Chapter 41: Fried horse mackerel that raises the stock and lowers it

Translator: Soafp

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I found myself in a white space. Huh? This place feels familiar…

Eh? You’ve got to be kidding me.

“Izayoi-kun…”

I was called from behind. This déjà vu is overwhelming. Oi oi, this is the same pattern as before. I turn around slowly and there… she wasn’t in her “Masou Shoujo” outfit, but rather wearing a hoodie, looking quite casual.

However, her hair was messy in places, and she had heavy bags under her eyes. This version of her has its own charm. But she also gives off a scary vibe.

“Do you like me? Do you love me?”

“Eh?”

I’m having trouble keeping up with this development. This must be a dream, but isn’t it too sudden? But I should answer, right? If I don’t answer, even though it’s a dream, she might kill me. At least my feelings of liking her haven’t changed.

“…I love you.”

“Izayoi-kun, I love you the most in the universe…do you really love me?”

“Well, it’s just that I chose the better option out of the two…”

“I wanted you to go beyond that… I wanted you to go beyond that…”

Isn’t this going too far?! I chose the better option out of the two! Even though it’s a dream…

In her hand was a knife… When did she…? She aimed it at me, towards my abdomen…

“What the heck!! Is this dream!!”

Then, I awoke with a gasp. What a dream. Probably, I was thinking about the sudden Yandere of Hihara Karen. It was a very realistic dream that scared me a lot.

I instinctively rubbed the spot where I was stabbed. Even in dreams, it seems that realistic dreams can have some impact on reality.

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What a morning… Such a bizarre dream. Even as I walk to school, I can’t help but think about the spot where I was stabbed.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.”

“Thank you for yesterday. Both Mom and Dad were really happy.”

“No, thank you for having me.”

As we walk side by side, Hihara Karen approaches me. I’m relieved. She seems to be her usual energetic self. It has to be this way.

“Good morning, Izayoi-kun.”

I’m called from behind. The development feels dream-like, and a slight sense of tension runs through me. Hihara Karen furrows her brow and turns around.

When we saw Gindou Kohaku today, we couldn’t believe our own eyes.

Twin tails. She tied up her usual silky silver long hair. Hmm? What’s going on? She looks cute. Oi.

“Don’t misunderstand. I didn’t greet you just because it’s you, Izayoi-kun. It’s a natural thing to do as a human being.”

“”…””

She’s cute, but I can’t keep up with this development. I want an explanation of what’s going on.

“What are you doing?! That’s my specialty! Don’t try to casually add attributes!”

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not trying to add attributes or anything like that.”

“Don’t underestimate the Tsundere. Your words are too cliché!”

“You’re the one who keeps saying the same kind of things!”

What should have been a peaceful moment in the morning turned into an argument that took up the entire commute. However, I need to think more seriously about how to improve the relationship between these two. I want to make them get along. What should I do?

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The classroom was in an uproar. Gindou Kohaku’s twin tails had become a huge topic of conversation. Both boys and girls were captivated by her appearance. Sasamoto and I continued our conversation while gazing at her.

“You know, Kohaku-chan is cute.”

“Definitely.”

“You’re lucky to be with her every day.”

“Well, I guess I’m a fortunate guy.”

Normally, just being together should be a source of happiness. The time spent with her is precious. However, it feels unbalanced. That’s why envy arises, even though there are no such individuals in our class. But in other grades or classes, there might be. That’s why those things ended up being posted on the internet. It can’t be helped, I suppose.

“I envy you. She’s really cute. Twin tails are just the best.”

“Yeah, there’s a special feeling to it, like a limited character in a summer gacha.”

“You better not compliment her like that.”

After saying it, I realized that it wasn’t appropriate. That’s right. I should consult with Sasamoto about the two girls and see if he has any good ideas. There might be something useful.

“You know.”

“What’s up?”

“I want to help those two girls who don’t get along become friends. Any thoughts on what I should do?”

“Well, the hearts of girls are complex, they say. It might be difficult.”

“I see…”

Indeed, that’s true. It won’t be easy to resolve their animosity.

“But…”

“Hmm?”

“My mom once told me that even if girls don’t get along, sometimes unexpected things can be the catalyst for them becoming friends.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s just something my mom said, but apparently, it can happen.”

“I see. That’s helpful. Thanks.”

I see. So girls have those kinds of moments. Maybe I should observe a little. But I should only consider it as one possible approach. It’s better to think of various strategies. Those two were especially close among the “Masou Shoujo” so their compatibility shouldn’t be bad. I want to find a way to create this “bond” that is difficult to form, especially considering the “Demon Tribe” that may attack in the future.

“Oh, by the way, here it is, that thing we talked about.”

“I see. How much?”

“1.5 times the market price is fine.”

“Alright.”

I handed over the money and received a paper bag. Inside was a doujinshi. Because of the romance involved, I ended up buying it from him, the Erotic Book-sensei. This makes it my fifth book. It’s a bit more expensive than the market price, but it’s better than buying it myself. Buying erotic books is embarrassing, yeah.

Now, I need to think about the two of them… What should I do?

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[Natsuko PoV]

My name is Noguchi Natsuko. I’m just an ordinary high school girl.

Yesterday, I was tailing Gindou-san to observe her actions… Well, it was quite something. I didn’t expect it to turn out like that. And the fact that Hihara-senpai was tailing him too was also surprising.

Those two, they seem to get along in their own way… I think? They have a really good chemistry. And both of them have such high levels of affection for Kuroda-kun.

How did it come to this… Both of their affections are steadily increasing, and it’s starting to get worrisome. Especially Gindou-san, she’s so competitive, and I can sense some kind of rivalry. Hihara-senpai also gives off a strong competitive vibe, so I think that’s fueling their relationship and affections.

Was there a term in boxing for something like this? Um, “mix-up,” I think? It means mutually raising each other up, right? It feels like that. I’m a bit curious about how things will turn out if they continue like this, but since I’m in a position of supporting Gindou-san’s love, I’ve been giving various advice… Today was quite a surprise, though.

Suddenly sporting twin tails. I think she put into practice what I told her before about “getting to know the other person.” But isn’t it too direct? Well, it’s cute though, right? There’s definitely a high demand for it. But it seems to have little effect on Kuroda-kun. No, I should say it has an effect, but only that?

He is a tough one. Really tough. There’s affection, but no intention of dating. That’s the most difficult part. Hmm, he’s full of weaknesses, Kuroda-kun.

No immunity to girls. Affection for Gindou-san, yes. But she is unable to win him over. This… honestly feels like a lost cause. But I’ll keep thinking if there’s anything I can do.

For the sake of my friends.

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[Izayoi PoV]

Well, it’s lunchtime. Should I go to the cafeteria? She came down to me, with an adorable appearance sporting twin tails.

“Izayoi-kun, let’s go to the cafeteria together.”

“Yes…”

“D-Don’t get the wrong idea! I-I don’t want to eat with you or anything… uhm, well… I guess I have no choice but to invite you!!”

Uhm, I heard her say “I have no choice.” She doesn’t have to force herself to act Tsundere. The real one exists, after all.

“Uhm, you don’t…”

“Izayoi!!”

The real one arrived. It’s Hihara Karen, the Tsundere of all Tsunderes. She opens the door with a bang and makes a grand entrance.

“I have no choice, so I’ll go eat lunch with you. You better be grateful.”

“Y-Yes.”

“Hey, I said I have no choice but to eat with him!”

“I said I have no choice but to eat with him!”

“I’m the one with no choice!”

“No, I’m the one with no choice!”

The surrounding people start buzzing. Boys, please stop throwing pens.

Sasamoto mentioned it, but can they really become close friends by chance? This is bad. What should I do? Oh, right! How about studying for the midterm exams?

No, it’s impossible. Neither of them needs to study, and they’re in different grades. As I was thinking about it, I noticed a beautiful woman already waiting for Hihara Karen.

“Uhm, h-hello”

It’s Kikawa Moegi. She bows her head to me with an apologetic look. I immediately understood that she’s concerned about what happened yesterday. Did she come all the way here just to apologize?

“Moegi wants to apologize once again for yesterday.”

“I see.”

Hihara Karen informs me. Just as I expected, she’s conscientious.

“Well, I really apologize for everything.”

She’s apologizing to the magical girls. The three of them together… Well, I don’t mind anymore, but I can imagine that it’s hard for her not to worry after saying so much.

I’m a guy, so I dislike that. But that’s a separate matter. She apologized because she felt it was wrong. She draws a clear line.

“I said it yesterday too, but it’s okay. It was a misunderstanding. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

“I see…”

She regains a slightly calmer atmosphere. Earlier, I could see her anxiety caused by guilt, but now it’s fading away.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

She bows her head once again and leaves the place.

“Izayoi, you’re too forgiving.”

“It’s like a cool bargain sale right now.”

Somehow, their fight has settled down. Please stop with the “cool”, it’s embarrassing.

I ate lunch with the two of them accompanying me.

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After lunch, I headed towards a vending machine alone, wanting to take a break as I had become emotionally drained from being unable to make those two get along. As I approached the vending machine, I noticed a familiar face.

“Ah.”

“Hello.”

Kikawa Moegi had a complex expression as she stood in front of the vending machine. It reminded me of the tissue incident. She was probably recalling it too, unsure of what to do.

“Take your time choosing.”

“Oh, okay.”

She seemed a bit reserved. Although I am technically her junior, we’re only a year apart in school. She hastily pressed the buttons on the vending machine, quickly retrieved her drink, and hurriedly took out her change. However, in her haste, she dropped some coins, which scattered all over the place.

“Ah!”

“Are you alright?”

“I-I’m sorry.”

Both she and I bent down to pick up the coins. I collected them and handed them to her.

“Thank you.”

“No problem, and you don’t have to be so reserved. I’m just a first-year student.”

“I-I can’t do that. I did something rude…”

“Well, if you’ve already apologized twice, then it’s fine. Really.”

“Is… is that so?”

“Yes.”

Although the real reason was that her frank way of speaking suited her better, I didn’t mention it. She let out a murmur.

“So, should we go with that?”

“Yes, please.”

“There are guys like this too…”

She muttered to herself. Normally, someone might ask what she said, but I heard it loud and clear, so I decided to let it go. Her aversion to men won’t be easily changed. However, perhaps a tiny bit of trust has started to sprout.

Just then, two bees flew over. One approached me, and the other went towards her. It’s dangerous to be stung. She dislikes bugs and things related to the supernatural, just like me.

“Uwa! Bees!!”

“Watch out!”

We both lowered our heads, but the bees kept coming. She swatted at them, trying to protect herself from being stung. But they wouldn’t go away.

As she swatted one bee, another came close to her face… and another one joined in.

She started to panic, and so did I.

“Mou, let’s run away!”

“Yeah…”

We both braced ourselves and started running. However, due to her panic, she stumbled. I, too, tried to support her to prevent her from falling. But she managed to maintain her balance and avoid falling, while the hand I reached out…

“Ah!”

“-!!!!!!!!”

Memories of my encounter with Gindou Kohaku flashed through my mind. It was a similar situation back then. Wait, did I have a tendency to attract these kinds of situations?

Soft and heavy. Certainly……D……. For some reason, all of a sudden, the bees were gone. Why? suddenly? Her eyes had returned to looking at trash.

“I thought you were a kind person… This is what men are like…!”

“It was an accident, you know…”

“Shut up!”

The world turned upside down. She grabbed my arm and slammed me onto the ground, and I used my left hand to cushion the impact. But it hurt.

“…Touching me under the guise of an accident…”

“B-But, I was trying to prevent you from falling…”

“You could’ve grabbed my shoulder!”

“I was panicking too…”

“I can’t trust you… Could it be that you’ve been sexually harassing not only me but also the other two? Coming up with convenient excuses.”

There’s no denying it. C-crap, this is bad. What should I do? I don’t want to go back to being known as the guy with the tissue incident… Or worse, if they find out about my accidental contact with the chests and underwear…

“I-I would never…”

“Alright then, I guess I can ask the other two, right?”

“Eh? I don’t think you need to ask them anything…”

“But I still want to hear their opinions in detail. Honestly, at this point, I should call the police… Considering what happened yesterday and all, I need to hear from both of them, don’t you think?”

“But…”

“Well then, see you after school.”

She walked away briskly. After school… This is bad. If my sexually harassing behavior towards the two of them gets exposed, could it lead to the police getting involved?!

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