Chapter 11: What can I do to ease the burden?

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Translator: Soafp

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Aika Shiki kept a gentle smile on her face as she looked at Ginji.

“…Sora isn't good at talking to people. I think you'd better stay away from her.”

“Is that so?”

Ginji rolled his shoulders. Sora flinched with a shudder. She whispered to Ginji in a small voice.

(T-this wasn’t part of the plan…)

(Just go with it and say it.)

The hand holding her shoulder gently supported her. Just that single point of contact was enough to calm Sora's trembling.

“If it's Ginji, I don't mind. Lately, I've been busy, so… um, I wanted him to help me with… me…”

The last part trailed off a little, but she said it while looking Aika in the eye. That was when, for the first time, Aika visibly showed displeasure. The girls around her were also surprised. They had never seen Sora look Aika in the eyes and speak to her before.

“…Even though I've been looking out for you. Well then, I'm glad. Enjoy your time together—as boys.”

She emphasized that part before smiling sweetly. With sharp footsteps, Aika walked off toward the shoe lockers. Her followers looked confused, but a few went with her. The others stayed behind, glaring at Sora. One of them, a girl with a side-up hairstyle, spat out her words with deep disgust.

“Shiki-san… looked hurt. Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty, you disgusting little stray cat?”

Another girl tried to chime in, but Ginji stepped forward, releasing his hand from Sora's shoulder. Though not particularly tall, Ginji's rough demeanor and the way he stared directly at them had enough intensity to make them step back.

“W-what? I-I'll tell a teacher if you do anything!”

“Hah? I'm just heading to the lockers. Don't wanna be late, right?”

Like a koi swimming, he slowly turned and walked toward the lockers.

Sora hugged her bag and walked beside him. At the lockers, Ginji changed into his indoor shoes and smiled at Sora.

“Haha, hey, did you notice? Shiki's perfect mask slipped for just a second.”

“…I felt like I was gonna die. Ugh, this morning's already too intense.”

“I wanna say more, but… we can't go too far right now. Let's wait and see what she does next.”

As Ginji spoke cheerfully, Sora glared at him with narrowed eyes.

“What?”

“You're enjoying this, aren't you? Meany…”

“Of course I am. Let me tell you, I've been holding back a lot because of you these past two months. This much doesn't even scratch the surface, but at least that idol princess finally remembers my face.”

“I don't know how you can be so composed… Aika-chan is scary.”

“Maybe. If I were alone, I'd probably be scared too. But the biggest hurdle is over now.”

Ginji slung his bag over his shoulder and tapped his toes as he finished changing shoes. Sora tilted her head, not understanding his words.

“A hurdle?”

“As long as you have the courage, we can't lose.”

Sora couldn't understand why he could say that so confidently. But even if Ginji's expectations were wrong and they ended up losing, Sora thought she wouldn't regret it. Still…

“You're teasing me, aren't you?”

“Hahaha, now you're starting to get it.”

And with that, the two of them walked together toward the classroom.

“If only you’d come over to my side now…”

“Hm? Ginji, did you say something?”

“Nah, what's first period again?”

Meanwhile, Aika was alone in a bathroom stall right before the first period class started, her expression contorted with irritation as she bit her nails.

For the first time in years, Sora had defied her, even if only slightly. Was it payback for what happened yesterday? She'd already checked—none of the girls had laid a hand on Sora. Of course not. She had made sure they wouldn’t beforehand. Sora couldn't be injured; she had to keep drawing in her place. Since she pretended to care for her, she also had to provide some care. It was a hassle. So what was she mad about? Sora should be grateful just to be noticed. Aika truly believed that. Yet even so, she had the tact to maintain her image in front of others—that was her greatest skill.

“That girl… she better not tell that Momoi boy about me… Maybe it's time to get rid of her. I'm one of a kind, but there are plenty of girls who can take her place.”

Crossing her legs and working her smartphone, Aika stood up and stepped out of the stall.

“But… yeah. That Momoi kid… using him might be fun. Getting betrayed by the first friend you ever made—how romantic would that be?”

Muttering to herself, Aika stood before the mirror and put her idol mask back on.