Chapter 54: Blue Screen

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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“Sh-should I go buy some bread?”

“Huh?”

“Fuahahaha! Toumachi is acting like a subordinate now!”

After that, I nervously returned to my seat. I told Yumesaki-san I'd run errands, trying to avoid any awkwardness (inexplicably).

“I’m really sorry…”

“Shut up, I said I didn't hear anything.”

“That’s a lie☆ You actually stopped and eavesdropped from the start☆”

“Oi!!”

“(Dead)”

This is a mess, what am I going to do now (despair).

“…When I said ‘a little,' I really meant just a tiny bit…”

“Am I the tiny bit?”

“Y-yeah… (tearful)”

“Ahahaha! (Demon King)”

Please don't focus on just that part.

And every time Hiiragi-san laughs behind me, it's making me more annoyed! Please be quiet (begging).

“…I understand that I'm scary. So stop with that attitude, it's unpleasant.”

“S-sorry.”

“I'm telling you to stop that.”

So, basically.

She wants me to stop using honorifics.

“Is this good…?”

“…Hmph.”

Ah, her mood seems to have improved a little.

But it's still not her usual self.

This means—go further.

I should try to liven up the conversation with my small talk skills… (awakening).

“So, Yumesaki-san, do you have any hobbies? (suddenly)”

“Playing around with guys☆”

“Haa!? Don't joke around, Rio!”

“Really? (withdrawn)”

“No, it's not!!”

Ring ring—

Just as Yumesaki-san made a comment (rare), the bell rang.

In the corner of the classroom.

It was probably quite noisy there.

And finally, Hiiragi-san left (relief).

“…”

Yumesaki-san, resting her chin on her hand while waiting for homeroom.

But this is probably the first time I've talked to her this much.

Actually, talking to her, the fear isn't as strong as I thought.

“—Hey.”

“Yes (fearful).”

“…I like music. As for guys… I'm not interested.”

“Eh.”

“Is that strange?”

“Oh, no, I like music too. It's great.”

“Then what kind of music do you like?”

“Well, recently I've been into drum and bass without lyrics… It fits well with dancing, too.”

I was surprised.

It's been a while since she started a conversation with me, hasn’t it…?

“…Alright.”

With that, she turned her gaze forward again.

The conversation ended there, but—strangely, it didn't feel awkward at all.

Alright, that was a fun chat! (Probably).

---

“Well, next week are the mid-term exams,” the teacher announces.

“”“…….”””

“Come on, don't all look so glum”

…Yes, it's that time again. The dreaded exams.

The students fall silent as the teacher makes the announcement. Just because our school has a high academic standing doesn't mean everyone loves studying.

If you ask me whether I enjoy it, the answer is a bit complicated. Still, since my only strong suit is my academic performance, I have to give it my best shot this time as well.

---

The bell rings, marking the end of the third period.

“…….”

The classroom falls into a hushed silence as the break begins. With the exams looming, everyone is focused and quiet. Normally, the classroom would be buzzing with chatter and activity, but today is different.

If anyone were to break this silence, they’d surely be met with disapproval. Even the “demon king” (Yumesaki) is quiet today. Peace reigns! Perhaps exams are indeed the true heroes (most plausible theory).

For now, I'll just enjoy this “quiet”…

“Icchi—!”

“!?!?! (slips off the chair)”

I'm caught off guard by the sudden sensation and sweet aroma. Someone grabs my shoulder from behind, and I end up falling off my chair.

“””…….”””

All around me, I can feel the piercing glares of disapproval. Not good!

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (agonizing)

“Are you okay?!”

“I feel like I'm dying (well, I'm fine)”

“Which one is it…?”

I sit back up and turn to face Hatsune-san, who is now standing behind me along with Kisaragi-san.

“Sorry about that, Momo's always up to mischief…”

“It's fine (cutting her off)”

“…You seem to be pretty weak against Ayanon, huh?”

“It's not like that… (big lie)”

I can't help but avert my gaze from her skeptical stare. It's true that I'm weak in front of her. It's just how it is (Haa).

“So, what's up (perfect topic switch)?”

“Well, I was wondering if you're free on Sunday…”

“Eh?”

“Let's have a study session at your place, since you're the fifth-best student!”

“Sorry about this, but it's okay if you don't want to—”

Roar my CPU —

“??? (Overheating; System failure)”

“And I'd also like to visit Icchi's house, so we can study there!”

“…No, it's really not a good idea. It would be trouble for Toumachi-kun—”

“It's fine (knee-jerk reaction)”

“Yay!”

I can't believe I just agreed to this. I must have said yes reflexively after seeing her apologetic face.

Coming to my house? Someone other than me? Not my family?

“…(Blue Screen of Death)”

“Looks like Icchi broke down.”

“Ah, the break is almost over, Momo. Anyway, Toumachi-kun, we'll finalize the details later.”

As their voices fade away, I'm left in disbelief.

Is this reality, or am I dreaming?