V3Ch2: Rainbow Impact

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Translator: Soafp

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I decided to join the White faction.

Though saying “join” is a bit much—it’s just a statement of intent. There’s no contract to sign, and no special procedures to follow.

Also, as of now, I don’t plan to vote for Shirase in the Tenka Contest.

Sure, we made up. But just because we’ve reconciled doesn’t mean my impression of her suddenly changed for the better. Shirase apologized, and I accepted it. For now, that’s all there is to it.

In the Tenka Contest, I intend to vote for Shion, just as originally planned.

Although she’s my stepsister, most people don't know that. It shouldn't be strange for a brother to vote for his sister. Even if someone found out, at worst, they’d just laugh and call me a sis-con who dotes on his sister.

So, why not just declare my support for Shion from the start?

Well, that wouldn't work. Joining the White faction is about defending myself from the goddesses.

For some reason, the goddesses have taken a liking to me. According to Shirase, it's highly likely that I’ll be recruited into one of their factions soon. But I really don't want to join any of them. However, turning them down without a good reason could hurt their pride, as these goddesses are extremely popular at school. I might end up making enemies of not just the goddess herself but her entire faction.

That’s why I decided to use Shirase as a shield. If it were Shion, who isn't a goddess, there might be a risk of pressure, but Shirase, being a goddess herself, could ward that off.

“Eh, that means—?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Mahiro looked surprised when he saw the white handkerchief.

“Heh, so you’re a Shirase supporter now.”

“…Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

“I’m shocked.”

“Really? She’s one of the goddesses, so it’s not that surprising.”

“Well, you know a bunch of other goddesses personally. It's surprising that you’d support Shirase, who you don't have much connection with.”

Come to think of it, Mahiro didn't know about my connection with Shirase. I guess his reaction makes sense.

Of course, I'm classmates with Akazawa, and we’ve enjoyed the summer festival together. I’m also on good terms with Nekoda, Akazawa's best friend.

I've played games with Aoyama. In fact, Mahiro, Aoyama, and I even participated in a gaming tournament together as a trio.

Then there's Kuromine, with whom I was rumored to be in a relationship. Although we denied the rumor, Kuromine, who generally dislikes men, can at least hold a conversation with me. Plus, my stepsister Shion is a huge fan of Kuromine.

So, in comparison, it might seem like I don't have much of a relationship with Shirase. To Mahiro, my choice must've seemed the most unexpected.

“Actually, we’re acquaintances.”

“Really?”

“Remember I mentioned my stepsister?”

“I think I saw her at the summer festival. Didn’t she go to Himemiya Academy back in middle school?”

I hadn't been too specific when I told Mahiro, but that much was true.

“At Himemiya Academy, Shirase and Shion were in the same club, as senior and junior. Because of that connection, I got to know Shirase over the summer.”

It wasn't entirely a lie.

Shion and Shirase did go to the same school and were in the same club. While we didn't meet over the summer, it's true that my relationship with Shirase deepened during that time.

“Got it. Now it makes sense.”

“You accepted that explanation pretty easily.”

“Well, all the goddesses are incredibly cute, right? Even though we’re classmates, I think Akazawa is cute too. It’s only natural that spending more time with someone makes you develop feelings for them.”

I could understand Mahiro’s reasoning.

I don't want to say this too loudly, but I can't deny the goddesses are quite stunning in appearance. There's no denying that.

Each of them has a different vibe, but they're all top-tier beauties in the school.

“And it seems like you really dote on your sister.”

“Does that matter?”

“Well, Shirase has a bit of a little-sister vibe, doesn't she?”

Shirase is small and has a youthful, innocent face.

If we’re talking about sisterly types, she fits the bill. With her refined speech, she comes across as a sort of ‘loli princess.’

Being called a “loli-con” is annoying, but I'll let it slide for now.

After all, joining the White faction is only a temporary measure. This handkerchief is a defense card, meant to be used if I get recruited by another goddess or their followers.

“—Good morning!”

As we were chatting, the girl sitting next to me arrived.

“Hey, Nekoda.”

“Morning, Nekoda.”

Mahiro and I greeted her.

We'd changed seats for the second semester, and once again, my seat neighbor was Hazuki Nekoda.

Since the start of the new term, Nekoda had been in a noticeably good mood. It was a stark contrast to how she'd been at the summer festival.

Her smile was always a soothing presence for me.

“So, what were you two talking about?”

“About factions.”

When Mahiro answered, Nekoda smirked and shoved her hand into her pocket.

“Of course, my support is already decided!”

Nekoda pulled out a red handkerchief.

Come to think of it, Nekoda had always had a red handkerchief since the first semester. I hadn't paid much attention to it, though.

This was no surprise. Not supporting her best friend would simply be confusing.

Personally, I think Nekoda should also be voted as one of the beautiful girls, but she doesn’t seem interested in that sort of thing. It’s best not to say anything about it.

“So, Nazuka, you’re supporting Aoyama?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“Ugh, you traitor!”

“I’ve always been an Aoyama supporter. No matter what you say, my opinion won’t change.”

Though their words sounded like they were arguing, both of them were smiling. It was a heartwarming exchange.

At least, that's what I thought, until—

“So, Nijitani—huh?”

Nekoda noticed the white handkerchief in my hand and froze.

“Th-that… could it be?”

“Shota joined the white faction, apparently.”

Hearing this, Nekoda let out a loud “Eeeeh!?” and froze in shock. The volume was so high that our classmates turned to look at us.

“Hey, don't just say that out loud!”

“Is something wrong?”

Mahiro tilted his head, confused.

“W-well, um—”

“If you’re carrying a handkerchief, anyone can figure it out. Even people who aren’t interested in the goddess factions know that a white handkerchief stands out.”

What Mahiro said was true.

It’s rare for a high school boy to carry a white handkerchief. According to the research I did when buying it, high school boys typically prefer blue or checkered patterns.

In the end, it was my mistake for not keeping quiet.

No, actually, that’s not right. Carrying the handkerchief around meant it would be found out sooner or later, regardless of whether I said anything.

“Nijitani… is that really true?”

“Well, yeah, I guess.”

I glanced over at Akazawa’s seat. Fortunately or unfortunately, she hadn’t arrived yet.

“I’d appreciate it if you kept this quiet; it’s kind of embarrassing.”

“I-I get it. I’m really surprised, but you’ve helped me out a lot, so I’ll absolutely keep it secret!”

“You’re being dramatic. Carrying it around means it’s not much of a secret.”

I smiled wryly as I said that.

---

Afterward, the secret was revealed from an entirely unrelated source.

When you’re openly talking in class while holding a white handkerchief, of course, your classmates will notice.

My classmates questioned me about it. Apparently, my relationships with the various goddesses had drawn a fair amount of attention. I was bombarded with questions about why I chose the white faction.

It seems a lot of people were quite shocked.

By lunchtime, the news that I had joined the white faction had spread significantly. Naturally, the goddesses heard about it as well.

During the last class of the morning, I felt a gaze and looked up.

Akazawa was staring at me with eyes as red as flames—or perhaps, as red as fresh blood.