Chapter 10: I’m his friend

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Translator: Soafp

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The alarm on the smartphone rings loudly.

“Ugh… I was asleep.”

Sora, still in her work overalls, lies on the floor of the studio and moves around restlessly. She peels off the overalls like shedding skin, stops the alarm, and heads for the shower. Breakfast consists of bacon, a fried egg, and some homemade pickles, eaten sleepily.

Checking her smartphone, Sora sees a message from Aika. Skimming through it, it seems as though Aika has no recollection of what happened yesterday, or perhaps believes the punishment Sora received was deserved.

She changes into male clothes, thinking it might be warm enough to switch to a cardigan soon. Carrying her bag, she steps out of the house.

In front of the shopping street, a male student with a bad expression is standing next to a bicycle.

“Good morning. You look sleepy. Did you sleep well?”

“…It wasn't a dream.”

Sora lets out a relieved sigh, secretly glad that the events from yesterday weren't just a dream. Ginji is wearing a short-sleeved shirt, looking cool for the weather.

“I could've sent an ‘IINE' message but I figured if I waited here, you’d show up.”

“If I were a girl, I'd probably be excited.”

“Too bad. I don't get much attention, even though I'm such a good-looking guy.”

Sora laughs a little at Ginji's joke, and the two start walking through the morning streets.

Sora shows Ginji her smartphone screen.

“This is an ‘IINE' from Aika.”

“Huh? I can't read it.”

What Aika sent was just a code for an external website.

“Oops, sorry. Aika's messages all go through an app. Here, you can see it now.”

She launches the app and hands the phone back to Ginji. Now, Aika's message is visible.

“Have you learned your lesson? I'm telling Dad that I'm painting the oil painting at your house. If you ever meet him, make sure to back up that story.”

“Reply to me. Tomorrow, you're invited to a party on the way home. Start thinking of a speech. Also, give me the predicted questions for this month's quiz by the end of the week.”

And below, a request for a response continues. Ginji sighs, displeased with the message.

“…Why don't you just screenshot it?”

“I'm recording it because anyone can write on there. If I did that, they'd say I'm faking it.”

“Yeah, I get it. But seriously, how can she act like this after everything that happened yesterday?”

“She's always been like that. If it weren't for you, it would've stayed the same.”

Sora glances at Ginji.

“Well, we'll have to show her things are different now. But first, we need to gather some evidence of bullying and reduce the burden on you. If possible, I want to know more about Shiki's ‘forces'.”

“‘Forces'? It's not like we're gonna fight or anything.”

“It's kinda the same, isn't it? Just so you know, I'm not great in regular fights.”

“…That's surprising, you've got such a bad look about you.”

“It's got nothing to do with my face… We're almost at school. Let's start with a light jab. You remember the plan, right?”

“Y-yeah. I hope it goes well.”

“Leave it to me.”

There are quite a few students in front of the school. One of them approaches Ginji.

“Morning, Ginji. Are you gonna cook for the baseball team again during the camp?”

“Sure. But… why are you standing behind me? Come on!”

He casually pushes Sora to the front.

“Huh? Ginji's friend? I'm Saito, nice to meet you.”

“Uh, e-eh…”

Sora struggles to speak when meeting someone for the first time.

“His name is Sora.”

“S-Sora Takagi.”

“Oh… You're related to Shiki, right? Next time, tell me more about her private life.”

Although Sora's not in the same class, everyone at the school knows Aika Shiki, and many people know about Sora as well.

“I-I don't want to.”

“I see. Well, see you.”

Saito then walks up the hill.

“Well done.”

“That was a total failure!”

“Saito's a fool, he treats everyone the same way. Next—‘Morning, Tanaka!'”

“Wow, you scared me. Oh, it's just you, Ginji…”

As they continue up the hill, Ginji greets several of his acquaintances. What's different today is that Sora, usually hiding behind Aika, is now in front, greeting people. By the time they reach the top of the hill, Sora has greeted five people.

Sora is completely exhausted at the school gate. She sways and feels like a timer might be blinking red above her head.

“I feel like I've greeted enough people to last half a year. By the way, Ginji, you've got a lot of friends, even though you have such a bad look.”

“My looks have nothing to do with it. I'm not popular with girls, but I've got plenty of guy friends. Just make sure you do this every day.”

“…Impossible.”

“Take it one step at a time. And here we are, the idol has arrived.”

A car stops at the bottom of the hill. Aika Shiki steps out, her silver hair flowing behind her. She spots Sora immediately, glaring at her for a brief moment. Sora shrinks back beside Ginji, who gently pats her on the back.

“Hehe, she's pissed. You okay?”

“…I'm still scared. But today's not about fighting. Besides, you're here, and… I'm still mad about the drawing she tore up.”

“Yeah, that's the spirit, partner.”

Ginji pats Sora on the head, and the two get ready to face Aika.

Though Aika is supposed to be driving, she has already gathered a few followers and approaches the two.

“…Good morning, Sora. Did you see my message?”

Aika asks in a composed tone, as if talking to a relative.

“Y-yeah, I saw it.”

“Then I'd like a reply. It's not okay to ignore me, you know.”

As she says “ignore” loud enough for everyone around to hear, her followers nod in agreement, making Sora shrink even further, just like usual.

But today's different. The guy with the bad expression is standing next to her.

“Is there a problem? ‘Sora.'”

Ginji dramatically… maybe even a little over-the-top, speaks to Sora.

“N-no, it's nothing. ‘Ginji.'”

The two call each other by their first names, and Aika finally looks directly at Ginji for the first time.

“You're… Momoi-kun, right? You don't need to worry about our conversation; it's just family. But now, I hear you're calling him ‘Sora'…”

“Yeah. I'm his friend.”

Aika's expression doesn't change, but Ginji notices a slight twitch in her cheek, and he smirks.