【Chapter 3: The Dilemma of Hidden Identity (Day 93)】
Through the gap in the open screen door, the buzzing of cicadas and a breeze containing a faint coolness passed through the shop.
It's been about three months since the opening of the Board Game Cafe "Kurumaza." On a certain evening when the heat had unusually softened due to the influence of low pressure.
I, Tokiwa Kotaro, was fully enjoying the natural breeze swaying my bangs. For a while now, the old-fashioned ceiling-embedded air conditioner in our cafe had been running at full capacity constantly, so occasionally bringing in the refreshing natural wind into the shop like this isn't b—
"So hot! Hey Banjō, I'm turning on the AC, so shut the window."
—The audacious Gal destroyed the atmosphere the instant she entered the shop.
The Gal, Takanashi Mifuru, operated the store's control panel with practiced hands, and while complaining "Hot, hot," she took a fan from inside the counter and came over to where I had spread out a board game in the customer seating area.
Then, sitting down heavily on the table next to mine, of all things, she began to flap her skirt to cool her voluptuous thighs with a vigor that just barely didn't reveal her underwear. ...Yeah, what is this, a thumbnail for an adult video? I even felt dizzy at the sight that would blow away the reason of a teenage boy no questions asked. Goodbye, the tasteful atmosphere of summer. Hello, male libido.
I stood up to distract my blood circulation and reluctantly set about the task of closing the shop's windows. The Gal herself showed absolutely no intention of helping and was merely flapping her skirt.
"Banjō, you're always so loud about 'humidity management for board games,' but you're stingy with the AC when there are no customers, aren't you?"
"Well, when it's just me and I'm not doing any labor that makes me sweat, I turn it off. Though I suppose it's too hot for a certain Someone who just made her executive entrance."
"If you know that, then cool the place down. You really can't read the room, can you?"
"Real heavy-ass executive we got here."
While exchanging such banter, I finished closing the windows for the AC and returned to my seat. ...In other words, right in front of the high school Gal exposing an excessive amount of skin.
"Fwaaaah, I'm coming back to liiiife."
Bathing in the AC wind blowing down from the ceiling, the high school girl was vividly showing off the sweaty nape of her neck, her chest arched back, and her white thighs.
It was a situation that should be featured in the dictionary under the entry for "not knowing where to look."
And naturally, Takanashi Mifuru is annoyingly sharp at times like this. As if showing off to me, she pinched the hem of her skirt and smiled mischievously.
"Ohhh? Banjō, were you happier when I was hot and bothered?"
Yes, I am insanely happy. Honestly, I know she didn't really have that intention, but now that she mentions it, being able to see Takanashi-san's—my crush's—bewitching figure is nothing but a joy. From next time on, I intend to be even more conscious of saving electricity. Of course, thoroughly from the perspective of SDGs. ...Or so I thought, but.
"......"
Naturally, I didn't let a hint of those inner thoughts show. I pushed up the bridge of my glasses.
Then, sighing deeply, I retorted with practiced calm.
"The only concept of 'profit' I care about is when 'Victory Points' are involved."
"Ugh, there it is. 'Victory Points'."
Takanashi-san recoiled. Incidentally, "Victory Points" refers literally to the "points necessary to win," a concept that comes up often in board games. Basically, it's the same as "points" in sports, but in board games, since you often handle numerical values like money or energy that don't necessarily link directly to winning, the term "Victory Points" is often used to differentiate them.
"Seriously, I never hear that word anywhere but here."
Takanashi-san spat that out, looking fed up. You see, she has a slight allergy to this kind of board game jargon. As a result, it seemed to sap her energy to tease me. She stopped her seduction attempts. I stroked my chest in relief.
While returning to the task of checking the game rules, I initiated some small talk with Takanashi-san.
"I mean, Takanashi-san, you really should stop doing that sort of thing, even as a joke."
"That sort of thing?"
Takanashi-san tilted her head innocently. Yeah, the fact that she has no intention of seducing me—that unintentional behavior—is precisely what makes her so cute it makes me want to claw my chest out, so I seriously want her to stop. No, actually, I really don't want her to stop. God, I don't even know anymore. The only thing certain is: Tonikaku Kawaii (Fly Me to the Moon). That's it.
However, revealing none of my gross inner monologue, I feigned composure and continued.
"I mean, you have a boyfriend, so exposing your skin in front of other guys is questionable behavior, don't you think?"
"Guys? Eh, but it's just you here, Banjō?"
"What exactly am I to you?"
The suspicion that she genuinely thinks I'm a hamster or something is rising.
Takanashi-san laughed and continued.
"I mean, Banjō, you worry too much. Besides, I'm doing it 'cause I like it."
"No, even if you're fine with it, Takanashi-san, your boyfriend wouldn't feel good about it, right?"
"My Kare-pi? Ah, hmm..."
Takanashi-san suddenly seemed evasive. She had a rare contemplative look on her face, but I recognized that expression slightly. Because...
"(This... is clearly the face Takanashi-san makes when playing bluffing games.)"
And to be more precise, it was the exact expression she made when she was trying to lie.
...Somehow, Takanashi-san tends to become tight-lipped whenever the topic of her boyfriend comes up.
At first, I thought it was shyness, or maybe a sensitive topic like the relationship not going well, so I tried not to touch on it too much.
But despite that, she makes "I have a boyfriend" appeals at every opportunity. Thinking she might want someone to listen or perhaps brag, I would reluctantly take the bait, only for her to suddenly clam up.
She boasts about him constantly, yet she can't share any details. If I push, she pulls; if I pull, she pushes. That has been Takanashi Mifuru's stance on boyfriend information for the past few months.
"(...Well, thinking logically, to be blunt, it's infinitely sus, isn't it?)"
That is my current conclusion. I mean, what's suspicious is... well, partially fueled by my own wishful thinking, the very existence of this boyfriend. But asking that directly would be difficult. Still, I'm curious.
"Ah... by the way."
While moving the board game pieces, half-jokingly, I decided to step in a little deeper on this occasion.
"What kind of person is your boyfriend, Takanashi-san?"
"Eh? Wh-what kind of person...?"
Takanashi-san replied, clearly flustered, her eyes swimming. As expected, suspicious. Too suspicious. The usual her would retort lightly with something like, "Ehh, whaaat? Banjō, are you jelly? Ugh, cringe lol."
But right now, she clearly had a face that screamed, "End this topic quickly." It was the same kind of genuine anxiety as when she's about to be hanged in Werewolf.
That said, I don't want to corner her excessively. I continued with an air of "this is just small talk" while keeping my hands busy with the game.
"I mean, like his name, or age? Just wondering if there's anything like that."
"Handsome."
"The world's vaguest information disclosure."
"And... well... how should I put it? .........It's personal information."
"The Gal's information literacy has shown a sudden spike."
No, seriously, a person shrouded in mystery except for being "Handsome"? Even the boss of the Black Organization has a bit more info than that.
Looking at her, Takanashi-san was clearly troubled, pouting her lips and averting her gaze from me.
I don't have a hobby of bullying my coworkers. I don't, but...
"(As someone who has fallen for you, this is literally a matter of life and death!)"
In that sense, naturally, I want to dig up every root and leaf. I want to prosecute her, but I don't want to trouble her. As a result of that conflict...
"......"
An awkward silence descended between the two of us. Neither could find the words to break it. As a result, we both started fiddling with our smartphones. It was hell.
Also, unlike Takanashi-san who is busy operating various SNS, it is the default for me to open my smartphone and find not a single notification.
I had no choice but to scroll through personalized recommended news articles. Maybe it was because my cousin egged me on to binge-watch "World's Unsolved Cases" videos the other day, but only gloomy news appeared. God, I feel like I'm going to get depressed in various ways.
While feeling fed up, I continued to scroll at high speed. Then, after a while, a recommended article finally appeared that was close to my original interests.
<Female Master Utakata Tsukino Interview: "What's Important is 'Play'">
It was an internet news article about a certain female Shogi player. Even though I love board games, things like Go, Shogi, and Chess are outside my expertise. However, regarding this "Utakata Tsukino"-san, I definitely remember searching for her a few times.
That's because I had heard rumors from several customers that she lived around here... in Ogikubo.
Though those searches were largely just going along with the customers' vibes at the time, and it wasn't like I personally had a special interest in this Utakata Tsukino-san.
However...
"......"
...Why is it? Now that her face caught my eye in a recommended article after so long, my finger stopped dead, and I found myself staring intently at her face.
......?
Unconsciously, I tapped the article and stared even more fervently at the large photo attached to the text. ...No, certainly, from before... it's a vulgar way to put it, but she had a reputation for being "cute," and I myself had the impression that she was a "beautiful person."
But, well, that was it. She was just one of the daily news items to me, and unlike those customers back then, I never fantasized, "If she lives around here, maybe I have a chance." I'm not trying to act like a saint. It's simply that, by that time, the "supreme fave" known as "Takanashi Mifuru" already existed for me.
Yet, that's exactly why I couldn't understand myself for paying attention to this article again now.
I read the interview content in the article as if searching for an answer. ...Well, actually, I did feel she was quite a likable person. I was especially impressed by the passage saying "Play is important." So, I certainly felt an interest in her personality. But...
"(......)"
...Before I knew it, I had scrolled back up and displayed her photo, zooming in on it.
"......?"
What on earth is wrong with me? Was I a human more devoted to lookism than I thought? Even if she's a "cute girl," it's just strange that I'm observing her with eyes like saucers.
"(Subconsciously my 'type'? ...No, but...)"
I glanced at the "Gal I'm currently seriously in love with," sighed haaaa at her sheer beauty, and then returned my gaze to the polar opposite, the pure and orthodox female Shogi player.
"(I don't think that's it...)"
I think I should grasp my own fetishes, but this is the one thing I don't know. Actually, even with Takanashi-san, it wasn't from her visual at first sight, but rather I came to like her through daily interaction. I don't think it means I'm a "born Gal lover."
But if you ask if the Yamato Nadeshiko (traditional Japanese beauty) is my type, I have no such self-awareness either. As proof, when I saw the article about "Utakata Tsukino"-san before, I didn't become like this.
In other words...
"(Between then and today, did something happen? Something regarding Utakata Tsukino-san...)"
...No matter how much I think, nothing comes to mind. It's not like I had interactions with customers who were fans of hers. I mean, the only regular customer lately is Uta-chan... ............ ...?
"(Huh? What is this... this Utakata Tsukino-san, she looks like someone...?)"
Why was I attracted to this visual now? I felt a flash of insight about to hit me. But...
"Wait, what-what? Banjō, what are you looking at so enthusiastically?"
"Wah."
Before I knew it, Takanashi-san was peeking at my screen from the front.
I instinctively turned off the smartphone screen and stood up from the chair to put distance between us.
"I-It's nothing."
"Nah, that wasn't 'nothing'."
Takanashi-san crept closer, moving her hands excitedly as if she found some good tea.
"Could it be, a photo of your Suki-pi (crush) or something?"
"N-No, no, it's not."
Accused of suspicious doubts by my actual "Suki-pi," I started acting suspiciously.
Seeing that, Takanashi-san seemed to deepen her suspicion. Her eyes clearly transformed into "Serious Mode." ...This is bad.
It was the face of someone completely ready to use force. The kind of resolve that wouldn't hesitate to grapple with me to snatch the smartphone by any means necessary. Actually, she did that once before during a board game, and it turned into a huge disaster. ...You know, mainly for my emotional stability and my lower body.
"S-Stop..."
"You don't have to be scared, Banjō. I'll be gentle."
Me, clutching my smartphone with teary eyes, and the Gal breathing roughly. A scene completely on the verge of a sexual crime was unfolding right there. ...This is bad. Really, in many ways, bad!
It was the next instant—just as I braced myself.
"E-Excuse me..."
With the faint sound of the bell on the door, a customer entered timidly.
Instantly, we sprang apart as if repelled and reflexively shifted into customer service mode.
『Welcome!』
"Wah."
Our voices overlapped with too much momentum, surprising the customer. We looked at each other and reflected on our behavior, but quickly rushed toward the customer. And standing there was...
"Ah, welcome, Uta-chan."
"Hello, Takanashi-san. Banjō-san too."
She bowed politely—or rather, she bent her waist firmly and bowed reverently. A regular female customer. I also bowed, not wanting to lose, and welcomed her with a smile.
"Welcome, Utamaru-san. Thank you as always."
"N-No. Rather, um, sorry for coming every day... It is embarrassing."
Utamaru-san shrank back apologetically. I didn't understand why she was apologizing when she was nothing but a grateful customer for the shop and for us. However, honestly, I found this part of Utamaru-san very likable.
Originally, a clerk shouldn't talk about likes and dislikes regarding customers. But as a fellow board gamer, I respect her attitude and talent toward board games. In a different sense from Takanashi-san, she is a person I genuinely enjoy sharing a table with.
Really, I always look forward to seeing her... ............ ...?
"U-Um, Banjō-san? Is there something on my face?"
"Eh? Ah, no..."
Before I knew it, I was staring intently at Utamaru-san's face. Just like with the internet article earlier.
What on earth has gotten into me? Am I in heat or something? As I wavered, not knowing what to do with myself, Takanashi-san teased me.
"It's fine, Uta-chan. The one who's embarrassing is our Banjō here. He started wagging his tail the moment you came in."
"Eh?"
Utamaru-san looked at me with flushed cheeks. Ugh, I feel like I've been deemed a creepy cafe clerk. But since facts are facts, I laughed it off.
"Being happy that Utamaru-san came is the same for you, isn't it, Takanashi-san?"
"Hmm? Well, guess so!"
Takanashi-san grinned. Utamaru-san also smiled back warmly at that.
We guided her to a seat as usual and gathered around the table, the three of us.
Then, today's Utamaru-san put in a rare order.
"Ah, um, if possible, it would be chōjō—most excellent—if we could play something today that makes use of lies and acting."
"Eh?"
An order unlike Utamaru-san, who usually prefers "intellectual battles with little luck element." I was momentarily bewildered, but Takanashi-san immediately responded with a smile, "Sounds good!"
"I'm good at that kinda stuff! Like 'Haa tte Iu Game' (The 'Haa' Game)!"
"What kind of game is that?"
"Well, you see..."
Takanashi-san began explaining the game. As usual, her explanation of the rules themselves was shaky, but the "fun" she felt was conveyed thoroughly. It was a good explanation. I found myself listening entranced. —And.
"What do you think, Banjō-san? Certainly, it seems to use 'acting'..."
I jumped, suddenly being addressed by Utamaru-san. Crap. I was staring at Takanashi-san and had completely let my guard down.
"...I would very much like to hear your recommendation as well, Banjō-san."
I fancied that Utamaru-san's usually gentle voice sounded somewhat colder than usual. This is bad.
I calmed myself down, thought for a moment, and made a suggestion.
"In that case, how about 'Time Bomb'?"
"Time Bomb?"
"Yes. It's a hidden identity game similar to the so-called 'Werewolf,' but it's properly interesting even with a small number like three people, and the play feel is light. It's a very well-made game."
"Hee, I am interested in that. What are the rules?"
"Basically, it's a game where 'All the police cooperate to defuse the bomb!' However, the player who is secretly chosen as a terrorist during the role assignment phase will conversely aim for the bomb's explosion."
"So, a traitor hiding inside the police force."
"Yes, the Wolf in Werewolf terms. Incidentally, in this game, the police side is called the 'Time Police' and the terrorist side is the 'Bomber Team'."
"Then the person chosen for the Bomber Team behaves as if aiming to defuse the bomb with everyone, while actually aiming for the explosion. Truly a game containing acting and lies."
"Exactly. Furthermore, the superior point of this game is that even if the identity of the Bomber is revealed, the game doesn't end there. What I mean is..."
At that point in the explanation, the sharp Utamaru-san took over.
"Ah, because this isn't a culprit-hunting game, but a game where the focus is 'defusing the bomb.' So even if the Bomber side is exposed, they can defiantly and openly aim for the explosion."
"Right, right, you still have a One Chan (one chance)."
Takanashi-san, who often gets exposed as a Bomber and runs wild, announced happily.
I continued the explanation.
"Of course, on the other hand, things proceed more advantageously if you are trusted by others, so how long you remain undercover is a chance for the Bomber side to show their skill. Conversely, the Time Police side also has tactics like daring to take slightly suspicious actions to dive into the enemy's pocket."
"I see... that is good."
A light of interest and intellect dwelled in Utamaru-san's eyes. I nodded to Takanashi-san and retrieved Time Bomb from the shelf.
While opening it, Takanashi-san groaned.
"I like this, but I'm bad at it."
"Ah, well, Takanashi-san, it shows on your face, and you talk too much unnecessarily."
"That. The best way not to spill the beans is not to say anything extra."
"So you do understand."
I smiled wryly, but internally I was also impressed with Takanashi-san. The fact that she talks so much despite knowing the trick is probably solely to liven up the atmosphere and enrich the game experience. I can truly respect that part of Takanashi-san from the bottom of my heart.
But, at the same time...
"(She understands that it is vital not to say unnecessary things when lying, huh...)"
Suddenly, I thought about her boyfriend, a topic rarely mentioned in her stories, rather than board games. That way of restricting information is, after all...
Feeling a faint hope well up regarding my love, I inadvertently stared at the profile of my crush. As I did so, I was prompted by Utamaru-san again.
"Kohon. Banjō-san? Are we not starting the game?"
"Eh? Ah, sorry. Then I'll start with the specific rule explanation."
"Please do."
And so, pulling ourselves together, we began to enjoy "Time Bomb."
＊
About fifteen minutes after the start of the first game of Time Bomb. The game is now at its climax.
"Fufu, thank you for trusting me as Time Police, Takanashi-san. Truly chōjō."
There—smiling fearlessly at Takanashi-san, her "partner" with whom she had conducted the investigation throughout the first game—was Utamaru-san.
"Uta... chan? Eh, what's with that disturbing intro? N-No way..."
"Yes, that 'no way'."
While smiling, she took the nippers she had obtained through the absolute trust of Takanashi-san... and moved to cut the lead wire that was already determined to "explode."
As she flipped over the "BOOM" card, she declared to Takanashi-san:
"I am a member of the Bomber Team."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Having the bomb detonated at the very end, Takanashi-san held her head and groaned while revealing her role card... which was, naturally, Time Police.
There was the figure of a board game cafe clerk Gal who was magnificently played for a fool and suffered a crushing defeat, even in this first match that had strong aspects of a tutorial for the customer.
Takanashi-san glared at Utamaru-san, groaning with heartfelt frustration.
"Ugh, why, Uta-chan...! You were such a serious girl...!"
"I am sorry, Takanashi-san. But the buddy relationship with you was fun. Fufu."
"U... Uta-chaaaaaaaaaaaan!"
A normie-experienced (board game) Gal had a magnificent turnaround victory pulled on her by the innocent and pure girl she had lightly looked down on, and she was screaming. What is this, a scene from a web manga ad? Hilarious.
Then, suddenly, Takanashi-san's consciousness turned toward me. She clung to me with teary eyes, crying, "Banjōoo."
"Uta-chan's acting skills were wicked..."
"Indeed. I take my hat off to her too."
"Right?! Ah, jeez, I'm so frustrated! To be deceived this much by a beginner!"
"Yeah."
"Really, we're pathetic as Time Police, aren't we?"
"...We?"
I caught only the tail end of that word. In the instant Takanashi-san went pale saying, "Eh, no way."
I... grinned and revealed my own role card.
"I am also a member of the Bomber Team."
"YOOOOU LIIIIIAAAAAAARRRRRR!"
Takanashi-san sank further into the depths of despair at the cruel truth. Hmm, as always, reaction skills perfect for a protagonist. I love that, Takanashi-san.
By the way, in this game, with the basic rules for three players, the hellish case for the Police side where there are two Bombers happens reasonably often. Any experienced player can anticipate this, but for some reason, Takanashi-san was very freshly surprised this time too. Hmm, truly a fun person to play with.
And there is another person who is fun to play with in a completely different sense.
I smiled at Utamaru-san.
"That went well, didn't it, Utamaru-san?"
"Yes, Banjō-san. Thank you for your support in behaving suspiciously on purpose midway through. Thanks to that, I was able to win Takanashi-san's trust."
"Thank you for seeing through my intent and purposely opposing me, Utamaru-san."
"Likewise. With that, the connection between Banjō-san and myself was completely hidden."
We indulged in a post-game discussion, gleefully revealing our intentions during the game. Ah, this is truly fun.
However, seeing that, Takanashi-san had completely sulked.
"I won't trust anyone anymore..."
"No, you don't have to look as depressed as if your friend stole your boyfriend."
It was quite the emotional fluctuation for just losing one board game. Well, that is also her strong point, but today feels worse than usual.
As I smiled wryly with Utamaru-san, Takanashi-san, perhaps finding even that displeasing, puffed out her cheeks.
"Banjō and Uta-chan are a little too close lately, isn't that cheating?"
It sounded as if she were jealous. Looking over, Utamaru-san was also blushing slightly. ...For a moment, I fell into the illusion that my popular phase had arrived. But one must not believe in such convenient human relationships. Just like Takanashi-san, who was betrayed by Utamaru-san earlier. —Just like me, when I fell into the situation of getting expelled.
To calm my heart, I let out a breath and retorted to Takanashi-san with practiced calm.
"If you're going to say that, why don't you bring an absolutely trustworthy ally yourself, Takanashi-san?"
"? My absolute ally? Who? My grandma's guardian spirit?"
"That certainly sounds like an absolute ally. But physically, board games would be impossible."
"Then, grandma's Stand?"
"Please don't sublimate your relatives into supernatural abilities for the sake of board games. Not that..."
I hesitated a little, but took the plunge and stepped in.
"I mean... like your boyfriend."
I proposed it timidly but clearly. I thought it was a little mean, but I'm not pressing seriously either. Basically, it's a lead-in to bring it to the usual comedic bickering with Takanashi-san. A bridge to turn the grudge over the game victory into a light laugh and move on.
However, my calculation for that phrase missed the mark slightly this time. Before Takanashi-san could retort—for some reason, Utamaru-san was the one who bit.
"Eh, Takanashi-san, do you have a boyfriend?"
At that slightly "uncharacteristic" reaction, Takanashi-san blinked her eyes.
"I-I do, but... what about it?"
"No, because, I assumed..."
Saying that, Utamaru-san glanced at me for some reason, then returned her gaze to Takanashi-san. And since neither Takanashi-san nor I are dense like characters in a rom-com manga, we realized what that meant.
I rejoiced internally, but naturally, Takanashi-san denied it immediately.
"Hey, give me a break, Uta-chan. I'll ban you, you know?"
"Ehh!?"
Utamaru-san looked shocked. I also announced with a sigh mixed in.
"Excuse me, but it seems I slightly overestimated your IQ, Utamaru-san."
"No, that is truly rude!"
Utamaru-san retorted intensely. But since it was clear everyone was joking, it didn't escalate unnecessarily. Utamaru-san apologized.
"S-Sorry. But is that so... Takanashi-san has a partner..."
"No, I find it regrettable that you're so surprised."
"Ah, no, not in a weird way! U-Um..."
Utamaru-san groaned somewhat as if troubled, then cut in as if to change the subject.
"Wh-What kind of person is this boyfriend-sama?"
"Boyfriend-sama?"
Takanashi-san laughed kera kera at that question, then paused with a "Hmm" before responding.
"Super handsome."
"There it is, the usual vague boyfriend info."
I snapped at that testimony. While Takanashi-san looked annoyed, I continued explaining to the tilting-headed Utamaru-san.
"Utamaru-san. This person's boyfriend stories are always like urban legends."
"Urban legends...? Ah, stories like the Nekomata, Umibozu, or Makuragaeshi."
"Are you from the Edo period?"
As always, her sense of association is strangely old-fashioned. Funny, though.
While I was laughing, Takanashi-san forcibly twisted the direction of the conversation.
"What about you, Uta-chan? You got a Kare-pi?"
"No. If that 'Kare-pi' thing means 'romantic partner,' then at present, such a thing does not exist in my life at all."
"I-I see."
Takanashi-san was at a loss for a reaction, being answered with extreme seriousness. I wonder what this is; the combination of this Gal and the old-fashioned girl is always amusing. It's like constant cross-cultural communication. I think their daily lives should be serialized in Manga Time Kirara as is.
So, I was just watching that scene from the side, grinning, but.
Suddenly, Utamaru-san turned her gaze toward me and dropped a bombshell out of nowhere.
"Then, Banjō-san, do you have someone you are interested in?"
"Hyohe?"
The strike gouged into the core so suddenly that a weird voice came out. And for some reason I don't understand, an image of "Checkmate" being played in Shogi flowed through my brain. Perhaps Utamaru-san's atmosphere caused it. Anyway, my heart leaped.
Unconsciously, I glanced at Takanashi-san. —Well, that was a complete blunder.
Utamaru-san showed a reaction of "Ah" (Realization), and as for Takanashi-san...
"Oyaaa? Oya oya oyaaa?"
She was glaring at me completely with the eyes of a hunter.
The normie Gal approached the flustered shut-in board game otaku while emphasizing her chest.
"What what, Banjōoo. You're that way?"
Yes, as you guessed. Exactly, seriously, I am that way. —Like I can say that!
"Th-Th-Th-Th-That way? What is that?"
"N-N-N-Not a cherry, sounded like that intonation just now."
Takanashi-san grinned. Th-This is bad. It's clearly the persistent type. And even if she intends it as a joke, it's visible that I won't be able to dodge it well.
I mean, because I seriously like Takanashi-san, after all. In the very end, the truth will slip out.
But it mustn't be exposed. For the peace of this part-time job, and in the sense that it would trouble a woman with a boyfriend, it is absolutely forbidden.
I pushed up my glasses, trying to calm my agitation, but it didn't work.
This is bad. Really bad. I never thought I'd fall into such a pinch in a scene like this.
I instinctively looked toward Utamaru-san for help. If it's the intelligent and kind her, she might guess various things from this situation and send me a lifeboat—
"Are you that way, Banjō-san?"
—She closed in on me with a freezing pressure that felt nothing like help. Eh, what is this? Why is Utamaru-san acting like that? What do you gain by exposing my love?
"......"
"Ugh."
On one side, eyes full of sadistic pleasure. On the other, a sharp, powerful gaze that seemed to be appraising me for some reason. The women were blaming me without words.
It was already a precipice where clumsy dodging wouldn't work.
Seeking an escape route somehow, I let my gaze wander around the store. But naturally, there were no rescuers there, only a massive amount of board games, and the Time Bomb in front of me...
"(...Time Bomb?)"
I looked at the role card assigned to me in the previous match, the Bomber Team, and thought.
The beauty of this game—is that the game can continue even if your identity is revealed.
Why? Because the most important "focus" isn't there.
What is most important isn't who the traitor is, but "whether the bomb explodes or not."
...Couldn't that be substituted for this situation right now?
Right now, it's almost practically exposed that I "have a person I like." It would be impossible to take that back now.
However. The most important "focus" is not "there."
Game Over here is getting exposed that "I like Takanashi-san."
Fortunately, Takanashi-san is currently approaching it half-jokingly, and Utamaru-san doesn't seem to have conviction in her suspicion yet.
In other words, it is almost certain that I "have someone I like."
But regarding the single point of "Who" that is—there is still an opening to strike!
The problem is who to actually set up as that "scapegoat," but...
"Ah, come to think of it."
While I was plotting my scheme, Takanashi-san fired a follow-up arrow as if remembering something.
"Earlier, just before Uta-chan came. Banjō, you hid your smartphone screen, didn't you?"
"Eh? Ah..."
Being told that, I remembered again. That's right, I definitely hid the screen from Takanashi-san back then. That's because the article displayed at that time was... ............ ...I see.
At the same time as I felt a "certain plan" being assembled at high speed within me.
I regained a composed attitude and broke the silence.
"Phew, good grief, being suspected this much, I have no choice."
"Oh?"
Takanashi-san reacted to me breathing out heavily and starting to speak.
I... continued to respond with the tension of a Time Bomb player whose cover as a Bomber has been blown.
"That's right. Certainly, I have someone I like. But that is not... a latecomer girl."
"Wait, who are you talking about, Banjō! How rude! Apologize to me!"
"So you are self-aware."
I exchanged the usual banter with Takanashi-san.
However, the other person—the female customer with a strangely gambler-like side, Utamaru-san—didn't waver at all. Like a calm sea, she continued to stare at me, maintaining her suspicion.
"...Then, Banjō-san. Who are you saying you like?"
"Eh... um."
I almost got swallowed by that atmosphere. Moreover, she pressed on flatly.
"Come to think of it, you always humble yourself saying you have few friends. Especially since dropping out."
"Y-Yes."
"Also, Takanashi-san often teases you about having few acquaintances of the opposite sex, but I have absolutely no recollection of seeing you make an effective retort to that."
"What is this, hilarious lol. Uta-chan's debating mode is crazy strong lol."
The Gal exploded in laughter at the sight of me being cornered by Utamaru-san. That guy...!
However, Utamaru-san continued further, seeming to have no malice whatsoever.
"Also, Banjō-san, you yourself seem to be a personality who prioritizes hobbies over romance or encounters. Considering such tendencies—"
"C-Considering?"
"—It is inferred that the number of 'potential romantic targets' in your life is extremely small."
"......"
"Based on that, I ask you. Is the person you like truly not Takanashi-san?"
Wh-What is with this person? Should I call it a poker face? Sometimes, she shows an obsession to snatch the truth or victory so flatly it's unreal. I mean, as a board game vet, my win rate is still technically higher in various games, but in terms of basic human capability, I don't feel like I'm winning at all.
It was the same right now. I had a plan for a lie to cook up, but my confidence was rapidly draining.
Such... such a shallow "escape" lie, wouldn't it be seen through in one shot before this sharp gaze? Such a premonition ran through my brain, and I gulped.
But having come this far, I can't retreat anymore. There is no alternative plan; right now, I have to bet on this lie... this meager, desperate lie.
"T-The person I really like is..."
"Yes. Who is the person Banjō-san really likes?"
...Kuh. What kind of eyes are those? I can't believe my lie will pass on a person like this at all.
I don't believe it, but... still, entrusting it to a ray of hope.
I unlocked my smartphone, showed the interview article of "that certain person" to the two of them, and simultaneously.
I fired that meager lie—looking not into Takanashi-san's, but Utamaru-san's eyes.
"The person I truly like is—the female Shogi player, Utakata Tsukino-san!"
In that instant. Utamaru-san's poker face, which remained unshakeable no matter what happened in board games—
"........................ ..................Hea!?"
—Collapsed spectacularly for some reason. Not only that, but her eyes held a level of agitation I had never seen before, and after flapping her hands around meaninglessly for a moment, she ultimately—
"I-I'm going home."
"Suddenly!?"
—Suddenly indicated her intention to leave the store. This caused us, the two clerks, to be rather severely shaken instead. I could only think that the store side must have made a tremendous blunder. Not just me, but even the battle-hardened Takanashi-san was flustered.
"W-W-Wait wait wait, Uta-chan! No, Utamaru-san! Sorry, sorry, we got way too carried away! Really sorry!"
Despite Takanashi-san's rare genuine apology mode, Utamaru-san tilted her head in response.
"? No, there is nothing Takanashi-san did wrong..."
"R-Really? Then once again..."
"Yes."
There, Utamaru-san smiled refreshingly—and stood up from her seat.
"I'm going home."
"Guess she's going home..."
We slumped our shoulders in disappointment. Seeing us like that, Utamaru-san continued her explanation as if to patch things up.
"Ah, um, really, it's not that I'm uncomfortable or anything like that."
"Really? Um, if there was a problem with our behavior or attitude as staff, we would appreciate your frank opinion for future improvement..."
"No, no, really! Ah, but..."
"But?"
I gulped. As long as you work in customer service, complaints are a constant companion, but I have some tolerance for the unreasonable complaints of monster customers that make up the majority.
However, this is Utamaru-san—a truly wonderful customer. It's a different story if it's her voice. I'm terrified to hear what kind of displeasure I caused her. Because it's practically decided that I'm fatally in the wrong.
While sweat began to seep onto my forehead from tension, Utamaru-san... for some reason stared at me intently from the front, flushed her cheeks slightly—perhaps from anger—and finally, while averting her gaze from me for some reason, declared:
"...So, it would be chōjō if you would say 'that sort of thing' when we are alone..."
"Eh."
For a moment, I didn't understand what was being said. But I immediately recalled the exchange just before—the part about "liking Utakata Tsukino-san"—and gasped. At the same time, Takanashi-san seemed to realize something and scolded me.
"Ah, that's right, Banjō. If you like this Utakata Tsukino girl, you gotta muster up the courage and tell her directly! Not us!"
"Heh? Ah, no, well, that's because you two cornered me, so I had no choice..."
"Oh, you're gonna say that, Banjō. I mean, do you really like this Utakata Tsukino girl?"
Crap, somehow the flow has turned into suspicion. I-I have to retort clearly here!
"How rude. I love Utakata Tsukino-san from the bottom of my heart!"
"I'm going home."
"So why suddenly!?"
The moment I loudly declared my pure love (big lie) for Ms. Utakata Tsukino, for some reason I don't know, Utamaru-san headed for the exit with movements surpassing human knowledge, worthy of an SCP.
It wasn't a speed we could catch up with. We could barely follow her with our eyes. Yet, she dutifully placed the exact usage fee in cash on the register, and then—
"Thank you very much for the game—match today!"
—After meticulously completing the "Thank you for the match" ritual, she left the store immediately at SCP speed again.
"......"
Overwhelmed by the sheer absurdity, Takanashi-san and I were simply dumbfounded.
We stood dazed for a while... but the moment our eyes met, we snapped out of it. As if to gloss over the awkwardness, we returned to being "clerks."
I started cleaning up Time Bomb. Takanashi-san put the money Utamaru-san left into the register. ...We performed our tasks silently.
Then, just as I had cleaned up Time Bomb and was about to return it to the shelf. While closing the register with a gachan, Takanashi-san spoke to me.
"So, Banjō."
"What is it?"
I responded without particularly turning around. Takanashi-san continued with an uninterested, flat tension.
"...About liking that Utakata girl. Are you for real?"
"...Well, I am for real, but..."
"I see."
"Yes."
............We exchanged those words without particularly making eye contact, and silence visited the store.
............
If this were a story about board games, I would have completed the correct move as a human and a gamer: "not getting discouraged until the end and fighting with my best effort." I am convinced there is no room for doubt there.
Yet, why is it?
"I see. So you had someone you liked, Banjō."
"...Well..."
"I see, I see. ...I seeee."
"......"
The feeling that I had made a fatal blunder, as if I had played an illegal move like Nifu (Two Pawns), just wouldn't wipe away.
Utakata Tsukino
About ten seconds after leaving Kurumaza.
"Excuse me."
"..!?"
Leaving my momentum unchecked, I rushed into the staffing agency office on the fifth floor of the same building.
Disregarding the president—my aunt Mari-san—who was surprised by the sudden intruder, I ran straight to the back.
I quickly climbed into the changing box for photography and shut the curtain vigorously with a sha!
Shutting myself in the cramped space, I took off the stuffy disguise cap, released my long black hair, and sat down on the simple folding chair provided.
Then, finally—I let out the raw emotion that had been coiling in the depths of my chest.
"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
Immediately, a protest came from my aunt as expected.
"Um, Tsuku-chan? Even if we're related by blood, barging into my workplace, occupying a corner, and letting out a beast-like groan... I question that. As a human being."
"I apologize. Excuse the intrusion. Pardon me. UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
"Yeah, just because you greeted politely doesn't mean the beast voice is permitted."
"................................................!"
"Eh, don't tell me you're biting a handkerchief to suppress your voice? Please stop that too."
"...I'm sorry, Mari-san. But for now, just assume I'm possessed by a fox spirit and leave me be."
"No, where is the aunt who can leave a fox-possessed niece alone in her workplace..."
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"
"Fine, do as you please."
I felt Mari-san returning to work in exasperation through the curtain. Apparently, "the aunt who can leave a fox-possessed niece alone in her workplace" was right here. As expected of Master.
Taking advantage of her words, I continued to scream strangely inside the changing box for a while.
About five minutes later, I abruptly stopped my eccentric behavior, stood up smoothly, opened the curtain, and appeared before my master again as the usual sharp "Utakata Tsukino."
"Hello, Master. The weather is nice today, truly chōjō."
"No, the switching is scary, my niece. That's really in the realm of genuine fox possession."
"? Isn't that how all Shogi players are?"
"Well, that's also true."
Mari-san was easily convinced. While it's slightly misleading, it's true that not just Shogi players, but all gamblers have one or two methods for sorting out their feelings.
It's the same for me. Even if I was confessed to by a member of the opposite sex whom I do not dislike... by Banjō-san, if I groan for five minutes, then it's already... It's already...
"Uuu..."
"Oh my, it's rare for Tsuku-chan to have residual leakage."
"What kind of expression is that? Well, but... yes. This agitation seems likely to drag on."
Sighing, I sat down on one of the desk chairs set up in front of the long table that seemed to serve both reception and business purposes. Mari-san stopped typing on the computer keyboard, turned the movable monitor sideways so we could see each other's faces, and asked me.
"So, what happened today? Your first operation as a Rental Boyfriend shouldn't be yet."
"No, I haven't decided to do that yet, you know."
"Ehh, I'm troubled. I already replaced the profile picture on the homepage from the predecessor."
"Yeah, I think that 'Ehh, I'm troubled' was overwhelmingly supposed to be my line."
"Well, whatever. So, seriously, why are you here today?"
"...Um, well, how should I put it..."
When I tried to confess the situation to my master, I stumbled over my words surprisingly. Although I consulted her daily about Shogi worries, this was my first time consulting about human relationships.
I organized the information in my head, narrowed down the focus a bit, and decided to consult my aunt.
"Um, just a moment ago, I was suddenly confessed to by a member of the opposite sex..."
"? Why bring that up now? That's been a daily occurrence for a while now, hasn't it?"
Mari-san asked, looking puzzled. Actually, that is true. Especially during a period when I was featured on TV, I received approaches via SNS, letters, directly... through various media. Sometimes even from celebrities. ...Yeah.
"True, now that you mention it. But that was, how do I put it..."
"Well, it wasn't on a level to take seriously, was it?"
"Yes. I treated them the same way as solicitation flyers or spam emails. Though, occasionally there were letters filled with genuine feelings, and to those, I replied in my own handwriting, but..."
"That was also purely a reflex action out of courtesy."
"Yes. After all, they are strangers to me. To begin with, proposing a relationship suddenly to someone you've only seen a bit in the news suggests a fatal difference in values from me."
"Hmm. In other words."
Mari-san paused there and summarized my situation in her usual masterly fashion.
"Tsuku-chan is the type where confessions from people she feels nothing for don't resonate in her heart at all, right?"
"...Indeed, analyzing it again, that might be so. As expected of Master. Chōjō."
While I was impressed by Master's accurate diagnosis, Master grinned and continued.
"To flip that around."
"?"
"If it's a 'confession from someone you don't dislike,' then it shoots right through your heart, doesn't it?"
"!"
The moment she said it, my face heated up kaaa. Looking at her, Mari-san was observing me with a nasty grin worthy of her active days. Kuh...!
"S-Such a thing would be true for everyone, wouldn't it?"
"Well, yeah. But the problem now is that for Tsuku-chan—for that Utakata Tsukino—such a person has finally appeared."
"Wh-What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing special. Because Tsuku-chan, in your life until now, not even the letter 'R' of Romance has appeared, right?"
"How rude. Even I am a sparkling, young, pure-hearted maiden of today, you know?"
"Just that expression alone is already not sparkling today at all, though."
"E-Even at the Shoreikai (Shogi Apprentice School), I had one or two rumors of romance with Shogi players..."
"Ah, if you mean the legend where a certain elementary school girl completely pulverized a famous active Shogi player who was mocking female professionals in an unofficial match, I've heard that..."
"............ ...I received a sincere letter from a male classmate in junior high..."
"Ah, Big Sis showed me that once. It was the one that said, 'I'm good on the <After School Shogi Lecture>. It's enough. Really. I'm seriously sorry or something,' right? Certainly, there were a ton of feelings in that. The handwriting was shaking like crazy."
"I-In high school, even though it's an all-girls school, as the princess of the Shogi club, I was adored by the members..."
"Wasn't it that they were too terrified and finally kicked you out?"
"I was not kicked out. It was 'Hall of Fame Induction.' I am an honorary member."
"Yeah yeah, that's right. My poor niece."
"Ah, also, speaking of men, I was in a hotel with Tsukumo-san, the Eternal Ryuo..."
"Wasn't that a fistfight? Huh? Wrong? Am I mixing in Ryu to Ichigo or something? Anyway, your human relationships are basically Strong Style, aren't they?"
"Ugh..."
I can't deny it. I tend to start interpersonal relationships with "Win or Lose." Actually, even with Banjō-san, it's like that. Ugh... Strong Style...
"To think a member of the opposite sex she doesn't dislike would appear for such a heroine, Utakata Tsukino."
To my aunt who was grinning and teasing, I responded sharply, with a cool, composed face.
"He isn't particularly that important of a person, though."
"No, you can't say that after groaning like a beast for five minutes in my office."
"Ugh."
That's true. This is surely Checkmate. I relaxed my shoulders as if surrendering and decided to open up and consult my aunt.
"As you have already guessed, um, I received a confession of love from someone I have been getting close to recently."
"Congratulations."
"Thank you—is what I wish I could honestly say with joy."
"What do you mean? It doesn't look like... you're just shy."
"Yes. Because—"
Just as I was about to explain the situation where I was currently only confessed to indirectly, in a sense—suddenly, the sound of the intercom announcing a visitor rang out.
"Eh."
I turned around with a start. through the frosted glass, a blurry silhouette could be seen. A visitor.
No, well, that's natural, but since my first visit, this was the first time I saw a visitor other than myself here, so I was a little shaken.
Ignoring me who instinctively held my breath for some reason, my aunt responded naturally, "Yeeees."
"Who is it?"
To my aunt's question, a young woman's voice—strangely familiar—returned from outside the door.
"Ah, um, I'm the one who contacted you via the HP mail form..."
"Yes? Um, sorry, I'll check it right now."
Responding, Master hurriedly turned the monitor toward herself and operated the mouse with clicks. Then, seemingly finding something, she continued the exchange through the door while looking apologetic.
"Ah, found it, found it. Sorry, looks like I missed it...!"
"Ah, no, I mean I only sent the email like three minutes ago, so that's normal."
"Eh? Ah, really. Um, what is this exactly..."
"Ah, well, after sending the email, I looked at the HP again and was like, 'Huh? Isn't this address the floor right above'? So I figured going directly would be faster."
"Floor right above?"
At Mari-san's question, I inadvertently overlapped my voice. While she just seemed genuinely puzzled, a separate "bad premonition" from Mari-san's began to well up inside me.
"(That voice, that way of speaking, and the 'floor above' remark. If my prediction is correct... it would be slightly bad if 'the current me' met face-to-face with 'this visitor' here...)"
With my tied hair released, visually blatantly "Utakata Tsukino"—yet dressed exactly like "Utamaru" who had been visiting the board game cafe until moments ago. If it were the slightly dense Banjō-san, maybe, but there's no way "She," the other clerk, wouldn't notice my identity.
And that identity exposure is, at this point, quite fatal.
If this were a story from thirty minutes ago, even if my identity were exposed, it would have ended as a light funny story like "Actually, I was a minor celebrity."
However, now. ...Now that I've heard Banjō-san's crush is "Utakata Tsukino," the story changes significantly.
"(Being exposed at this timing is situational-ly too bad!)"
It's beyond awkward. No, depending on the quality of "Her" feelings for Banjō-san, there's even a possibility it could develop into a fierce chaotic scene.
Anyway, right now, is bad.
I stood up from the chair as if bouncing. Anyway, I have to hide somewhere.
And seeing my state... Master showed a reaction of "Ah," sensing something. Oh, as expected of Master and a related former female Shogi player. Accurately seeing through what I want—
"Ah, sorry for keeping you through the door! For now, please come in!"
"(Youuuuuu—!)"
With "goodwill" that I couldn't tell was natural airheadedness or a scheme, Master urged the visitor to enter.
Come to think of it, Mari-san was always this kind of person in Shogi too. Just when I thought we were enjoying a gentle and fun game of Shogi, suddenly, she would play a fiendish move pointing straight to a muddy hell of a match with a smile. She's that kind of person. Really, since forever.
"Ah, then I'll take you up on that."
Saying that, the sound of the doorknob turning gachari. There is no more time.
Just like the endgame of Shogi, there is only one move I can take from here.
Installed right behind this chair, the very place I was hiding in until just a moment ago—
"(Make it!)"
—Is to dive into the changing box.
I took off my shoes at high speed, and while holding them in my hand, I dove into the changing box and pulled the curtain vigorously with a sha! to hide myself.
Staying like that, I held my breath and strained my ears to observe the situation.
"Excuse meee."
A familiar voice enters the room. ...No mistake. It's "Her." The problem is...
"Wait, huh?"
"Is something wrong?"
She noticed something. While staring at the curtain swaying in front of my eyes, my heart was pounding doki doki. ...Ugh, if I had just a few more seconds, this swaying would have settled down...!
Once again, I resent Master's speed of judgment in a bad sense.
I can't see her expression, but I know Master is grinning outside the curtain. She's surely thinking it will be interesting whichever way it rolls. She's that kind of person.
And the result of that gamble was...
"Oh, just one floor up, and the scenery outside is pretty diff!"
...It seemed to be my win. The visitor seemed to bite on the scenery outside the window rather than the plain changing box.
Master leaked a breath, "Fu." Now that it's come to this, she's decisive.
"Haha, if this scenery pleases you, feel free to enjoy it as much as you like."
Naturally, without doing anything boorish like exposing me. On the contrary... as if to say it was the reward for winning the gamble, she presented the visitor's identity, clearly directed at me.
"—Takanashi Mifuru-san."
＊
"Please, sit over there. I'll make some tea now."
"Thanks. Ah, I mean, um, don't mind me?"
Speaking in unfamiliar polite language, urged by Mari-san, Takanashi-san moved over here—right near the changing box.
Takanashi-san's footsteps approaching katsu katsu. While frightened by it, at the same time, I perked up my ears to thoroughly gauge the situation in the room.
Takanashi-san coming right in front of the changing box. Tension peaked at the situation where an "acquaintance who must not see my current appearance" was right there separated by a single thin cloth, but.
"Well then, pardon me."
Takanashi-san seemed to take a seat on the visitor's chair without harboring any particular suspicion toward the changing box.
I stroked my chest in relief. Although she is still close, positionally Takanashi-san will have her back to the box side, so the possibility of my presence being exposed is infinitely lowered with this—
"Wait, huh?"
"Is something wrong?"
Seated, Takanashi-san raised her voice about something, and Master responded. Takanashi-san continued suspiciously.
"No, like... is the chair, warm?"
"(Because I was sitting there until just before thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis!)"
I jumped at the observation from an unexpected angle. I never thought I could experience the feelings of a culprit cornered by a great detective in real life.
If she develops her deduction like this, tracing the thought path of "It feels like someone else is here" -> "There aren't many places to hide in this room" -> "The most likely place is...", it wouldn't be strange at all if she finally opened the curtain of this changing box.
No, I recognize that reading ahead this far and feeling mental burden is something close to a bad habit of Shogi players, but even so, once you think it, you can't go back.
Becoming a ball in the taiiku-zuwari (sitting with knees held) style on the small chair, I started trembling gata gata. At this rate, before Takanashi-san's deduction, I might be exposed by sound and vibration.
However, unexpectedly, Mari-san sent a lifeboat there.
"Ah, sorry, I was just taking a break from work."
Mari-san announced it sounding embarrassed. Hearing that, Takanashi-san seemed to misunderstand that Mari-san had been sitting there until just before.
"Ah, totally fine, totally fine."
Returning brightly, Takanashi-san didn't touch on it anymore.
I stroked my chest in relief, and simultaneously, the trembling subsided naturally.
It's frustrating, but Mari-san... Master is amazing as always. Even just now, while hiding my existence, she never told a "lie." Mari-san was, in fact, taking a break from work—and "talking with me." Because she omitted that part, Takanashi-san interpreted it on her own as "She was sitting here working."
While happy that Master's masterly brilliance is still alive and well, realizing such things makes me think this again.
Then why didn't she remain my goal—a female Shogi player, forever?
You have to get what you want with your own hands, Tsuku-chan.
I still miss the "admired Master" from when she smiled fearlessly like that.
"......"
Unconsciously putting strength into the arms holding my knees tight, before I knew it, the two had finished greetings and began shifting to the main topic.
"So, may I ask again the circumstances of your visit to our company today?"
"Ah, yeah. About that..."
There, Takanashi-san slurped her tea zuzut. Then, along with the sound of placing the teacup somewhat strongly on the long table as if firing herself up.
She cut into the conversation with a "troublesome proposal" that was, in a sense, as expected.
"This person on the HP, 'Usa Itsuki', lend him to me as a Rental Boyfriend!"
"...I-I see."
This seemed to catch even Master off guard a little. Her voice was mixed with a bit of agitation. However, as for me, at the point it was a request from that Takanashi-san, it was something I had half-predicted.
...Yeah, I predicted it, certainly, but.
"(The 'complexity' of the situation in every sense is brutal!)"
I held my head inside the changing box. No, I'm already visiting the board game cafe in disguise normally, and now to be rented as a boyfriend by one of its clerks? I rarely encounter a situation with such intricate predictions even in Shogi matches.
While I groaned in my heart, Mari-san began her explanation.
"Just to explain again, as written on the HP, may I consider this request with the understanding that this 'Rental Boyfriend' is a service premised on operation as a 'Boyfriend Role Extra'?"
"Y-Yeah. Ah, if it's not a shady story, it's no problem even if the client is a minor, right?"
"Eh? W-Well, yes, that is true, but..."
Perhaps because it's a slightly gray area, Mari-san mumbled. After a short silence, she cut in from a different angle this time.
"However, if we actually lend him out, fees are generated by time calculation, and we also charge for transportation costs calculated from our office, so in terms of cost, I think it might be a bit tough for a student..."
"Ah, about that."
When it came to money, Takanashi-san seemed to have devised a plan beforehand and started talking fluently as usual.
"Basically, I'll rent him at the absolute 'minimum', and also, if the service is good, I'll advertise to those around me. So, could you make it cheaper for that amount? Look, there's the neighborly bond too. Right?"
"H-Haa."
There, Mari-san seemed to find the stiff customer service foolish. She started returning with a frank response, matching Takanashi-san.
"So? What level is this 'minimum' you speak of?"
"Yup. About that."
Takanashi-san explained with a bouncing voice.
"First, as a major premise, the timing I want to rent a boyfriend is a few times a week, frankly speaking, a world of like five minutes."
"Hah? A few times a week, only five minutes?"
"Yup. And regarding transportation costs, since I just want to borrow him to the floor below from here for a moment, well, thinking normally, it's zero yen, right?"
"...That is again, how should I put it... An order that is quite difficult to price."
"Right, right? See, don't you kinda want to make it free at this point?"
"Y-You..."
Takanashi-san was displaying the true value of Takanashi-san-ness, making Master flinch. To manipulate even that Master, as expected of Takanashi-san.
Master asked.
"To begin with, what kind of situation is that? Lending a boyfriend to the floor below for only about five minutes a few times a week..."
"Ah—... that is, well, um, how should I put it..."
Takanashi-san muttered awkwardly. After a few seconds of silence, she confessed.
"At the part-time job downstairs, I kinda... told my coworker that I have a 'handsome boyfriend'..."
"...How petty."
Mari-san was exasperated. She has completely stopped customer service mode. Her judgment on such things is severe as always.
But in such parts, Takanashi-san wasn't losing either. Immediately, she responded with a swift, intuitive retort that gouged the essence, typical of her.
"The job that earns money relying on that petty demand is pettier, isn't it?"
"Guh."
Amazing, Takanashi-san. Forget me or Banjō-san, she's shutting out even Master. If we threw her into the Shogi world, she might cause a great whirlwind in various ways.
Gaining momentum, Takanashi-san continued.
"Also, this... Usa-kun? person. Obviously, he's perfect for a 'Boyfriend role to brag about' being super handsome and all. But what I actually liked most is the 'looks like a girl' part."
Ah, is she writing even that on the HP...? I thought, but well, thinking normally, since it's a business, there's no reason to hide that.
Mari-san responded.
"Ah, that way both the customer and the employee feel safe, right? Mutually."
"Right. And how should I put it..."
There, Takanashi Mifuru-san leaked a small mutter, to the extent that it couldn't be heard by Mari-san facing her... but could be heard by me who was right nearby separated by a single thin cloth.
"...Even if it's acting, I don't wanna be touchy-feely with a guy other than my real Suki-pi..."
"…………"
Uh, um. Somehow, I feel like I've been served an additional topping of information I shouldn't know right now. Yeah, probably my imagination. Let's decide it's my imagination.
"Um, what was that?"
Asked back by Mari-san, Takanashi-san responded again with her original tension.
"Anyway, the service I'm looking for is, specifically, just a feel where the Boyfriend-role comes to pick me up at the floor below on my way home from work—"
"...Hmm."
Mari-san responded as if thinking about something. Ah, this is the voice I often heard right before resignation during her female Shogi player days. In other words...
"—I see. Rather than stingily squeezing small change from a neighborhood student for a job of this level, a proposal to lend him out for free and have you advertise instead might be acceptable."
The signal that she is ready to accept the opponent's demand. While I sighed deeply and silently, their conversation continued.
"Eh, seriously? Then, is this case settled?"
"No, it's still in the consideration stage. It's a special exception only if the management judgment is made that you can be used as an advertising tower for our service..."
"Ah, btw, this is the total number of followers around the SNS I'm currently using."
"Okay, hired."
Wait, my free rental was decided in seconds. A-Auntie!?
"Well, rest assured. The wage for Usa himself will be properly paid from our advertising expenses."
"? Haa, isn't that good then? Idk though."
Mari-san was explaining not to Takanashi-san, but to me who was eavesdropping. Y-Yeah, well, if that's the case, I'm not unwilling...
Wait, no, wrong, wrong. It's not a problem of that stage anymore.
Mari-san has no way of knowing, but currently, the relationship between me and Takanashi-san... and Banjō-san is quite delicate.
Banjō-san, who I arbitrarily felt "seems to have affection for Takanashi-san," suddenly started saying he l-l-loves the real me—"Utakata Tsukino"—for some reason.
On the other hand, Takanashi-san, whom I felt didn't dislike Banjō-san, denied affection for Banjō-san saying she had another boyfriend. But when we opened the lid, there was no such person, and she was even trying to tide over the situation with a Rental Boyfriend.
And as for me... as a result of becoming a regular customer with the loose character setting of Utamaru, I received an unexpected confession from Banjō-san, and moreover, I have now even learned Takanashi-san's secret.
In this situation, if. If I were to expose my identity to Takanashi-san.
That would be...
"Ah, by the way, Takanashi-kun. If this 'Rental Boyfriend' matter gets exposed to the coworkers you want to deceive or the people around you, what do you intend to do?"
"Eh? Ah, well... how should I put it, there's no 'what I intend to do', just one word."
"What is it?"
To Mari-san's question, Takanashi-san responded with scary refreshingness.
"Death."
Yes, it has become absolutely imperative not to be exposed. I mean, that's not just Takanashi-san's line. It's the same for me. The situation surrounding the current me, everything, Banjō-san, Takanashi-san... no, the impression if exposed to the world.
Death.
This is probably a three-character word (in Japanese: しぬる - Shinuru) that can be called the greatest reason for people to keep secrets.
However, precisely because of that, all the more...
"(Can't I somehow have her decline this request even now...?!)"
Mari-san didn't know my detailed circumstances, so she accepted it readily. But from my perspective, no matter how much I want the reward in a short time, the risk is too great.
N-No, well, from the perspective of binding hours, it is a god-tier part-time job for me too. I just have to go to Kurumaza while playing, and leave the shop with Takanashi-san acting close as Usa Itsuki. If I can earn cafe money with that, there's nothing better.
But that's not something to do while putting important human relationships and social standing at risk.
At least this Rental Boyfriend case, I have to get it canceled no matter what.
Perhaps my wish got through, or maybe Master's unique genius reading activated, Mari-san put in a warning to Takanashi-san just in case.
"Ah, but whether Usa can be put into this shift is still unknown, you know."
"Ehh. Does that mean I might be passed to another Rental Boyfriend?"
"Hmm, well, is there such a possibility?"
"Seriously..."
Takanashi-san returned a blatantly dissatisfied reaction.
"I decided on here because of the 'Girl' part with this crazy handsome guy."
"Ah, that is chōjō."
Ah, wait, Auntie, why are you catching my catchphrase at this timing...!
"Cho...? Huh, somehow that phrasing, somewhere..."
"Ko, kohon kohon."
After an unnatural cough, Aunt continued.
"Then, if Usa is a no-go, is it okay to say that this business talk itself is scrapped without setting up a substitute?"
"Well... I guess so."
Although clearly not convinced, Takanashi-san responded. I involuntarily made a small guts pose.
"(Alright. Sorry to Takanashi-san, but after she leaves, I'll ask Mari-san to cancel this case again!)"
As I renewed my determination, Takanashi-san added, "Ah, but."
"Canceling after Usa-kun hears everything about today's request is a no-go."
"Hmm? Is that from the perspective of confidentiality obligations?"
"Of course. Cause this is totally personal info, right? Just the fact that I came to ask for a Rental Boyfriend, I want to keep it from non-related people as much as possible."
"Well, that's natural."
"Right? So, check Usa-kun's intention before telling the details of the request. Actually, if he asks for the details of the request, then I'll have you make him accept it, no questions asked."
"Ah, I understand your demand."
Mari-san responded lightly. It's cunning that she only said "I understand" (Rikai shita) and not "I agree" (Ryōkai shita). Well, actually after this... sorry to Takanashi-san, but I intend to decline after knowing all the circumstances, so that's fair enough.
Just to use sophistry, I can say that the one who learned her circumstances here now is "Utakata Tsukino" and not "Usa Itsuki" yet. Then the logic that "Usa Itsuki declined without knowing anything" holds up. No, it doesn't hold up, but I should be able to dodge Takanashi-san.
Just as I was making such calculations, suddenly, the sound of Takanashi-san standing up was heard.
"Whoops, crap, already this time!"
"Do you have something after this?"
"I mean, I actually slipped out during my break at work right now!"
"I see. Then details later. The meeting and briefing with Usa too..."
"Okaay. Well, something like that... Whoa?"
"Is something wrong?"
"Ah—no, sorry, looks like my bra hook came undone when I stood up just now."
"Oh my. Are you okay?"
"Yea—... gotta take off my shirt for a sec."
"Ah, then you can change freely around there—"
And, just as she was about to say that, Mari-san stopped her words for some reason.
And at the same time, I also instantly inferred "what she saw" to stop her words—no.
Because of that, I inferred even "what kind of carnage could happen from now on." Immediately after, I began to move with the resolve of "Immediate Decision, Immediate Action" like Hayazashi (Speed Shogi).
I hurriedly put on "a certain outfit" that had been left inside the changing box at high speed.
"Thanks. Ah, then since it's perfect, I'll borrow this fitting room-ish thing—"
As expected, things were proceeding toward the future that Master and I predicted a few seconds ago.
Takanashi Mifuru's hand reaches for the thin curtain separating the changing box and the outside space.
The future where I meet her face-to-face a split second later is unavoidable now.
The position is already worst. The worst of the worst. —But.
Still, if one is a Shogi player.
If there is a means to avoid checkmate even a little and survive.
Even if it's an option that leads to further hell, one must take it without hesitation.
It was immediately after I thought that far.
"Well then, excuse meeeee.........?"
At the same time as the thin curtain separating us was ruthlessly pulled by Takanashi Mifuru's hand.
My eyes, having finished changing just in the nick of time, met hers perfectly.
"......"
Time stopped in the office.
Three people dumbfounded. In that... the first one to open her mouth and break the silence was Takanashi Mifuru.
While bewildered, she called out to me—no, to "Ore" (Me/Male persona).
"Eh... could it be, Usa, kun?"
The existence reflected in her eyes right now.
That is exactly the "option one step before checkmate."
Even in the worst of the worst situations, still, compared to meeting her here as Utakata Tsukino or Utamaru, there is barely hope. Such an existence. Well, in other words—
"H-Hi. I'm Usa Itsuki, who will be your boyfriend starting today. Looking forward to working with you."
I brushed up my blonde hair swiftly, and referencing my aunt's arrogant personality from her female Shogi player days, I started my duty as "Rental Boyfriend Usa Itsuki" half like an accident.
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