V3Ch1: Part 1

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Translator: Soafp

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“I’m going to the restroom for a moment.”

Ayana said in the morning, heading towards the bathroom.

Today was a weekday, so there was school as usual, but I was already getting used to seeing Ayana’s presence at home, which she normally wouldn’t have.

“Ayana-chan does all the housework… I wonder if I even have a purpose here anymore.”

“Ahaha….”

Mom sighed, seemingly having lost her role. Of course, she was just exaggerating, and she continued with a laugh.

“You really chose a good girl as your girlfriend, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“Ara, you immediately nodded at that, Towa.”

While saying “This, this!” Mom lightly nudged me.

Ayana being a good girl and the best girlfriend is natural… right? So there’s no need for me to try to justify it awkwardly. I just nodded honestly.

“What are you doing today, Mom?”

“Hmm… Even though it’s a weekday, it’s my day off, so I’ll just relax.”

“When you have time to rest, make sure to rest properly. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my beloved mom.”

“…Towaaaaaa!!”

“Kofuu!?”

With the force of a missile, Mom thrust her stomach into mine.

Despite feeling like the breakfast I just ate was about to come back up from the shock, I endured it with all my might, not wanting to turn this into a tragic accident scene.

“Geez, Mom… that was quite sudden.”

“But I am so happy!”

Mom, who laughed brightly, was cute… well, not really. But I couldn’t help but think that it was a bit much for her to suddenly jump into me with such momentum.

“How about this then?”

“Eh?”

As soon as she separated from me, Mom gently hugged my head.

Since it was her chest I was invited into, I felt a happy sensation against my cheek, but since she’s my flesh and blood, I didn’t feel any fluttering in my heart.

“Fufu, you really are adorable, Towa♪”

When I glanced up, Mom was smiling happily at me.

Beautiful as the dawn—she was my mother, and for me, who had almost completely assimilated with Towa’s soul, there was no discomfort in calling her that.

(…Geez, this depth of affection is starting to become addictive.)

Mom’s affection was a bit heavy… I’ve been feeling that more strongly lately.

Perhaps one reason she pours so much love onto me is because I’m the only family she has left after losing Dad.

“Towa.”

“Yeah?”

“It’s about Ayana-chan.”

Turning serious from her previous demeanor, Mom continued.

“I’m really happy that Ayana-chan has officially started dating you. I knew Towa was serious about her, and above all, I like her too.”

“I can tell that Mom really likes Ayana.”

I said, and Mom chuckled.

I had a feeling I knew what she was going to say next, but I wanted to hear Mom’s opinion, so I listened without interrupting.

“Of course, being by Towa’s side is the most important thing, but that girl also says she wants to be with me… She really is a sinful girl in a sense.”

“A sinful girl… Haha, yeah, maybe she is.”

“I know, right? While it’s nice to hear her say that, I also feel like it’s not enough the way things are now.”

“…Yeah.”

That’s right, things can’t stay like this. I’ve been subtly asking about Seina, Ayana’s mother, but thankfully, it doesn’t seem like repairing our relationship is impossible.

Although there was quite an intense exchange when we met in town before, Ayana’s decision to look forward and walk alongside me has significantly reduced the animosity she harbored.

[Except for my mother…. I’m not sure about Kotone-chan and Hatsune-san. I think I can interact with them calmly, but if they say something that crosses the line, I’ll explode!]

By the way, I don’t think it was a hallucination when Ayana said she was going to explode and I saw a demon behind her.

As I can tell from this statement, it might be wishful thinking, but I feel like I could somehow make things work with Seina-san if there’s a chance.

“Hey, Mom.”

“What is it?”

Ah, she’s so kind… No, that’s not it!

Stepping away from Mom for a moment, I decided to respond to what Mom had said by sharing my own thoughts.

“I want to assure you about Ayana. But it’s quite deep-rooted, so I can’t guarantee anything will change… But I want you to trust Ayana.”

That’s all I can say for now. It would be cool if I could tell Mom not to worry because I can handle everything, but…

Mom widened her eyes for a moment, then nodded immediately.

“I understand. There’s no one who can compare to Ayana-chan when it comes to being by Towa’s side.”

That’s a given!

I nodded vigorously, and Mom looked at me with a tender smile, gently patting my head as if I were a young child.

Even though I’m already in high school, Mom probably can’t help but find me irresistibly cute… Every time I think about it, I realize how important family is, no matter what.

“I said leave it to me, but I want Mom to help me if something happens.”

“Got it. Always count on me, okay? Well, I’m also thinking that if there’s an opportunity, I’ll talk to Ayana-chan’s mom with my arm around her!”

“…Mom, that seems too easy for you.”

It might be my imagination, but I can easily imagine Mom teasing a bewildered Seina-san, with her arm around her shoulders. It’s about 120% likely to happen, and it’s actually kind of amusing in reverse.

“Of course I can’t forgive what happened in the past. But since you, my son, are looking ahead with a bright face, I can’t be stuck in the past forever, right?”

“…Mom, you’re strong.”

“Of course. A mother is strong.”

…Yeah. That’s absolutely true.

“I’m back… Ah, what a precious moment.”

“Ara, welcome back, Ayana-chan.”

“Welcome back, Ayana.”

A precious moment… Well, I won’t deny it.

After Ayana returned and I left Mom, we prepared to head to school.

“I’m off.”

“See you later, Akemi-san.”

“Take care, both of you.”

A little further from home, Ayana reached out her hand, and I took it.

At first, our hands were just linked normally, but soon we intertwined fingers, like lovers.

“…Fufu♪”

Ayana’s smile was infectious, and I couldn’t help but relax my cheeks too.

“Ah, Towa-kun.”

“What’s up?”

“Lately… I’ve been relying on you too much. I think I’ll go back home today.”

“…Ah, I see.”

I was slightly surprised by Ayana’s sudden words.

However, it wasn’t strange for Ayana to say that, and I actually felt a bit relieved since I had been wondering if things should stay the same… But I also felt a bit lonely.

“From your expression, I can tell you’ll miss me, right?”

“Yeah… Well, sort of. It’s not unusual for you to go back home, but… I guess I’ve gotten used to having you around all the time.”

Even if that wasn’t the case, I would feel lonely whenever Ayana wasn’t there.

I might seem weak, but that just shows how important Ayana is to me.

“Even though it hasn’t been that many days, is there a reason you suddenly decided to leave?”

“Yes. Actually, I overheard your conversation earlier…”

Ah… I see.

Ayana apologized for eavesdropping, but I felt sorry for making her feel that way.

“Don’t look like that. I just wanted to avoid the awkwardness by running to your place whenever things got tense between me and my mother, Towa-kun.”

“…Ayana, I…”

“Of course, I’ll talk to my mother first as I should, but if I need help, I’ll definitely ask you.”

“Of course. If you need anything, just call me, and I’ll come running.”

“Yes!”

That’s not a lie. No matter what happens, I’ll be there for her.

Ayana nodded happily at my words and squeezed my hand even tighter.

“Hey, Ayana?”

“Yes?”

“People are starting to gather around us…”

“Oh, are you worried about that?”

Saying so, Ayana gave me a teasing look.

Since we’re walking to school, the closer we get, the more students there are… Meaning, although not overtly, people will start paying attention to us as we walk hand in hand.

(It’s like you’re saying, ‘If I let go because it’s embarrassing, that’s admitting defeat, right?’ Well, bring it on, Ayana.)

Honestly, I’m amazed at my own competitiveness and inwardly chuckle at myself.

I squeeze her hand even tighter, showing my determination not to let go, even though I never planned to in the first place. I grasp her hand firmly, enough to show I won’t lose to Ayana… but not enough to cause her pain.

“You’re quite competitive, Towa-kun.”

“Coming from you?”

“I guess I can’t say anything.”

“That’s right.”

“Indeed.”

We laughed together and continued walking to school.

---

“After only a few days, you two are already lovey-dovey, huh?”

Upon entering the classroom and parting ways with Ayana, my friend Aisaka immediately approached me with a teasing remark.

“Good morning, Aisaka. Well, we’ve just started dating, so it’s natural, you know?”

We’re still in the honeymoon phase, so being lovey-dovey is to be expected for a fresh couple like us. But… the moment I heard the term “honeymoon phase,” I couldn’t help but imagine our relationship turning cold. It put me in a slightly blue mood… Ridiculous! It’s impossible for our relationship to cool down!

When I shook my head fervently to dispel such thoughts, Aisaka became concerned and asked me what was wrong.

“What’s with the sudden change?”

“Ah… I was just thinking about what would happen if Ayana and I hit a rough patch.”

“If you and Ayana hit a rough patch?”

Aisaka borrowed a chair from the front row and sat down with a thud, then opened his mouth to speak.

“I’d be really curious to see if you and Ayana ever hit a rough patch. Ah, it’s not because I think it’ll happen, it’s just my curiosity. If that did happen, it would be the end of the world, right?”

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. Based on what I see of you two normally, it’s inconceivable.”

From Aisaka’s perspective, such a thing would be unthinkable, and he nodded in agreement.

I see… I never asked others how they perceived our relationship, but if it’s seen this way, it’s an honor.

“… O”

“What’s up?”

Mid-conversation, Aisaka suddenly whispered and looked in a particular direction.

Wondering what was going on, I followed his gaze and saw Shu… he had just arrived at school and was heading straight to his desk.

Once seated, he slumped over his desk and remained motionless, completely shutting himself off from his surroundings.

“That guy must have been in a lot of shock…hasn't it been a long time coming?”

“…Yeah”

It’s somewhat known that Ayana and I started dating.

We didn’t announce it ourselves, but our relationship became more apparent to friends like Aisaka, who noticed the increased intimacy between us. This inevitably led them to realize Shu had experienced heartbreak – hence the cause of his current state.

After observing Shu for a while, Aisaka spoke as if to reassure me.

“Well, it’s natural to be concerned since we’re somewhat acquainted, but it’s just how it goes. Heartbreak is a part of love, after all.”

“Haha… it’s funny to hear you worrying about me like this.”

“I’m your friend, so of course I’m concerned. I don’t think it’s necessary, but don’t hold back because of Otonashi-san, okay?”

“As if I’d let it affect our relationship that much. If anything, Ayana would scold me for doing so.”

Despite the ups and downs with Shu, I’ve never hated him.

I hope that as the relationship between Ayana and I progresses, we can somehow move it in a better direction…because he’s also a childhood friend of Ayana.

“I know that Shu liked Ayana… but I confessed my feelings to Ayana knowing that. I don’t regret it, and I don’t think this choice is wrong.”

“I see… Well, I’m not worried about anything!”

Saying so, Aisaka pats my back vigorously.

Feeling a bit sore from the patting, I stop him and ask him about his situation.

“What about you? Remember when you got all red-faced when you talked about someone you liked and mentioned a junior?”

“…..W-Well, it’s none of your business!”

Aisaka says so and promptly runs away.

His reaction was so obvious that I felt like I had found a toy to play with, but I wonder who the junior Aisaka is interested in… Hmm, I’d like to find out someday.

“Haa…”

As Aisaka runs away, I start thinking again.

Now that Ayana’s worries have been somewhat resolved, she not only smiles more in private but also receives letters quite frequently at school, despite having a boyfriend like me.

“It’s troublesome. Even if I receive letters, I won’t respond… and even if they come to see me directly, it’s the same… haa, it’s annoying.”

Ayana’s inner dark side comes out a little when she’s annoyed like this.

It’s not just someone aiming for Ayana; there are also girls who feel jealous of popular Ayana… Nevertheless, Ayana, who has been freed from her burden, unconsciously exudes more charm than ever.

(… And then there’s Shu.)

The next person I glance at is Shu, who is still lying face down as usual.

As Aisaka mentioned, Shu has been spending his time like that lately, and even close friends other than Ayana and me don’t seem to talk to him much.

However, I’ve seen him talking to Iori, who often comes to call him, and Mari, who actively approaches him when they meet, so that’s a bit reassuring.

“Hmm?”

Just as I start feeling that the teacher will arrive soon and the morning assembly will begin, I feel a sharp gaze… from Shu.

He lifts his face slightly and looks at me for a moment, but as soon as our eyes meet, he quickly averts his gaze and buries his face again.

“Yare yare… (Good grief)”

Despite everything, it’s quite troublesome for a relationship that used to be so normal and playful to become strained… Naturally, I let out a sigh.

But despite feeling this way, time passed as usual.

After having lunch with Ayana during lunch break, I had the opportunity to meet with them.

“Ara, Yukishiro-kun.”

“Ah, Yukishiro-senpai!”

Iori Honjo and Mari Uchida … they were the heroines who met Shu through Ayana, but escaped from a cruel fate now that Ayana’s darkness has cleared.

(… I wonder if it’ll be okay?)

Even though Ayana has no intention of scheming anymore, it’s natural to feel anxious knowing what she was like in the game.

“Hello, Honjo-Senpai, and also Mari.”

The memories that only I know about are no longer relevant to them, so I approached them without showing any concern for the two.

“What are you two doing?”

“I met Uchida-san on my way back from the faculty room and had a little chat.”

“Yes! I happened to see Honjo-Senpai!”

It seems like the two of them met by chance.

Ayana, with a troubled expression, telling them not to speak so loudly, and Marie, apologizing with a bright smile.

“What about you, Yukishiro-kun?”

“I was just wandering around aimlessly.”

“And you happened to come down to the first floor like that?”

“Well…”

Being pointed out like that makes me a little embarrassed… but it’s actually true.

As I struggle to respond, the two of them look at me curiously, but Ayana comes up with something amusing and smiles mischievously, then approaches me.

My gaze is drawn to her long, beautiful black hair, but I can’t divert my eyes from her sharp yet gentle gaze… Ayana is indeed beautiful.

“Lately, you’ve been a little too lovey-dovey with Otonashi-san, haven’t you?”

“Eh… is that how it seems?”

To have my current state described like that… but maybe it’s not entirely wrong?

I want to believe that I’m not much different from how I used to be… but sometimes when I’m alone, I can’t help but grin.

“When I saw Yukishiro-senpai and Ayana-senpai, they seemed really lovey-dovey! Even my friends say they want to date a boy like that!”

As if delivering the final blow, Mari says something like that.

Unlike Ayana, who makes teasing remarks without any malicious intent, it’s embarrassing to be teased like this by Mari, who has pure, straightforward eyes.

“Ah, I should go back soon! Well then, see you next time, both of you!”

“O-Ou…”

“Thank you, Uchida-san.”

Waving her hand vigorously, Mari runs off… and she’s being scolded by the teacher for running.

“That girl… despite her appearance, she’s quite flustered and lacks composure.”

“You mean she’s childish?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re quite sure about that.”

“Well, isn’t it obvious?”

Chuckling, Iori says so.

Well… even though I came here because of the situation, I didn’t expect to be alone with Iori like this.

It’s not like I’m keeping Ayana waiting, and we still have plenty of time… actually, Ayana doesn’t seem to show any signs of leaving early.

“Do you want to run away?”

“Wha–!?”

“Is that a joke? Or did you blurt it out because you were caught off guard?”

Uhm… well, it’s both, I guess. Yes.

I didn’t expect to blurt it out like that, but I was surprised that Iori could guess what I was thinking.

“It takes courage to want to run away in front of me.”

“…Are you a queen or something?”

If she had a whip, she’d probably confidently crack it without hesitation… and Iori seems like she’d be suited for it because she has a sadistic side.

Although Iori maintains her stance of teasing the me, she exhales as if to change the atmosphere.

“Yukishiro-kun. Can we talk for a bit?”

“That’s totally fine.”

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t have any plans for the rest of the lunch break, so I nod in agreement.

Even so, there’s only about fifteen minutes left of lunch break, so we don’t need to move elsewhere, but… I somehow knew what she wanted to talk about.