Chapter 73: Status Abnormality: Confusion

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Translator: Soafp

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“…”

――“Which school are you from?” “You said you do boxing, right?” “You've got some serious muscles! You look delicious!”――

In front of me.

With Hiirage-san’s declaration, the battle between the genders commenced (?).

It was like a Sengoku-era battlefield.

Of course, not everyone was talking to each other across genders; some groups of three girls were huddled together, chatting, while a pair of boys seemed to be holding a strategy meeting.

By the way, Yumesaki-san was talking to the girls. Since they were from her former team, I guess they had a lot to catch up on.

Such a diverse range of actions. Truly, “ten people, ten colors” applies here.

There are even more shades than the color of my hair (defeated, once again).

…Considering how lively it was, I really didn't need to worry about being popular.

This overthinking is unnecessary. I’m really relieved.

“—Man, that was hilarious earlier, ‘Strike while the iron is hot'!”

“…You definitely froze time. If Hiirage-san hadn't laughed, it would have been the end for me…”

“Hahaha! That's not true—”

As I idly observed the battlefield, Hiirage-san called out to me.

Seriously, she's so kind. A bit S, though. No, more like a true S… or maybe a demon lord (sorry).

“—Hiirage-san!! Are you free tonight?”

“—Hiirage-san!! You look cute today!”

“—Hiirage-san!! How about exchanging contact information?!”

“(Speechless)”

“…Whoa, a trio just came at her. That's pretty surprising.”

Suddenly, three spear-wielding soldiers (blonde-haired) charged at the general of the gathering (Hiirage-san).

My vision was momentarily blinded.

“I'm the organizer today, so sorry!”

“Got it!”

“Got it!”

“Got it!”

Their coordination was impressive.

Then they made a U-turn and left…

Looks like they're well-trained.

“—R-Rio-san, do you have a boyfriend…?”

“I don't! And I have no intention of getting one!”

“Got it…”

Then another spear-wielder charged in.

The boy left, looking dejected.

Watching him gave me a sense of camaraderie.

[“Excuse me, who are you?”]

A past memory resurfaced.

Ah, oh… oh… (trauma switch ON).

“—Rio-san, thank you for giving us a chance when we have no opportunities to meet anyone!”

“—You're a real goddess!”

“—Would you go out with me?”

“I'll just accept your feelings! Bye-bye☆”

And then three more came. While I was suffering through this—

They left.

…Yeah, Hiirage-san definitely attracts attention.

“You really don't have any interest in boyfriends, huh?”

“…To be honest, I don't need one☆”

“Really?”

“I like talking to people, and I enjoy working with all kinds of individuals, but… I don't want to belong to someone else.”

“…I see.”

“But I'm cute, so I guess it's a bit troublesome being popular☆. Kya~☆”

“Hahaha (with 10% humidity in the laughter).”

She said this with a smile that has likely charmed many men.

I've developed a tolerance for being teased by her too often.

“Speaking of which, I think that girl might have helped me out☆”

“…Are you talking about Kisaragi-san?”

“Yeah. She's super popular too. I was really saved by her. It'd be a hassle if I got weird affections directed at me☆”

“But you're not falling behind, Hiirage-san.”

“…Hmm?”

“Kisaragi-san gives off a cold attitude and seems disinterested in guys…”

“Continue☆”

“Hiirage-san is kind to everyone, you are good at talking, and also—”

――It's about the time before I dyed my hair.

[“Good morning, Toumachi!”]

Surely… she was the only one who remembered my name.

But saying that out loud would be too embarrassing and unbecoming for a guy.

“…Never mind.”

“Ara ara☆! I'm curious! Say it, say it!”

“That's scary.”

“That's mean☆”

“I've always thought you were an S, Hiirage-san.”

“/uwa, that's sexual harassment☆”

“Eh…”

I can't win against her (whoever that is).

If we got into a debate, I'd lose in an instant—

“”—A-Ah!! ‘Strike while the iron is hot'!””

“Eh?”

Just as I was feeling the gap in our thought processes, another voice chimed in.

…Did they just say my name?

“Ara ara! Is the intruder going to retreat☆?”

“W-Wait—”

“—Can we talk?!”

“—Um, your name is Hajime Toumachi, right?”

“Ah, ah… (status abnormal: confusion)”

Before I knew it, two girls had appeared at my shoulders.

They weren't as polished as Hiirage-san, but they were properly made up and seemed like normal girls at first glance.

It was clear they were nervous, but I was equally so.

Honestly, this is bad. I never anticipated such a situation.

I've never experienced anything like this in my life—

“”—What does ‘Polo' mean?””

――Alright, let's begin the lecture.

First, let's go back to around 600 BC!