Chapter 34: Agitation

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Translator: Soafp

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“Hey… could it be that you like Asano, Shiho?”

“Eh!? Wh-why would you think that…?”

“Well, you go to school with Asano every day. Even for childhood friends, you two seem really close, don't you think?”

“T-That's just something we've always done, like a habit from way back…”

I had Tatsumi act in a way that would make it seem like she had feelings for Asano.

“Really…? Then, would it be okay if I made a move on Asano?”

For a moment, Fukase's expression darkened at Tatsumi's words.

She might be worried—worried that someone might take her precious childhood friend, Asano, away from her.

Don't worry, Fukase.

If Asano ends up leaving your side, it won't be because someone stole him away.

It'll be because he's disappointed in your ugly behavior and chooses to walk away on his own.

Yes, I am manipulating people and situations, but the things you've said and done, stemming from your weak heart, are also real.

The root cause is undeniably you.

That's why this was inevitable.

Isn't it true that you want to be more than just childhood friends with Asano?

Instead of showing that ugly possessiveness, wouldn't it be better to just be honest with yourself? …Honestly, I feel like giving you that kind of advice, because watching you right now is just pathetic.

But still, Fukase… it's over.

Your relationship—the bond you've built up over all this time—is going to fall apart.

And that reality is coming soon.

The day your “childhood friend” bond ends is approaching.

---

After getting a report from Tatsumi about Fukase's behavior, I slowly and carefully observed the situation.

“Hey, Fukase. Come hang out with me for a bit.”

“Uh… I've got studying to do on weekends… and club activities too…”

“Don't say that. I'll make it fun.”

Right now, Senda is hitting on Fukase, almost like a pickup attempt.

Fukase clearly seems to dislike him, but she can't bring herself to say so directly.

If you hate it, just say you hate it.

“Go, Tatsumi.”

When I gave the order to Tatsumi, who was hiding with me and listening in on the conversation between Fukase and Senda, she nodded reluctantly and stepped forward.

“Hey, you're Senda-senpai, right? Our basketball club member isn't comfortable, so could you back off?”

“What's your problem? We were just talking. Anyway, see ya, Fukase—think about where you wanna go.”

Maybe because she thinks Tatsumi stood up for her, Fukase looks visibly relieved…

“Are you okay, Shiho?”

But Fukase is betraying Asano's trust through her actions.

And her supposed friend Tatsumi is also betraying her, under pressure from me.

“Y-Yeah. Thanks.”

It's truly laughable.

From my perspective, these people aren't friends at all.

Well, maybe it's cruel to say that.

But it's only natural to choose relationships based on gain and loss…

“Guys like that—ones with bad attitudes—they never listen to women. It's better if someone trustworthy warns them. Maybe Asano? He's got that look that could scare even delinquents.”

“Haruki isn't a delinquent.”

“But didn't you say he was rough before, Shiho?”

“Ah… yeah. Miwa, are you… interested in Haruki?”

“Eh… ah… yeah… maybe, I am.”

Now then, what will you do, Fukase?

“Y-You shouldn't get too involved with Haruki. He's quick to fight… and selfish.”

“Really? Usually when people badmouth someone they don't like, they sound angry or sarcastic… but you sound kind of flustered?”

“T-That's not true. He really is an irresponsible guy. Asano, I mean.”

“I see… so Asano is that kind of person…”

No matter how many times I watch this, it's entertaining.

To stop anyone from getting close to her precious childhood friend, this girl will go to any lengths. How childish.

“About that delinquent senpai earlier—maybe there's another way to handle him?”

“Eh… another way?”

“Like flattering him a bit. That might put him in a good mood.”

This was also my instruction to Tatsumi.

By taking advantage of Fukase's inability to clearly say no, I could lead Senda on… and maybe that would lead to an even more interesting drama.

“Hey, Tatsumi. Over here.”

“Oh, Coach Tamiya is calling me. See you at practice!”

Tamiya, the new P.E. teacher, just happened to pass by.

He's the shameless adult who kissed Tatsumi.

Well, to be fair, that kiss was initiated by Tatsumi.

Since Tamiya took Tatsumi away from the scene, I guess we'll call it a day for today's surveillance…

…Or maybe it's time to be bold.

“Hey. You guys look like you're having fun.”

I stepped out from the shadows where I'd been hiding and approached Fukase, now alone.

“E-Endo… san?”

“You looked like you were having a pretty interesting conversation, Fukase.”

“You… know me?”

“Yeah. I've heard about you. A pretty girl, basketball ace, smart, popular in class… all from that rough and lazy Asano.”

I quoted the exact insults Fukase had used about Asano earlier, making it clear that I had heard her.

Her eyes widened, and her face immediately turned pale as she tried to stop me from walking away.

“W-Wait! Endo-san!”

“What?”

“Um… about what I said earlier… to Haruki…”

“I won't tell him… I wouldn't want to ruin his good time by bringing you up.”

Exactly. I'm not going to be the one to tell Asano directly.

I'm hoping for something much more entertaining—something that really stabs deep into both your hearts.

---

A few days later, things took an amusing turn.

Fukase, having taken Tatsumi's words seriously, started trying to please Senda.

Feeling encouraged, Senda pushed even harder and ended up asking her out—and apparently, she agreed.

“Hey, Endo. What do you even do on a date?”

“How should I know? Just go eat something or whatever.”

Senda, who seemed to think she was getting closer to Fukase, was in high spirits and reported to me every time there was some kind of progress.

Since I also wanted information, I always listened to his long-winded stories… but honestly, it was exhausting.

His stories were monotonous and all pretty much the same.

If I had the time to put up with such boring talk, it would be much more meaningful to have casual chats with Asano.

“So, so… can middle schoolers buy that kind of thing?”

“Huh? What thing?”

“Rubbers, you know. Like the ones they sell at convenience stores.”

As I had suspected, this guy was completely intent on hooking up with Fukase.

Well, I was the one who stirred him up like that too…

I wonder if all boys around this age are like this?

“Who cares? If you want it that badly, take it.”

I tossed the rubber I had in my wallet toward Senda. He caught it with wide eyes.

“W-why do you have something like this?”

“Doesn't matter. If you're done talking, then get out of my sight.”

When I glared at him, Senda quickly walked away.

The contraceptives I just gave him were leftovers in large quantities from my mother's room before she left.
They were about two years old by now… Do condoms even have an expiration date?

Well, whatever.

Even if Fukase is naïve and mentally fragile like tofu, she wouldn't actually go through with anything with Senda.

Even if Senda were to lose his mind and rape Fukase, making her pregnant, it wouldn't be my problem.

…Wait a minute? That would actually be interesting.

If his beloved childhood friend got pregnant after being assaulted by a notorious delinquent, wouldn't Asano scream his head off?

“Ah—my imagination is running wild.”

I just quietly wait, humming to myself, for things to come to a head.

A few days later, I finally approached Tamiya, the basketball club advisor and PE teacher. It was on the rooftop during lunch break.

When I told him I had something important to discuss about Tatsumi, he came over looking very pale.

“Endo… um, could you delete those photos?”

“Huh? No way.”

The photos I was showing Tamiya were, of course, the pictures I took from this rooftop of him kissing Tatsumi.

“If those photos get out, you'd be in trouble, right, Sensei?”

Tamiya clenched his molars tightly, seeming to suppress some emotion.

“Endo, it's my fault. I don't care what happens to me, but if those photos become public, it'll cause trouble for Tatsumi. So…”

“Hah, don't make me laugh. If that's the case, why don't you be honest with the school administration and make sure they know Tatsumi's innocent? Or threaten me by claiming I took photos to blackmail you? That's an option too, right?”

Everyone's full of empty words.

“You only care about yourself, don't you? It's pathetic to hear that from a teacher.”

Tamiya fears damage to his reputation. Though he says he wants to protect Tatsumi, he cares about himself just as much.

For his own self-preservation… In the end, even teachers are just this kind of person. Standing on a podium and preaching about life, yet still pathetic.

“I don't want to hurt you either, Endo.”

“Huh? That makes no sense.”

“You have to value yourself more! So stop doing this!”

“Shut up… don't say another word.”

I glared at Tamiya with murderous intent. Taking a deep breath. I got a little emotional for a moment.

“Hey Tamiya. Look over there.”

I pointed to a place from the rooftop. It was the back of the gymnasium, a place usually completely deserted.
But now, two students were there.

“That's… Fukase and Senda, isn't it?”

Apparently, Tamiya recognized them at a glance. Makes sense. Fukase is on the basketball team, and Senda is a notorious delinquent problem child.

Yesterday, Fukase had apparently asked Tatsumi for advice. She told her she agreed to go on a date with Senda but didn't really want to go after all.

Tatsumi, on my instruction, told Fukase to talk in the back of the gym, and also that she should consult Asano.
Knowing Asano, if she hears Fukase is in trouble, she'll show up.

(Looks like all the players are here.)

“Don't mess with me! Is this why you called me out!?”

“Ow!”

I could hear Senda yelling angrily from the rooftop, probably because Fukase started the conversation.

“Ah, Sensei, those two are fighting over there.”

Seeing Senda advancing on Fukase with a demon-like expression, Tamiya immediately ran off from the rooftop.

“Hey! Stop that!”

But right then, Asano appeared gallantly and stepped in to break it up.

(Asano…)

My heart pounded loudly when the protagonist of my story showed up.

“What!? N-no!”

“Hah! Nice ch*st after all, huh!”

I was dumbfounded seeing Senda groping Fukase's ch*st, ignoring Asano.

(That guy… must have a serious s*x drive built up.)

“Senda! Let go of Shiho!”

“Shut up! I've been telling you since earlier!”

Senda swung a fist at Asano. But Asano wasn't intimidated and countered with a punch that ended it immediately.

“Puhah, haha! Asano's strong! Senda's knocked out, huh?”

I couldn't stop laughing at the live drama unfolding from the rooftop.

“Hey! What are you two doing!?”

Just then, Tamiya, who had rushed on foot to the back of the gym from the rooftop, shouted loudly upon arriving.

“Fukase, are you okay? You two… Senda and Asano, come to the staff room now!”

“Hahaha! Asano and Senda are being taken away. What's gonna happen next?”

Later, rumors about the fight between Asano and Senda spread throughout the school. Asano's position became much worse than before, and naturally, she had no place to belong at school anymore.

Fukase must be regretting causing this situation. Still, for her possessiveness, she keeps repeating foolish mistakes.

“Haruki Asano… you're not Fukase's. You're going to be my toy. And…”

Now then, it's time for the finishing touch… the final act.