’s why don’t misunderstand, okay!”

“That’s why I asked you what you meant by misunderstand?” Satsuki-san pulled me into an embrace from behind. Wait a minute!!!

I tried to shake her off but she was strong!

She brought her mouth closer to my ear and whispered, sounding just like the God of Death’s sweet whispers.

“We became lovers, we kissed, and you’re still saying that? Then, can you explain the true form of our relationship other than lovers? I bet you can’t.”

Satsuki-san’s words echoed inside this quiet room, unwavering.

“Became lovers…?”

Mai’s eyes widened. I clearly saw the state she was in.

“U-uhh...i-it’s not what you think...this is, we’re just dating for two weeks…”

“You’re right, but currently, we are dating, right? Dear.”

“Renako…”

“Uuuuhhhh.”

I was crushed between Satsuki-san, Mai, and my own regrets.

Why had things turned out like this...Well, I should’ve known that it was going to end like this from the moment I had agreed to do this.

The moment I had agreed to being Satsuki-san’s lover, Mai would get hurt.

At that time, I had been too engrossed in patching up their relationship that I hadn’t considered the consequences. Even though there should’ve been other methods to doing this…

I had determined that I should treat Mai thoughtfully since I treasured her as a friend. Even then, without telling her, I had chosen to go out with her childhood friend. I really was the worst.

Mai slowly raised her head, a hurt expression on her face, her wet eyes looking straight at me.

Since I regarded her as my precious friend, it would be the end of me the moment she pummeled me with words of hatred and disappointment.

She slowly opened her mouth.

“Why would you...Renako...even though you have me as your lover, you cheated on me...?”

“Friends! We are friends! Rema friends! We aren’t lovers!”

This again?! Wait, were we supposed to be dating now?! Did she alter her own memories?!

“Because you already agreed back then! You told me that it was okay to let Satsuki-san do whatever she wanted! And this is the result!”

“I see, so that time, you were testing me…? The truth is, you desperately called for help from the bottom of your heart, that you wanted me to stop you, but I chose to let go of your hand…”

“Did you just describe me as some bothersome woman who likes to test her lovers by cheating with other people?!” I desperately protested with a yell.

Honestly, the way I said this really looked like I was pinning the blame all on Mai, but still, the one who had backed me into this was Mai. That was the truth.

“You were the one who had said that you don’t mind since in the end you would be my last, right!”

“So that means even though you’re doing this, your heart is still mine…?”

“My heart is my own!”

Satsuki-san stood before Mai, who was stricken with grief, and pulled me tighter into her embrace.

“This, this is the sight I’ve always wanted to see...”

Just like the ruler of darkness who had already secured victory over her magical girls opponents, she cackled wickedly.

“I’ve always wanted to see this! What a sight to behold, where Oozuka Mai grovels before me! Ahh, what a pleasurable occasion! Today will be the day of my rebirth! Koto Satsuki’s life has been fulfilled as of today!”

With a joyous smirk, she laughed eerily.

Ahh, geez, what should I do in the middle of this hellish situation…

Ajisai-san, I’m sorry...with this puny communication skillset of mine, I couldn’t do anything after all...I’m sorry for being so useless…

Amidst the victorious sound of Satsuki-san’s triumph, Mai spoke once again.

“...wait a minute. Before, Renako said that you were dating for two weeks. What would happen after that?”

“Ah yeah, at first we intended to just leave it at that but right now I’m in a great mood. So depending on Amaori, I think it would be okay if I let her continue our relationship after two weeks.”

Eh?! W-wait a minute, Satsuki-san! That was different from our agreement!

The only reason I had agreed to do this was to create a chance for you to make up with her…

Huh, wait, as if she could casually say, “Well then, it’s been two weeks so let’s make up now, Mai.” after she boldly declared her victory like that! That’s a given, right?!

“Do you intend to marry Renako at this rate?”

“I wonder. Well, let’s just do that then.”

“We won’t do that though?!”

Don’t just casually choose your marriage partner as a form of retaliation, Koto Satsuki!

After hearing that, Mai regained her composure to a certain extent.

“That means, from now on, I still have a chance. I’m not the type of woman who would easily give up after just a single defeat.”

“Mu...how obstinate.”

“I will make her forget about you. I’m confident enough to do that much.”

“Even though I’ve already snatched her from you?”

“It’s okay to make short, temporary stops in our life once or twice, right? Actually, if she’s really going out with you, it’ll serve as a chance to help her discover my true charm.”

“Mumumu…”

Having just gone through a brief moment of despair, Mai stood up once again with a new shine in her eyes.

Right, Mai was bad at giving up. No matter what my answer was, she would keep chasing after me without giving up. That resiliency of hers was one of her greatest strengths.

Just a minute ago, Satsuki-san had basked in glory and declared her life fulfilled. Now her expression instantly changed, and she groaned, “Well, alright.”

Satsuki-san caressed her own hair. For now she had already secured one victory over Mai so she looked satisfied. But it seemed like she hadn’t really thought about the next step.

I had recently figured this out, but Satsuki-san really had this careless side to her, huh…

During the pause, Mai took advantage of the situation.

“That’s why, Satsuki...how about having a match with me?”

“A match?”

“Aah, it’s a simple one. Right now my relationship with Renako is still stuck between friends and lovers. Going by that situation, to leave me hanging like this will be a threat to your relationship, and you don’t want that, right?”

Satsuki-san showed her displeasure bluntly.

“That’s, well, you’re not wrong. In order to protect our relationship from you I think I really should do it properly, huh. It would be terrible if I don’t fully benefit from this relationship since I’ve been through a lot of hardships because of this.”

She really had no love for me! Ah, but if there was love, it would be more troublesome though!

“...but, hearing you say that gave me chills. You have no intention to lose, right?”

“Of course. I’ll win and take Renako back.”

I’m not yours so you can’t do that.

“She’ll marry me in the future, and we’ll make a happy family. I don’t really mind how many kids you want. We can take turns in giving birth, Renako.”

“Whose kids?!” I couldn’t hold back any longer, so I objected.

In the first place, I had the feeling that things would escalate towards unfavorable situations mainly for me if I keep quiet.

Both Mai and Satsuki-san were really strong opponents, so getting between their fights was the same as stepping into a rampaging typhoon.

It was time to go against this mood. I couldn’t stay quiet any longer. I must do it for my own sake!

“I see.”

A cold voice instantly turned my burning spirit into nothingness, like pouring a bowl of ice onto a flame. Satsuki-san scowled, stating, “Then, if I win, Amaori’s life will become mine completely.”

“Life?! I’m still in my first year in high-school and you’re already asking for my life?!”

Ignoring my protest, she fixated her gaze on Mai.

“Right, your life. I’ll stay beside you, and we will spend our time together dearly. Holding hands, kissing each other, also...things beyond...that. We’ll also do it.”

“Are you insane?!”

I desperately shouted my disagreement. Right, I was desperate.

“Do as you please. Let’s start this match and put Renako on the stake.”

“Yeah, let’s put an end to this.”

Mai and Satsuki-san glared intensely at each other.

These girls, these girls…!

If I was a naive maiden, I bet I would be excited since the school's Super Darling and her rival were fighting over me, but this, this was a completely different situation.

From an ordinary person’s point of view, these two were unreachable beings. Mai was a rich lady with a celebrity career. Satsuki-san, although poor, was smart and a hard worker. It was a given that she’d become an outstanding person not far in the future.

No matter who I ended up with, I was sure I would secure a bright future.

Mai who had showered me with her love, and Satsuki-san who was diligent and would properly take care of her spouse—having people like them as a partner made the boundary of gender and sexuality seem meaningless since they would make my life go smoothly.

To be honest, I would actually like to try yelling, “Stop fighting for me!” like a heroine from an afternoon drama. Of course, that would mean I was receiving a lot of love, overwhelmed by their feelings.

But of course, that was impossible for me. Absolutely impossible!

If you asked if this made me happy, yes, their feelings did make me happy.

But this kind of happiness felt like the happiness I had felt during my isolated middle-school days, when I had shut myself in my room and happily passed the time gaming. That kind of happiness.

Right here, if I chose to stop thinking and let them decide my happiness, then I shouldn’t have pushed myself in my high-school debut in the first place!

“Wait a moment, you two!”

I jumped in between the two of them and instantly caught their attention.

“Renako.”

“What is it, Amaori? We are talking about something important right now.”

“Well of course, since it’s my life you are talking about?! Of course I’m aware. Like, completely aware!”

Ignoring that intimidating, cold stare, I insisted on expressing my objection.

“In the first place, I would lose my freedom regardless of who wins this battle! Also, I’ve already been saying this from the beginning—I absolutely don’t want a lover since it’s impossible for me! What I want is friends!!!”

“But Renako, the main reason you insisted on having a lover was because you’re afraid of losing that person the moment your relationship ended, right? Don’t worry, I'm really determined to devote my whole life to you.”

“Ah, ditto.”

“Satsuki-san you’re treating this too lightly, don’t you think!? Even so, it’s impossible if you spring this on me out of nowhere. I definitely don’t want that! Either it’s my love or my life, I’m the only one who should get to decide that!”

Of course, the real reason was that I still didn’t have the courage and confidence to have a special relationship with other people. I was aware that there probably wouldn’t be a second time where I met someone who was so willing to love me sincerely like her. I knew that and was also afraid by that truth.

But who cares! The probability isn’t zero anyway!

“That’s why—”

I stretched out my arms and shouted, “I’m also doing this! Your battle, let me participate!”

Even those two were taken aback by my sudden declaration.

“What?”

“Excuse me?”

Dammit, these people, treating me like I was some casual object.....

My social recluse’s soul was burning with passion before these selfish women. Although I’m bad at socializing, although I was a coward, I could still strike ahead using the power of anger.

“It’s okay, right?! Not even you girls will be insolent enough to say that I have nothing to do with this, right?!”

Mai and Satsuki exchanged stares with each other.

“Having you join this battle is a bit unexpected, but...”

“Of course, I also won’t object to it, but...”

Mai placed her hand on her chin, “Fumu.”

“Well then, this is a good chance since we have finals starting next week. Let’s use that for the final showdown.”

“Just as you wish. I’ll make sure to turn the situation in my favor this time.”

“Wait!” A yell painted with grief escaped from my mouth.

Seeing my reaction, Satsuki-san smiled silently.

“It’s time to prove your true ability after our training, Amaori. Prepare for the real deal. Either the form of the battle or the enemies, you already get the grasp of it, right? You just need to do your best.”

“Do you really intend to send novice adventurers to the devil king’s castle?! You and Mai are the top two in our grade?!”

Satsuki-san was the one who taught me anyway. She was my master. Of course she understood how far I could go in my studies.

“But Renako, you are a woman who is able to enthrall me. That’s why I think you have a potential befitting your charm. As long as you want to, I think you could surpass us.”

“My last grade was around bottom average though?!”

I didn’t know why she had said that with a smug smile, but she sure was able to say something embarrassing like that.

I had yelled too much today. My voice would probably be hoarse tomorrow.

But if I stepped down right now, that tomorrow wouldn’t come!

“Hey, that’s why, let me decide the form of the battle! You are putting my life on the stake here, so you’ll let me do that much, right?!”

I think my argument was reasonable enough, right?

“No, but...” Mai disagreed in a heartbeat.

Eh, what is it...why…

The current me had been blabbering spontaneously since earlier so if she put a stop on me during this state I would weaken. Even a paper plane couldn’t fly properly from the rooftop without proper driving force!

Mai averted her gaze and her cheeks turned red. “In case you win, and you ask for my life just like the situation we put you in, I think it is...”

“Ah I won’t ask for something like that, so don’t worry!”

“Could it be you will ask for Satsuki’s?!”

“Wrong!”

I’ve already decided at the beginning what I’d ask for if I won this battle.

Remember the reason why we came here. Remember who was responsible for this situation.

That’s right, everything was for the sake of reclaiming that stress-free and peaceful life.

Also, to answer the expectations of Ajisai-san, who believed in me.

“If I win, you will keep your relationship as is, friends from the same social circle! And then, you will make up with each other!”

Immediately, Mai and Satsuki-san turned to look at each other.

Both of them scowled and looked displeased by my request. As expected, this wouldn’t go smoothly.

But, let me do that much! I was already betting my life for your sakes, okay?!

Satsuki-san was the one who first agreed, “Well, I’m okay with that. That’s understandable.”

For Satsuki-san, her chance of a complete victory over Mai was around 1:3, so I thought that probability wasn’t that bad. Even if by any chance I was able to strike a victory, she would only be fulfilling the contract between us.

After seeing Satsuki-san’s reaction, Mai also nodded her head. “I also don’t mind that. Now, what kind of thing would we compete over, then?”

Heh, there was only one answer for that.

I pulled out my phone and showed them the image on my screen.

While they observed my screen, I read out the title triumphantly, “FPS! First Person Shooting Game. Let’s do our match with this!”

Our battle would take place in one week, the last day of our first semester. In short, next week.

We would each have seven days to prepare for this competition, but with our final exams starting Monday and ending Wednesday, of course the training time would become shorter. That was intended to reduce their time to prepare and train.

“How childish.”

“It’s okay if you don’t want to do this! It’ll be your loss by default, a forfeit! It means…!”

It means I chose this method since it would give me a high chance of winning!

“How’s that?!”

In response to my question, Mai smiled calmly. “I don’t really mind this method.”

Her smile looked composed. It seemed like she was really confident in beating me as long as she had one week to prepare for the whole competition. Fufufu, you fell for my trick, Oozuka Mai...

On the contrary, Satsuki-san appeared troubled.

“This is a game, right? I don’t have a console for this.”

Indeed, there was that problem. It was a PS4 game and of course I couldn’t ask her to buy a console just for this match…

But then Mai raised her hand.

“Ah, just take mine then. There’s one that I haven’t used yet, I'll lend it to you.”

“Eh, why do you have two?”

“I bought it to practice so I could beat Renako in that PvP game we played before*. I asked my attendant to help me practice so I bought two sets. I didn’t think that one console was enough to do it.”

(TL Note: *In case you forgot, this refers to volume 1 chapter 1)

I-I see. So there were people who thought of doing something like that.

“Well then, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Alright, I’ll also send the TV over later.”

...it seemed like those two were taking this seriously. Crap. I started to sweat out of nervousness.

No, no no...it’s okay, it will be okay.

No matter how gifted they were, I wouldn’t lose. I definitely wouldn’t lose. It wasn’t like I was being stubborn. It was just I believed in my ability to win this.

I chose the method that I was skilled at after all!

“You’ll make up with each other when I win this, okay!”

“Of course. But in exchange, once I win this—”

“Y-yeah...wait, no it’s okay! You don’t have to say it out loud! I get it!”

“I don’t have any experience in gaming, but...well, I’ll make do somehow.”

Satsuki-san quickly pulled out her phone and started researching the game we were planning to play, reading every detail available. This wasn’t something that the inexperienced would do! This quick-witted woman!

Even though I had confidence, of course I’d get a bit scared knowing their abilities…

With this, we started our holy war.

Literally, a battle that put my life on a stake!

In the limousine on our way home, I received a message from Ajisai-san.

[How did it go with their make up plan?]

I didn’t have any idea how to respond, so I thought for a while and then typed out a reply.

[I’m sorry. I can’t really tell you in detail but it ended up with another battle…]

[Their relationship got that much worse?!”]

*****

Translator's Note:

I can't stop reading Mai's line with Bandori Kaoru's voice and Ajisai's line with Nijigasaki Ayumu's voice, can someone help me.