Chapter 25: Giant Monster Battle

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Translator: Soafp

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“…Uwa.”

I almost let out a sound of frustration and quickly covered my mouth.

As soon as I stepped into the men’s restroom, I was met with a few guys in front of the mirror, fussing over their hair.

They were in the way!

“…Huh?”

“S-Sorry.”

The space around the sink was already tight, and I ended up bumping shoulders with one of them. He just turned back to the mirror after the apology.

…Seriously, messing with your hair this much isn't going to make a big difference!

I couldn’t bring myself to say it, though.

“Seriously can't get it right…”

“There are a lot of high school girls at this time; it's the best.”

“Don't overdo it, or you'll get caught by the staff.”

“The security here is way too tough; be careful.”

After finishing up, I realized I couldn't wash my hands!

The group obsessing over their hairstyles was blocking the way too much.

“…”

“Hey, isn't it looking good now?”

“They're coming, they're coming!”

“That blonde and brunette high school girls we saw earlier were really something.”

If you're ready, then move already!

---

“Hey, you guys are in the way, move.”

“…Oh, sorry.”

“Come on, let's go…”

After about a minute of blending into the background, a new customer walked in. A tough-looking guy who, naturally, pushed the hairstyling group aside (just by talking).

I finally got a chance to wash my hands, thanks to the opening created by the big guy.

“…How pathetic…”

My earlier high spirits had plummeted because of my own weakness. I really was a chicken.

“Phew—”

Finally, I left the restroom.

It had been a long visit.

Next time, I needed to gather the courage to speak to someone—

“…Damn, she's late.”

“…”

Now, in the hallway in front of the women's restroom, a large guy was hanging around.

What was he doing here…?

“Excuse me—”

“Ugh—What the hell!”

“Well, I was just trying to pass through.”

“Damn it, watch where you're going—”

It was terrifying!

And I didn't need any more drama!

“—Excuse me.”

…Maybe I was panicking.

I wasn't sure what I was panicking about, but I knew I couldn't stay as a “chicken.”

Kisaragi-san hadn't even remembered me because of that reason.

Even when I tried to talk, it was just greetings. I hated being disliked—no, I was just too embarrassed.

I couldn't act without the support of others.

That's why.

I wanted to be able to muster the courage on my own.

“Huh?”

“Standing there, you're in the way of people trying to use the restroom—”

“What did you just say, punk?”

“…Gah—”

I was grabbed by the collar. The face that came closer reeked of strong alcohol.

“—Ah, hey, brother, just a moment?”

“Dammit, what now—!?”

The next voice I heard wasn't from either of us.

The big guy turned towards the new voice, looking surprised.

There stood a man.

He was wearing a shirt stretched tight over his muscles, with the “staff” logo on it.

“Come here, you.”

“Ah, no, it was this guy who—”

“—There’s no way that’s true, idiot. How many times have you been warned about this? Complaints from girls have been piling up about you waiting around here.”

“I-I didn’t mean to—”

“Do you want me to call the university about this?”

“Please, not that—”

“Shut up.”

It was terrifying.

In front of the women's restroom, a massive confrontation was unfolding.

It was clear who was in control!

“…Hey, Toumachi!”

Amidst this chaotic scene—somehow.

I heard a familiar voice.

The blonde girl who emerged from the women's restroom was unmistakably Yumesaki-san.

“L-Let’s go—”

“Huh? Why?”

She grabbed my arm.

My brain couldn't keep up!

What kind of situation was this? Was I dreaming?

“Ah, ‘that kind of thing'… Unicorn guy, you can go now. Just know there won't be another chance.”

“Y-Yes.”

“W-Why is he—”

“Being misunderstood is the lamest thing, you know.”

“Ugh… What the hell—”

With the staff who seemed to understand and the big guy who looked defeated behind us, the two of us escaped from the area in front of the restroom.

Someone explain what's going on!

---

“—And that's what happened.”

“So that's what—”

Yumesaki-san explained as we walked.

She had been hit on by the big guy earlier and, feeling cornered, had escaped to the restroom. However, he was waiting outside to catch her when she came out.

Because of that, she couldn't get out.

But when I bumped into the big guy, the staff came to help her. Of course, waiting like that was against the rules, so it was only a matter of time before the staff intervened.

…By the way.

Wasn't this my first real conversation with her?

“…”

“…”

It was an unexpected encounter. I could only think of it as that.

What should I say…?

I thought she definitely disliked me.

In fact, it had been true, right?

“Sorry. I know it's inconvenient for you.”

“Eh, oh…”

She apologized.

I was stuttering, not sure how to react.

“…So, you come to places like this, Toumachi?”

“I-it's my first time.”

“Ha? And you were dancing like that?”

“Eh?”

“Ah!”

Why does she know about my dancing?

Did she see it? That awful dancing?

…Is it over?