Chapter 2: Ginji and Sora

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Translator: Soafp

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The third-floor corner room of the school's club building. It was more of a storage room than an actual room, but Ginji had forcibly created a space there and led Sora by the hand.

“Where is this?”

Sora asked, looking up at him with his hunched posture, his expression hidden behind long bangs and glasses.

“It's the former manga research club's room. The club used to use it, but this year they gained more members and got promoted from a circle to a proper club, so they moved to a different room. Which means this one's empty. But, I'm friends with the club president, so he told me about it. The lock on this room is broken, too.”

Ginji twisted the doorknob, and with a click, it unlocked.

“This is how it works. Oh, and don't worry about when we leave. You can lock the door from outside with some string.”

“Eeh… is this really okay?”

“That's what I should be asking you. Come on, get in. At least there's a desk and some chairs.”

Since it was a corner room, there was a window, and it seemed like the lights worked as well. Inside, there were a few books on a shelf, a long table stacked with things, and some folding chairs.

They sat facing each other across the table.

“…”

Sora glanced at Ginji from time to time, saying nothing, making Ginji chuckle.

“Seriously, why are you being so cautious, even with me?”

“Well, I mean, you know about me and Aika-chan… it feels like I'm being blackmailed or something…”

“Why would I do that? Geez, life's never as simple as it should be, huh? Let's start with introductions. I'm Ginji Momoi. Call me Ginji.”

“Eh? But we're in the same class, I already know that.”

“Just do it. We've never talked face-to-face like this, right?”

Reluctantly, Sora mumbled a bit before finally raising his eyes to meet Ginji's.

“…Sora Takagi.”

“I know that already.”

“You made me say it!”

Sora raised his voice just a little louder than usual, which made Ginji grin, as if pleased by the reaction.

“Haha! That's the first time I've heard your real voice. You sound like a girl.”

“Ugh…”

“Oops, sorry, didn't mean it in a bad way. Actually, I bet girls would like it. Anyway, what should I call you? Sora?”

“Takagi is fine, just like everyone else.”

“No way. I'm going to make you happy from now on. Calling you by your last name would be too formal.”

“What does that even mean? …Other people call me ‘Creepy Cat' or stuff because of my hunchback.”

“I've decided. I'm calling you Sora. Dumb Shiki called you that too, right? So, I'll do the same.”

Ignoring Sora's protest, Ginji declared it firmly.

“…Do whatever you want. So, um, Momoi-kun. What's the situation now?”

At Sora's question, Ginji tilted his head, squinting his already sharp eyes at Sora as if trying to convey something.

“…Ginji.”

“Oou! Sora!”

Ginji answered eagerly, like an excited puppy, and Sora, looking down, let out a soft laugh.

“What's that? Why are you looking down again?”

“It's nothing. So, what did you mean when you said you were going to make me happy?”

“Before I explain that, let me tell you how I've seen you all this time. Oh, but first, I've got some snacks. Here, dried kelp and tea. Listen while you eat.”

Ginji pulled out some snacks from his bag and placed them in front of Sora. Sora picked up the box of dried kelp, inspecting it curiously.

“I've never had this before.”

“No way, seriously!?”

Ginji exaggeratedly leaned back in surprise, his biggest reaction of the day. Sora, unable to hide his amusement this time, smiled.

“Haha!”

Sora laughed.