Chapter 75: Eh?

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Translator: Soafp

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“…”

Yumesaki-san, who had taken a seat, seemed to be waiting for my words.

…Does she have a different vibe than usual?

“Wow, so Yumesaki-san is actually amazing.”

“Eh? I didn't do anything. I was just desperate back in middle school.”

“That's what makes it amazing.”

“I've always been like that. Friends got kidnapped, and troublemakers from other schools would cause a ruckus.”

“… (confused)”

“I didn't do anything; I just noticed that things had changed— that's all.”

“That's still amazing, though.”

I really wonder if we live in the same world.

“I was just a frog in a well, completely clueless and childish. Since I didn't know anything, there was nothing to be afraid of.”

“Is that different now?”

“…Yeah. Now, I'm afraid of everything.”

Yumesaki-san smiled sadly.

It didn't suit her—I thought that, though I couldn’t say it out loud.

“…Hey.”

“W-What?”

“Can I vent a little?”

Her voice was small, which was unusual for Yumesaki-san, so I silently nodded.

“You're amazing. During club activities, you went straight at it, head-on, right?”

“(blushing)”

“I'm afraid to take action myself.”

“…I see.”

“Yeah. After entering high school and changing environments, meeting Rio made me feel really small. I'm afraid of adults and the unknown world… It's the complete opposite of how I felt in middle school.”

She sighed.

…I guess I've been misunderstanding things.

I thought I had no worries and was living freely.

“Looks like you've got your share of burdens too, Yumesaki-san.”

“I'm just a chicken. Even now, I'm clinging to my old friends to feel better.”

“Old friends?”

“…Yeah. Here, I feel comfortable, and I'm not feared. All the ‘normal' kids in high school avoid me, the ‘not normal' one… but you and Rio are different.”

“I see.”

“I don't have the courage to talk to those who avoid me. I'd just end up making them more scared and keeping more distance. So I end up clinging to my old friends… It's so pathetic.”

She probably has a difficult past that brings about this struggle. That intimidating aura and sharp gaze.

And yet, that past has become her anchor, which is why she remains as she is.

Maybe her lack of presence is even worse than my old self.

“Do you want to be ‘normal,' Yumesaki-san?”

“…Of course. I've wanted that since high school. If I could, I would have done it a long time ago… but I gave up a long time ago.”

“Just changing a little can greatly change people's impressions. Isn't it too early to give up?”

“Only you think that…”

She really is salty.

Right now, I might even be able to win against her. (Not really).

But now that we've come this far, I'm going to push through.

“First, let’s try refraining from saying ‘Temei’ (You).” [TL: Rude way saying ‘you’. What you hear often in Anime when the antagonist is being pushed back by the MC.]

“…Eh? What do you mean?”

“Instead of saying ‘Temei,' use ‘Kimi (you),' ‘anata (You),' or referring to their name is fine. And don't talk while looking down; try making eye contact and speaking slowly.”

“…Eh? What’s that–“

“If you don't want to be feared, let's start there.”

“…!”

She doesn't know what being ‘normal' is.

This is a good opportunity for a lesson (who do I think I am?).

If this chicken and coward feels safe with me—

Then basically, no one else will be scary!

…Probably.

“Come on. Ask me if it's going to rain today.”

“…What's the point of this—”

“Can't you do it? You don't want to be feared, right?”

“Ugh…”

But I never expected the tables would turn like this.

This is exciting (what a weirdo).

“Um, Toumachi-kun. W-Will it rain today…?”

“! Yes, that's it! Next, ask me about my blood type.”

Her cheeks flushed red.

Her small mouth opened, and her intimidating aura faded away.

Only her sharp gaze was—staring right at me.

“T-Toumachi-kun… what's your blood type?”

“I'm type A. What about you, Yumesaki-san?”

“Uh, um… same…”

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Yumesaki is acting completely different than usual. This is getting fun (in a suspicious way).

“What a coincidence! Type A tends to have a negative mindset. Do you have any thoughts on that?”

“…Maybe. What about you, Toumachi-kun?”

“Yeah, during the last test, I was only filled with anxiety. We really get along—oh.”

“W-What—?!”

During that lesson, I didn't notice the figure behind Yumesaki—

“Fu, y-you can continue ☆ Fuha, Fuahahahaha!”

There she was, smiling (like a demon lord) with a laugh I'd never heard before.

“…Since when have you been here?”

“Probably since you were being a chicken☆”

“Gah— I can't believe I got taken by surprise… Forget it. Rio.”

“Fuahahaha! No way! With that kind of charm, you're definitely going to be popular, Ichigo!”

“…Forget it. Seriously.”

“No can do☆, you were so cute!”

“…!!”

Yumesaki-san reverted to her usual self, exuding her intimidating aura. And Hiiragi-san remained completely unfazed.

It was the usual dynamic between the two.

…Well then.

Should I head home like this?

“Hey, where do you think you're going, Toumachi-kun?”

“W-When you call someone, you should use their name… (trying to escape)”

“Huh?”

“Sorry! (bowing deeply)”

“…Nyanya☆”’

“”I-I've never seen Nee-san make that face before…””

Hiiragi-san wore a grin that suggested mischief.

The two fighting girls from earlier were peeking from the shadows.

Someone, please help me (praying).

“Gah… damn it. Let’s get out of here, Toumachi-kun.”

“Eh?”

“…Eh’?”

“”Eh?””