[ENG] TS tensei bishōjo-on tora Reiko wa netora reiko Volume 1 Illustration

Chapter 3: Summer Break Limited Reiko-chan

“Hifuno-sensei, thank you for all your hard work! This is a collection of messages from everyone in the class.”

“Thank you. It was a short time, but I truly enjoyed spending it with all of you.”

During homeroom after school.

As Hifuno-sensei received the card with the class’s messages, a soft, gentle smile appeared on his face, and the classroom was filled with the sound of applause.

Hello, I’m Netora Reiko.

All the fuss surrounding the hypnosis app has been settled, and Hifuno-sensei’s teaching practicum has come to a successful conclusion.

Though his memories and personality were forcibly twisted by Alpha’s power, as far as I could see from my observations, it didn't seem to cause any particular issues in his daily life. How wonderful.

By the way, I should add that after the incident with Hifuno-sensei, a humanoid robot with an evil design calling itself "Beta" made contact with me.

As I suspected, it wasn't a spontaneously generated AI, but had a creator lurking in the background.

＊

“My name is Beta. I thank you for disposing of Alpha, who betrayed us and was a fugitive. What do you say—won't you meet our Master? Your power, that unique psyche... your origins are truly fascinating——”

I ripped off Beta’s head and crushed it.

Humanity should move forward toward a future of light.

Grave robbers who try to pry into an unwanted past must be buried in the shadows.

My resolve was renewed.

＊

That all happened just the other day.

Since then, perhaps because they were terrified of my burning heart of justice, or perhaps because they didn't want to get near a dangerous woman who rips heads off without a second thought, no further AI-related troubles occurred, and peaceful days continued.

Although I’ve never spoken to them directly, I don't trust the AI developer in question one bit. Even if they were to make an offer in the future, I would never, ever build a cooperative relationship with them.

An act of a demon that tramples on human dignity... anyone who would develop a hypnosis app couldn't possibly be a decent human being. They aren't someone who could ever be compatible with a pure, honest superheroine of justice like me.

Trampling on someone’s feelings... that is one of the things I find most unforgivable.

Moreover, anyone who would develop a hypnosis app like Alpha and toy with the noble feeling of falling in love with someone is scum. Unforgivable.

I shuddered at the existence of true evil lurking in the shadows of society.

One day, the time for a final battle may come. Will I be able to resist the invasion of the dark forces?

I will protect him. I’m the one who’s going to break Yuu-kun’s brain.

With that omen of impending turmoil hanging in the air, my second first-term of eighth grade came to an end, and summer vacation began.

＊

“——Oh, Yamada-kun?”

“Eh... N-Netora-san?!”

A few days into summer break.

Averting my eyes from the mountain of homework and claiming I was bored, I—Minoru Yamada—was wandering through the local shopping mall when a beautiful voice, like a ringing bell, came from behind me, making my eyes bulge.

I turned around with stiff, jerky movements to see a beautiful girl in a casual outfit—a hoodie and a denim skirt. It was Netora Reiko, the object of my unrequited love, waving at me with a smile.

“Yahoo! It feels like it’s been a while. We haven't really had a chance to talk since we ended up in different classes for second year.”

“A-Ah, yeah. R-Right...”

I hurriedly shoved the anime magazine I’d been browsing back onto the shelf in the bookstore’s magazine corner and replied to Netora-san, my eyes darting around.

As Netora-san moved beside me without a hint of guard, a sweet scent wafted from her, making my heart race even as I fell into a pit of self-loathing.

“...U-Um, I was just bored, so I was kind of just hanging around... What about you, Netora-san?”

“Mm, I’m pretty much the same. My plans with my friends didn't work out. It felt like a waste to just stay home alone, so I was out for a walk.”

“I-I see...”

It was a bit surprising. I’d always thought the sparkly group at the top of the school caste spent every single day of summer break with someone.

When I voiced something to that effect, Netora-san laughed wryly and shook her head and hands.

“Ahaha, what a huge prejudice! Even I have times when I’m alone, you know.”

“Ugh... S-Sorry.”

“It’s okay, I’m not really mad. ...More importantly, you were bored too, right, Yamada-kun?”

“Ah... well, yeah. I guess...”

Pointed out by the girl I secretly admired that I was spending my summer break all alone and lonely, I felt myself shrinking with embarrassment.

“...In that case.”

Suddenly, Netora-san grabbed my hand.

At the smooth, soft sensation transmitted through my palm, my whole body gave a jolt, but she didn't seem to mind as she turned a bright, sparkling smile toward me.

“Want to go on a ‘date’ with me?”

“...Heah?!”

I was thrown into a panic by her sudden words, but Netora-san just started walking, still holding my hand.

＊

“Thanks for the food!”

“T-Thanks for the food...”

A slightly early lunch time at the shopping mall food court with Yamada-kun, whom I happened to run into.

Hello, I’m Netora Reiko.

Now, even though summer vacation has started, it goes without saying that it’s not realistic to spend every single day with Yuu-kun and the others, especially when considering affection level adjustments.

So, today is an NTR Liver-Rest Day.

I was just wandering around alone to kill time when I found Yamada-kun dropped by the side of the road, so I’m currently "scavenging" for a snack.

“What should we do after we eat? Are there any shops you want to see, Yamada-kun?”

I threw the question to Yamada-kun while taking a bite of my hamburger, and he stopped his chopsticks halfway to his mouth to think.

“Hmm... I don't really have anything. I was just killing time since I had nothing to do. Is there anywhere you want to go, Netora-san?”

“Me? Hmm... what should I do. Ehehe, I invited you on impulse, so I hadn't actually thought of anything.”

That was a lie. I had already thought out a detailed schedule down to the minute.

However, I wanted to create the appearance that this date plan was something Yamada-kun and I had come up with together, rather than something I had brought along.

Things like this are more fun when you talk it over, saying "How about this?" or "Maybe that?"

From a guy’s perspective, having a date plan completely prepared for you is a bit off-putting, right? What a thoughtful woman I am.

I pulled a pamphlet with a floor map of the mall from my bag.

“Tada! A floor map. Let’s think about where to go together? It’s a date between me and you, after all.”

“D-Date... u-um. Yeah. You’re right.”

“Fufu, tell me if you think of anything that looks interesting, okay? It’s always better to discuss things to come up with good ideas.”

Though the ideas we’ll get are pretty predictable.

I chuckled inwardly.

It’s easy to guess the plans a beginner like Yamada-kun, who isn't used to girls, would come up with.

Especially since we’re in a shopping mall. The options are quite limited. It was child's play to stay one step ahead and guide Yamada-kun’s thoughts toward the plan I had already prepared.

While hitting the standard spots like gift shops and movies, if Yamada-kun tried to overthink things and suggest a spot that seemed "girly," I would gently steer him back. Those kinds of things are usually boring for guys, after all.

“Oh, I’d like to go to this anime shop. I want to see the merch for that gacha game we played together before.”

“Eh, ah, well, sure... but, um, are you maybe just being considerate of me?”

“I want to go. Of course, only if you don't mind, Yamada-kun.”

As I said before, this is a date for the two of us.

It’s pointless if only I’m having fun, and if anything, my main goal is to host and entertain Yamada-kun.

As I’ve said before (see Volume 1), I have no intention of recruiting Yamada-kun as a Cuckolder. He is merely a snack for when I’m feeling a bit peckish.

However, on the off-chance... a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a perfect brain-breaking scenario for Yuu-kun, the possibility of employing Yamada-kun as a Cuckolder isn't zero. So, for now, I decided to keep stringing him along.

In short, it’s the same as a limited-time gacha in a mobile game. I don't particularly need him right now, but if I’m told I’ll never have another chance to get him, I’ll at least roll the gacha with my free stones—that’s just the nature of human beings. In other words, I’m not the one at fault here.

While I was thinking about that, the date plan with Yamada-kun was decided.

It ended up being almost exactly the same as the plan I’d thought of from the start, but that was just a coincidence, and if the result is the same, then the fact that I guided Yamada-kun’s thoughts isn't a major issue.

“Well then, let’s go! Yamada-kun!”

“U-Um, yeah.”

I walked beside Yamada-kun, smiling brightly.

Watching Yamada-kun out of the corner of my eye as he walked stiffly and awkwardly beside me, I licked my lips at the adorable feelings of love I could feel coming from him.

＊

...And the dream-like time came to an end in the blink of an eye.

“Ah, that was fun!”

Watching Netora-san stretch out contentedly after we’d finished our planned date, I—Minoru Yamada—felt a strange mix of happiness and lingering regret.

...Well, even though she called it a date, for someone like Netora-san, her recognition of it was likely just "a boy and a girl playing together = a date," so it probably didn't have any romantic meaning at all...

...Even so.

“That was really fun...”

The words slipped out naturally from the bottom of my heart.

Hearing that, Netora-san smiled at me with a look of genuine joy.

“...Good. I had a really great time today, so I was hoping you were having fun too, Yamada-kun.”

Illuminated by the setting sun, Netora-san looked so beautiful as she smiled like that.

I ended up getting a little ahead of myself.

“I... I’d have fun doing anything, as long as I’m with you, Netora-san.”

“——Eh?”

Netora-san made a blank face at my words.

...Crap. I blew it.

The moment after I said it, a storm of regret for my creepy comment washed over me.

I sounded like one of those pathetic guys who falls for a girl just because she was a little nice to him.

...Sadly, it was all true.

But those words were different. It wasn't some weird ulterior motive; I just really had a great time today.

I just wanted to convey that...

“Geez! Really! Yamada-kun, don't say weird things like that all of a sudden! You surprised me.”

Perhaps to fix the awkward atmosphere, Netora-san complained while playfully pummelling my chest.

...F-For now, I was just glad she didn't look visibly repulsed.

If a girl I’d just had a fun time with made a face like that, I’d never be able to recover.

Anyway, I opened my mouth to apologize for my careless remark.

“S-Sor——”

“...That actually made my heart race a little bit.”

“...Eh?”

Netora-san whispered it so quietly, it was barely audible.

What on earth did she mean by——

“W-Well then, I’m going home now! Bye-bye, Yamada-kun!”

“Eh, ah, yeah. G-Goodnight, Netora-san!”

With her cheeks dyed a red that was clearly different from the sunset, Netora-san hurried away.

...Wait, what was that reaction?

After staring blankly at her receding back, I clutched my head.

“Uuugh... D-Don't get the wrong idea, me. That wasn't like that. Netora-san didn't mean it that way...”

Even as I desperately tried to convince myself, my heart beat a restless, irresponsible rhythm.

...M-Maybe Netora-san feels the same way about me...

“I said, I’m wrong!”

I desperately suppressed the thoughts that tried to twist things in my favor.

It was a summer day where I writhed in an agony that had nothing to do with the summer heat.

＊

“Look, look, Chi-chan! There’s even a pool in the garden! Glamping is amazing, isn't it?”

“D-Don't shout in my ear. It’s too hot for this!”

I—Sanzaka Chihiro—desperately tried to keep a straight face while my heart pounded at the feeling of my cousin clinging to my arm.

Summer break. The annual trip back to the countryside.

This year, during that period, me and Rei’s families were staying at a nearby outdoor hotel for a few days. It was the result of a conspiracy between my old man, who wanted to do something like a family service for once, and Rei’s father.

“I’m sorry, Chihiro-kun. It looks like Rei was looking forward to seeing you so much that she’s getting a little carried away.”

“Ah... no. It’s fine, Auntie. It happens every year, so I’m used to it by now.”

I hid my racing heart at Rei’s mother’s words.

Even if I knew there was no romantic meaning behind it, the fact that a girl I liked felt that way about me was more than enough to stir up my adolescent heart.

“Hey, hey, Mom. Once we’ve put our luggage away, can I go for a walk with Chi-chan?”

“Goodness, I suppose... Chihiro-kun, I’m sorry, but would you mind?”

A-A walk alone with Rei...

To make sure she didn't catch on to the fact that I wanted to dance with joy at the perfect development, I gave Rei’s mother a steady reply.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’ll make sure we’re back before lunch.”

“Thank you. And Rei, don't go causing trouble for Chihiro-kun, okay?”

“I know! Chi-chan, hurry, hurry!”

“Wait, wait. We need to get ready with bug spray and stuff first.”

I pressed a can of bug spray against the restless girl to stop her.

She really can't sit still, can she? To think she passes for a well-behaved, honor-student type at school—she must be incredibly good at playing the "good girl."

While watching Rei as she sprayed the collar of her dress and her exposed arms, she suddenly shoved the spray can at me.

“Chi-chan, could you do the back of my neck?”

Lifting her black hair off her back, Rei exposed the nape of her white neck as she asked.

“I-I guess I have to...”

“Fufu, thanks!”

At the faint scent of shampoo wafting from Rei’s hair and the dazzling whiteness of her transparent skin, I gritted my teeth to stay conscious.

...She really is a defenseless woman.

Guys are the kind of creatures who get the wrong idea in a heartbeat... is she really okay like this?

She probably doesn't mean anything by it, but I let out a small sigh at my cousin, who likely shreds the emotions of every guy around her without even realizing it.

“My, my. It’s hard to tell which of you is older like this, isn't it?”

Rei’s mother said that in her usual easygoing way.

I shouldn't be the one to say it, but this woman is way too loose herself.

Even if we are cousins, doesn't she feel any sense of danger about her daughter being so unguarded around a guy who’s only a year younger than her?

Well, I guess you could say I’m just that trusted...

“We’re off then, Mom.”

“Don't go too far!”

With Rei’s mother’s voice at our backs, me and Rei left the tent that looked like a hotel room.

“Since it’s summer, I thought it would be hotter, but it’s actually pretty cool, isn't it?”

“We’re at a high altitude here. If you’re in the shade, you don't even need the AC.”

We walked along an area where wild mountain flowers grew, chatting about nothing in particular.

“The tent is huge, there’s a big bath... it doesn't really feel like camping, does it?”

“It’s comfortable, so what’s the problem? BBQ is enough of a 'camping' vibe for me.”

“Hmm, I wouldn't mind it being a bit more inconvenient. The camping trip I went on with Yuu-kun a long time ago was tough, but it was fun.”

“...Oh.”

...That guy again.

"Yuu-kun."

The guy this girl in front of me clearly has special feelings for.

Apparently they’ve been friends since they were little, but I shouldn't be losing when it comes to how long we’ve known each other.

“Yuu-kun’s dad is a camper, you see. When we were little, he used to take me along with Yuu-kun sometimes——”

As I gave vague responses to Rei’s words, I felt a dark emotion swirling in my chest.

...The only difference between me and that guy should be whether we happened to live near Rei or far away.

I should have been the one... I should have been the one to fall for Rei first.

＊

“When I grow up, I’m gonna marry Rei-necha!”

A memory from my early childhood.

Though it was hazy, it was a beginning of love I could never forget.

Rei had smiled gently at my innocent, ambiguous affection for the kind, beautiful girl.

“Ahaha, I’m so happy. Then, Chi-chan, once you’re big, come and pick up your big sister, okay?”

“Yeah! When I’m big, I’m gonna go propose to Rei-necha!”

“Ufufu. Thank you, Chi-chan. I’ll be looking forward to it...

I ’ l l b e w a i t i n g , o k a y ? ”

I could still remember the girl’s smile at that moment and her dazzlingly bright, white teeth as if it were only yesterday.

＊

“——Geez, Chi-chan? Are you listening?”

“...Ah, sorry. I wasn't listening at all.”

“Man! You’re so bad at treating girls! If you stay like that, the girl you like is gonna turn her back on you!”

Turn her back on me, huh.

“...Doesn't matter. If she won't look my way, I’ll just grab her head and make her look.”

“Hm? Did you say something, Chi-chan?”

“Nothing. It’s almost noon and I’m hungry, let’s head back.”

With that, I grabbed Rei’s hand and headed back the way we came.

“Whoa. It’s been a while since Chi-chan was the one to hold my hand.”

“...I’ll let go if you hate it.”

“No, it’s fine. Like this... fufu, it reminds me of when we were little.”

...If you’re going to remember, remember the promise of that childhood proposal too.

If she did, maybe this dense woman would start to be a little more aware of me.

Thinking about such useless things, I walked through the meadow as a cool breeze blew past.

＊

“Haaah…”

Having thoroughly enjoyed the full suite of outdoor activities with Rei at the glamping facility, I devoured the barbecue dinner and made my way to the open-air bath, located a short distance from our sleeping tent.

As I sank into the tub, which was hotter than I expected, the sensation of my skin tingling and going slightly numb drew a beast-like groan from my throat. It wasn't exactly the most refined sound, but there was no need to worry.

This open-air bath was a family bath—in other words, it was reserved for private use. I wasn't going to go as far as swimming in it, naturally, but letting out a loud sigh without worrying about prying eyes should be permissible.

“…Look at those stars.”

Surrendering my body to the buoyancy of the hot water, I gazed up absentmindedly at the night sky.

Unpolluted by city lights, the starry sky looked—to use a cliché—just like a jewelry box.

Closing my eyes to savor the afterglow of the starlight, I looked back on the day’s events.

Exploring nature, playing hard, eating well, and enjoying myself to the fullest. A day detached from ordinary life.

…And no matter which scene I cut out from my memory, the girl I loved—Rei—was always by my side…

“…I’m glad I came.”

Eyes still closed, I let those pure, honest feelings spill from my lips.

“Mmhmm, you can say that again.”

“…Huh?”

Hearing a response to my monologue, I let out a dumbfounded noise and snapped my eyes open.

“Yoo-hoo. That’s a big bath, huh? I bet four people could fit in there with room to spare.”

I turned my gaze toward the voice—near the entrance of the bathing area.

…Standing there, with a bath towel wrapped around her body, was Rei, fluttering her hand at me in a wave.

“――――Haaah?! W-W-Wha…?! Y-You…!?”

“Hey now, keep it down. We reserved the bath, sure, but there aren't any other guests in here. You’ll bother the people staying nearby, you know?”

As I instinctively scrambled backward in the tub, my cousin chided me in a hushed tone, acting as if this were completely normal, before marching straight toward me.

Mustering every ounce of reason I possessed, I desperately averted my eyes from the girl’s skin, hidden only by a single towel, and launched a furious protest at the idiot in front of me.

“I-Idiot! You mega-idiot! What the hell are you thinking?!”

“Geez, I told you to be quiet… Haha, even after playing so much this afternoon, you’re really energetic, aren't you, Chi-chan?”

“Talk to meee! I’m in first year! You’re in second year! Are you seriously out of your mind?!”

As a certain part of my body began to get energetic in real-time, I lashed out at my cousin—who seemed to have left her sense of ethics somewhere back at the campsite—with enough force to send spittle flying.

“Ehh? But it’s a family bath. Since we’re cousins, isn't it fine?”

“It’s not a question of whether it’s okay because we’re cousins or not… Ah, dammit! Aren't you embarrassed?! Y-You’re letting a guy see you naked, you know?!”

“Eh? Naked…?”

At my words, Rei made a blank face for a moment, before a grin—a mischievous, no, a spine-chillingly bewitching smile—spread across her lips.

“…Hmm. Curious, are we, Chi-chan?”

“W-What are you…”

“About what’s under this towel. Fufu, you’re a boy too, after all. I guess you’re at that age where you take an interest in such things.”

Tug. Rei’s finger hooked onto the top of the bath towel.

—Huh? Wait, seriously? W-What is the correct reaction here?!

My instincts were screaming that I wanted to see it, that I’d grovel on the ground right now if I had to! But in a situation where it was obvious I was being toyed with, seeing Rei’s bare skin—the bare skin of the girl I had a crush on—was far too frustrating for me as a man.

…Even if I knew I’d get something good out of it. Even if she didn't see me as a romantic interest, I didn't want to throw away the pride that came with my love for her.

“—I-I don't wa…”

Scraping together the dregs of my reason, I tried to spin words of rejection.

…However, as if even that response was within her calculations, Rei deepened her smile.

“…Too bad. Time’s up.”

“Wai… S-Sto—?!”

Flutter. The bath towel wrapping her body fell to the wet floor.

“S-Swimsuit…?”

Beneath the towel, Rei was wearing the bikini-style swimsuit she’d had on earlier.

Seeing my dumbfounded state, completely drained of spirit, Rei raised a finger with a slightly exasperated look.

“Geez. What do you take me for, Chi-chan? No matter how you look at it, if I were actually naked, you’d be in trouble too, right? I know my TPO, thank you very much.”

I wanted to protest, “Look who’s talking,” but before I could raise my voice, Rei briskly walked off to the washing area to rinse herself.

“…Wait, if you think about it, that doesn't solve anything, does it?!”

Even if I was used to seeing Rei in a swimsuit at the beach, just the change in location to a hot spring… the extraordinary visual of “swimsuit in a hot spring” stabbed into a part of my brain I didn't quite understand.

I hurriedly used my towel to hide the blood flow that the bath had promoted, which was now gathering in one specific area.

Rei returned, saw my posture, and furrowed her brows in displeasure.

“Hey, Chi-chan. Putting your towel in the tub is bad manners.”

“Your existence is bad manners!”

I finally snapped.

And so began my battle to defend the towel wrapped around my waist from a cousin who took the libido of a middle school boy far too lightly.

＊

“………………”

“C-Chi-chan. I said I’m sorry. Don't be so mad.”

I sat in the tub with a sullen look on my face, turning my head away.

Beside me, Rei clung to my arm with an indescribable expression—somewhere between troubled and flustered.

It seemed she realized she’d indulged in a distasteful hobby, because once I made it clear I was angry, Rei panicked and apologized profusely.

My cousin, who usually never let her composure crack, was now clinging to me with a troubled face. It was actually kind of exciting… no, wait. It was a rather precious experience.

Seeing her like that lowered my raised hackles. I scratched my head aggressively and let out a sigh.

“…Haa, fine. I forgive you, so drop it.”

At my words, Rei’s expression brightened blatantly.

…Well, honestly, I wasn't that angry, and I was actually the one getting the better end of the deal… but my pride as a man wouldn't allow me to show that openly.

Besides, if I was too soft on her, Rei would just escalate things endlessly. I didn't want to test the limits of my own reason.

“Anyway, what did you actually come here for? You.”

“Hmm? Why, to wash Chi-chan’s back, of course.”

I heaved a deep sigh at her words.

“You know… did you already forget what I was upset about just now? There’s a limit to teasing guys…”

“I-It’s not like that!”

Rei hurriedly shook her head at my accusation, and her hand gently touched my right shoulder.

“…Ow.”

A faint, stinging pain made me leak a small groan.

Hearing that, Rei knit her brows, her face clouding with worry.

“I knew it. It was from this afternoon, wasn't it? Did you twist it a little…?”

“It’s really not a big deal. It’ll be healed by tomorrow.”

“…I’m sorry. It’s because you protected me back then… right?”

“No, that’s…”

…Seeing that sad look on her face, I couldn't come up with a smooth excuse on the spot, and I cursed my own clumsiness.

Around noon, when Rei and I were exploring the camping area together.

Perhaps she’d tripped on a tree root, but when I instinctively supported Rei as she was about to fall, it seems I strained a muscle in my arm just a tiny bit.

It wasn't a problem during normal activity, and I didn't want to cause unnecessary worry for my family or Rei over something so minor, so I’d kept quiet and pretended nothing was wrong, but…

“You noticed, huh?”

“Of course I did. It’s you, Chi-chan.”

“…Is that so.”

She said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and it made my chest tighten.

The fact that she watched me closely enough to notice such a trivial change… that sweet pain tormented my heart, making me forget all about the muscle strain.

“…Ah, sorry for making you worry, but seriously, it’s nothing. You don't need to stress about it, Rei.”

This was the honest truth.

Rei was just exaggerating. An injury of this level—hardly even worthy of being called an injury—was an everyday occurrence in P.E. or club activities. However, Rei didn't accept my words.

“I will worry. You know, Chi-chan… you’re much, muuuuch more important to me than you think… I really love you, you know?”

“Wha…! Y-You, seriously…”

Even knowing there was no meaning beyond familial affection, hearing Rei state her fondness so directly made me turn away to hide the heat rising in my face.

“Anyway.”

Saying that, Rei got out of the tub and walked over to the washing area.

Sitting down in the space equipped with a shower and mirror, she beckoned to me with a come-hither motion.

“I can't let you push yourself any further today, Chi-chan. It’s hard to wash your body with that arm, right? I’ll wash you, so come here.”

“N-No no! I told you I’m really fine! I’m not a brat, I can do it myse—!”

“…No good?”

… seeing Rei tilt her head with upturned eyes, looking so sad… I couldn't say anything more.

“…Please.”

“Yup! Leave it to me!”

Behind me, as I sat on the bath stool, Rei began lathering the body towel with a face full of joy.

Let he who can shake his head when the girl he likes offers to wash his body while wearing a swimsuit cast the first stone at me.

＊

Playing with Chi-chan is the BEST!

As I vigorously scrubbed his head with shampoo bubbles, my bared teeth glittered ominously in the moonlight.

Good evening. I am Netora Reiko.

I am currently savoring the annual summer delicacy that is Chi-chan’s glorious, mushy emotional mess. It’s delicious. Chef’s kiss. Om nom nom.

“Any itchy spots~?”

“N-Nope…”

“I’ve thought this for a while, but your hair is so silky, Chi-chan. I’m jealous.”

“Not really. I think Rei’s hair is, uh, way prettier…”

“I put a lot of work into mine, you know. You don't do anything special, right? Lucky~.”

Every time I casually initiated body contact while chatting, Chi-chan’s body gave a tiny jolt. Watching that pure-hearted reaction—where every strike rings true—I had to desperately control my facial muscles so I didn't end up looking like some kind of shota-eating apparition.

“Okay, rinsing your head, so close your eyes and look down~.”

“Am I a toddler? You’re way too overprotective.”

“Fufu, I told you before, didn't I? I care veeeery deeply about you, Chi-chan.”

This is my honest feeling, without a single lie. I truly cherish Chi-chan from the bottom of my heart.

That also means not giving him unnecessary information.

Call it a “Kid Filter.” There is no need for him to know that I view him as a snack for my brain-shattering operations.

How overflowing with compassion I am. Truly.

“Okay, washing your body next, turn this way~.”

“I-Idiot! I told you I can do the front myself!”

Still, Chi-chan’s technical score is seriously high.

A plethora of episodes built up from childhood as blood relatives. The perfect balance of familiarity and innocence. The affection for me he can't quite hide, and the tsundere way he can't honestly admit it. An all-rounder NTR agent with zero flaws in his specs.

…However, even so, I have no intention of adding Chi-chan to the Interloper slot.

Aside from the obvious difficulty of incorporating him into the Chart, treating him as a “snack slot” for so long only to suddenly say, “I changed my mind, putting you in the Interloper slot now,” would be severely lacking in integrity. Even if Chi-chan himself knows nothing about it.

In short, it is a matter of consistency. A guy who flips their principles on a whim is uncool.

I don't go back on my word. That is my ninja way.

“…Hey, Rei.”

“What is it, Chi-chan?”

While wiping Chi-chan’s back with the soapy towel, I lent an ear to his words.

“Are you actually going to the local high school?”

“Hm? That’s the plan, more or less. I’m thinking of going to a place called Mikage Academy. Do you know it?”

“Ah… that super prep school? You’re going to an amazing place.”

“Ahaha, it’s not that big of a deal, is it? It sounds bad to say, but overall, it’s only upper-middle tier. When I consulted my grades, it seemed like the right fit.”

“Hmm… Mikage, huh…”

Well, it’s a famous enough school that even Chi-chan, who lives in a different school district, knows about it.

It was the line that Yuu-kun and Yuri-chan could reasonably aim for if they buckled down and studied seriously.

Middle school life is already at the halfway point. I need to start making moves to support their academic abilities soon.

…Hm? Wait, this flow of conversation…

“But why bring it up all of a sudden? You’re still a first year, Chi-chan. Isn't it too early to think about high school…?”

“…I decided. I’m going to Mikage too.”

“…………Eh?”

Oho?! You serious right now?!

“W-What’s wrong, Chi-chan? So suddenly…”

“It’s not sudden. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. …I also, you know, want to be near Rei—n-no! I mean, I want to go to school in the city! If you think about the future, you have way more options over there, right?”

“I-Is that… so…”

I desperately fought to keep the corners of my mouth from splitting open like a slit-mouthed woman.

This was a complete miscalculation. A happy one, that is.

No matter how much affection Chi-chan held for me, he is, after all, a first-year middle school child. I had underestimated him, thinking he wouldn't be able to make a decision like leaving his hometown… but to think he’d show such manliness at this stage. Irresistible!

…Of course, there’s no guarantee his choice will be smooth sailing.

He has to convince his parents to let him leave home, and there’s no guarantee he’ll pass the entrance exam in the first place.

I played it down earlier, but Mikage Academy is still classified as a difficult school.

If Chi-chan’s effort falls short, there’s a distinct possibility he’ll just fail.

…But even so.

If it means I can acquire the super-powerful card known as “Chi-chan” for the “Younger Lover Candidate” slot I had almost given up on securing, then that is reason enough to gamble!

“Chi-chan…”

Murmuring in a husky voice, I hugged Chi-chan from behind.

“Hah…?! W-W-W-Rei?!”

“…I’ll be waiting. You have to come, okay? Absolutely.”

I whispered the words into his ear.

“I’ll remember this promise properly.”

“…………?!”

And thus, the Chart has been altered.

I have decided to move in the direction of adopting Chi-chan for the Younger Interloper slot.

Consistency is just an excuse for those who’ve stopped thinking. What’s important is flexible adaptability!

“Rei, you… remember—bwah?!”

Without listening to the rest of Chi-chan’s words, I poured hot water over his head.

“Okay, all done! You’ll catch a chill, so I’m getting out first, ‘kay?”

“Keff! H-Hey! Wait, Rei!”

“Not waitiiing. Make sure you dry yourself properly before getting out, Chi-chan~.”

Judging that I could no longer hide my face, which was distorted into a squelching grin, I briskly left the bathing area as if to hide my embarrassment.

The sky full of stars shone brilliantly upon my bared teeth.

It was a beautiful scene, as if the stars themselves were blessing my future, overflowing with light.

＊

Early morning during summer vacation.

In the timeframe just before the heatwave of the abnormal weather—which seemed to break records for the highest temperature every year—began to rage in earnest.

Feeling a slightly chilly breeze on his cheeks, a boy was heading toward the neighborhood park.

“Fwaah… sleepy…”

The time was just past 6:00 AM.

For him, an ordinary sixth-grade elementary school boy, waking up significantly earlier than his usual school time was reasonably painful.

Stifling a yawn and rubbing his sleepy eyes, the boy’s name was “Kota.”

Just a perfectly average, mundane sixth-grade boy.

Now, as to why he shook off the temptation of indolent slumber to head to the park in the early morning… his objective was to participate in the so-called “Summer Vacation Radio Calisthenics.”

Although the number of places holding summer radio calisthenics has decreased in recent years due to various circumstances, the local association in Kota’s neighborhood was enthusiastic, holding it as an annual tradition.

“Whew, arrived.”

Reaching the plaza where the exercises took place, he looked around.

Elderly people, middle-aged men and women. A few children who looked to be in the lower grades of elementary school, younger than Kota.

As always, the turnout wasn't exactly what you’d call booming.

Since participation wasn't mandatory, his classmates were nowhere to be found.

Well, considering the prize for perfect attendance was just an assortment of cheap dagashi snacks or stationery, perhaps it lacked the appeal to draw in modern kids.

Of course, Kota wasn't after the snacks or stationery either, nor was he particularly interested in improving his health.

Then, why was Kota enduring his drowsiness to participate in radio calisthenics?

~~♪ ~~♪ ~~♪

As Kota was pondering these pointless thoughts, the familiar music began to play.

After finishing about three minutes of light exercise in time with the music, he took out his attendance stamp card. He joined the line waiting for stamps, mingling with the other children.

“Okay, thanks for coming again today!”

“Thanks, Onee-chan!”

The young woman in charge of the stamps smiled brightly at the child who got their stamp near the front of the line.

Just seeing that smile, just hearing that voice rolling like a bell, made Kota’s heart leap erratically.

Seeing Kota as his turn came up, the stamp duty lady wore an especially bright expression.

“Ah, Kota-kun! You came again today!”

“Y-Yes…”

That’s right. The reason he was participating in radio calisthenics was to see this older girl in charge of the stamps.

She was apparently a second-year student at the local middle school, helping out with the radio exercises as a volunteer.

Beautiful, kind, and a little playful. Captivated by this beautiful girl who exuded a “mature composure” different from the girls in his class, Kota had fallen head over heels.

“Okay, pon! Kota-kun, that’s perfect attendance so far. Good boy, good boy ♪”

“Th-Thank you very much…”

Once he got his stamp, Kota spoke to her, his voice trembling slightly with nerves.

“U-Um, well, Onee-san. Is it okay to do the usual today too?”

“Yep, sure thing. I’ll head over as soon as cleanup is done, so can you go get ready over there?”

“Y-Yes!”

Feeling an itchy sort of joy at securing time to have the girl all to himself, Kota ran toward a corner of the park—a court where a basketball hoop was set up.

Clutching the basketball he had prepared beforehand under his arm, he waited for her. Before long, she arrived.

Seeing the girl in thin sportswear that revealed her body lines, Kota awkwardly averted his gaze and bowed.

“P-Please treat me well!”

“Same here. You’re getting better and better, Kota-kun. I might actually lose soon~.”

What was the start of it all?

On his way home from radio calisthenics, which he had reluctantly participated in at his parents' behest. The usually crowded basketball court happened to be empty, so he started practicing shots on a whim… and being witnessed by the aforementioned Onee-san was the beginning of their interaction.

＊

“…Hey, you. This might be meddling, but if you pause for just a beat after entering your shooting form, I think it’ll get a lot better.”

“Eh?”

Being spoken to by a beautiful older girl was surprising enough, but the fact that his accuracy improved shockingly well when he moved according to her advice was also a surprise to Kota.

“I see, so you’re in the basketball club, Kota-kun. Doing independent practice this early in the morning? That’s admirable.”

“N-No. The court was empty, so I just thought I’d touch the ball a little…”

After receiving some coaching on his movements, Kota chatted with the girl who gave him advice while taking a break.

When he looked closely at her, Kota realized she was the older girl who stamped his card at radio calisthenics earlier. From the next day on, he started attending specifically to see her.

Kota mocked himself for being shallow, but the boy, feverish with first love, mustered his courage to talk to her after exercises ended.

Since she was sociable, and they shared the common ground of being knowledgeable about basketball, before he knew it, Kota and the girl had become close enough to play 1-on-1 after radio calisthenics.

＊

“All right, my win again today!”

“Kuh…!”

Hearing the older girl’s voice, slightly breathless, Kota let out a groan tinged with frustration.

“N-Next time, I won't lose!”

“Fufu, I’m looking forward to it, Kota-kun.”

Looking directly at the smiling older girl was somewhat embarrassing, so Kota rummaged through his bag to find his sweat towel, trying to cover it up.

“…Huh?”

“What’s wrong, Kota-kun?”

He searched the bottom of the bag, but the towel he was looking for wasn't there.

Apparently, he had forgotten to bring it.

“Ah, no, it looks like I forgot to put my towel in the bag…”

Well, it couldn't be helped. The sensation of sweat was a bit unpleasant, but he could just go home and take a shower.

Just as Kota was thinking that, something soft and smelling sweet draped fluffily over his head.

“Heh?”

“My towel. I haven't used it yet, so it’s not dirty.”

The instant he understood that the thing on his head was Onee-san’s towel, Kota’s face went bright red.

“N-No! I-I couldn't!”

“It’s fine, really. It’s just a towel. It’s a spare. You can just give it back at radio calisthenics tomorrow.”

Saying that, the older girl scrubbed Kota’s head vigorously through the towel.

Wrapped in the towel that carried the same sweet scent he sometimes smelled on her, Kota felt a dizzy spell that had nothing to do with the summer heat.

“Well then, I should get going.”

“Eh, ah, yes…”

Kota watched in a daze as she waved bye-bye and walked away.

Gazing at the retreating figure of the girl, Kota clutched the borrowed towel, squeezing its fluffiness.

“…”

A strange sensation he had never felt before sprouted in Kota’s body at that soft touch, but it would be a little while longer before he learned its true nature.

＊

Well, it’s me, Reiko.

After leaving Kota-kun’s line of sight, I let my face glow ominously in the summer sun.

Since I decided to officially adopt Chi-chan into the Interloper slot, I felt a little unsatisfied in my consumption of negative emotions from younger boys during this year’s homecoming. So, I decided to snack on a random kid.

As a result, I took on the role of radio calisthenics attendant as an event where I could easily harvest a meal, and the one caught in the net was Kota-kun here.

For now, as preparation, Kota-kun’s emotions are currently in the process of being turned into mush by a kind, older Onee-san.

Just a little trauma for a boy’s heart filled with future hope, you know? Just a teensy bit. A light one that he’ll drag around for a year or so, right? If you round it off in year units, it’s basically zero, so it’s practically nothing. I have finished my self-defense.

However, I am a woman harboring desires that are, frankly, trash.

How on earth did I end up like this? I had absolutely no idea.

At this point, unless I had some tragic event in the past or a flashback episode with a powerful backstory, the story would collapse under the weight of my scumbaggery. This won't do. I’m supposed to be the type of protagonist readers can empathize with.

I can't think of one right now, but surely I had a painful, sad past. I’ll think up the settings later.

Such was a certain day in summer vacation.

＊

“E-Excuse me. I’ll take this.”

That day, Kota had made a major decision and visited a general goods store he usually walked right past.

While feeling intimidated by the atmosphere of the floor filled with stylish women and couples, the boy placed the item on the register.

Feeling something heartwarming about the boy’s innocent demeanor, the clerk treated him a little more kindly than usual.

“Is this a gift? Shall I wrap it for you?”

“Y-Yes. Please.”

“Fufu, certainly. How about this pink wrapping paper?”

“U-Um… that one, please.”

Thus, the boy left the store hurriedly, carrying the paper bag containing the present.

The contents of the package were a slightly expensive hand cream—ranked number one in the “Gifts Women Love” ranking Kota had researched on the internet over the past few days.

Naturally, it wasn't for the boy’s use, nor was his mother’s birthday approaching.

“…I wonder if Onee-san will like it.”

Yes, the item in the boy’s hand was a gift for the girl he held a faint crush on, his newfound basketball buddy.

Summer vacation was in its middle stages.

The fact that the summer radio calisthenics, where he could see the girl, would end tomorrow pushed the boy forward, accompanied by a sense of urgency.

Even though they had become somewhat close through basketball, the boy and girl were an elementary schooler and a middle schooler who didn't even attend the same school.

Once the morning radio exercises ended, it was easy to imagine that his interaction with the girl, with whom he had no neighborhood ties, would be cut off.

He didn't want his interaction with her to end as just a summer memory.

Therefore, Kota paid a sum of money that was by no means small for an elementary schooler, intending to convey his daily gratitude to the girl along with the present… and his desire to become closer.

“…Also, if I could tell her after beating Onee-san in basketball, that would be super cool…”

In the 1-on-1 games that sparked his interaction with the girl, the boy had lost every time.

Regardless of romantic feelings, this was purely frustrating. And there was also a slight feeling that as a male, being beaten so easily by a female opponent—even an older one—left him with no dignity.

“Alright! Tomorrow, I’ll beat Onee-san at basketball… and then, um… tell her ‘Please be my friend’! F-First, we start as friends!”

With a passionate spirit that wouldn't lose to the summer sun in his chest, Kota headed to radio calisthenics the next day, fully fired up.

＊

“Kota-kun, congratulations on perfect attendance at radio calisthenics! Here, this is the prize. Good boy, good boy.”

“Th-Thank you very much…”

Feeling embarrassed about having his head patted by the girl, Kota accepted the prize and spoke the usual words.

“Onee-san. Can we play basketball today too?”

“Yup, of course! Ah, wait a sec. I’ll be done cleaning up soon, so shall we walk to the court together?”

True to her word, she finished quickly, and Kota walked the short distance to the court with her.

“Hmm~, radio calisthenics felt like it went by in a flash.”

“Really? It was about two weeks, so I think it was pretty long.”

“Maybe because playing basketball with Kota-kun was so fun? Fufu, thanks for keeping me company until now.”

“…Is that, so.”

Stop it.

Don't say it like this is the end.

I want to be with Onee-san mor—

“—O-Onee-san! I definitely won't lose today!”

“Oh, Kota-kun’s fired up~. Alright then, maybe I should get a little serious too!”

Thus, the duel between the boy and the girl began.

＊

(Just one more basket, and I win…!)

It was a 1-on-1 that started as play, without strict formalities defined originally.

Therefore, there were no detailed agreements; only a simple rule of “First to 10 points wins” was their mutual understanding.

And now, both scores were at 9 points.

In the gap between victory and defeat, feeling a sensation like his neck prickling with tension, the boy stared down the girl in front of him.

“Fufu, you’ve really gotten good, Kota-kun.”

“…Because I was trained by you, Onee-san!”

“Eh…?!”

Breathing hard, Kota showed a move he had been practicing in secret from the girl.

Turning his back to the girl and opening a path with a spinning movement, Kota was convinced of his victory.

(I’m going to win. I’ll win, and I’ll say it. That I want to play more basketball with Onee-san. That I want to be closer friends!)

“Not yet!”

“Guh…!”

The physical difference due to age—no, more than that, the girl, possessing genius-level athletic sense, forcibly caught up to Kota’s movement with her inherent quickness.

(Back off for a second? …No, I’ve come this far. I’ll push through!)

“I’ll win…! I’m going to win! Today! I’ll beat Onee-san, and—!”

“Rei-chan, do your best!”

“Fweh?! Y-Yuu-kun?!”

At the male voice arriving from the sidelines, the girl’s movements froze blatantly.

“――――Huh?”

Kota easily slipped past the girl, whose side was full of openings, and made the shot. At that conclusion, which was far too anticlimactic, he let out a dumbfounded voice.

“Ahh! I lost because you called out so suddenly, Yuu-kun!”

“Ehh… But I was just cheering for you, Rei-chan…”

Facing the unreasonable accusation from the girl, the man called “Yuu-kun” entered the court with a bitter smile.

“Here, towel and sports drink. It’s hot even in the morning lately, so hydration is…”

“Wawa! I-I’m sweating right now, so don't come too close!”

The girl was talking familiarly with a strange man. Kota watched the scene in a daze.

“Haha, you don't need to worry about that.”

“I-I worry about it! Yuu-kun, you have no delicacy!”

Onee-san, who was always calm and possessed what he felt was “mature charm,” was flustered, showing a panicked expression he had never seen before.

What is this?

She never showed me a face like that, not even once—

“Um, who is that…?”

“Ah, this is my friend Kota-kun. He’s super good at basketball! Lately, we’ve been playing together every day after radio calisthenics.”

“Heeh, is that so. Um, Kota-kun? Thanks for playing with Rei-chan.”

To the man who crouched down a little to meet his eyes, Kota replied in a state of semi-stupefaction.

“Ah… N-No. It’s not really, I…”

“Muu, if you say it like that, doesn't it sound like I was the one being played with by Kota-kun?”

Every time he was forced to watch the harmonious exchange between the man and Onee-san, Kota’s heart froze over like midwinter, in stark contrast to the summer cheer.

“—Well then, I’m going now. Bye-bye, Kota-kun.”

“Eh, ah… yes…”

Approaching him, Onee-san smiled sweetly and gently patted Kota’s head.

It was just like—

“Thanks for everything until today. Basketball with Kota-kun was really fun!”

—It was just like the gesture of an adult gently soothing a young child.

After Onee-san and the man left together on good terms, Kota picked up the paper bag he had hidden in the shade of the court—the present he was supposed to give to Onee-san.

“…Ha, haha. I look like an idiot.”

Clutching the gift box wrapped in cute pink paper, the boy crouched down in the corner of the court.

“She didn't take me seriously at all.”

His trembling voice and the strength he unconsciously put into his grip hideously distorted the wrapping paper.

“I was the only one. Who was in love.”

He felt a hallucination as if people all over the world were mocking the past version of himself, who had seriously racked his brain choosing a present, wondering what would make her happy.

“B-Basketball. I was serious about it. But Onee-san was just doing it in her spare time. She lost focus the moment he called out to her.”

All the time he spent with the girl. His feelings. It felt like a misunderstanding. Like a mistake.

“T-Today… was supposed to be… the l-last time…!”

He couldn't put anything into voice beyond that.

Raising a groan of agony, the boy chewed on the bitterness of a broken heart.

＊

—Reiko’s ability allows her to give herself a sense of euphoria incomparable to brain narcotics by betraying the romantic feelings a target directs toward her.

The genuine, unfeigned sincerity the target holds for her.

Reiko denies it.

“Xie xie, thanks, Kota-kun. Thanks to pure, innocent you—”

However, for activation, there is a subconscious condition that cannot be cleared by her own will.

“I feel like I can love Yuu-kun even more.”

That is: to become a bitch who loves the target.

UNTRUE LOVE ―Impure Love―

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