Chapter 1
While vaguely watching the cherry blossoms flutter and fall, I, Midou Tomoya, walked the familiar route to school that I had grown completely accustomed to over the past year.
To think that this time last year, my heart was racing with anticipation, yet I also held a sliver of anxiety about whether I could adapt to my new life. Getting used to things is a scary thing.
“Yo! Good to have you for another year, Tomoya!”
Just as I was stifling a yawn, a hand slapped me hard on the back. WHAP! I barely managed to keep my balance and avoid falling forward, then glared with dead eyes at the culprit.
“Morning, Koshiro. What kind of greeting is that, getting violent so early in the new semester? You got a grudge against me or something?”
“I do. A big one! Mostly where the girls are concerned!”
The guy who slung his arm around my shoulder was Tsumori Koshiro. He’s been my classmate since first year and is my irreplaceable friend. I wouldn’t hesitate to call him my best friend, but he’s more the type to have the word “bad” in front of it.
“Where the girls are concerned…? I’m single, just like you. A lonely guy whose age equals the number of years he’s been without a girlfriend.”
Why, oh why, on the very first day of my second year, as a new chapter of my life was about to begin, did I have to say something so self-deprecating on the way to school?
“Hahahaha! You gotta space out your jokes, pal, or I won’t know what to do. Or maybe save the sleep talk for when you’re actually sleeping, huh? You know what they call it when you say that stuff while you’re awake? Nonsense, that’s what.”
Koshiro spoke in a theatrical tone, his arm still draped over my shoulder. The smug look on his face, which was unnecessarily well-suited to him, was irritating. He’d be a handsome guy if he just kept his mouth shut. What a waste.
“You probably think that sounded clever, but it really didn’t. And what part of what I said was nonsense? Explain that to me properly.”
“Whoa, whoa. Still playing dumb at this stage?”
“It’s not playing dumb if I have no idea what you’re talking about…”
I replied with a sigh. It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I have so few people I can call friends that I can count them on one hand.
The main reason for this is the menacing look I’ve had since I was a child. It’s not quite a villainous face, but just by acting normally, people mistake me for glaring or being angry.
Thanks to that, I often get picked on by scary older guys, and when I started working out so I wouldn’t lose to them, people started avoiding me even more—a vicious cycle. This hasn’t improved even now that I’m in high school, and guys like Koshiro are the exception to the exception. But there’s a reason I fell into this negative spiral.
My mother passed away when I was still in elementary school. Since then, my father has thrown himself even more into his work. Naturally, the time I spent alone increased, and without anyone to lean on, I stopped complaining, or rather, I couldn’t complain anymore. The result of that is the me you see today.
“Haaaah… This is why blockheads are so much trouble. The ‘too close to see it’ pattern should be reserved for childhood friends you’ve been with since birth, you know?”
“What have you been trying to say this whole time? Speak in Japanese I can understand.”
“I’m—saying—that you could end that dishonorable record whenever you want—!”
“—You two are full of energy this morning.”
A dignified, serene voice reached my ears from behind, overlapping with Koshiro’s words. When I turned around, a beautiful classmate with a slender figure was standing there with an exasperated look on her face.
“Morning, Mimasaka. You’re as beautiful as ever today.”
“Heh heh. And your silver tongue is the same as ever, too.”
We exchanged light banter and then broke into smiles.
Her name is Mimasaka Iori. She holds a rare spot in my already small circle of friends: the female friend slot. She possesses a beauty and style that would undoubtedly catapult her to the top if she ever appeared in a modeling magazine.
The body she honed through basketball, which she played until middle school, remains refined even now. If you saw her on the street, you’d instinctively stop and stare, captivated. On top of that, she’s well-endowed where it counts, making her a true walking work of art.
Her popularity is immense among both boys and girls, and she receives attention not just from her classmates but also from upperclassmen. However, for reasons unknown, she has apparently turned down all of their advances. Does she have high standards, or is there some reason she can’t date?
I met her at the same time as Koshiro, exactly one year ago. After the entrance ceremony, we moved to our classroom, and it all started when we happened to be seated next to each other. I never expected the relationship I thought would last only for that moment to continue.
“Anyway. It’s good to be with you for another year, Tomoya.”
“Same here. Looking forward to it, Mimasaka.”
“Hey, hey, you two. Could you not create your own little world? Have you forgotten that I’m here too?”
“…What, Tsumori was here? I didn’t notice.”
Mimasaka’s face immediately soured, and her lips jutted out the moment Koshiro, who had been left out of the conversation, cut in.
“No, no, no! I’m pretty sure I said ‘you two’ at the beginning! Where did I disappear to!?”
“Hahaha! I’m kidding, just kidding. No need to get so worked up. You won’t be popular with the girls, you know?”
“Shut up! Mind your own damn business!”
Mimasaka cackled as she watched Koshiro shout with enough force to stomp his feet. It was an exchange I’d seen countless times last year, but it was funny no matter how often I saw it. Maybe these two are actually quite compatible.
“…Hey, Mimasaka. Look at Tomoya’s face. What do you think he’s thinking?”
“That’s definitely the face of someone thinking something completely off the mark.”
The two of them shrugged their shoulders in unison, as if to say, “Oh, brother.” For some reason, I felt like I was being subtly mocked.
“I’m telling you, Tomoya. I can see right through you. You’re thinking, ‘Koshiro and Mimasaka are perfectly in sync, they’re a great match!’ aren’t you?”
“…How did you know?”
I was inwardly surprised that he had guessed what I was thinking with pinpoint accuracy, as if he could hear my inner voice. Mimasaka then delivered an additional blow with a sigh.
“I’ve been telling you for a while now, Tomoya, but what you’re thinking is written all over your face. You should really try to fix that habit soon.”
“It wouldn’t be a habit if I could fix it that easily.”
“Heh heh. You’re not wrong.”
“See? You two really are in sync.”
““We are not in sync!!””
Are you two doing a comedy routine here? I wanted to retort, but I swallowed the words, sensing that Mimasaka would get furious. Just then, we finally reached the school gate.
We entered the school building and were changing our shoes at the lockers when I noticed a few first-year students here and there, clad in brand-new uniforms. It was clear they still had a freshness about them, having just finished their entrance ceremony the other day. It felt nostalgic to think that I was the same a year ago.
“Oh yeah! Changing the subject, but did you hear there’s a really incredible girl among the new first-years this year?”
“An incredible girl? You’re being so dramatic. Did the child of a famous celebrity enroll or something?”
“That would be incredible, but unfortunately, that’s not it. Besides, if that were the case, it would have been a hot topic at the entrance ceremony.”
“Haaaah… Stop being so dramatic and just tell us already. Though, knowing you, Tsumori, I’m sure it’s nothing that big of a deal anyway.”
Slam. Mimasaka shut her locker door and shot Koshiro a deadpan look. She was right; with this kind of buildup from him, it had never once turned out to be anything truly incredible. Therefore, it was pointless to get my hopes up, but the reason I still wanted to hear was probably because Koshiro was such a smooth talker. If he became a product demonstrator, he’d probably sell things like hotcakes.
“Prepare to be shocked! Apparently, the daughter of that super-major corporation, the Shirasu conglomerate, is among the first-years this year!”
“…And that’s it?”
“What’s the matter?”
I think it’s only natural that my and Mimasaka’s reactions were so lukewarm. In fact, I don’t know how else we were supposed to react.
“You guys can’t possibly not know the Shirasu conglomerate, right!? It’s a massive corporation famous not just in Japan but worldwide!”
“I know the Shirasu conglomerate. They’re involved in a wide range of things—banking, real estate, amusement, infrastructure, and so on, right?”
“They’re a super-ethical company and the number one company people want to work for. Don’t you think you’re underestimating us a bit too much?”
“You know all that, but you don’t know about the president’s daughter!? Lately, she’s even more famous than the company itself!”
She’s on a whole other level compared to celebrity kids, Koshiro shouted. What was getting this guy so worked up?
“Do you know her, Mimasaka?”
“Not a chance. I know the Shirasu conglomerate, but I have no idea about the daughter. Just like Tomoya, I’m not really up on worldly affairs.”
Mimasaka shrugged with a wry smile. I was in a similar boat. I knew the company’s name, but nothing beyond that. Let alone anything about the president’s daughter.
“Good grief. To not know about her when she went viral last year… This is why people who are out of touch with the world are so much trouble.”
“…Mimasaka, should we head to class?”
“Agreed. Listening to any more of Tsumori’s talk would be a waste of time.”
“Hey, wait a minute! I’m not done talking—Ah!”
Koshiro cut himself off as if he’d noticed something. I followed his gaze, and there stood a girl who looked like a fairy that had stepped right out of a storybook.
A perfectly straight nose and well-defined features. A cute appearance like a bisque doll. Her features were adorned with jewel-like jade-green eyes and flowing, golden-sand hair, which sparkled as it caught the sunlight streaming through the window.
And yet, this otherworldly girl was happily chatting with another girl who appeared to be her classmate. It was a common, ordinary scene you could find anywhere in a school. My brain short-circuited at the mix of the mundane and the extraordinary.
“…Hey, Koshiro. Is that her?”
“Bingo. That girl is the daughter of the Shirasu conglomerate president I was just talking about, Shirasu Yuika. What do you think? Incredible, right?”
I had the overwhelming urge to plant my fist in Koshiro’s smug face, but I had to begrudgingly admit he was right about this. In my short sixteen-odd years of life, that girl stood head and shoulders above everyone else in every respect.
She possessed an aura that couldn’t be described with simple words like “cute” or “beautiful.” If I had to make a comparison, I’d say she was a goddess descended to earth. It might sound like an exaggeration, but that’s how shocking it was.
“It is truly regrettable, but I have to agree with you, Koshiro. I can see why she’s the talk of the town. It pains me to admit you were right, though.”
“I hate to agree with Tsumori, but I feel the same. Even from a girl’s perspective, I can see that she’s really something special. It’s truly irritating, though.”
“Hey, do you two have a grudge against me or something?”
Koshiro looked inexplicably sad, even though we had just praised him. After building up all that anticipation, what was he doing shattering it head-on?
As I pondered this, I glanced at Shirasu-san again. Her profile, smiling gently as she chatted, was like a beautiful painting displayed in a museum.
But strangely, her lustrous, silk-like golden hair and gentle smile gave me a sense of déjà vu. Of course, it had to be my imagination. After all, there’s no way I would forget such beautiful hair and a lovely face after seeing them just once.
“What’s wrong, Tomoya? Are you captivated by Lady Shirasu?”
“It’s not that. I just feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before. Not recently, but a long time ago.”
“Come on, you’ve got to be kidding. Do you really think something so conveniently manga-like would happen?”
“…You’re right.”
I shook my head to reset my thoughts. It was an illusion, a coincidence, my imagination. I sighed and tore my gaze away from the young lady.
“Hey, Tomoya. Where are you going?”
“Where do you think? To the classroom. I can’t just stand around here spacing out forever.”
It would be a lie to say I wasn’t interested in this Shirasu person, but she and I, a common citizen, live in different dimensions. What’s more, for someone who is shunned by those around them, it’s unlikely we’d ever have a connection, even if she is a junior at the same school, unless I were to be reborn.
“Heh heh. You’re right. It would be a laughingstock until graduation if we were late for school because we were staring at a first-year. Let’s go, Tomoya.”
“Hey, it hasn’t even been three days since the new semester started, you know? Aren’t you being a little harsh? My heart is in pieces.”
As Koshiro whined, Mimasaka and I laughed and headed to our classroom. Just before we did, I happened to glance back, and my eyes met with Shirasu-san’s. For a moment, she offered me a gentle smile.
“…This is dangerous.”
The charm of a goddess can sometimes lead to a person’s downfall. Just as beautiful flowers have thorns, a lovely smile can harbor a devilish allure. That, I concluded, was truly dangerous. I swore to myself that I would not get involved.
＊＊＊＊＊
“...What a terrible day.”
As soon as I got home, without even changing out of my uniform, I sat down on the living room sofa and looked up at the ceiling.
This fatigue wasn't from classes. In fact, since I just became a second-year, the first week or so is easy. The hard part comes later. So why am I so tired? The cause lies with my dear friend.
“I can’t believe Koshiro was that worked up about it…”
Haaaah… I let out a heavy sigh and held my head in my hands. During breaks, at lunch, and even after school. Whenever he had a spare moment, he’d tell me all sorts of things about this Shirasu person, even though I never asked. It was the first time I truly understood the meaning of the phrase “unwelcome kindness.”
“It’s scary that it’s not just Koshiro who’s obsessed. Are they going to start a fan club for her soon?”
An unofficial one, of course. I was made painfully aware today that there was an atmosphere throughout the school that made such a thing seem plausible.
A peerless beauty. A miraculous child blessed with two or three gifts from heaven. I wanted to laugh it off as a gross exaggeration, but all of these descriptions referred to this Shirasu person.
According to Koshiro, Shirasu Yuika became known to the world through a variety TV show that aired last year, which focused on undercover reporting.
The premise was that a guest would visit their old school for the first time in a while, compare the past and present, and meet and talk with their former teachers. The location for that segment was the middle school that Shirasu-san attended.
The school she attended was an all-girls private boarding school. It’s said that young ladies from all over Japan gather there, a veritable sacred garden where students can go straight from kindergarten to university. It’s surprising to hear that their curriculum includes things like koto, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement.
But anyway. Shirasu-san didn’t become famous nationwide because she was interviewed at that time. A student who was being interviewed was asked, “Who is the cutest girl in this school?” and she mentioned the name “Shirasu Yuika,” who was only on camera for a few seconds.
Nevertheless, the viewers at home were shocked by her beauty, which was unbelievable for a middle school student, and clips of her spread like wildfire on the internet. It caused a huge uproar when even her personal information was leaked.
“That’s the scary part of social media…”
I muttered as if it were someone else’s problem, feeling a sense of sympathy for Shirasu-san. In our highly advanced information society, social media is extremely convenient, but it also carries many dangers. I never thought I’d see a prime example of that happen so close to home.
“Changing schools was a bold move. Though I guess it would be impossible to keep attending after something like that happened…”
That being said, I feel like it would be more dangerous for her to leave the sanctuary where no impurities can enter and descend into the human world where demons and monsters roam. But that’s for the Shirasu family to decide, not for a stranger like me to comment on.
“Well, it has nothing to do with me.”
With that conclusion, I stood up, went to my room, and changed out of my uniform. Tonight’s dinner is far more important than worrying about Shirasu-san.
The time is just a little past 5 PM. If I go to the supermarket now, I’ll have plenty of time to buy ingredients. I only need to cook for one, so it won’t take long.
“I wonder when Dad will be back next.”
My mother passed away from an illness when I was young, and my father, who raised me on his own, started traveling around busily for work when I entered high school.
Because of that, he only comes home a few times a year, during the Obon festival and the New Year’s holidays. And his stays are very short, only two or three days, so he basically uses the house as a hotel. But thanks to that, I’m able to live a carefree life alone in our spacious family home. When I told my best friend about this, he said,
“I’m so jealous of you, Tomoya. If your parents aren’t around, you can bring a girlfriend over whenever you want, right? You can do all sorts of naughty things, right?”
I was so grateful for those words that I gave him a good karate chop to the head as thanks. By the way, Mimasaka, who was also there, gave him a grateful elbow strike to the solar plexus. I wish he’d say things like that after I actually get a girlfriend.
“What should I make today? I had fish yesterday, so maybe meat? There should be some chicken left in the freezer, but if pork is cheap, I’ll make ginger pork.”
If I buy a pre-packaged salad, it’ll be good as a side dish and for nutritional balance. If I make some green onion miso soup with that, it’ll be perfect. And to heal the emotional damage I’ve suffered, buying a dessert would make it complete.
As I was vaguely planning the menu and entered the nearby supermarket, the smartphone in my pants pocket vibrated. Bzzz-bzzz...
“Hello? What’s up, Dad?”
“Sorry to call so suddenly, Tomoya. Is now a good time?”
The call was from none other than my dad, who is currently on a business trip overseas. How unusual. He usually just sends a message.
“I was just about to do some shopping, but it’s fine. Is it urgent?”
Fortunately, I had just entered the store and hadn’t even grabbed a basket yet. I decided to step outside for a moment to continue the conversation. The fact that he called me must mean there’s some unavoidable situation.
“Yeah… well, something like that.”
“What’s with the hesitation? Wait! Don’t tell me you’re getting remarried or something!?”
It’s a common trope in manga and light novels. Suddenly, your parent remarries, and you get a new sister. And surprise, surprise, she’s the untouchable beauty from your class. But the parents are off on their honeymoon or at work and never come home. And so begins a heart-pounding secret cohabitation. Such a ridiculous fantasy flashed through my mind in an instant.
“Hahaha! Too bad for you, I’ve decided to be devoted to your mom for life. I haven’t thought about remarrying one bit!”
I let out a wry smile at my father’s booming laughter. It’s been over ten years since they were separated by death, but his unfading love is truly admirable.
“Then what is it? If it’s not remarriage… did you get fired or something?”
“Tomoya. What do you think of your old man?”
“Let’s see… a kind, workaholic who dotes on his son?”
“…I’ll raise your allowance. No, that’s not it! I have something I need to report to you!”
Stop beating around the bush. It’s honestly annoying. I’ve heard that in the business world, it’s common sense to get straight to the point. I wonder how he’s managing with this kind of attitude.
“Haaaah… If it’s not remarriage and you didn’t get fired, then what’s the report? Hurry up. If you drag this out, my dinner tonight will—”
Be gone, I was about to say, when a beautiful girl with golden hair entered my field of vision.
“Is that… Shirasu Yuika?”
“Hm? What’s wrong, Tomoya?”
The way she walked, absorbed in her smartphone, made her look like a lost fairy. The information Koshiro had given me didn’t, of course, include her address. I wonder if she lives nearby. But there shouldn’t be any houses in this area where a high school girl, let alone the daughter of a major corporation’s president, could live alone.
“Oh, uh, sorry. It’s nothing. Can you get to the point?”
I gave my dad a half-hearted reply, but for some reason, I found myself concerned about Shirasu and decided to follow her. This was absolutely, positively not out of some wicked or perverted desire to find out where she lives. I just had a strange sense of unease. A bad feeling that if I left her alone, something bad would happen.
“Before I tell you, promise me one thing. When you hear this, you’ll definitely be surprised, confused, and probably angry. But please don’t hate your old man, okay?”
“The fact that you’re setting up a defense like that already makes me want to hate you.”
On top of his hesitation, this tone of voice suggested it wasn’t going to be good news. And I had a feeling the effects of this news wouldn’t be temporary, but long-lasting. As I was thinking this, Shirasu’s back was about to disappear from view, so I hurriedly chased after her.
“W-Well, the thing is, Tomoya. Your old man was at a drinking party and, in the heat of the moment, made a promise with someone.”
My dad started talking in a timid, yet somehow amused, tone. Finally, I thought, but my attention was still focused on Shirasu walking ahead of me.
Up ahead, there’s an intersection that leads to the main street. If she keeps walking while looking at her phone and doesn’t notice the red light, there could be an accident—not that something like that would happen in reality. So this is just me worrying too much. I should listen properly to what my dad is saying. It was right at that moment.
“—Huh!?!?”
While crossing the crosswalk, perhaps she received a message. Shirasu stopped in the middle of the road and let out a shriek unbefitting of a young lady. I was very curious about what was displayed on her phone, but that wasn’t what I should be thinking about right now. I rushed towards Shirasu.
“Heeey, Tomoya-kuuun? Are you listening to your old man’s important story? There’s a lot of whooshing wind noise.”
“Sorry, Dad! I’ll call you back!”
With that, I unceremoniously hung up and sprinted at full speed. In the meantime, the traffic light began to flash, but Shirasu remained frozen. If you’re going to be stunned, at least do it after you’ve crossed the street, I grumbled internally. But fortunately, there were no signs of cars. I can make it in time. Just as I thought that—
“—Huh?”
A car made a left turn from a blind spot.
The world slowed down. Shirasu was frozen, unable to move, and while the car wasn’t speeding, its brake lights weren’t on.
“Look out!!”
The worst always happens when you let your guard down. Please let me make it in time, I prayed inwardly as I kicked off the asphalt and lunged towards Shirasu.
I held her slender body tightly to avoid injuring her and slid across the ground. A moment later, a high-pitched screech of brakes echoed through the air. SKREEEEECH! The quiet residential area was suddenly in an uproar.
A junior from my high school whom I’d never even spoken to, whose name I’d only just learned today. There was no reason to care about her, no obligation to risk my life to save her. And yet, for some reason, my body moved on its own—my instincts whispered that I had to protect that girl.
“A-Am I alive…? I’m alive?”
“Relax, this isn’t heaven.”
I released Shirasu from my arms as she muttered in a daze, and then stood up. But Shirasu’s legs had given out from fear, and she had collapsed onto the ground. I couldn’t just leave her sitting there, so I grabbed her arm and forced her to stand.
At that moment, a sharp pain shot through my right arm, and I couldn’t help but grimace. Zing!
“A-Are you all right!? Are you injured!?”
A young man in a suit hurriedly got out of the car. He must have thought he had hit us; the color had drained from his face, and his body was trembling with anxiety and panic.
“Yeah, well. I have some scrapes, but we weren’t hit, so we’re fine. Sorry for the trouble.”
“No, not at all! This was caused by my own carelessness… Are you sure you’re not injured?”
“Yes. She’s fine, so please don’t worry about it. Right, Shirasu?”
“Huh? O-Oh, yes. Thanks to this gentleman, I’m not hurt at all.”
Shirasu finally snapped back to reality when I tapped her on the shoulder. At a glance, she had no visible injuries. Miraculously, there were no scratches on her fair, beautiful skin. I let out a sigh of relief.
“I see… I’m so glad no one was hurt. Well then, I’ll be on my way. Again, I am truly sorry.”
With that, the man bowed deeply, returned to his car, and drove away. Seeing this, the crowd that had gathered also dispersed, and a peaceful atmosphere returned. Case closed, I’d like to say, but it wasn’t going to be that easy. Even if my opponent was the daughter of a major corporation, I had to say what needed to be said.
“U-Um…”
“Honestly… what were you thinking, standing there dazed in the middle of the road? You were almost killed, you know?”
I spoke quietly but angrily to the apologetic-looking Shirasu. I know it’s probably cruel to question her right after she was almost hit by a car and saved at the last second. But one wrong move and it could have been a disaster. I had to lecture her.
“You know it’s dangerous to walk and use your phone, right? And to just stand there in the middle of the road…”
“I-I’m sorry…”
Shirasu’s shoulders slumped, and she apologized in a small voice, her head bowed. A faint sob was mixed in with her words.
Seeing her look like an abandoned puppy, a sense of guilt welled up inside me. Maybe I should have moved to a place where she could catch her breath before I started scolding her.
“Ah… my bad. I’m sorry for yelling. Are you hurt? Are you in pain anywhere?”
“N-No… thanks to you, I’m fine everywhere. I’m okay. Thank you for saving me…”
Shirasu forced out the words, her shoulders trembling. It was understandable, considering she could have died if things had gone differently. And even though it was an emergency, it must have been scary to have a guy suddenly jump on her and hold her.
“…Well, anyway. The important thing is that you’re safe, Shirasu.”
If anything had happened to Shirasu, the whole school would have been in an uproar, I added mentally, gently patting the head of the dejected girl.
“I know you want to look at your phone, but be careful from now on, okay? I can’t guarantee I’ll be there to save you next time.”
“Yes… I’ll be careful. U-Um… may I ask you one thing?”
“Hm? What is it?”
“How do you know my name is Shirasu?”
A cold sweat broke out on my skin. Crap. Because of all the things Koshiro had told me, I had subconsciously called her by her name, but of course, Shirasu didn’t know me. She probably wouldn’t even remember my face from our brief eye contact.
“Oh… that’s because, well, I go to Yamatozaka High School too. I heard about you from my classmates.”
“I see. So that means you’re—”
“Midou Tomoya, from Yamatozaka High, second year, class one. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Shirasu Yuika, from Yamatozaka High, first year, class four. Again, thank you for saving me from that dangerous situation, Senpai.”
I reached out to shake the hand Shirasu offered, but as I extended my right hand, a sharp pain shot through it again, and I couldn’t help but let out a groan. CRACK!
“What’s wrong, Senpai!? Does your arm hurt!?”
Just when she had calmed down, Shirasu fell into a panic again. As if that wasn’t enough, I wished she wouldn’t look like she was about to cry out of guilt.
“I-It’s nothing. I just hit it hard, so I think it’ll get better with time. You don’t have to worry about it, Shirasu.”
“But… I’m the one who caused that pain… so I think the responsibility lies with me…”
“I’m telling you it’s fine, so don’t worry about it. I didn’t save you because I wanted you to thank me.”
My character isn’t so rotten as to risk my life for the slim chance of getting closer to her.
“So this is a wound of honor. It’s not something for you to worry about.”
“…I understand.”
Even though I tried to speak cheerfully, Shirasu didn’t seem completely convinced and nodded with a somewhat unsettled expression.
“Good. Then this conversation is over, okay? I’m going to do some shopping at the supermarket and then head home, so you be careful on your way back, Shirasu.”
“…Yes. You too, Senpai.”
“Well then, see you at school tomorrow. Though, since we’re in different grades, I don’t know if we’ll see each other. If you do see me, feel free to ignore me!”
“Ah, wait a minute! Please give me your contact information!”
I heard Shirasu’s desperate cry behind me, but I didn’t want any more trouble, so I ignored her and ran back the way I came at full speed.
“I’ll be sure to talk to you! Don’t run away!”
I heard some ominous words, but I ignored them and kept running without looking back.
When I got back to the supermarket, I remembered one other thing I had forgotten. I nervously checked the phone in my pocket, and just as I expected, there was a flood of missed calls. I let out a heavy sigh and called him back.
“…Hello?”
“‘Hello?’ is not how you start! It’s not nice to just hang up on me like that! What on earth happened, Tomoya!?”
The first thing I heard was my dad’s shouting, which made my ears ring. Well, it’s only natural that he’d be angry if I hung up on him while he was in the middle of what he called an important conversation, and that he’d be worried if he couldn’t reach me after calling multiple times. If I were in his shoes, I’m sure I would have done the same.
“A junior from my high school was about to get hit by a car, so I was saving her.”
“W-What did you say!? A-Are you hurt!? Are you in pain anywhere!? And did you even manage to save her!?”
“Calm down. It’s okay, the car didn’t hit us, and I saved her without a scratch. I didn’t hit my head or anything. Though, my right arm is currently in pain…”
“You idiot! Go to the hospital right now! What if you broke a bone!?”
“I know. I’ll go to the hospital. But before that, tell me the important news. What happened?”
I appreciate his concern, but for me, my dad’s story is more important than the minor pain in my body.
“I’m telling you to worry about yourself first! If you die before I do, I won’t be able to face your mother!”
The word “coward” almost escaped my throat, but I managed to hold it back at the last second. It was my dad, and no one else, who raised me after my mother died. If he brings her up, I have no choice but to be quiet.
“…Fine. But in exchange, you’ll tell me the story when I get back from the hospital, okay?”
“Of course. Oh, and be sure to let me know the diagnosis, you hear?”
“Yeah, yeah. I get it. Well then, see you later. Work hard.”
“You bet! I’ll be waiting for your call!”
After hanging up, I sighed again. It’s not exactly case closed, but now that I’ve calmed down, the pain has started to increase exponentially. I even feel a little nauseous. I’ve heard that you can feel sick when you break a bone, but did I really snap it? I really don’t want that flag to be triggered.
“…The hospital should still be open, right?”
The moment anxiety took root in my mind, not only did the pain intensify, but I also started to lose strength. I gave up on shopping and rushed to my regular doctor’s office.
＊＊＊＊＊
“Take care.”
With the receptionist’s well wishes at my back, I left the hospital feeling gloomy.
To get straight to the point, the bone in my right arm wasn’t broken. The diagnosis was an extension of a bruise, but I was told that while it wasn’t broken, it would need to be immobilized for a while. Thanks to that, while it’s not a full cast, my arm is now in a sling, which is incredibly inconvenient. It’s even more so since it’s my dominant arm.
The doctor said it would take more than a week but less than a month to fully heal. I held my head in my hands at such a vague prognosis. He’s been my doctor since I was a child, but he’s almost eighty now, so I started to suspect he might be going senile.
“Looks like it’s frozen food or takeout for a while…”
Beggars can’t be choosers. I’ll explain the situation to my dad and ask for his permission for my food expenses to go up until I’m healed. Given the circumstances, he probably won’t say no.
As I was thinking about this and got home, I saw a girl in a familiar uniform with a large suitcase in front of my house’s entrance. I rubbed my eyes and checked again, but it didn’t seem to be an illusion.
Is there something wrong with my eyes, or is my brain, which processes visual information, malfunctioning? If so, I need to go back to the hospital and get it checked out properly—
“Ah…!”
Noticing my presence, the girl came trotting over. She looked just like a loyal dog that had been waiting for its owner at the station.
“…What are you doing here, Shirasu?”
It was Shirasu Yuika waiting for me. I never thought we’d meet again just a few hours after we parted ways. And not at school, but in front of my house. I’m not optimistic enough to chalk this up to coincidence.
“What’s with the luggage? Did you run away from home or something?”
I asked half-jokingly, and Shirasu thought for a moment before sticking out her tongue playfully and saying:
“Umm… I came over!”
I was dumbfounded by her statement. The image of the girl named Shirasu Yuika that had formed in my mind from Koshiro’s stories came crashing down with a loud noise.
“Alright, turn around right now and go home.”
“I’m kidding! It was a joke, so please wait! Just hear me out first!”
I dodged Shirasu as she tried to cling to me, then pressed my temple and asked her.
“…How do you know where my house is? Who told you?”
“Please calm down, Senpai. And besides, haven’t you heard?”
“Heard what from who—wait, don’t tell me!?”
The moment I thought that, my phone vibrated with such perfect timing that it felt as if someone was watching this scene from somewhere. Bzzz-bzzz.
“It’s a call from my dad. Is it okay if I take it?”
“Of course. Go ahead.”
Urged on by Shirasu’s smiling face, I answered the phone.
“H-Hello…”
“Tomoya. I told you to call me when you got back from the hospital, didn’t I? How was your arm?”
“I was going to do it after I got home. My arm wasn’t broken, so I’m fine. More importantly, there’s something I want to ask you, Dad… does the name Shirasu ring a bell?”
“Of course it does! After all, Mr. Shirasu is a work colleague and a drinking buddy of mine. But how do you know Mr. Shirasu, Tomoya? Don’t tell me the person you saved from the accident was his daughter?”
“You’re quick on the uptake, that’s right. And for some reason, that Shirasu-san is at my house right now.”
“Whoops… that’s unexpected. So your fiancée is already at your house? She’s a surprisingly proactive girl.”
My dad whistled in admiration. He’s talking as if it has nothing to do with him, but the words he just used are giving me a massive headache.
Did I mishear him? No, it must have been a mistake. Even my dad, who can sometimes be the personification of recklessness, wouldn’t say five words so anachronistic.
“Dad. I think I must have misheard you. Did you say fiancée? You definitely just said fiancée, right!?”
“It’s an important word, but you don’t need to repeat it for me to understand. Just as you said, Tomoya, I definitely said fiancée.”
Gahahaha! My dad’s booming laughter, for whatever reason he found it so amusing, gave me a genuine headache and a wave of dizziness. If Shirasu wasn’t standing in front of me looking puzzled, I might have started yelling. I pressed my temples, took a deep breath, and then said,
“…Are you going to explain what’s going on, Dad?”
“Let’s see… I guess I’ll start with how Mr. Shirasu and I met? We’ve known each other for over ten years now—”
“I don’t need to hear that. Sorry, but I’m not looking for the story of how you and Mr. Shirasu met right now. I just want to know about the fiancée part.”
“I think it was about six months ago. I ran into Mr. Shirasu at a work event, and we went out for a meal. It had been a while, so the drinks were flowing…”
“…And?”
“I heard that Mr. Shirasu’s daughter—Yuika-chan—had gotten into a lot of trouble at school and had to take entrance exams for an outside high school. He said he thought it was a good opportunity to show her the outside world, but he ran into one big problem.”
That problem was which high school to send her to. It was so obvious that I was underwhelmed, and apparently, my dad also couldn't help but smile wryly at the time. But Mr. Shirasu himself was seriously worried. The reason was,
“Her face and name are well-known, so is it really okay to send her to a new place? She won't have any friends, let alone anyone to protect her. Will she be able to manage? He was worrying so much it was almost ridiculous to watch. So, I made a suggestion. ‘How about Yamatozaka High School, where my son goes?’”
“How did it come to that!?”
I know it’s no use, but I can’t help but shout my retort. That’s taking a lack of context too far. Why would Yamatozaka High School come up there? It has a decent academic standing and a good college acceptance rate. But whether it’s suitable for a genuine princess is another story.
“U-Um… sorry to interrupt while you’re in the middle of a lively conversation. Senpai, may I say something?”
Shirasu, who had been silent until now, timidly raised her hand and spoke up. Crap, I thought, mentally scolding myself. This is all because of my dad’s long, drawn-out story.
“Ah! Sorry, Shirasu. What’s wrong?”
“No, it’s not that anything is particularly wrong, but… I was just thinking that we should probably go inside soon.”
Ahaha, Shirasu laughed. At her words, I looked around and saw that passersby and neighbors were glancing our way. Just talking loudly in front of the door is enough to draw negative attention, but when the girl with you has a suitcase, the effect is doubled. People might misunderstand and think I’m taking in a runaway girl. If a rumor like that spreads, I won’t be able to live in this town anymore.
“…Let’s go inside for now. The key is… tch, it’s hard to get.”
I always keep my key in the right pocket of my pants. Since my right hand is immobilized, I have no choice but to use my left, but this is proving to be more difficult than I thought. I twist my body and reach for it, but I can’t quite get it.
“The key is in your pocket, right? I’ll get it.”
With that, Shirasu moved behind me and reached into my pocket as if she were hugging me.
“—!? Sh-Shirasu-san!?”
“Ah, please don’t move, Senpai. I’ve almost got it.”
Her whisper in my ear made my body jolt. In response, Shirasu let out a small, pouting sound—Muu—and tightened her arms, pressing herself against me.
“!?!?”
A silent scream escaped me. What is this princess thinking? Does she even realize what she’s doing? It’s far too defenseless for a girl her age to be hugging a boy like this. She must not understand personal space with boys because she was raised in an all-girls school. If it were anyone else but me, they would have misunderstood and fallen head over heels.
But this is no time for calm analysis. I need to tell her to let go immediately, but the reason I can’t is solely because of the softness being pressed against my back. I knew they were large even through her uniform, but I never imagined the sensation would be so clearly transmitted even through clothing. This bountiful fruit is far too dangerous.
And that’s not all. A sweet scent like cherry blossoms in full bloom wafted from her flowing, silk-like golden hair, invading my nostrils and chipping away at my reason.
“Nngh… Ah, I got it!”
Shirasu pulled the key from my pocket as if she had found a long-sought treasure. I’m saved. I don’t know what would have happened if she had rummaged around in my pants for a few more seconds.
“Th-Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Ehehe. I’m glad I could be of help.”
Seeing Shirasu’s innocent and adorable smile, the wicked thoughts that had been bubbling up inside me dissipated like mist. As a final measure, I shook my head to banish my worldly desires and opened the door with a click of the key I received.
“Let’s go inside for now. I’m going to continue talking to my dad, so you can relax in the living room just ahead, Shirasu.”
“Okay. Then… excuse me for intruding.”
Shirasu gave a polite bow, stepped into the entryway, and headed towards the living room, pulling her suitcase behind her with a clatter-clatter.
“Haaaah… Sorry to keep you waiting, Dad. Let’s continue our talk.”
“Kuhuhu. Getting along so well right after meeting—you’re a man, after all, Tomoya! You must have fallen for Yuika-chan at first sight, right? I’ve seen her picture, and that girl is an angel. It’s no wonder Mr. Shirasu is so overprotective.”
I was fed up with my dad, who was coming to his own conclusions. I never thought he was this careless, or rather, this flighty and irresponsible.
“Well, after that, we talked for a while over drinks, and Mr. Shirasu said he could entrust Yuika to you, Tomoya-kun. You know, apart from your scary eyes, you’re the super-doting type, right?”
Just because I have the necessary life skills like cooking and cleaning, it doesn’t make me a “super-doting” type. And frankly, the trust from Shirasu’s father is terrifying.
“So that’s how it is, Tomoya. You get along with Yuika-chan, okay? You can even start living together at our house if you want!”
“What are you talking about, you damn old man?”
“Don’t be shy! Don’t be shy! But be careful, okay? No matter how cute Yuika-chan is, you can’t force her, you hear? When you do it, make sure to use a condom—”
“What do you think your son is!?”
I cut him off before he could say anything more unbearable. You just wait until I get back home. I’m telling Mom in heaven everything about this. You can get a good scolding in your dreams.
“Anyway. I’m counting on you to take care of Yuika-chan, Tomoya.”
“Haaaah… I don’t mind being asked, but are Shirasu’s parents really okay with this?”
“Of course they are! In fact, you’ve met Yuika-chan’s father several times before, haven’t you?”
No way, I thought, but then I remembered that a business associate had come over for dinner a few times. So that was Shirasu’s father.
“When I told them about you, Yuika-chan’s parents were greatly relieved. They even suggested, why don’t we just make them fiancés!”
“…So that’s how it happened.”
“What’s with that reaction? Why aren’t you happier? A cute girl like Yuika-chan is now your fiancée, you know? Aren’t you happy?”
“Before we even get to whether I’m happy or not, how did it even get to that point!?”
My head hurts, and I’m dizzy. Is Shirasu’s father the same type as mine? Is it true that birds of a feather flock together?
“That’s just the mood of a drinking party! They felt bad just having you look after her. So they thought, as a reward, why not make you her fiancé!”
“Don’t decide things based on the mood…!”
It might be an exaggeration, but being fiancés means getting married and spending your lives together. For parents to decide that at a drinking party is just absurd. But sadly, it seems I don’t have the right to refuse.
“You teach Yuika-chan all sorts of things! See ya!”
“Wha—!? Hey, we’re not done talking! This whole deciding a fiancée so casually thing, let’s just call it off!”
My words didn’t reach my father, and the call disconnected. A fiancée is too much for someone who’s never even had a girlfriend. But as a healthy teenage boy, it’s a dream-like situation. Especially since the other party is Shirasu Yuika.
“Haaaah… Well, what should I do now?”
I took a deep breath and considered my next move. Though, with the conversation having progressed this far without my knowledge, there’s not much I can do.
“Sorry. I know you were waiting… What are you doing!?”
The moment I opened the living room door with a heavy heart, what jumped into my view was the sight of Shirasu, wearing an apron over her uniform, cooking in the kitchen.
Tap-tap-tap. She rhythmically chopped vegetables with a knife and put them into a pot. I see, so this is what newlywed life is like— No, that’s not it. I shook my head vigorously to banish the strange thought and went over to Shirasu.
“I’m sorry for using your kitchen without permission. I had nothing to do, so I thought I’d make dinner.”
I checked the clock, and it was already almost half past six. Since I can’t use one of my arms, I was thinking of ordering takeout today, so if she’s going to cook for me instead, it’s a dream come true—but that’s not it either.
“There was some chicken left in the fridge, so I used it. Is that okay?”
“O-Oh… I don’t mind. But that’s not it! That’s not what I wanted to ask…!”
“You want to know why I came to your house, Senpai, right?”
“That’s right. I just heard a ridiculous story from my dad a little while ago. You heard the same thing, didn’t you? That you and I… are fiancés.”
“Is that the Kyoto way of serving tea over rice?”
“No, that’s bubuzuke.”
(T/N: In Kyoto culture, offering *bubuzuke* (tea over rice) to a guest is a polite, passive-aggressive way of saying, "You have overstayed your welcome, please leave."
I never thought Shirasu would try to be funny. It’s a miracle I was able to retort so quickly. Shirasu smiled, satisfied with my answer.
“Don’t worry. I’m not making bubuzuke. I won’t ask you, ‘How about it, eh?’”
Even with her clumsy Kyoto dialect, it sounds cute and heartwarming coming from Shirasu. This is bad, I’m getting sucked into her pace. I need to stay strong.
“Why do I have to be told to leave when I’m in my own house? Don’t pile jokes on top of jokes. We won’t be able to move the conversation forward.”
“You’re funny, Senpai. Like a drum that resounds when you strike it. Can I tease you more?”
My head hurts. Is this the true nature of a sheltered princess, the daughter of a major corporation? If so, the public perception of her as a goddess or an angel is about to be completely overturned.
“…At least answer my question first.”
“Heh heh. I’m just kidding. As for the fiancée matter, the answer is yes. I was surprised when I suddenly got a message from my father.”
“I see…”
I don’t want to speak ill of other people’s parents, but they’re all out of their minds, no matter how drunk they were. Deciding on their beloved daughter’s marriage partner on a whim at a drinking party is not the work of sane people.
“I was so shocked that I almost got hit by a car.”
“So that’s why you stopped in the middle of the crosswalk!”
“The reason I came to your house, Senpai, is because I absolutely had to thank you for saving my life and apologize for causing your injury.”
You don’t need to do that, just go home. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but Shirasu’s intense gaze left me at a loss for a response.
“It’s because I was walking and using my phone that you got seriously injured, Senpai. On top of that, you saved my life… I can’t just do nothing.”
It’s not a serious injury, I was about to say, but with my arm in a sling, she probably wouldn’t believe anything I said.
“You don’t have to worry about the injury, or rather, I didn’t want you to worry, which is why I left that place…”
“You’re my lifesaver! Of course anyone would be concerned!”
Shirasu came out of the kitchen and, with the same momentum, moved closer to me. I was almost captivated by her sweet scent, but the fact that she was still holding a knife kept me sane out of fear.
“Y-You’re exaggerating. Besides, we introduced ourselves there, so there was no need to come all the way to my house, right?”
“So you’re saying you would have preferred it if I had come to your classroom at school instead?”
“…Please spare me that, at least.”
Shirasu suddenly shows up at my classroom and calls my name. That moment would be the day I die. And the culprit would be none other than my best friend.
“Haaaah… Fine, let’s get back on topic. Who told you my address?”
“My father. After the accident, I got a message from him saying, ‘Yuika’s fiancé lives at this house, so go and greet him.’”
According to Shirasu, that was when she first learned that her fiancé’s name was “Midou Tomoya,” and that he was the same person who had saved her from the accident. She then rushed home, packed her things, and came here using the address she was given. What a monster of proactivity.
“Are you okay with this, Shirasu? Don’t you hate the idea of a fiancée decided on a whim by a bunch of drunkards?”
“Of course, if you ask me whether I’m convinced or not, I’m not. But that’s a separate issue.”
“…Separate from what?”
“From repaying you, of course, Senpai!”
Shirasu took another step closer, pressing against me. Squish. Her two bountiful fruits pressed against my body, and my heart gave a loud thump. But she herself didn’t seem to notice at all; in fact, she was pouting and puffing out her cheeks.
“Won’t you let me take responsibility? No, please let me!”
“R-Responsibility… Shirasu, do you even know what you’re saying?”
Surely she wouldn’t say that she’d meekly accept the fiancée arrangement as atonement for saving her life and causing her injury.
“Until your injury heals, Senpai, I will take care of everything for you. No, please let me!”
“…Hm? Take care of me?”
“Yes, take care of you. Ah, did you perhaps think I was going to say, ‘I’ll take responsibility and become your wife, Senpai!’? Did you think that!?”
“N-N-No! I absolutely, not one bit, not even a millimeter, was thinking anything like that!”
I desperately made excuses, but Shirasu’s lips twisted into a smirk. Her face was like that of a little devil who had job-changed from an angel. I never expected her to be able to make such an expression. Shirasu Yuika, what a terrifying girl.
“Nishishi… You have a cute side to you, Senpai, contrary to your appearance. Would you be happy if I became your wife?”
“Gnnnngh…”
I never thought the day would come when I would actually utter such a manga-like groan. Koshiro had described Shirasu as “the personification of purity,” but it seems that’s only one side of her. It’s even possible that it’s all a facade.
“Well, Senpai? If you answer honestly, I’ll give you all sorts of special service.”
She’s getting carried away. I don’t even need to check to know that Shirasu is enjoying teasing me. And what’s worse is that instead of getting angry, there’s a part of me that finds her childishness cute. But I don’t like being on the receiving end, so I’ll get one back at her.
“That’s right, you’re absolutely right. I was just thinking how happy I’d be if Shirasu became my wife! Are you satisfied now?”
“Y-Yes… I’m… shatisfied.”
Pshhhh… Shirasu’s face turned bright red, so much so that I could almost hear the sound of a boiling kettle. To be so easily flustered after starting the teasing herself, her level of cuteness as a living being is just too high.
“This is no time to be satisfied! Senpai, there are things you can and can’t say, even as a joke! Don’t you go around saying that to other people, you hear!? Got it!?”
“Y-Yeah… I got it. I won’t say it.”
I was taken aback by Shirasu’s furious tirade. Don’t worry, I have no one else to say it to, even as a joke. I wonder how she would react if I said that. Well, there’s no need to deliberately step on a landmine I can see.
“Ahem! So that’s how it is! Senpai, since you have trouble even opening a door, you will be quiet and let me take care of you until your injury heals.”
Got it? she added with a final push of pressure, and I reluctantly nodded. Any more back-and-forth would be a waste of time. No matter what I say, Shirasu’s determination probably won’t change.
“Excellent! Then, would you please sit on the sofa and relax until dinner is ready? It’ll be ready soon!”
“Okay. Sorry for the trouble, Shirasu.”
“No, no. That’s my line. I will serve you with all my heart and soul until your injury gets better, Senpai!”
Shirasu saluted with a smile, but her choice of words was not good at all. At this point, I’m starting to suspect there’s a mastermind pulling the strings behind her.
“…Don’t go around saying you’ll ‘serve’ other people, okay?”
“? What are you talking about? I won’t say it to anyone but you, Senpai.”
“That in itself is a huge problem…”
Shirasu tilted her head in confusion, adding, “Isn’t that obvious?” and I was once again overcome by the urge to hold my head in my hands, for what felt like the umpteenth time.
In the first place, Shirasu’s favorability, or rather, her trust in me is too high. Even setting aside the matter of repaying a debt, she’s accepting this fiancée thing too easily. Could it be that the sense of déjà vu I felt when I first saw Shirasu wasn’t my imagination, and that we had met somewhere in the past—for example, when we were little and my mother was still alive? No, that’s impossible. I shook my head to dispel the foolish thought.
“Oh, right. Shirasu, can I ask you one last thing?”
“What is it? I’ll answer any question you have, Senpai!”
Would she even tell me her three sizes? The ridiculous thought crossed my mind, but she looked like she would answer nonchalantly. She might even tell me the color of her underwear—wait, what am I thinking? I cleared my throat to shake off the wicked thoughts and then asked,
“What’s inside that big suitcase you brought?”
The apron she’s currently wearing has a pattern we don’t have in our house, so it’s probably her personal item. And from her statement that she wants to take care of me as a way of repaying me, I assume that suitcase is filled with useful housekeeping gadgets. It’s definitely not an overnight set with things like a change of clothes or pajamas.
“Heh heh. Isn’t it obvious? It’s a set of things I need to serve you as a live-in helper starting today. Of course, it includes a change of clothes!”
“…Alright, I get it. You can go home right now.”
Dear Mom in heaven. Because of the father you loved, I am now facing what could be considered the biggest crisis of my life. What should I do? Please tell me.
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