Chapter 104: Witch (5)

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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Friday.

The day before the weekend, a time to look forward to. 

I didn't sleep much last night, so I'm feeling a bit sleepy. 

Not good, especially since we have PE today.

We're starting to seriously think about the choreography and music… but, well, I've already decided. 

I mean, after reading dance books and practicing for a whole month, it's natural that all I think about now is dance.

Of course, I was dancing this morning, too. 

My living room is my dance floor (equipped with vibration-absorbing mats). But it's tough not being able to make any big moves because the noise would disturb the downstairs neighbors. Renting a studio is a bit much, though…

So, I sneak out to dance in the park in the mornings and evenings, using the jungle gym as a cover (totally not suspicious).

“…Phew.”

I arrived at the classroom a bit earlier than usual. 

Neither the seat next to me nor the one beside it is occupied yet.

It's quiet… Only about half of the classmates have arrived so far, making the room feel even more still. 

I guess I'll do some self-study. Yeah, that sounds like a plan.

“…”

I spread out my study materials on the desk. 

But my concentration is all over the place.

Ugh, I'm so sleepy. But I have to push through. 

Lately, I've been spending more time on creative projects since I finished my latest bottle ship. Mostly focusing on music.

It's fun, but I feel a bit restless. Building bottle ships had become a kind of meditative activity before bed… 

Maybe I should buy a new one. 

Yeah, that's a good idea. Oh, but I've been spending too much money lately…

That's why I'm working tomorrow, right? 

Anyway, focus, study—!

“—Good morning, Toumachi-kun.” 

“!” 

“Do you have a moment?”

8 a.m. on a Friday morning. While I was struggling to maintain my focus, a challenger appeared (not really). 

It was Kisaragi-san. 

Her long, beautiful hair swayed as she stood in front of my desk.

The eyes of the whole class turned toward us. And, naturally, so did hers. 

…Suddenly, I was wide awake. 

She doesn't have wings, and obviously, neither do I.

“D-did you need something? (nervous)” 

“Sorry to bother you. I just wanted to say this before I forget.” 

“?”

“Could you come over to my house tonight?” 

“…What?”

What?

“Sorry, are you busy? If so, we can reschedule.” 

“Uhm, no…”

I'm really sorry, but this is a classroom, you know (nervous). 

The stares! The stares are piercing!

“So, will you come? Um, Kanon's been asking about it…” 

“Kanon-chan?”

“Yeah. Yesterday, she… well, she cried…” 

“Wait, what?”

Did I just hear that right? 

“Cried?”

This isn't the time to worry about the class staring at us.

“She cried because you didn't come, even though you said you would.” 

“…She cried?”

“Well, I didn't actually see any real tears, so it was more like she was pretending to cry… but still! She's been so noisy about it.”

“(I can hear you, you know).”

Kisaragi-san whispered, but I clearly heard her say “pretending to cry.”

Kanon-chan's five years old, right? 

She's like a little witch! Or, no, maybe she's a magical girl ☆ Kanon-chan (cue title).

“Got it (nervous).” 

“Great! So you'll come? I'll be waiting tonight. Anytime after 6 p.m. works.” 

“O-okay…” 

“I'll be waiting, then.” 

“Okay…”

This is supposed to be a good thing, right? Being liked by a kid is a good thing. 

But still…

“……………Heh☆”

From the side. 

About two meters away, I could feel an unmistakably dangerous gaze.

It seems the Demon Lord is having a great time (I’m the sacrifice).

“—So, Toumato is the type who makes girls cry, huh?☆” 

“Yes… I'm garbage… (losing grip on the Japanese language)” 

“I can’t believe that Ayano Kisaragi invited a guy to her house☆” 

“It’s really just to hang out, I swear! (talking fast)” 

“And I'm pretty sure I heard another ‘girl's' name mentioned☆” 

“I-it's her little sister.” 

“So, you made her little sister cry?☆” 

“Haha… (mental breakdown)” 

Up close. 

An onslaught of relentless attacks left me completely defenseless (on the verge of death). 

She stood next to my chair, launching an assault right into my left ear.

Is this the Demon Lord’s ASMR…? 

Should I pay for this? Or is she telling me to become the highest-tier subscriber? 

Here's the extra sweet ear-cleaning edition (which doesn't exist).

“Oh, speaking of Yumesaki…” 

“Ah, yeah, Ichigo said she’d be late today because they're picking the music for the dance!” 

“Ahh! (eardrum shattering)” 

“Oh no! I'm really sorry!! That wasn't on purpose!” 

“N-no, it's fine…”

Seeing Hiiragi panicking—it's a rare sight. 

Just witnessing that makes losing one eardrum worth it… Oh, my hearing's coming back. 

Looks like my eardrum didn't quite burst after all.

“—Hey, Toumachi.” 

“! What is it?”

“If some random guy from another class says anything weird to you, don't let it get to you.”

Suddenly, her voice drops. 

Her position by my ear remains the same.

“Wait, what?” 

“Well, I'm sure it'll be fine☆” 

“O-okay…”

…This is a lot to handle for a morning. 

Is it really still before school starts? (why does it feel so heavy?)

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Since it's Sunday!

I'll be posting another chapter today. Probably later in the evening.