【Final Chapter: The After-School Kingmaker (Day 165)】
"Hey, Banjō, hurry up."
"Ugh... come on, Takanashi-san, don't rush me..."
One evening when the heat finally began to soften. At the Board Game Cafe, "Kurumaza."
My coworker, the high school Gal Takanashi Mifuru (17), was making a fierce approach to me while untying the ribbon on the chest of her uniform.
"Don't tease me... give it to me. Come on. Banjō's... pent-up, IT."
"N-No, but, um, that's, well, it's bad, or rather, I feel sorry..."
"Feel sorry, to who?"
"To, to who, you ask..."
Trying to escape Takanashi-san's temptation, I shifted my gaze to the other person at the table.
There was—
"Tokiwa-kun. ...You understand, right?"
—The handsome blonde youth and Takanashi-san's boyfriend, Usa Itsuki-kun.
The handsome youth looked down with frighteningly cold eyes at the scene where his girlfriend was launching a fierce sex appeal attack on me.
Trembling ridiculously gata gata, I blurted out a messy excuse that exposed my virgin shut-in communication disorder.
"N-N-N-No, Usa-kun. This is, um, Takanashi-san is being forceful..."
"Hmm. ...So Tokiwa-kun makes those kinds of excuses. I'm kinda disappointed."
"Guh!"
His expression filled with deep disappointment pierced my chest. I wonder why, as always, disdain from Usa-kun causes more damage than just having my crush's boyfriend direct hostility at me. It's strange.
Turning my body toward him as if rejecting Takanashi-san, I continued my earnest defense.
"U-Um, really, for me, I have no intention of 'stealing' Mifuru-san..."
To me making excuses in a panic, Usa-kun flashed his usual handsome smile that would entrance even a fellow male—
—Dan!, accompanied by a Taku-don (Table slam) instead of a Kabe-don (Wall slam), he thrust his face close to mine.
"Then, you don't mind if I take it, right, Tokiwa-kun."
"Fwa?"
Usa-kun's overly perfect face approached right up close, and my heart beat like an alarm bell. A-Are, this is bad, I'm starting to lose confidence in my sexuality up to now—
"Wait, Banjō!"
—In an instant, my shoulder was grabbed gui, and I was forcibly turned around. Looking, there was the figure of Takanashi-san approaching me excessively bewitchingly right in front of my eyes.
While still grabbing my shoulder, she appealed to me with moist eyes.
"Hey, pleeease, Banjōoo. Put it out, for meee!"
"Hyu."
This is the sound a virgin makes when temptation from a Gal exceeds his rational capacity.
I involuntarily froze from being dazed. In response to that, this time from the opposite side... just as I thought a finger smooth enough to not seem like a male's slipped under my chin, my face was smoothly guided.
Looking, the handsome youth's face was at a distance where I could feel his breath.
With his finger still on my chin, he announced bewitchingly.
"Just dedicate it to me, Tokiwa-kun. ...I'll make it good for you."
"Gyacche."
Ah, this is the sound when a virgin's sexual identity gets twisted. You heard something rare.
While I was causing a complete capacity overload, the conflict between the two accelerated even more.
"I can't wait anymore! Come on, put it out! I'll do it for you, Banjō!"
"No no, Tokiwa-kun's heart should be leaning 'this way'. Right?"
"Screw the heart, give yourself to INSTINCT. Right, Banjō!"
"No, Tokiwa-kun. True paradise lies beyond instinct."
"Hey Banjōoo."
"Tokiwa-kun!"
And after being pressed and pressed by the two. I... my virgin brain—
—Cycled around, entered a mode close to Kenja Time (Post-nut clarity), and calculated a calm and simple retort.
"NO, THIS IS JUST RESOURCE NEGOTIATION IN 'CATAN'!"
I shouted while slapping the desk Bam. The pieces of "Settlers of Catan" spread on the table shook. ...It's a little sad that even at a time like this, my rationality keeps me from slapping it in a way that would fatally shift the board game state.
Immediately, the uselessly heated temptation battle vanished. The two, looking calm sun, voiced their original demands again.
"Just give me 'Wheat', Banjō, 'Wheat'. You're hoarding a ton, right? If you want, I can pull it out for you?"
"No, Tokiwa-kun. I'll take the 'Wheat' here, so dedicate it with courage. I think it's a good deal for you too."
"Why did you abbreviate that resource request into suggestive phrasing once!?"
To my reasonable question, this lovestruck couple looked at each other and responded with dissatisfied faces.
"Because you're indecisive."
"Ugh!"
I couldn't say a word to that retort. Takanashi-san, looking completely turned off, pulled away from me and continued while fixing the ribbon on her uniform chest.
"How many times has it stopped on Banjō's turn now. Ah, what was it called again, the board game term for this annoying waiting time?"
"Do you mean Downtime? But 'Long Consideration' (Chōkō) might be more appropriate for him right now."
The perfect boyfriend who absorbs board game knowledge uselessly fast says something unnecessary.
With a sidelong glance at me feeling small, the Gal agreed with her boyfriend, saying "That, that."
"Chōkō, right, Chōkō. The type that gets pretty hated at our shop too."
At that harsh remark, I tried to argue back somehow.
"N-No, long consideration in board games is rather because one is sincere about the match..."
"Nah, long consideration by Banjō who's unrelated to the top struggle is just serious toxicity."
"Gaha!"
I take an instant kill level hit like being spawn-killed. As always, the knife of words the Gal wields was sharp. Moreover, for me, there's secretly a "complaint from the person I like" racial bonus damage applied, so it's even worse.
While I was gushing blood from the fatal wound to my heart, Usa-kun followed up.
"Well, it's not like I don't understand Tokiwa-kun's feelings. I think it's actually a difficult position, this... how should I put it..."
There, Usa-kun chose his words a little, but eventually started speaking as if he had no choice but to be ruthless.
"The situation of being in 3rd place with zero chance of winning while Mifuru and I are in a fierce struggle for the top."
"Ugh..."
At his accurate situation analysis, I involuntarily slumped my shoulders. Yes, exactly.
Currently, we are playing "Settlers of Catan" for a reason that is crap to me—something about it being this couple's memorable board game.
This game is a classic masterpiece that beginners can enjoy, but on the other hand, depending on dice luck, quite brutal gaps can be born. As a result, the wrinkles seem to have come to me this time. In a game to 10 points, while Takanashi-san and Usa-kun both have 9 points, I was in a pathetic state of like 4 points. Frankly, I have no chance of winning anymore.
So, what I do on my turn, or who I negotiate resources with, has almost no meaning, and it's at the level where I myself handle my turn carelessly... but this idiot couple is different.
Because who I negotiate with on this turn determines the fate of the remaining 1 point—the winner. As a result, we fell into that incomprehensible temptation battle.
Then, Takanashi-san presented a doubt, saying "But this feels weird," while fanning her neck with the resource cards in her hand.
"Banjō, the weakling in last place who's totally not involved in the championship fight, holds the key to whether I or Usa-kun wins, right?"
"Indeed, it's a peculiar situation unique to board games played by three or more people, absent in two-player games like Sho—Go."
Usa-kun nodded with interest. His pure interest in board games like this is truly favorable to me. It reminds me of a certain regular customer. Well, I don't really know why he bothered to rephrase "Shogi" to "Go" just now.
In response to their question, I slowly pushed up the bridge of my glasses and began to explain.
"This is what is called the Kingmaker Problem."
"Kingmaker Problem?"
Usa-kun asked back honestly. Fufu, good person. In contrast, Takanashi-san, sensing something from my atmosphere, rarely retorted "Ah, idiot" to her beloved boyfriend.
Ignoring Takanashi-san's apprehension, I started explaining eloquently.
"That's right, Usa-kun. A situation like this, where a person not directly involved in the fight for first place holds the deciding blow, is expressed as the 'Kingmaker Problem' in board game circles."
"Hee, that is interesting."
"Right, right? Setting aside the depth of the problem, it's interesting as a phenomenon."
"Yeah yeah."
"Ah, jeez, these guys, seriously..."
The Gal watching the men getting excited over board game knowledge with exasperation. Hmm, why can't Takanashi-san enjoy this kind of wondrous systemic dilemma? Everyone likes this stuff. Normally. Absolutely. Actually, Usa-kun is getting into it like this...
"Oi, don't get carried away just because it's three to two here, Banjō."
"Eh, why do you know what I'm thinking!? Esper!?"
"No, in this case, you're a Satorare (mind-reader victim). Seriously, easy to read."
Saying that, Takanashi-san smiled bitterly. ...Crap. I understand well that this is a nuance of exasperation, but I wonder why; the fact that the person I like understands me deeply makes me just simply happy. I almost start grinning.
"......"
Suddenly, I noticed Usa-kun staring at me intently. I hurriedly cleared my throat and returned to the explanation.
"Well, actually, it's hard to call it a healthy situation. Having a third party other than the competitors hold the key to the top struggle."
"Ah, if personal feelings outside the board get involved in that judgment, it becomes a fight case."
"Exactly. But there are also situations where there are no judgment materials other than personal feelings."
"That is painful for the Kingmaker-san in question too."
"Exactly."
It's like a person entrusted with the final vote in a deadlocked majority decision. Whichever side you support, friction arises. Basically, the moment it becomes this situation, it's half checkmate.
Then, suddenly Takanashi-san struck a truth typical of her—though unbecoming of a board game cafe clerk—saying, "No no, this is just a board game."
"Who cares who wins?"
"I see. As expected of the communication powerhouse Takanashi-san, an opinion mature enough to impress."
"Fuffuu, indeed, indeed."
Takanashi-san feeling good about my praise. While smiling and agreeing "Yes, truly," I smoothly—held out a resource card to Usa-kun.
"Then, this time let's give 'Wheat' to Usa-kun."
"Thanks. Then, using that to build a settlement, yes, Goal! I won!"
"Wait, EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?"
Takanashi-san stood up in astonishment at the sudden decision of victory and defeat. She glared at me, furious.
"What is that!? I'm totally not convinced, Banjō!"
"Yes, that is precisely the 'Kingmaker Problem', Takanashi-san. Did you understand?"
"Kuuu!"
The Gal groaning in frustration and stomping her feet dota dota on the spot. No really, there are still people in the Reiwa era who actually "stomp their feet in frustration" huh...
I continued with a bitter smile.
"Now now, Takanashi-san. Forgive me on the basis of 'sharing the pain' here."
"Sharing the pain?"
"Yeah. Not only Takanashi-san who lost. I will definitely incur resentment too..."
At my words, Usa-kun nodded and continued.
"And for I, the feeling of winning by my own power is super thin, so it's too subtle."
"Exactly. It's deep-rooted, isn't it, the Kingmaker Problem."
"No, if that side has that tension, my frustration is even greater though."
"Exactly. It's deep-rooted, isn't it, the Kingmaker Problem."
"Tokiwa-kun has turned into a bot. Seriously deep-rooted, the Kingmaker Problem."
So, while harboring different kinds of bitterness among the three of us, we clean up the board game.
After continuing the work for a while, I suddenly noticed that Takanashi-san had completely stopped cleaning up. Interpreting it as her usual slacking, I inadvertently called her name as if to scold her.
"Hey, Takanashi-san."
"......"
However, something seemed a little off. Pinching the "Robber piece" of Catan with her fingertips and gazing at it, she was muttering something sorrowfully.
"...Kingmaker... huh."
"?"
As I wondered, Takanashi-san suddenly took her eyes off the piece and looked at me.
I braced myself instantly thinking she would complain about the game earlier, but contrary to expectation, she—for some reason, directed a smile filled with painful sorrow at me.
"Banjō, why did you let Usa-kun win just now?"
"Eh? I mean, that's because Takanashi-san's remark just before..."
"But you knew I'd get mad at Banjō if you let Usa-kun win, right?"
"Th-That's, well, true, but."
I still couldn't grasp what she was trying to say. In response, Takanashi-san continued while fiddling with the Robber piece, still with a somewhat sorrowful face.
"Conversely, if you let me win, I don't think Usa-kun would have gotten that mad. My Kare-pi is a super handsome gentleman. Right, Usa-kun."
"Hmm? Well, guess so."
Usa-kun accepting it smoothly and normally. The capacity to accept the hurdle-raising word "super handsome gentleman" honestly is insane. It's a feat impossible for me in my lifetime.
While I was arbitrarily overwhelmed by the difference in status as a man with Usa-kun, Takanashi-san continued.
"Even so, Banjō let Usa-kun win."
"Th-That's, I mean, because Takanashi-san made a provoking remark just before..."
"No, that's wrong."
There, Takanashi-san smiled wryly.
"The real reason is—because I told you the story that Catan is mine and Usa-kun's memorable board game, right?"
"......"
I gulped and fell silent inadvertently. Taking that as affirmation, Takanashi-san continued.
"I said at the beginning that I lost to Usa-kun in the instruction game and was frustrated, but seeing Usa-kun look cool made me super hyped too. So, you tried to reproduce that situation, didn't you? To reproduce the memory and make 'both of us' happy."
"...Uhh..."
C-Crap. It's exposed. The shallow wisdom of a virgin trying to somehow satisfy 'both of them' by letting Usa-kun win the moment I judged I would become a Kingmaker, it's exposed.
Usa-kun muttered as if impressed.
"Ah, so that's why when Mifuru slipped up, you passed me the Wheat with that speed, Tokiwa-kun. Like a ship upon the crossing."
"Ugh...!"
I looked down in embarrassment. My attempt at stylish consideration being completely exposed to the other party is the most embarrassing thing.
Usa-kun was looking at me groaning while laughing. Well, even if I'm embarrassed, if the two can finish the game in a good mood, that's fine.
As I concluded that way. Takanashi Mifuru-san also showed me a supremely cute shy smile.
She placed the Robber piece she was holding onto the table with a kotori.
"That part of Banjō. I..."
Saying that, she stood up from the chair, looked down at me with the best smile—and announced.
"Have always found it supremely unpleasant."
"...Eh?"
Not understanding what was said for a moment, I was dumbfounded. Looking over, Usa-kun also seemed surprised and stopped cleaning up.
In contrast, Takanashi-san—
"Whoops, come to think of it, I had to go buy supplies soon. Since there are no customers, I'll go."
"Eh? Ah, no, it doesn't have to be today—"
"Later. Play with the board game loving boys for a while."
— Saying so, without giving time to stop her, Takanashi-san took off her apron and left the store dashingly. The bell at the entrance rang kara-kon-koron, and only after its reverberation completely vanished... did I finally open my mouth.
"Um... U-Usa-kun."
"What is it?"
"From a boyfriend's perspective... did I do something that stepped on Takanashi-san's landmine?"
"Hmm... no, I wonder."
Scratching his head troubledly, Usa-kun answered.
"Mifuru certainly has a moody personality, but even I was surprised by that just now. If anything, the conversation flow was evaluating Tokiwa-kun."
"Right...?"
At least I didn't intend to act in a way to get scolded... but as a fact, Takanashi-san had clearly soured her mood.
And seriously, to an extent I haven't seen before. I was hated... by the person I like.
"...Haa."
Naturally, I was completely depressed. Then, Usa-kun followed up desperately.
"Ah—, Tokiwa-kun? You don't have to be that depressed."
"No, if you're hated by a coworker, you'd normally get depressed."
In addition, for me, she is also my crush. Of course I'd get down if hated.
"Hmm... about that. Mifuru certainly soured her mood, but I don't think it's because she 'hates' you."
"? What do you mean? Usa-kun, did you understand the reason Takanashi-san got angry?"
To my question, the blonde handsome youth responded with a refreshing smile.
"Well yeah. Of course, it's just my imagination, but Mifuru probably—"
Just as Usa-kun started to say something, the store bell rang karan-koron.
Thinking Takanashi-san came back already, we looked toward the entrance.
And standing there was—
"Excuse me. One beginner, is that okay?"
—Not a coworker, but a customer. And—a customer I recognized all too well.
A pleasant young man in a salaryman style wrapped in a wrinkle-free suit. His fresh and refreshing appearance made him look like a job-hunting college student at a glance, but actually, he should be over thirty already.
...Truly, nothing has changed from back then.
I made the chair sound as I stood up, and muttered nostalgically.
"...Sensei."
"Sensei?"
Usa-kun, not knowing the circumstances, tilted his head and looked alternately at me and "him."
In the meantime, he directed a gentle and clear gaze—which fascinates people unconditionally as always—at me and opened his mouth.
"Hi, Kotaro-kun. I've been looking for you. ...Since your expulsion, I suppose."
"...That, is so... Hagiri-sensei."
I responded while inadvertently turning pale. ...If possible, I didn't want to meet this person yet. There is nothing good about meeting him. ...At least, for me.
Yes, he, Hagiri Omitora, was a customer, but—
—For me, Tokiwa Kotaro, he was the greatest "uninvited guest."
＊
To express the relationship with him, Hagiri Omitora, in one word, it would be "Mentor."
The person who taught me study, society, ethics—and morals, through his own example.
And above all—
"Eh, then is Hagiri-san the 'Master' who taught Tokiwa-kun board games?"
Usa-kun stopped his hand choosing cards and asked with wide eyes. About five minutes since then. Since we were going to talk anyway, we decided to do it while playing board games with the members present here.
Leaving the table where we enjoyed Catan as is, we moved. Now, these three mysterious male members were diligently playing a new board game... a card game called "Hol's der Geier" (Beat the Buzzard/Raj).
Sensei denied Usa-kun's "Board Game Master" remark with a bitter smile while staring at his hand, saying "No no."
"It's not like that. As I said when entering the store, I'm at a level where you could call me an amateur regarding board games."
"Come on. The person who dragged Tokiwa-kun in can't be an amateur. It's that Tokiwa-kun, you know?"
Which Tokiwa-kun is that? Somehow, I feel like in Usa-kun's mind, I'm currently treated like the pinnacle of the board gamer world.
When I was troubled, Hagiri-sensei continued the explanation mixed with a bitter smile.
"Ah—, how should I put it, I merely created the first contact point between Kotaro-kun and board games. Come to think of it, was it 'Catan' back then?"
Hagiri-sensei directed the topic to me. I gulped down all emotions once, managed to regain my composure, and responded with a smile.
"Yes. The Catan I played with Sensei and Natsumi-san, the three of us, was my authentic original board game experience."
"? Natsumi-san?"
"Ah, Natsumi-san is Sensei's wife."
Usa-kun nodded "Hee" at my explanation. But immediately he hit a new question "Hmm?".
"Wait, a school teacher, his wife, and a student playing board games as a trio... what's that situation?"
"Ah—"
Now that he mentions it, a natural doubt. Hagiri-sensei and I looked at each other, exchanging glances on how to explain. Honestly, explaining is troublesome and I want to avoid digging deep...
In the end, swallowed by Usa-kun's curiosity-filled—yet unique atmosphere of "unlikely to stop once interested"—we decided to give in.
Since there was no choice, I decided to explain.
"Um, to begin with, the encounter between me and Sensei didn't start as student and high school teacher."
"Ah, is that so? Then what on earth..."
Just as he was about to say that, Usa-kun stopped preparing the board game, looked at me and Sensei alternately... and started, "Ah, I might have got it."
"Relatives, relatives. I thought so from the first time I saw you, but you two have similar atmospheres."
"Ah—"
Again, mine and Sensei's reactions overlapped. Certainly, including these parts, we are similar. ...Yeah, really... for better or worse, we're exactly alike.
But actually, that's it. I shook my head and continued.
"There is absolutely no blood relation. So the resemblance is coincidence. Hmm, what is it, like the Asagaya Sisters being similar?"
"Hmm. Then in the end, what is the relationship between you two?"
"Well, simply put, it's the 'Older Brother in the Neighborhood' thing. Before entering high school... from middle school days, he was the older brother in the neighborhood who hung out with me."
"Ah, that kind..."
Usa-kun seemed convinced. ...Yeah, with this, I shouldn't be "dug deeper" any further. Just as I stroked my chest in relief, my unexpected ally—Sensei, perhaps because he was concentrating on board game preparation, slipped in an unnecessary supplement.
"Well, to be more strict, I'm the 'Husband of the Older Sister in the Neighborhood' though."
"? In other words, Tokiwa-kun was originally close not with Hagiri-sensei, but with his wife—Natsumi-san's side?"
"Right, right. And the nuisance who cut in there is me—"
"Gohon gohon!"
I coughed loudly. Sensei also noticed and stopped talking with an apology "S-Sorry," but... it was too late.
Usa-kun, whose curiosity was completely stimulated, was looking at me with sparkling eyes. ...This part really feels like "Takanashi-san's boyfriend."
"Oya oya, does that mean the Older Sister was Tokiwa-kun's first love or something?"
"Guh...!"
Th-This is why I didn't want to be dug into.
I explained while averting my gaze from Usa-kun.
"Y-You'd naturally admire a kind older sister in the neighborhood if you're a normal boy, right? It's that kind of thing. It's never a story like serious love..."
While I was attempting an excuse, Sensei, who has only done unnecessary things since long ago, supplemented.
"Eh, but Kotaro-kun, you glared at me super hard when we first met, right? Honestly, I sweated more than when I greeted her parents."
"Sensei!"
"Hahaha, so it is serious love."
Usa-kun laughed kera kera. This part, he's really Takanashi Mifuru-san's boyfriend.
However, he didn't tease any further and advanced the game for now.
"Whoops, everyone finished choosing cards?"
"Ah, w-wait. Wait a little."
Urged, Sensei hurriedly resumed choosing cards. While Usa-kun laughed "Take your time," I looked at the explanation of this game... "Hol's der Geier" again idly.
The rules are extremely simple. Everyone has cards numbered 1 to 15, and every turn, you play one card to compete on the size of the number. Naturally, the person with the largest number wins and gets points. Basically, that's really it.
Then you'd think, "Just play high numbers," but that's the key to this game; if you play a number that someone else also plays, that number becomes invalid. Basically, it's an image of mutual destruction or annihilation. In board games, this is often called "Batting."
So for example, if Sensei and I both play 15 in the first round, and Usa-kun plays 1. In this case, because Sensei and I battered (clashed), ours are invalid. As a result, the remaining Usa-kun wins. Even though the number is the weakest 1.
And since the cards in this game are single-use, from the next turn onwards, Sensei and I can no longer use "15," while Usa-kun preserves "15" and stands in an absolute advantage where there is no danger of clashing with anyone when he uses it.
Also, the points gained by winning have a gradation from a maximum of 10 points to a minimum of minus 5 points, so you want to go get it with a high card at the crucial moment, but the opponent might be thinking the same thing and you might clash... A game where you worry endlessly.
That is this card game, "Hol's der Geier."
"A-Alright, decided."
Sensei finally chose one card from his hand and placed it face down in front of him. By the way, the score being contested this time is 5. I want it somewhat, but it's a subtle score not worth forcing for. A point where gradation in thinking appears significantly depending on the person.
So it doesn't seem likely to clash much but...
"Then... Isseeno!"
With my call, everyone opens their card. The result was...
—Usa-kun was 3. Sensei and I were a perfect clash with 9.
"Sha!"
Usa-kun made a guts pose. And just like that...
"This is chōjō—Lucky! Thanks."
He collected the points happily. Sensei and I, left behind, looked at each other in bewilderment.
"No, why 9, Hagiri-sensei..."
"That's my line, Kotaro-kun..."
The two of us sighed deeply at the same time and discarded the "9" cards we just used.
Watching that, Usa-kun laughed happily.
"You two really are alike. But, why 9?"
To that question, I responded with pouting lips, "Why or anything..."
"Just because I wanted to take the points even if I forced it a little."
"Same here. Ah, also..."
Sensei added one reason.
"In my case, maybe I was also influenced a little by my club."
"Club activity?"
To the tilting-headed Usa-kun, I put in an explanation.
"Ah, Hagiri-sensei was also an advisor for the baseball club (Nine players). Last year, they even went to Koshien."
"Eh, seriously? That's amazing. ...Huh? But past tense means you aren't the advisor this year?"
"Ah—, rather than not being the advisor..."
There, Sensei glanced at me for a moment, and continued explaining while scratching his head.
"Actually, I'm not even a teacher anymore. Because Kotaro-kun still won't stop calling me 'Sensei', I might have caused a misunderstanding though."
"Eh, was that so?"
Usa-kun opened his eyes wide in surprise. Although he sent a gaze prompting explanation toward me, I dared to ignore it. Instead, Sensei continued.
"Just like that, not long after Kotaro-kun's expulsion, I also, you know. Now I'm helping with my father-in-law's work. ...Because it was a promise."
"?"
Usa-kun tilted his head. Naturally. Because while that seemed to be addressed to him on the surface, it was clearly Sensei's "report" directed only at me.
However, I maintained no reaction to that too. Perhaps sensing a dangerous atmosphere, Usa-kun advanced the conversation.
"W-Well anyway, to think the timing of leaving school was also the same resultingly..."
There, Usa-kun paused for a beat and announced casually.
"In many ways, you two are truly alike."
At that evaluation, I clenched my back teeth for a moment... but since it was clear Usa-kun had no ulterior motive, I decided to accept it honestly.
"I'm happy to hear that. Because Hagiri-sensei was the person I admired."
"Admired? Even though he's the opponent who stole your first love?"
A severe way of speaking typical of Usa-kun. Sensei was slightly shocked, but I understand now. Regarding this daringly shallow provocation—it's actually out of consideration for me.
"Usa-kun."
"Sorry, sorry."
As proof, when I showed a gesture of getting angry jokingly, Usa-kun apologized with a smile and withdrew easily.
Hagiri-sensei looked at our exchange with a smile and muttered.
"I'm a little relieved. Seems you made a good friend here too, Kotaro-kun."
"Yes, very much so!"
To this only, I responded strongly. Then, rarely, Usa-kun looked away, seeming a little shy.
Sensei continued questioning with interest.
"Come to think of it, I hadn't heard your relationship. Are you clerk and customer?"
"Ah, no, Usa-kun is the boyfriend of a coworker I'm close with."
"...I-Is that so... Hee..."
Sensei returned a reaction of not knowing what to say. ...Yeah.
............
No, I realized it for the first time after being told, but both members of this lineup are the partners of my crushes! No, well one is "Ex"! What is this! How did it turn out that I'm playing board games with this lineup? What did I seriously do in my past life?
While I was groaning in Ikari Gendou style, Usa-kun revealed the score card in the center for the next match. The number was "Minus 5."
"Whoops, a struggle for negative value. If I recall, in this case, the top doesn't get it..."
"The person in last place has to take it, right?"
Sensei responded. I added a supplement, "That's right."
"But the point is that the 'Batting' element is alive here too. For example, if Sensei and Usa-kun play '3' and I play '8'. Normally the two with '3' are last, but because they batter and get invalidated, I get treated as last place by being pushed down."
Hearing my explanation, Usa-kun groaned.
"Truly a beautiful rule."
Despite his looks, his points of admiration are consistently tasteful, or rather, like a connoisseur.
While staring at his hand, he threw in some light small talk.
"Ah—, right. Not that I have any particular ulterior motive, but Sensei's wife, Natsumi-san? What is she like, Tokiwa-kun."
"Eh? Hmm, even if you ask what she's like."
To me hesitating on how to answer, Usa-kun continued.
"...Does she resemble my girlfriend?"
"Eh."
I inadvertently looked up from my hand. Usa-kun's face was hidden by his hand and invisible. I somehow calmed my chest and answered slowly.
"N-No... I don't think she resembles her at all. What is it, she feels like the so-called 'gentle/placid type', Natsumi-san. Right, Sensei."
"That's right. Well, she has a strong-willed side towards family like me though."
To Sensei who answered with a bitter smile and placed one card face down, I also agreed while placing a card face down.
"Certainly. Natsumi-san is nothing but a 'kind older sister' to me, but when she gets angry at Sensei or her family, she gets super angry, doesn't she?"
"Right. Because she's the type who usually keeps it inside, when she erupts, it's intense."
Perhaps remembering something unpleasant, Sensei looked somewhat fed up. ...Yeah, well, I've seen Natsumi-san pressing Hagiri-sensei a few times, so I understand the feeling.
Usa-kun muttered "Unexpected" and decided on his hand, placing one card face down.
"Hagiri-san looks like he lives his days leisurely though."
"No no, not at all. As a son-in-law adopted into the family, I spend my days solemnly feeling small."
"Adopted son-in-law... I see. You mentioned you came to Tokiwa-kun's neighbor's older sister's house."
At Usa-kun's words, I explained "Right."
"Natsumi-san's—Hagiri family is a distinguished family. It's safe to call the house a mansion, meaning the living room and table are wide, really, it was ideal. As a board game space."
"As a board game space."
Usa-kun and Sensei said simultaneously and smiled bitterly. I puffed out my cheeks puku and proceeded with the game.
"Look, then, everyone Card Open!"
With my command, each face-down card was revealed. Usa-kun 5, Sensei 4. And I... was 2. In other words, I'm the sole loser.
Usa-kun glared a little at me reluctantly accepting the "Minus 5."
"No, '2'? Did you have the will to win?"
"Hand adjustment, hand adjustment. Look forward to the future."
"Hmm."
Usa-kun looking somewhat unconvinced. ...Really, a sharp person. And that good intuition reminds me of the girlfriend who was a regular until a while ago. I wonder why. Even though the two don't resemble each other at all... ............ ...Not resemble?
"Kotaro-kun?"
Called by Sensei, I snapped out of it. I responded while hurriedly proceeding with the next preparation.
"Um, right right, was the story that the Hagiri house is the best board game environment?"
"No, the story was that Hagiri-san was an adopted son-in-law and whipped by his wife."
Usa-kun retorted as if exasperated. In response, Sensei responded with a bitter smile.
"Whipped, huh... well, that's not wrong either."
However, I felt a slight snag at those words.
"Natsumi-san is certainly super scary when angry, but usually she isn't to the extent of 'whipping'..."
"Ah, no, rather than how Natsumi herself is, it means I can't hold my head up to the Hagiri family. Look, there's the support too..."
"...Ah, that is, true."
"?"
Usa-kun tilting his head at our exchange. Since it was getting into family circumstances, I shut my mouth, but Sensei stared deeper into his own hand... and as if deciding something, opened his mouth.
"No, sorry for the story unsuitable for a place of play. Embarrassingly, I have a debt to the Hagiri family."
"Debt..."
Honestly, I felt like objecting a little to that expression, but Sensei restrained me with his gaze, so I decided not to interject.
Hagiri-sensei continued.
"Right. I had the Hagiri family pay for the medical expenses of my family."
"Medical expenses, is it."
"Yeah. I had a relative with a very difficult disease. It was a situation where they even received a prognosis of life expectancy but... in recent years, a groundbreaking treatment for it was discovered. Just, well, this was the latest medical treatment in North America."
"Ah... that sounds like the cost would be brutal."
"Yeah, it wasn't an amount a commoner could reach at all. But having said that, it wasn't a situation where we could leisurely wait for the generalization and price reduction of that treatment..."
"Ah, at such a time, the wife's family advanced the money."
"Right. So well, the expression 'whipped' (indebted/controlled) is appropriate. Rather than the wife, it feels like to the Hagiri family though."
"...Somehow, sorry."
Even Usa-kun apologized at the heavy story that suddenly popped out. But Sensei retorted with a smile, "No no."
"I might have caused a misunderstanding, but for me, this is a very 'good story'."
"Good story?"
"Yeah. After all, my relative's illness was cured with Hagiri's support, and the marriage with Natsumi itself was purely a love marriage to begin with, and above all, at the place I moved into as an adopted son-in-law..."
Saying that, Sensei looked at me.
"I made the best friend who would play board games with me."
"Sensei..."
I inadvertently stopped my hand at those words. Seeing us like that, Usa-kun smiled, then tapped the table as if rushing us.
"Come on, come on, the game hand is stopped. Both of you, hurry up and choose, choose."
Urged by him, Sensei and I involuntarily looked at each other.
We began to tackle this "Hol's der Geier" in earnest once again.
Utakata Tsukina
"Well then, I think I'll be taking my leave soon."
"Eh, already?"
I was taken aback by Hagiri-san saying that as soon as one game of "Hol's der Geier" ended, and I inadvertently returned a reaction leaning towards Tsukino rather than Usa.
After all, the time required for one game is only about fifteen minutes at most. I might have a tendency to rely too much on Shogi time sense, but leaving a board game cafe without staying for even thirty minutes net is completely unthinkable for me.
Furthermore, let me say that the content of this game left nothing but dissatisfaction for me. It's fine that I was second place. The problem is that Banjō-san, who seemed to have some strategy, ended up just uselessly taking negative points alone. This felt like a letdown... or rather, there was a blatant sense that he was trying to let the "guest" Sensei win, which is unacceptable. Very unacceptable.
I instinctively looked at Banjō-san as if to protest. But he smiled at me—as if to admonish Usa Itsuki—and then stood up from his chair.
"I will see you to the entrance."
"Ah, then let me pay the bill..."
"No no, it's fine. Sensei, you didn't eat or drink anything."
"I can't let you do that..."
"To be blunt, issuing a receipt in this situation is actually more of a hassle."
Hagiri-san, pushed back by Banjō-san who said this with a laugh, withdrew. I stared intently at that scene, reconfirming the murky feeling spreading deep in my chest.
(After all, today's Banjō-san is... or rather, ever since Hagiri-san arrived, he feels fake.)
It's almost like the current me—"Usa Itsuki."
The shadow of the usual "Banjō-san"—clumsy but cheerful, serious, hardworking, and someone I love... someone I find truly likable as a person—was lurking in silence.
Instead, my impression was that a "Board Game Cafe Clerk" following a manual was standing there today. Of course, that isn't a bad thing, but... somehow, it feels lonely.
I somehow followed the two heading toward the shop's entrance.
Hagiri-san turned back toward us in front of the door and floated a teacher-like smile.
—Honestly, it was a smile that I couldn't help but feel was terribly shady.
"Well then, thank you both for playing with an old guy like me today."
"No no, it was fun for me to play with Sensei after such a long time too."
Banjō-san also returned a smile. ...What is this? An exchange completely devoid of emotion, reminding me of a match between AIs.
Unable to bear that eeriness, I... left it to Usa Itsuki's mischievous character and dared to throw in a probing question.
"But in the end, what exactly did you come here to do today, Hagiri-san? You didn't just come to enjoy board games, right?"
"......"
At that question, the facial muscles forming his shady smile distorted slightly. But he immediately rubbed his cheek to gloss over it and responded by putting on the next mask.
"To see the face of a former student, I suppose. I heard rumors about you from a certain source by chance."
"Hah? At this late stage? No no, surely it's been quite a while since he dropped out of high school..."
"Usa-kun."
Banjō-san finally admonished me. His expression was stiffer than usual. But, sorry, I—Utakata Tsukino—won't stop at that level of pressure. ...Especially if it concerns a precious friend.
Hagiri-san scratched his head as if a little troubled and continued.
"To tell the truth, I haven't been able to contact Kotaro-kun at all until now."
"Eh?"
I looked back at Banjō-san. He responded while averting his gaze somewhat awkwardly.
"...I'm sorry. Immediately after dropping out, I moved along with my family's home. Ah, but that move was truly due to my parents' circumstances unrelated to my expulsion, you know?"
"Ah, I know that. But ignoring my calls and leaving my LINEs on read wasn't a coincidence, right?"
"Haha... I suppose not."
Banjō-san floated a bitter smile. That face... was so painful it almost made me want to cry. While my common sense whispered that I shouldn't pry any deeper without knowing the circumstances, a ferocious me who couldn't stand everything that was making him make such a face raged in my chest.
And in the end, the winner was—the ferocious me, pushed by the mask of Usa Itsuki.
"You must have done something truly terrible to be hated by Tokiwa-kun, huh, Hagiri-san?"
"Usa-kun...!"
Banjō-san finally grabbed my shoulder to stop me. But I couldn't back down either.
As I stared at him intently, Hagiri-san responded with that same irritating smile.
"...I wonder. If anything, regarding me, it might be precisely because I 'did nothing' that things are like this now."
"Did nothing? Is that regarding his expulsion?"
"Yeah. It sounds like an excuse, but back then, even I never dreamed Kotaro-kun would do something like that. I was so taken aback that I just ended up being swept along..."
"? I'm sorry, I can't quite follow the conversation?"
"? Ah, I see, so you haven't heard 'anything' about his expulsion circumstances."
I got annoyed at the nuance of "I guess you weren't as close as I thought" in his tone. Taking that as a trigger, the discomfort I had felt toward this man—Hagiri Omitora—all day in the corner of my mind surfaced.
"Conversely, you seem very well-versed in Tokiwa-kun's expulsion circumstances, Hagiri-san."
"I wonder about that."
"...Um, it's late to ask, but may I have your business card?"
"Usa-kun."
Banjō-san called my name again to admonish me. However, ignoring that and glaring at Hagiri-san, he took a card case out of his bag and smiled.
"Of course, I don't mind. Ah, but my apologies, I happen to be out of my latest cards right now. If an old one, from back when I had my former surname, is acceptable..."
"I don't mind. As long as I know your contact information, that is fine."
I snatched the business card he held out as if seizing it and shoved it into my pocket.
Banjō-san grabbed me forcefully as I continued to glare at him provocatively.
"Usa-kun, that's enough. If you're curious about various things... I'll tell you as much as you want later."
"No, Tokiwa-kun. I wasn't asking out of rubbernecking curiosity, but as your friend—"
"Usa-kun."
There, for the first time, I noticed that his hand grabbing my shoulder was trembling.
"...Got it."
While backing down, I inadvertently averted my gaze as if sulking. ...It wasn't because of the Usa Itsuki character. Honestly, that was unmistakably Utakata Tsukino's reaction. I was surprised by my own childish behavior. When was the last time I sulked like this? Before I knew it, matters concerning Banjō-san seemed to have become one of the things "I absolutely cannot compromise on."
Silence visited the place as I stopped my denunciation. It was Banjō-san who reset the atmosphere.
"Anyway, Sensei, you came to see my face because you were worried about how I was doing, right?"
"Eh? Ah, ahh, well that is true. To put it further, I wanted to say a word of apolo—"
"Ah, right, speaking of apologizing!"
Not handing the turn to Hagiri-san, Banjō-san spun the conversation at his own pace.
"I still haven't returned Sensei's jacket that I borrowed, have I!"
"Jacket? Ah... that thing. Something like that, if anything..."
Hagiri-san started to say something more, but Banjō-san continued with a momentum that allowed no objection.
"Ah, could it be that I don't have to return it?"
"Eh? Ah, ahh, of course."
"Thank you very much, Sensei! Then, regarding this matter—"
There, Banjō-san lowered his eyes for a moment as if deciding something, but immediately announced with a smile.
"With this, let's call it 'even'."
"...!"
At those words, Hagiri-san's mask distorted. Frustrated, or perhaps on the verge of tears. That seemed to me to be the true face of the human being named Hagiri Omitora, which I saw for the first time today.
However, he immediately put his mask back on... and responded with a shady smile.
"Yeah. ...See you then, Kotaro-kun. Again—"
However, Banjō-san interrupted his words with a smile.
"Goodbye, Sensei."
At those words, implicitly containing the nuance of "Don't ever come again." Sensei floated a bitter smile... and he too returned it with the same smile.
"Goodbye, Kotaro-kun."
Hagiri-san left Kurumaza just like that. The cheerful sound of the karan-koron bell felt somewhat bleak.
"Now then."
Muttering as if to reset the mood, Banjō-san headed to clean up the table. He briskly collected the cards of "Hol's der Geier," packed them into the box, quickly secured it with a Mobilon band (something like a rubber band), and returned it to the board game shelf. He then sanitized and cleaned the table with practiced hands, finishing the whole process in about a minute...
"So, Usa-kun."
Sitting back down at the Catan table where the three of us had originally been playing, he called out to me, who was still standing blankly in front of the entrance.
"Do you want to hear the reason for my expulsion that badly?"
Perhaps he was indeed a little angry, as Banjō-san asked with a rare, slightly throwaway attitude.
...Normally, I wouldn't want to engage in rude behavior that tramples on another person's heart with muddy shoes. Especially if it's someone I like—someone I have good feelings for.
But right now, a stronger feeling was welling up inside me.
"Yeah, I definitely want to hear it, as a friend. Even if it means being hated by you."
Responding with Usa Itsuki's strong-willed character, I also returned to the Catan seat and sat down heavily on the chair.
—I want to understand him, more, properly. That feeling was driving the current me uncontrollably.
Receiving my—Usa Itsuki's straight words, Banjō-san looked somewhat deflated.
"Usa-kun is unfair, really."
After muttering that and showing a bitter smile, he leaned his weight back leisurely against the backrest.
Looking up at the cafe ceiling as if it were someone else's problem, he confessed.
────That reason for expulsion, far too unexpected and shocking.
"I was caught perfectly by a student from the same school me coming out of a love hotel with a female student, and on top of that, I even got her pregnant."
........................
"Hyoa!?"
The weirdest voice in the history of my life came out. Yes.
＊
"Th... That startled me."
Banjō-san, the one who had just made the shocking statement, was looking at me with wide eyes.
"That was Usa-kun's voice just now, right? You can make a pretty high-pitched sound. Almost like a woman..."
"Eh, ah, ahh. Sorry, I was just so taken aback..."
I responded vaguely, averting my eyes. ...That wasn't just my natural "Utakata Tsukino" voice; I had just performed one of the most "girlish screams" of my entire life. How embarrassing.
"...Actually, that voice just now, somehow sounds familiar..."
"M-More importantly!"
Since Banjō-san was starting to trace unnecessary memories, I slammed the table Bam! rather hard to steer the conversation back.
"Your reason for expulsion! The reason! That was a joke or I misheard it, right!?"
"? Ah, you mean the story about me impregnating the baseball club manager?"
"Oops, the phrasing came back even more intense!"
"Sounds like the catchphrase for a movie sequel, doesn't it?"
Banjō-san laughed kera-kera as if finding something amusing, while I instinctively held my head. ...I couldn't maintain the usual Usa Itsuki character at all. But given the topic, Banjō-san didn't seem to find it odd.
Rather, with a calmness that was almost too calm, he continued indifferently.
"See? Just as I warned, it wasn't a story to force out in front of Sensei, was it?"
"T-True... No wait! That, is that a true story?"
"No, if this were a made-up story, my fetishes would be way too twisted, wouldn't they?"
"Th-That's also true. ...N-No, but!"
I desperately spat out my thoughts, which were struggling to come together.
"You aren't that foolish of a human being!"
"What does Usa-kun know about me?"
Banjō-san said, as if pushing me away. That gaze, overflowing with rejection, was endlessly black and deep, like a shogi player in the suffocating mid-game.
But precisely because of that, seeing it made me certain.
With the mindset of a defense match, accepting his challenge head-on, I repeated the same line clearly, slowly, once more.
"You are not, that, foolish of a human being."
"......"
Banjō-san didn't return anything to my words, exhaling deeply and leaning his weight against the backrest.
It looked as if he had no intention of speaking anything more from his side.
...Bring it on.
As a female Shogi player, as a board gamer...—no, as a single friend accepting his challenge head-on, I sat back deep in my chair, closed my eyes, and began deep contemplation.
...Regarding this matter, he is likely not telling a "lie." The content matches the scent of the title "Cringe Dropout Episode Muddy Hell Arc" I heard during my Utamaru days, so as a "reason for expulsion," it's probably exactly as he said.
Tokiwa Kotaro was driven to expulsion due to suspicion of illicit sexual conduct.
Up to this point, it is likely a strict "fact." After all, he really has been expelled.
The problem is the "truth" lurking behind it.
"......"
I opened my eyes lightly and observed him once more. He had completely erased his expression. How should I put it? For someone who always shows a gentle smile, that appearance was truly painful. I don't know what drives him to do so, but he seems determined not to actively speak the truth surrounding the expulsion.
Therefore, what I am trying to do now remains an act of muddy-shoe intrusion. A barbaric act toward a friend without a shred of delicacy.
To begin with, the relationship between him and me is merely that of occasionally enjoying board games together. If I dare use a provocative expression—it is nothing more than a "Playful Relationship."
But, that is precisely why. I helplessly—
(—Want to touch your core.)
We are not opponents in a serious Shogi match.
Because we are just "playmates" bringing our hearts together.
I cannot ignore that pain, that suffering.
All of this is to enjoy the "play" here, the board games, from the bottom of my heart...
"...?"
As I was thinking that, the moment I casually picked up the "Robber piece" from the Catan board that was still spread out.
Inside me, I felt several "dots" I experienced today connecting organically.
The first "dot" is the explanation of board game terminology that took place when playing with the three of us, including Takanashi-san, just before Hagiri-san arrived.
It was a problem derived from a strange situation that doesn't exist in the world of Shogi. A phenomenon where a third party, completely unrelated to the match, holds the key to the victory or defeat of the players fighting for the top.
The next "dot" is the unnatural game progression of "Hol's der Geier" played with Hagiri-san. Banjō-san's uncomfortable behavior, blatantly taking "negative points" more actively than usual.
And the final "dot." The story about borrowing/stealing the jacket, which was too uncomfortable as a parting topic, and accompanying that, the precondition that the two look a little alike.
—Having let my thoughts circulate through those three dots, I—finally realized.
Where that unbelievable "reason for expulsion"—actually came from.
In other words.
Who took that "minus," and from where.
I inadvertently raised my gaze, stared at Banjō-san's eyes again, and...
Showing him the "Robber piece" pinched in my fingers, I told him the "core."
"So, you've been a 'Kingmaker' to the core since way back, huh."
At my pointing that out. He opened his eyes wide in surprise... and in the next instant, after breaking into a somewhat refreshing smile, he bowed respectfully, somewhat jokingly.
"Splendid. You got me."
＊
"Well, how should I put it... it's hard to say from my mouth, but the gist of it is roughly as Usa-kun imagines."
He tried to settle it with vague expressions, looking awkward. However, I stepped in without mercy.
"That lecherous teacher, did the advisor of the baseball club sleep with him?"
"No, 'sleep with'... what phrasing."
Banjō-san smiled wryly at my unique expression. No no, it's not a laughing matter at all.
I stepped in further.
"Don't tell me that guy, despite being a teacher, triumphantly came out of a love hotel, was carelessly witnessed by a student from the same school, and even more stupidly, had a photo taken?"
"The malice in your prepositions is intense each time, but well, yes. Ah, but at that time, Sensei was only photographed from behind. Fortunately amidst the misfortune."
"Fortunately my foot. Don't screw around."
I spat out the words. I was surprised myself that such anger came out of my mouth naturally, but precisely because of that, it was my unfeigned true feeling.
With my anger still cooling, I urged further explanation.
"So, what? He asked you to be his scapegoat?"
"Ah, no no, that's wrong, Usa-kun. Sensei isn't like that."
Banjō-san shook his head bun-bun in denial, looking flustered. He lets misunderstandings about himself slide, yet even at this point, he tries to protect Sensei's honor. His goodness was somehow very irritating, and sad, right now.
Perhaps sensing my emotions, Banjō-san lowered his tone and solemnly resumed the explanation.
"Fortunately... if I say that, you might get angry again, but. Back then, I was in a position to see that photo at a fairly early stage. It was right before it spread to the school... at a timing where there was still a little grace period before it reached Sensei himself. Therefore..."
"...You went to borrow the jacket without explaining the situation to the bastard."
"Yeah. And I guess I coordinated the story with that female manager too."
"...Truly, starting with board game explanations, you're good at 'Preparation', aren't you, Tokiwa-kun."
"I'm blushing."
"Not praising you."
"Sorry."
While apologizing, he continued with the conclusion.
"Therefore, Sensei's lechery itself might deserve contempt, but please don't think of him as 'a guy who framed me for his crime.' Regarding that part, it is completely my sin."
Banjō-san confessing his own sin while looking me in the eye, simply earnestly.
...I'm sorry to him, but with the story just now, there was no way my re-evaluation of Hagiri Omitora would progress. Rather.
The helplessness toward the situation where a person far too good-natured named Tokiwa Kotaro is taking on all the negatives only grew.
I inadvertently slammed the table Don! and poured out my thoughts.
"I don't get it. Why did you go that far to cover for that scum—"
"Ah—... um. Let's see... First, I told you the story about the baseball club going to Koshien last year, right?"
"Tsk!"
I gasped when he mentioned it. ...I don't know the actual rules, but certainly, the fact that an active baseball club advisor laid hands on a female manager is extremely dangerous. It could stain their Koshien participation. In that respect, if it were not the advisor but an "outsider student," at least the degree of scandal for the baseball club would drop significantly. ...That said...
"B-But even so, that has nothing to do with you, right?"
"No, I had a guy from the baseball club as a classmate, so it's not completely unrelated. He was working so hard in practice every single day, and when Koshien was decided, he was crying with joy. Even I, just watching, got teary-eyed. Real Netto Koshien."
"Th-That might be so but... Was he your best friend or something?"
"No, not at all. Classmate, nothing more, nothing less. Moreover, in the end, I was disowned by him. He cursed me out, saying his youth was tainted because of me."
"No, the minus you took on is too huge."
To me not quite convinced, Banjō-san continued with a bitter smile.
"Ah, incidentally, here's just a little honor recovery info for Hagiri-sensei. That female manager, she certainly had a relationship with Hagiri-sensei but... far from just that, it seems she was doing it with a decent number of baseball club members too. The so-called, um, Bi—"
"A harlot, huh."
"...Usa-kun's expressions are archaic sometimes. Come to think of it, that part too, reminds me of Utamaru-san—"
"So, about Hagiri!"
I hurriedly course-corrected the conversation.
"Assuming the partner was a harlot, how does that lead to restoring that guy's honor?"
"Ah, yeah. This is something that came to light after I dropped out but... in the end, the child that the pregnant female manager gave birth to was the Baseball Club Captain's child."
"Hah?"
"By the way, she is currently married to that Captain and living happily."
Saying that, Banjō-san showed me her Instagram on his smartphone. A tremendously happy-looking three-shot of parent and child was there. ...What is this? Historically it's honestly irritating, but a photo of a cute baby washes everything away no questions asked, doesn't it? Ah, cute.
Actually, Banjō-san must be the same; when collecting the smartphone, he broke into a smile looking at the baby's image. No, is he the pinnacle of a "good person"?
"Kohon. A-Anyway, regarding the part about 'impregnating' a student alone, Sensei is technically innocent."
"No, even so... doing it with both the teacher and the captain, this backstory is too muddy."
"Yeah, actually it seems she had relationships with other members too... It's Dark Netto Koshien."
Both of us looked fed up. What is this? The parts of youth we didn't want to see were too much.
"However, for the sake of Koshien participation for such a messy baseball club, you..."
"N-No, saying that, the majority of the members did nothing wrong, you know? Also actually, the Koshien stuff of this baseball club is only about 20% of the motive for me becoming Sensei's scapegoat. Rather, regarding the biggest reason, it was more personal—"
"Natsumi-san, right?"
To my conjecture spoken without a pause, Banjō-san nodded kokuri with a surprised face.
"Amazing, Usa-kun. That's right. It came up a bit in the talk with Sensei too. Natsumi-san is, um, how to put it... usually calm, but because of that..."
"A heavy woman?"
"Well... honestly, something like that. How to say it, she's fragile. It's not a joke or overthinking; if the day came when Sensei's affair was exposed, it seemed like bloodshed would be unavoidable."
"Even so, at least for the Sensei's side, it would be getting what he deserves."
"Well, yeah. But Natsumi-san's—the heart of the older sister I admired breaking... I didn't want to see that."
"...That, might be so, but..."
I still couldn't accept it. Naturally. Just as he thinks of Natsumi-san... and although he doesn't say it, probably the problematic Hagiri-sensei, I also want my friend to be rewarded.
I don't care about some lecherous teacher, messy baseball club, or menhera first-love thief. I want Banjō-san, this unbearably kind person, to be happy.
"............"
"? What's wrong, Usa-kun. Somehow, your face suddenly turned red..."
"N-No, I was just surprised by myself for getting unexpectedly invested..."
"?"
"I-It's nothing."
I cleared my throat to gloss over it. ...Callous as it is, I felt the "anger" inside me slightly dispersing with that just now. Honestly, I questioned it, but consciously dragging out unnecessary ill feelings is foolish. Above all, Banjō-san's stance was to soothe me from start to finish. In that case, it would be wise to quell my anger here. After all, for Banjō-san, this whole thing is a story that ended over a year ago. Even if I rake it up and make noise now, it will only trouble him... ............
"Wait, then what did that lecherous bastard come to do today?"
"That's the point."
Banjō-san shrugged his shoulders with a yare-yare. Finally, here, for the first time, he revealed a little irritation toward Hagiri Omitora.
He picked up the "Robber piece" I had placed on the board, put it down with a kotori near his own "Village" piece set on the board, and sighed.
"Hearing this far, I think Usa-kun understands, but for the current me, I don't want to meet Sensei in various meanings."
"Makes you want to kill him, right?"
"N-Not that. If we make unnecessary contact, there's a fear that the case will be raked up again. That's why I shouldn't meet Sensei... and above all, Natsumi-san ever again. For both their sakes too."
"...You are, truly..."
I held my head in amazement. What is with this person? Should I call it a Kingmaker temperament to the core? Even the points he gets angry about are, each and every one, for the sake of others.
He muttered, looking truly exasperated.
"Really, what did he intend by coming to see me? Truly, an uninvited guest."
"Looking at his state, maybe he wanted to apologize to you?"
"Something like that, I guess. ...It's stupid. Even though there isn't a single reason for Sensei to apologize to me. Rather than resolving such petty guilt, surely he has plenty of things he should be protecting."
To him spitting that out with complex emotions seeping through, I smiled.
"Ah, so that's why you took that strategy in 'Hol's der Geier' like 'blatantly taking negative points,' which isn't like you, almost out of spite? To drive him away early."
"Yeah. Now that you know the circumstances, Usa-kun understands the discomfort of that game development too, right?"
Seeing Banjō-san smiling mischievously nii, I inadvertently laughed along with him.
"Certainly, that was a masterpiece."
"Right? Well, honestly doing something like that in a board game meant for entertainment makes me feel guilty though. I'm truly sorry to Mr. Alex Randolph."
"...Who?"
"Eh, of course, the creator of 'Hol's der Geier'."
"...You really are something."
Seeing Banjō-san finally apologizing even to the board game creator, I was completely disarmed. Really, I can't win against him.
As I was giggling kusu-kusu, Banjō-san saw that and said something strange.
"...Thank you, Usa-kun."
"? For what?"
I genuinely didn't understand what I was being thanked for and asked back. He scratched his head shyly.
"Regarding the expulsion stuff, in the end, it was all my own choice, getting what I deserved. But even so... when you got angry for me. I felt like something was saved."
"...I see."
"So, thank you."
"Yeah. You're welcome."
Looking straight at him, I smiled softly. Then, this time he turned red and looked away. P-Please don't give that reaction, it troubles me too.
"......"
A strange silence visited the place. To gloss over this awkwardness, I threw out a new topic.
"Still, looking at the total picture, it's a really disgusting story, this."
"You think?"
"It is. After all, the ones who benefited in the end were the 'Lecherous Teacher', 'Messy Baseball Club', 'Harlot Manager', and 'Menhera Woman'. What is this?"
"When you express it like that, it sounds like an episode of Ushijima the Loan Shark."
(T/N: Yamikin Ushijima-kun, a very dark, gritty manga about the consequences of debt and moral decay.
"That's how deep the darkness of the characters other than you is."
"N-No, that's not... ...Ah, wait, yes yes. I forgot to touch on that."
Banjō-san showed a reaction of suddenly remembering something. As I tilted my head, he started speaking with a slightly triumphant face doya.
"In this story, there is one 'Third Party' who did nothing wrong and was clearly saved. And that was one of the big reasons I decided to be Sensei's scapegoat back then. In a sense, even more than Natsumi-san."
"? What story?"
To me genuinely having no idea who he meant, he continued.
"Look, Sensei's family member who was receiving 'Latest Treatment' with the support of the Hagiri family back then."
"...Ah!"
Right, there was that story too. I see, so that treatment was taking place exactly at the same time. Then certainly, if Sensei's affair were to be exposed...
As I thought that far, Banjō-san showed a sparkling smile.
"See? There was an innocent third party who properly benefited, right? Man, good thing, good thing."
"Well, seeing it from the perspective of the Hagiri family who dutifully paid the medical expenses for the cheating bastard's family without knowing anything, you could say it's a super Bad End though."
"Usa-kun is ruthlessly smart at times, isn't he?"
"Conversely, you are a fool who is too compassionate at times."
"Gu... ...N-No, you say that, Usa-kun. But I'm not exactly pretending to be a saint, you know? As proof, I made Sensei take 'responsibility'."
"Responsibility?"
"Yeah. Look, there was the story that Sensei quit being a teacher shortly after my expulsion, right? That was due to my demand... no, my blackmail."
Being told that, I remembered there was such a story.
"Ah, the thing where that guy was saying something about a promise with you?"
"Yeah. I certainly covered for Sensei... but that was strictly to protect the people around him, starting with his family. I don't have a shred of intention to condone his terrible betrayal as a teacher. At least I... didn't want a person who would lay hands on a student in that situation to continue being a teacher nonchalantly as if nothing happened. That's why..."
"...I see."
"...Yeah."
Silence descended on the place. Glancing at his face, he had a bitter expression like a great sinner who had just confessed his crime. I inadvertently burst out laughing.
"No no, why are you making a face like that over this story, you!"
"W-What do you mean 'why', it's technically a story about my blackmailing act..."
"Blackmailing act! You shoulder the majority of a lecherous teacher's sins, and your demand is 'Quit teaching as penance'? And you're worrying about that as your act of blackmail!?"
"W-Well, yeah..."
"Ahahahaha! You're kidding, right? You... just how much of a... Ahaha!"
I couldn't help but hold my stomach and laugh. As for Banjō-san, he pouted in dissatisfaction for a while, but eventually, he started laughing along with me.
"Oh, come on... Haha."
And so, just as we finished laughing together.
Suddenly, the door was kicked open with vigor, the bell ringing kara-kara. At the same time, a voice so impossibly bright that it hadn't existed in the store until now echoed through.
"I am back!"
Looking over, Takanashi Mifuru, holding bags in both hands, had kicked the door open roughly with enough momentum that her underwear was almost visible. ...Even for a fake boyfriend, it was a barbaric act that made me want to hold my head. No, looking closely, even her male coworker was holding his head.
Banjō-san hurriedly chased after Takanashi-san, who was stomping dosu-dosu toward the back room while saying "Hot, hot." As soon as she saw him approaching, Takanashi-san tossed one of the bags at him.
"Whoa, suddenl—oof, heavy! Eh, what did you buy this much of!? Was our cafe running this low on supplies!?"
"We were, we were, seriously. Look, like this huge bottle of Hatomugi Skin Conditioner."
"How is that cafe supplies!?"
"Now, now, it's fine, isn't it? If Banjō uses it too, look, you'll be totally... supple-ies."
"Cold! Wait, sto...!"
"Ahaha!"
Watching the two of them start frolicking kya-kya near the counter, I felt strangely moved.
(A-Amazing... Takanashi Mifuru.)
In just a few seconds after returning, she had completely cleared away the heavy atmosphere from before—the somewhat stagnant worldview that Hagiri Omitora had scattered—clearing it up instantly.
And at the same time, I thought:
(I really do like this usual board game cafe... I like Kurumaza.)
Surrendering myself to that pleasant feeling, I casually stuck my hand in my pocket. Kasa, my hand touched something. Taking it out, it was the roughly folded business card.
(Ah, this is the card I accepted from Hagiri Omitora earlier... ......)
After thinking for a moment, I stood up and headed for the nearby trash can. I had accepted his contact info in a fit of anger back then, but thinking about it calmly...
"Wait, Takanashi-san, this latest model hair dryer is..."
"...S-Supplies?"
"Oh, is that so, is that so. Then let's have you explain in detail exactly why a board game cafe needs this...!"
"Banjō's annoyiiing."
...If I have time to contact Hagiri Omitora, I'd rather watch that interaction.
Concluding so, I was about to throw the card into the trash—when I noticed unexpected kanji peeking out from a part of the folded card. Kanji that were none of the four characters for "Hagiri Omitora."
For a moment, I thought I had been handed someone else's card, but I immediately reconsidered.
(Ah, he did say something about it being a card from his old surname days...)
As soon as I remembered that, I felt vaguely interested and opened the lightly folded card before tossing it.
In that instant—I felt the few remaining questions inside me connecting dramatically.
Why does that girl work here despite having absolutely zero interest in board games?
Why did she want to show off her "happy self" to a mere colleague?
Why did she get excessively moody over the "Kingmaker Problem"?
And above all.
The existence that benefited most from Hagiri Omitora's illicit conduct not being exposed—
—Who exactly was "Sensei's family" whose life was saved, in a sense, by Banjō-san?
As if to connect all that information beautifully.
On the business card Hagiri Omitora left behind, his old surname, was written thus:
< Takanashi Omitora >
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