Chapter 109: Dancing Man

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Translator: Soafp

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[Rio and Ichigo Side]

“…I’m exhausted.”

“Good job☆”

In one corner of the noisy arcade, two girls were talking.

“Time to celebrate your first audition☆”

“I’m really bad at this though…”

“Oh, come on! It’s part of youth, youth!”

“Tch.”

They took a photo in the photo booth and stepped out. Standing side by side, Rio Hiiragi and Ichigo Yumesaki naturally drew the attention of the men walking by.

But one of them, exhausted from her first job, had no energy to care about those stares.

“Besides, you’ll be photographed a lot from now on, so you’d better get used to it!”

“I guess… but work and private life are different.”

“Oh wow, listen to you talking big☆ You haven’t even passed your first audition yet☆”

“Hey, take it easy on me, I’m tired.”

“Ehh☆”

“How are you still so full of energy after working two jobs, Rio?”

“Because it’s my hobby☆”

“…Right.”

“Yup.”

Ichigo gave up and smiled. The usual sight of the two—Rio full of energy, Ichigo more subdued.

And then—Ichigo's ear caught a familiar tune.

“Huh?”

“What’s up?”

“No, it’s just… I think I know this song.”

“Huh? Must be from a rhythm game. There's a bunch of them here. I’m surprised you could pick it out… Do warriors have sharp ears too?!”

“I'll ignore that last part… but a rhythm game, huh.”

“Interested? I got quite the collection☆”

“If it’s a song I know, I want to try it.”

“Ooh☆ It’s rare to see you this enthusiastic, Ichigo.”

“Shut up! Let's go.”

“Hahaha.”

Ichigo headed toward the music. The closer she got, the more her heart raced in sync with the sound. In a place filled with a wide range of music, she recognized this song because it was from a CD she had given him.

“Ah.”

Then, about ten meters from the source of the music, they saw him—dancing.

On the glowing floor, moving to the rhythm of the dance game, was him.

“Wait, is that the game? That one's pretty hard, not really recommended for beginners☆”

“……”

“Hmm?”

“Toumachi…”

“What?”

The guy in a beanie pulled low, dressed in casual athletic wear. His face wasn’t clear, but…

From the way he danced, Ichigo knew for sure.

“Now that I look, yeah, that's Toumachi☆ He's pretty good, not quite a hardcore player, but still impressive!”

“Yeah… that's him.”

“That's not the typical dance game style☆ I like the way he moves better.”

“He's always been a great dancer.”

“Surprising☆”

Without approaching him, the two girls watched from afar. They didn't want to disturb him—though they weren't fully aware, they were captivated by the sight.

Especially Hiiragi, who was used to seeing Toumachi as the one always being teased.

(Is this what they call… a gap?)

“Toumachi's really interesting, huh☆”

“Yeah. It’s kind of strange he doesn't have any guy friends.”

“Well, considering he's close to that princess, it makes sense, doesn't it?”

“That's part of it… but it's probably our fault, too.”

“Huh?”

“We're always talking to him during breaks, right? It leaves no room for anyone else.”

“Ah, maybe? But I don't think it's related☆”

“It might be. If he doesn't have friends because of us… I feel bad for him.”

“…Hmm?”

(I don't think it's related… but if Ichigo feels that way, then maybe it is.)

“Well, if you're that concerned! This week, let's just observe from a distance☆ We can enjoy watching his awkwardness up close!”

“Your hobbies are the worst… seriously.”

“Hey, this was your idea in the first place.”

“…You're right.”

(Well, he'll definitely either come talk to us or head over to Kisaragi-san☆ He's guaranteed to have zero male friends!)

Ichigo had her doubts, but—

(I kinda want to see Toumachi looking lonely, too.)

Her S-like tendencies made her wonder how his troubled but secretly happy expression might change.

“Next week, we get to show off our dance, too! I can't wait☆”

“We need to come up with something ourselves too…”

“Yeah! I'm really looking forward to Toumachi's dance… Oh! Looks like he’s done! Let's sneak out before he notices!”

“Hey, wait a minute—”

While he danced, he had no idea about the girls' conversation.

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[Toumachi PoV]

“…Is it really okay for me to keep doing this?”

By the time I realized it, it was my fifth round. After each session, I would nervously check my surroundings to see if anyone was watching (introvert mode activated).

By the third time, I even left the arcade for a minute or so, trying to act casual.

It was suspicious behavior. If anyone saw, they'd think I was a weirdo. No, I had always been a bit of a weirdo (laughing and crying inside).

“…Should I go again?”

[START!]

If no one’s coming, no one can stop me, right (??). Though I was feeling a bit down, dancing was starting to lift my spirits.

I was also getting the hang of it. And, to my surprise, the song from that CD was included… Turns out it was a pretty famous track.

When you know the song, your motivation skyrockets. And, maybe this is kind of sneaky, but—there are some great hints for the dance we have to choreograph in PE.

[CLEAR!]

Even though it's just the footwork, it's super helpful. I've stumbled onto something great.

As soon as I get home, I'll rush to refine the choreography.

[See you next time!]

Thanks, I'll be back. Like, in one minute (stalker alert).

The rhythm game from earlier… nah, it doesn't seem sad to see me leave.

People’s interests change. Just like that, in a flash.

Maybe… even these relationships could—

“Huh?”

Just then, as the game ended, I felt a gaze on me.

I turned around instinctively—there, I saw the backs of two girls, one with blonde hair and the other with brown.

“It's just my imagination, right?”

It must be a coincidence. Definitely… there’s no way someone was watching me, right?