V4Ch2: Midsummer Intruder Part 3

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Translator: Soafp

Happy new year!

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“Ah, Yukito. Don’t steal my card!”

“I don’t have yours hahahahaha”

“You’re too good at provoking! Go over there!”

“Don’t rub it in my face! I’ve transformed into a king!”

“You fool!”

“I want you to stop selling properties.”

“Now’s my chance to run away. See ya.”

“You, you’re a hellish handsome guy, not refreshing at all!”

“It’s the villain’s end.”

“Don’t just go around killing people!”

Even though our friendship was shattered, the game was intense. It wasn’t a one-on-one, it was a four-player match with CPUs involved, which was perhaps a good thing.

After the party game, we engaged in a fighting game to settle the score, but I was relentlessly attacked at the edge of the screen and lost. I don’t want to see my tiny character anymore.

Could it be that he dislikes me? I couldn’t help but feel an intention to absolutely destroy Yukito Kokonoe with the precision of the dragon punch command. The refreshing handsome guy was quite sly in the game. I’ll quietly make a note of it in my mind.

“Speaking of which, Yukito. Was Kamishiro okay with that?”

“With what?”

As we played the game, the hellish handsome guy casually started talking.

About Shiori? Was it when she decided to become a dancer without being asked, or when she increased the exposure of her outfit just because she was a dancer, or maybe when she got shocked because the size of her feet was two sizes larger when making sneakers?

“I didn’t expect Kamishiro to join the girls’ basketball team so easily.”

The hellish, now the refreshing handsome guy, put down the controller and looked a bit embarrassed.

“Oh, that thing. I did suggest it, but it was her decision.”

I didn’t force Shiori into the girls’ basketball team.

“…Sorry about that.”

“What’s up all of a sudden? Your facial voltage dropped drastically.”

“Well, I… I also reflected on it. When I reunited with you, I wanted to play basketball with you. But that was something I wanted, it was just my wish. I realized I had been imposing my ego. Kamishiro and maybe even Suzurikawa realized that. Meeting you made me realize I’ve been prioritizing only what I wanted. That’s why maybe Kamishiro accepted the girls’ basketball club so easily.”

I don’t understand Shiori’s feelings. But she needed a different path. She should look at the wider world. There are people who need Shiori, people who care about her, and there should be a world that she can create with those people. The same goes for Hinagi.

“Yukito, what do you want to do? Where are your desires?”

Kouki seems to have a very sincere personality. It’s almost juvenile.

“So, this time, I’ll go along with what you want to do. Anything is fine. Anything. It’s not fair to just impose what I want on you. Because we’re friends.”

He can casually say such embarrassing lines. It’s a rare and genuine talent of this straightforward guy.

“What I want to do… huh?”

“Don’t you have something?”

I’m troubled by being asked something so suddenly, but I’ll try to think about it. Ah, right!

“I’m short on cash, so I need to make some money.”

“Ha? Don’t we make quite a bit? I stopped getting allowance.”

Indeed, we earn an exceptional income for high school students, but it falls far short of the target amount.

“How much do you mean by short on cash? I’m willing to help.”

“Two billion.”

“That’s beyond unrealistic! Is that an amount to be short on?”

“Is that a trend now?”

Both at Shakado and with the refreshing handsome guy, their reactions are hilarious.

Naturally, when money runs out, so does our relationship. I won’t borrow money from others.

Let me explain the background. I was quite enthusiastic about coming to the refreshing handsome guy’s house because I wanted to use it as a reference for my own custom-built house. I was discreetly checking the layout and such.

“You’re still an outlandish guy. Why build a house in high school? And wasn’t that your mother’s idea, not something you wanted to do?”

“My mother’s wishes are my wishes. Same goes for my sister.”

Living a life of filial piety. Living a life of sisterly unhappiness. It’s a cursed life. At least this is my way of making amends.

Because I can’t do much else besides fulfilling my family’s wishes with all my might.

“…Not someone else. Don’t you have something you want to do, Yukito?”

“Me?”

The refreshing handsome guy looks somehow anxious. I can’t quite understand the intention behind the question.

“Hmm, I can’t think of anything in particular.”

There’s plenty I should do, but nothing I want to do. Looking back, doing something for someone else seems natural, and there’s nothing for me. An empty vessel.

Light and shadow. I’m always in the shadow. Without relationships with others, I don’t even understand myself.

But that’s fine. In that sense, I might be unmistakably an introvert.

“Hey, Yukito. I think you should live more freely.”

“While everyone else tells me to exercise restraint… like Sayuri Sensei and others.”

“True, but…”

“I shouldn’t be lecturing Tristy-san about life.”

Ultimately, I’m also lost within. No, perhaps this is the specific pursuit of self-discovery typical of youth.

Ah, speaking of which, I had one too. The only thing I wished for.

I liked Hinagi. That’s why I was planning to confess. It was a desire I held, something only I wanted. Since that day, I’ve had nothing. I’ve been living with nothing.

Even now, I can’t recall the feelings I had back then. Surely, they’ve cooled off. Not towards Hinagi. I’ve come to understand it’s the unreasonable world itself. That’s just how it is.

Yet, I am fortunate. That’s why I never forget to be grateful. To the kind family who didn’t abandon me, to those who tried to help. To all of them—

“By the way, isn’t that advisor completely lacking in motivation?”

Oops, I can’t let the Fresh Handsome Guy cloud up any further. He’s shining just the right amount. I decided to forcibly change the topic.

In the midst of various sports clubs at the Shoyo High School, the expectations for the basketball club led by the passionate upperclassman were at their lowest.

If I were to describe it in terms of the ‘Four Heavenly Kings,’ it’s the weakest. At best, it could be seen as a gathering of casual players. Despite gaining significant achievements through training, it remains a small and weak sports club. Confusion reigns in this situation, especially for the advisor, Ando Sensei, who appears to lack any enthusiasm.

Despite being the advisor, he completely avoids us. Particularly, he won’t even make eye contact with me.

Even if I tell Ando Sensei that ‘I want to play basketball,’ he’d just say, ‘I see. I’m busy, so do as you like. I will leave it to you.’ He rarely shows up at club activities. I can’t feel even a shred of enthusiasm. But even before that, when the club members suddenly increased, they seemed slightly displeased with someone.

Was he originally forced into being the reluctant advisor? The darkness of being a working adult was somewhat visible.

“Ah, it’s depressing. Can’t something be done about this upcoming event, Yukito?”

“I never thought rival units would show up.”

I completely agree, even though my facial spectrum is gloomy. ‘Reincarnated into the Basketball Club,’ known as ‘Re;Bas,’ unexpectedly got quite lively. Now, it’s about creating a short drama. However, just as the curse is broken and they reconcile with the former enemies-turned-allies, they’re confronted by assassins from another world. It’s an utterly mysterious plot. The chosen assassins include Hyakuma senpai and the Glasses senpai. Then, to add to the chaos, there’s the involvement of Goddess senpai, Holy Saint, and more.

Additionally, there’s a promotional event planned, and we’re being dragged into it.

Of all things, they’re making us do something resembling a fulfilled, active life. I want to cry.

“As part of the lucky charm goods, we’re planning to release a Goddess senpai Majestic bromide.”

“You’ll seriously get a scolding from Soma-senpai.”

While having a conversation during a break after 3 o’clock, there’s a knock on the door, and the Fresh Handsome Guy’s mom (fair-skinned) arrives, bringing snacks and drinks.

“Would you like some snacks? Enjoy yourselves!”

“Thank you.”

“Thanks a lot, Mom.”

With a gentle smile, the Fresh Handsome Guy’s mom (radiant) leaves.

“How traditional, serving warabimochi.”

“My mom knows I like Japanese sweets, so she often buys them for me.”

“They’re delicious. But I feel bad receiving this kind of consideration.”

“I didn’t expect you to care about such things.”

“I’m a coward who’s good at gauging reactions.”

“Don’t be so transparently deceitful.”

While eating warabimochi with the Fresh Handsome Guy, an idea strikes me. Just as Crane and Turtle were helped, it’s time for me, Yukito Kokonoe, to return the favor.

“Being at home at this time, does it mean your mom is a homemaker?”

“Yeah, what about it?

“Fufufufufufu”

“You’re thinking of something sneaky again, aren’t you?”

“A kind person to a devil, makeup to a beauty. I’m going to see your mom!”

“Wait! What are you planning to do to my mom!?”

During the open house, the Fresh Handsome Guy seemed unusually uncomfortable. Apparently, it’s embarrassing to meet his mother at school. For me, meeting Mom at school is such an exciting thing. Just meeting Yuri-san during break time makes me happy.

It’s completely unrelated to me, but high school is the epitome of adolescence. I’ve heard stories about someone feeling awkward when their mom found an erotic book. I wonder what’s embarrassing about that.

Just wait, Fresh Handsome Guy. I’ll mediate your relationship with your mom!

“Is this okay?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. Thank you for your cooperation.”

As we head downstairs to the living room, the Fresh Handsome Guy’s mom, Chisa-san, takes a seat.

“First, let’s clean your face with a steamed towel. Ah, it’s a brand new towel just opened, so don’t worry.”

“I usually don’t do this because I’m busy with laundry, dishes, and other chores.”

“Is that so? Then let’s keep it simple rather than extravagant.”

Preparing a warm towel is easy. Dampen it in water, wring it out, then heat it in the microwave. Borrowing an electronic oven, waiting for about thirty seconds. Once the towel is hot, cool it slightly and gently wipe between the fingers and fingertips. Chisa-san’s hands are smooth without any roughness. After wiping, the next step is applying a thin layer of hand cream.

“Your hands are very beautiful.”

“R-really? To be told that by one of Kou-chan’s friends, it’s embarrassing.”

Blushing, Chisa-san smiles like a young girl.

“Why are you hitting on my mother?”

A bewildered yet handsome guy, sitting next to me, interjects. Yare yare, even someone like the handsome guy doesn’t get it.

“Listen, Kouki. It’s not just about doing this mechanically. Sincerity is important. It’s meaningless if the other person doesn’t feel good getting cleaned up, right?”

“Y-yeah… Why is this guy suddenly making sense?”

“Fufu. Kou-chan, you’ll understand one day too.”

“Don’t be fooled by this guy! What happened to you, Yukito!? You cause disturbances and commotion in school every day, your statements are off the wall! Why are you suddenly acting like a decent human being!? Where’s the Yukito I know!?”

“Kouki…”

Yeah. Isn’t my reputation terrible?

“Yukito Ver.β.”

“Thank goodness, it’s the usual Yukito.”

“Yukito, are you aiming to become a nail artist?”

“No, not at all.”

“You even suddenly went to the cosmetics section before. It surprised me.”

“I wanted to buy colors that would suit my mother.”

“Heh, you are surprisingly good at this. But Yukito, why did you suddenly start doing this?”

“It was on a hot day like today.”

“Eh? What’s with that setup? A flashback?”

Powapowapowa

“I’m tired of studying, let go to the library.”

Throwing the textbook onto the desk. After finishing all the preparations, there’s nothing more to do. I’ve covered all the material in the textbook. It’s summer vacation. With plenty of free time, I put effort into studying, but doing the same thing repeatedly is getting dull.

“Are you going somewhere?”

As I step out of my room, Yuri-san, who was relaxing in the living room, calls out to me.

“I thought I might explore new horizons at the library.”

“Fmm, maybe I’ll come too.”

My sister looks contemplative, but she accidentally catches her nail on the sofa.

“Ouch… My nail just chipped.”

“Are you okay?”

“Just a small chip. I have an idea. If you’re free, why not study nails?”

“Nail?”

“Just kidding. Don’t worry about it. I just thought it might be useful. Well, be careful out there. Don’t get close to any weird girls. I’m going to trim my nails.”

Yuri-san lightly kisses my cheek and heads back to her room.

In my mind, Yuri-san’s words echoed:

“Nail… Nail… Useful…”

Powapowapowa

“That’s it.”

“Huh, is that all!?”

“I was free. That’s a good enough reason.”

“Why did you make it seem like it was some nostalgic memory?”

“If my mother and sister think I have value because of this, then it’s easy. It’s my policy not to go against what they say.”

“Yukito…”

For some reason, Chisa-san’s voice seemed a little darker for a moment.

If it makes them happy, then it’s fine. In reality, I’ve caused them so much worry that I can’t repay it with something like this. I don’t go against my mother and sister’s words; that’s my policy.

“All dry now. Let’s start applying.”

“Thank you so much today. I never expected Kou-chan’s friend to do something like this for me. Come visit again, okay? You’re always welcome.”

“It’s my thanks, so please don’t worry about it. Well then, I’ll head home. Take care, Kouki.”

“Yeah. Remember to be careful on your way back. Let’s go swimming at the pool next time.”

“Swimming… night pool… Ah, my memory!”

“What’s wrong, Yukito?”

“Just recalling an embarrassing memory. As expected, it caused a stir on social media.”

“I kind of want to know what happened, but it’s probably not good…”

“Then, I’ll be heading off.”

Chisa called out to her son, who was standing at the entrance looking at his best friend’s back as he left.

“He’s a strange child that I can’t leave alone.”

“Everyone says that.”

It was an unexpectedly enjoyable time for Chisa. The friend her son often talks about.

When they met briefly during the school observation, they didn’t have much conversation, but now she understands. He’s a very kind and charming boy. But, it’s a bit poignant.

“Kou-chan, you seemed happy. I feel like I saw you in that state for the first time.”

“Do you think so?”

“You haven’t really brought friends over often, have you?”

“Well, he’s just… yeah. He’s an irresistible guy.”

“Fufu. You two are alike.”

Feeling a little embarrassed at being seen through, Kouki turns away, but Chisa watches her son’s behavior with a smile. She believes their parent-child relationship is good, but it’s been a while since she had such an easy conversation with her adolescent son. Despite the usual difficulties in dealing with this age, the current atmosphere is very pleasant. She was grateful that he left behind such kindness.

Chisa held out her hand as she squinted into the dazzling glare of the setting sun.

“Is that something that makes you happy?”

“I suppose so. Wouldn’t that be true for any woman?”

“I think I understand why Yukito always complains about his lack of success with women.”

“Is that so?”

It didn’t seem that way at all. He seemed like someone who’d attract attention.

“He brought it upon himself.”

With a wry smile, Kouki and Chisa return indoors.

It was dinnertime. It was about time for the rest of the family to return. Would my husband notice? If he did, how would he react? With these thoughts in mind, Chisa headed towards the kitchen.

“What’s that, Mom?”

“Oh, it’s nothing, Hikari-chan.”

The usually punctual elder daughter, Hikari, keenly noticed the unusual sight during dinner time.

“It’s rare to see you doing nails. Is something up? Wait, don’t tell me, Mom, are you having an affair!?”

“…………!”

Even the composed movements of my usually calm and collected father momentarily stopped, noticed by Kouki.

“What should I do? Right, Kou-chan?”

“What are you trying to evade…?”

“Kou, do you know something?”

Amid Kouki’s probing, when I looked, father was pressing mother for answers.

“You didn’t notice; how sad.”

“…I did. So, what’s this sudden change?”

“I wonder if that’s true.”

“Sorry. Perhaps I have been neglecting you a bit lately.”

“Fufu, what’s wrong with you? Why are you so flustered?”

“Well, that’s…”

The usually quiet dinner table of the Miho family has somehow turned into a lively battlefield.

(That guy causes a commotion whether he’s present or not…)

He threw a little complaint toward his absent friend who seemed to always stir things up, but Hikari’s curiosity continued.

“Kou, come clean.”

“A friend came over today. He has recently learned how to do nails, so he wanted to try it on Mom.”

“Who’s that person? Is he aiming to be a nail artist?”

“Not exactly, but it’s not something that requires an explanation…”

“So, Mom cheated with that person?”

“She didn’t!”

For some reason, my sister stubbornly suspected infidelity, leaving me scratching my head.

“Enough! Can’t you be clearer?”

“Come on, let’s just get back to eating?”

While he thought his curious sister would find it interesting, it’d be double trouble for him, who’s already struggling to deal with her. He couldn’t afford to let them meet.

Trying to divert the conversation, he forcefully brought it to an end.

“Sounds intriguing. I might want to meet him.”

“Okay, that’s enough of this conversation.”

“Next time, bring them when I’m around.”

“I didn’t even ask to hear about it. It’s not someone you would care about. He is plain, unremarkable, an introvert. And what was it? He often said… right, he used to be a loner.”

“He is not Kou’s friend?”

“Well, he is, but…”

“It’s rare for Kou to bring friends home. There weren’t any during middle school. Kou might look bright on the surface, but surprisingly, you know…”

“He is easygoing and don’t care about much.”

“I want to meet him, but it’s odd to call him over. I might visit when the time is right. But more importantly, Kou, you’ve been up to some interesting things, hiding him from me.”

Saying so, Hikari pulled out a magazine. On the cover was the familiar sight of a masked character resembling a rabbit, crossing his arms like a ramen shop owner, striking a pose.

“When did Kou start getting interested in cosplay? And with such cute ones.”

“It just happened naturally, I wasn’t trying to hide anything…”

“Could it be this person?”

“Uh…”

There was no guilt involved, yet Kouki seemed flustered as if his weakness had been exposed.

“It seems like I hit the mark. …Quite amusing, isn’t it?”

“Sorry, Yukito. I might not be able to stop it.”

Feeling uncomfortable sweat trickling down his back, Kouki decided to quickly take a bath and forget about it.

---

“…Chu… phew… n… hm…”

“Well, uhm”

“Something wrong?”

“It’s just that…”

“I’m just thinking that you react exactly the same way as Nee-san.”

“We’re family after all.”

“Genetics are amazing.”

It’s bedtime, and I’m doing my mom’s nails in my room, but she in her underwear. Honestly, this sight is too much for the eyes. It’s not even about glimpses; it’s dynamism.

I’ve given up on everything and decided to just look openly and proudly. No reservations. I’m soaking it all in, like a laser. The skincare is perfect, so the skin looks beautiful too!

“Staring at me like that makes me embarrassed… Maybe.”

“Good, at least some reasonable sense of joy remained.”

Internally crying a river. I wish Yuri would learn some modesty from Mom.

By the way, when I asked why she’s okay with this, she said, “My clothes might get dirty, right?” A very reasonable answer. However, I wondered if it was necessary to undress that much, but since I couldn’t come up with a rebuttal, I accepted it.

“How’s this?”

As I finish painting her toenails, she takes a satisfied breath. I tried a bit of a gradient, and it seems to have turned out well. Always stacking up that skill experience.

“Very beautiful… Thank you.”

She’s speaking with passion in her words. I wonder if she’s happy. I chose sky blue for Mom, who likes the color blue. The translucent hue suits her very well.

When she’s working, she can’t use too flashy colors, but with increased work-from-home and her workplace soon entering the summer break, a bit of stylishness won’t be a problem.

“About the trip I mentioned before, I’ve decided. It’s Kyoto.”

I’ve only been there once before. — On a very cold day when it was snowing.

“The snow at Kiyomizu-dera was beautiful.”

— So much that I felt like I could jump off at any moment.

I remember feeling really awful about something back then.

At that time, maybe Sekka-san was hugging me because I was anxious.

“This time, it’ll be us together. Okay?”

Not to boast, but I’ve never been on a school trip before.

When I was in elementary school, the destination for the school trip was Kyoto, but I didn’t go.

Maybe Mom is worried about that. Or perhaps she’s jealous of Sekka.

But no matter the reason, because it’s my first time joining a family trip, there’s a subtle excitement. I’ll need to make a travel itinerary.

“It’s Ryokan, and it seems like I can get the most luxurious room.”