Chapter 35: No folk dance for fried horse mackerel

Translator: Soafp

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As the sports festival was approaching its end, I began tidying up as much as I could in the committee waiting area. The final event of the sports festival, the relay race of Class 3-C, was taking place on the school grounds.

I thought the sports festival would be quite relaxed, but my expectations were proven wrong. Things never go as planned. As I pondered over such thoughts, Hihara Karen, who had been working alongside me, was also busy with the tasks.

“Hihara-san, need any help?”

“Ah, no, I’m fine.”

Lately, I had forgotten that she wouldn’t easily become friendly unless a certain line was crossed. She had a strong side and a difficult-to-approach side due to her shyness around people. It was because of these contrasting aspects that she was popular.

She consistently ranked between second and fifth in the popularity rankings. While she couldn’t reach the top spot, it was evident that she was well-liked.

“What’s with that lukewarm gaze?”

Crap, I got lost in reminiscing about the past, and now she’s glaring at me with half-closed eyes.

“Oh, it’s nothing…”

“Your face tells me you’re lying.”

“No, really. It’s truly nothing.”

“Hmm… You were probably looking at me and thinking I’m socially awkward. Sorry for being socially awkward.”

“No, I never thought anything like that. I’m socially awkward myself, so I’m in no position to mock others.”

“I’m certain that Izayoi is not socially awkward.”

“Do you think so? I’m actually quite socially awkward…”

I get nervous when talking to people. Sometimes, I even imagine their faces as potatoes in my head. Even in my past life, I was quite socially awkward. When a girl next to me struck up a conversation, I could only manage to say, “Oh, thank you…” I struggled to communicate, especially with girls.

After being reborn, I finally managed to reach a certain level of social skills, but I still feel a sense of tension deep within me.

However, I have grown. Even when talking to a stunningly beautiful girl, I can now choose options other than “Yeah, exactly…” or “Oh, yeah, I guess.” If my conversation level was an one in my past life, now it’s at least a three. While I was lost in my own thoughts, she seemed slightly embarrassed and opened her mouth as if recalling something.

“I-It’s impressive that you can say something like that… even though you’re bold enough to take me to a deserted park and try to kiss me…”

“I-I didn’t intend to do that. It was more like a light joke…”

I want her to forget about it already. That was something I regret even thinking about now. It was so dangerous that I wouldn’t even complain if the police caught me.

“My mom and dad are also surprised! They say Izayoi is really daring!!”

“That’s why, well… Huh? Did you tell them?!”

“Eh? Ah, yeah. It just came up in conversation…”

“Why would you say that?! Isn’t it an unwritten rule not to say things like that?!”

“But my mom and dad wanted to hear more about you…”

“There are other things to talk about, right?! For example, me liking anime or curry!”

“I already mentioned those things. But they wanted to know more… Lately, about 80% of dinner conversations revolve around you.”

“T-That much… Uhm, I don’t think you mentioned that other thing, right?”

“What thing?”

“You know, come now. When Senpai fell over and… well, I saw something.”

“I-Idiot!! I didn’t mention that!! Pervert!!”

So, you mention the kiss but not the panties. Was it because the kiss was unsuccessful and it was clear it was a joke? Like a comedic punchline?

But it’s a good thing that we can have such conversations. It makes me happy to hear that. Yeah.

“That’s good.”

It’s good in multiple ways. It’s good that her family relationship has improved, and it’s good that the fact that I saw her panties hasn’t been exposed.

No matter what, it wouldn’t feel good for their daughter if some random guy saw her flashy red panties. It’s a relief. It hasn’t been exposed. If we were to coincidentally meet in public, it would be more than just awkward. It’s a given that things would become awkward just because of the attempted kiss, but since it was unsuccessful and a joke, it’s better than talking about panties.

“I-I wouldn’t say that!! It’s beyond the level of a joke if my parents found out my junior saw my underwear!!!!”

“Right~. Well, I’m really glad.”

“Why are you so calm?! Be more flustered!! It’s like I’m doing a one-person comedy show!!”

“I’m sorry.”

Internally, I’m quite flustered, but not as much as she is. This is what it means to handle things like an adult!!!

As we continue our conversation, we hear a loud bang, indicating that the relay race has ended. Only the folk dance remains. But before that, we have to clean up what’s happening right now.

“Well then, I have to carry these, so excuse me.”

“W-wait, we’re not done talking yet!”

“Excuse me.”

I headed towards the storage room carrying a few folding chairs. It would be embarrassing and awkward to keep talking about that.

I left the scene as if escaping.

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[Karen PoV]

Izayoi carried the folding chairs and walked away.

It’s a little frustrating. I talked about my underwear being seen, but he didn’t react much. There should be more to it, right? I’m the only one feeling embarrassed, while Izayoi doesn’t show any reaction.

Could it be that it doesn’t matter to Izayoi? To a girl, this is an important matter… But boys are supposed to react to these things, right?

It’s not that he doesn’t see me as a woman, right? No, that can’t be it.

I have the stamp of approval from my mom and dad that Izayoi has a high likability factor.

I’m sure deep down he was quite flustered. Yes, that must be it. My parents say his likability is high, so there was no need to worry.

I’ve been talking to my mom and dad a lot lately. Dinner time has become the most enjoyable part of the day. However, there is one thing that slightly bothers me…

[How far have you gone with Izayoi-kun?]

[We haven’t gone anywhere…]

[How can you be so nonchalant? What kind of child are you…]

[What’s Izayoi-kun like normally?]

[Well, he’s just normal, I guess?]

[I see, so he’s not one to use force unnecessarily despite being talented. The talented hawk hides its talons, as the saying goes.]

No matter what I say, his likability increases. Izayoi does have many wonderful qualities, but they don’t need to read too much into it… Among other things,

[What does Izayoi-kun usually eat?]

[He eats curry at the cafeteria every time.]

[Just by eating curry, he gives off a good kid vibe.]

[Does Izayoi-kun have any hobbies?]

[He seems to like the same things as me, like anime and manga.]

[So, this is fate…]

My parents are really into Izayoi. But that’s just the beginning. The other day, I secretly overheard them talking late at night.

[What should we name our grandchild?]

[Well, let’s see. Taking inspiration from their names, maybe Koyoru for a boy?]

[In that case, Hikari might be a good name for a girl.]

[That’s a good name.]

EEEEEEHHHHHHHH?!?!? It’s too soon!!! How far ahead are they thinking????

We’re not even officially dating yet!! And yet, my parents are already discussing grandchild names…

[Ara, we jumped to conclusions too quickly, didn’t we?]

[Yeah, maybe it’s still too early for a grandchild.]

No, like I said we’re not even dating yet! What kind of parents look for a wedding venue for a daughter who’s not even in a relationship?!

[Ultimately, it’s up to the two of them, but I think it’s better if we pick some options in advance. What do you think?]

[I have no objections either. They say ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’ Let’s start researching right away. Oh, maybe Izayoi-kun’s family wants to have a private wedding with only close relatives.]

[We’ll need to look for venues like that too. Let’s start with a hundred options…]

[‘Strike while the iron is hot.’ right~. It might be a good idea for parents to meet during the summer vacation.]

[That’s a good idea. ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’]

No, this is too rushed!!! How can they be in such a hurry?! There’s a limit to how much you can rush, even if they say ‘Strike while the iron is hot’!!!

Every day, the two of them are researching wedding venues like this. They seem to get along well, which is good, but it’s still too early no matter how you look at it.

I realize once again how influential Izayoi is. My parents really like him a lot. Maybe that’s why it feels a bit excessive…

Right now, we can all enjoy ourselves thanks to Izayoi. He encouraged me back then. Although most of the conversations with my parents revolve around Izayoi, we also talk about other things.

I ask for advice on work-related matters or helping me a little bit about cooking. Those everyday interactions are incredibly enjoyable.

But Gindou Kohaku is the one who dampens these happy moments.

She always tries to one-up me. Today’s lunch was the same. Does she always make such high-quality lunches?

It ended in a draw at the time, but I ended up losing later. There’s nothing I can do about it. There are things to learn from losing. It’s fine.

The problem is her figure!!

What is that… I can’t help but shudder at the slightly plump and voluptuous feeling, especially in the chest and buttocks. They’re huge!!!

And compared to me????

That body is unfair. It’s not about being sexy or anything like that.

…I’m jealous!! I want something like that too!! I didn’t pay much attention to it before. No, I did notice it to some extent. But it was just a passing thought.

But recently, Izayoi is here. When it comes to whether men prefer a woman with or without certain features, I’ve heard that having them is better. If that’s the case, then I’m in trouble.

Honestly, I feel quite small in comparison. Overall.

It’s like the difference between a melon and a crepe batter. The disparity is severe. Since my mom is also quite modest in that regard, it might be a matter of genetics… I can’t really say it’s her fault…

Damn it!! …There’s no point in thinking about it anymore. If I grow up while thinking about things like that, I won’t get anywhere…

…!! That’s right, Dad married Mom even though she’s modest and small, so the difference in body size isn’t that important, right?!

Fuu, I’ve been worrying unnecessarily again.

While indulging in such delusions by myself, I continued with the preparations as a member of the planning committee. Speaking of which, I don’t know how to do the folk dance… I wonder if Izayoi knows?

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[Izayoi PoV]

Let’s finish tidying up as quickly as possible. The sports festival, which was quite challenging in many ways, is finally over. While everyone was dancing the folk dance for the last time, I was busy carrying chairs and folding tents.

I don’t feel disappointed about not being able to participate in the folk dance. First of all, I never thought I could do it because I don’t know how. Besides, as a member of the organizing committee, I didn’t have much free time for that.

There’s also the final announcement of the results. But I need to finish some things before that…

There are quite a few people dancing the folk dance. Huh? What’s that line over there?

At the front is Kimchika, huh… The boys in my class are at the end of the line, frustratedly hitting nails into straw dolls.

As usual.

“If you don’t mind, dance with me!”

“No, dance with me!”

“No, no, dance with me!”

“No, no, no, dance with me!”

“I’m sorry, I’m not in the mood to dance…”

The sports festival was busy as usual. It was busy until the end. I can only say that being a member of the organizing committee is tough. After finishing the committee’s tasks and with the folk dance almost over…

“Izayoi, do you know how to folk dance?”

“No, I don’t.”

“I see, as I thought… Why do you think the characters in novels know how to dance?”

“Perhaps they received that kind of education.”

“What kind of education is that?”

As things settled down, the two of us had a calm conversation. Then Gindou Kohaku arrived.

“Good work, everyone.”

“Thank you for going out of your way.”

Gindou Kohaku joined us.

“Um, I know how to dance, you know?”

“Ah, well…”

“Can you not interrupt our conversation?”

“Sorry. Ah, well then…”

She casually apologized and turned toward me. From there, an argument started and the time for the folk dance ended.

By the way, the result was that our school, Mina no Iroko High, won, and the physical education teacher, Nanase, was ecstatic and jumping with joy.

End of sport festival arc