Chapter 1: Mild Yankee Kanda-kun
"—Would you like to become an idol?"
"I’ll have to decline. Excuse me."
While walking home, I cut down a man in a suit with a bright smile after he tried to hand me a business card.
Hello, I'm Netora Reiko.
It’s a bit much for me to say it myself, but I am an incredible beauty.
When I walk outside, events like this—talent scouts from agencies approaching me—happen every now and then. Of course, I turn them all down.
Based on my past-life experience stealing a couple who were idol-obsessed, I have at least a surface-level knowledge of the industry.
Even I know that the world of entertainment isn't some soft place you can handle as a side gig to your student life.
Since it’s impossible to balance idol activities with shattering Yuu-kun’s brain, I choose Yuu-kun.
Well, there is a very dreamy scenario where I could become a top idol and then "leak" my own "casting couch" sessions with high-ranking executives to destroy the brains of fans all over the world... but I prefer quality over quantity.
I had my fill of "dime-a-dozen" NTR in my previous life.
"P-please wait! At least let’s talk...!"
The man in the suit, stunned by my immediate rejection, scrambled after me.
Hoh, he’s got some guts. I was a little impressed.
"I’m sorry. But I’m just an ordinary student you can find anywhere, you know? An idol? That’s just..."
Despite my firm refusal, the man grabbed my hand.
With a serious look in his eyes, he spoke to me passionately.
"No, I knew the moment I saw you. You have the talent. You are a magic mirror that reflects the form people desire—a genius meant to be an idol, an icon that shows the world a dream."
Fuffuffuffu! "Showing people the dreams they desire," huh?
Well, he certainly has a way with words.
Even if he’s a bit off the mark, I’m surprised someone in the middle of the street could see through my camouflage in one shot.
The world is a big place. I still have a lot of training to do.
An idol he discovered becoming a victim of base desires behind the scenes... I see. That is an enticing situation. It might be worth a thought.
But still, I prioritize Yuu-kun over my own social advancement. Sorry, Producer-kun.
"Thank you. But the only person I want to show a dream—no, a nightmare—to is Yuu-kun. Surely it’d be bad to scout a girl who’s already passionately in love even before her debut, right?"
Seeing me smile brightly, the man raised both hands in surrender.
"...I see. That’s a great smile. I envy the person you’re going to show that dream to."
Really?
"If you change your mind, please contact me," he said, forcing his business card on me before leaving.
Well, I feel bad for him, but that time will never come.
I want to be the only flower in Yuu-kun’s world.
You could call it "Project Rafflesia." Fuhahaha, be afraid.
Now then, since the second-year arc has begun, I should think about my future plans.
First and foremost, the priority is conquering the delinquent-slot guy, Kanda-kun.
Even if he’s a bit twisted, he’s still just a mild yankee.
He seems quite pleased that a cute girl in his class is closing the distance... but it would be a problem if he only became close to me.
Netorare is a total work of art regarding human relationships.
I need him to get relatively close to Yuu-kun and the others, too. The best way to do that is to pull him into our little group of friends.
Originally, it seems he had some connection with Fuyuki-kun, so pulling him over shouldn't be too hard.
I just thought... Hey, there’s a boy who always looks so lonely.
I wasn't just saying that to get his attention.
"Lone wolf" sounds cool, but the bottom line is that he’s a loner.
He might have a few shallow delinquent acquaintances, but he has no one he can truly call a friend.
Of course, there are countless people in this world who choose to be alone.
But in Kanda-kun’s case, it’s clear his current situation is the result of bad luck, not a deep-seated desire to be isolated.
If that’s the case, staying alone out of pure stubbornness... isn't that just boring?
From what I can see, he’s the type who shines when he’s being an idiot with friends.
I know because I’ve lived through life once before. Student years are far more precious and fleeting than the people living through them realize.
To spend such important time alone and bored is such a waste.
Let’s play more, Kanda-kun.
Making a scene with someone, being obsessed with romance... most of the best parts of being a student are things you can't do alone.
Kanda-kun needs friends to share his youth with. And I want to be one of them.
In the future, I want to be part of the memories of his student days that he’ll look back on over and over.
I want to be mixed into a page of the album that pushes him forward.
And for that, the best way is to take advantage of his weakened heart.
Right now, it would be easy to carve my existence into the deepest part of his heart, which is already scarred by family issues.
Scarcity, in and of itself, leaves a deep impression on a person’s memory.
A dark, muddy memory with the woman he loved during his youth... a rare experience like a messy love-hate drama will continue to torment Kanda-kun’s brain for all eternity. I can't get enough of it~~.
I’m going to sear an indelible brand onto the album of Kanda-kun’s youth. This kind Netora Reiko-san is, anyway. Guhahahaha!
＊
The moment I opened the classroom door, eyes gathered, and I felt the atmosphere cool slightly.
After a brief pause, my classmates started acting unnaturally normal, pretending like nothing happened.
Ah, this uncomfortable feeling. Just like always.
For me—Kanada Kouichi—school life wasn't going to change, even as a second-year.
"Kanda-kun, morning!"
—That resignation of mine was easily shattered by a girl’s voice that was stupidly bright.
"...Hey."
Faced with my incredibly curt reply, the girl in front of me—Netora Reiko—pouted cutely.
"Hmph, did you already forget my name?"
"No way."
"Then call me by it. Go ahead."
"...Morning, Netora."
When I said her name, Netora flashed a beaming smile for some reason.
Watching us, the surrounding students started looking at Netora with the same strange, judgmental eyes they usually reserved for me.
I was used to it, so I didn't care.
...But seeing those cold stares directed at Netora, who hadn't done anything... for some reason, I couldn't stand it.
Acting out of character, I’d actually arrived at school before HR, but now it felt stupid. I tried to leave the room, but a hand draped over my shoulder from behind to stop me.
I turned around to find Kurushima Fuyuki with a cheerful grin.
"Mornin’, Kouichi."
"...Fuyuki."
"What are you trying to leave for? It’s a waste since you actually managed not to be late for once. ...Wait, Kouichi, you know Rei?"
"Ah, well..."
If I told him about the rooftop incident, I’d inevitably have to mention the cigarettes.
As I was trying to figure out what to say, Netora cut in from the side.
"We met a bit yesterday. I just happened to see an edgy Kanda-kun looking all melancholy on the rooftop while staring at the sky..."
"Huh!? Wh-what are you...!"
Fuyuki must have imagined something unnecessary because he burst out laughing.
"Pfft! Seriously? You were doing something that cute?"
"N-no, I—!"
"『...I’m so pathetic.』"
"Bwahaha!"
Netora lowered her voice to mimic me, and Fuyuki started rolling, looking like he was having trouble breathing.
...Wait, where was she watching me from?
I thought she just happened to find me while I was choking on the smoke, but from the looks of it, she’d been watching me on the rooftop for quite a while.
As I felt my face turning red with shame, both Fuyuki and Netora got a light bonk on their heads.
""Ow.""
"Rei-chan, Fuyuki-kun, you’re both being too loud for this early in the morning. Sorry about them, Kanda-kun."
"Ah, yeah. And you are..."
The unfamiliar boy had a gentle face and a smile. He held out a hand.
"Tachibana Yuuki. I’m a childhood friend of Rei-chan and Fuyuki-kun. Nice to meet you."
"...Kanada Kouichi."
Disarmed by his voice, which held absolutely no ill intent, I shook the hand he offered.
Seeing that, Netora spoke up, sounding dissatisfied.
"Isn’t your attitude kind of different than when you met me?"
"...You were low-key mocking me since the moment we met. This is a appropriate response."
My words must have hit home because Yuuki gave a wry smile and scratched his cheek.
"Ah... Rei-chan has a tendency to do that unconsciously. She doesn't mean anything bad by it, but... sorry, Kanda-kun."
"...It’s not like you need to apologize, Tachibana. Well, if you’re childhood friends, you should keep her on a tighter leash."
"How mean! I'm a girl! Be nicer to me!"
While we were messing around like idiots, that nasty atmosphere that had been directed at us before completely vanished.
"............"
The one who had started that shift was, without a doubt, the girl in front of me...
"Kanda-kun."
"...Hm?"
Netora spoke to me in a small whisper.
Her expression, which had been indignant after being teased, had shifted into a gentle smile.
"School is definitely going to be fun. Looking forward to it, okay?"
"...Hmph."
I looked away without answering.
In the reflection of the window glass, I could see Netora looking at my back, smiling happily.
To be honest, I hadn't expected much from school life.
I figured I’d just show up when I felt like it, get decent scores on tests, and pass the time in a lazy, boring way.
That’s the kind of everyday life I’d predicted.
...But I have a feeling things are going to get noisy from now on.
It’ll be busy, hectic, and a pain in the ass... but I have a premonition that a school life that isn't half bad is about to begin.
That morning was enough to make me think so.
＊
—Time passed, and it was now May.
The pleasant spring had been fleeting, and the world was welcoming an earlier-than-usual rainy season.
Staring at the rain through the classroom window, Fuyuki and I both let out exasperated sighs.
"Ugh... I can't get hyped for anything..."
"Tell me about it. With all this rain, I can't even kick a ball. I want the rainy season to end already."
As we slumped over our desks, as if being weighed down by the drizzle, a bright voice cut through the humidity.
"Morning! Kanda-kun, Fuyuki-kun."
I looked up at the sound of that brilliant voice—one that was "oblivious" in a good way—to see Netora Reiko, her glasses-wearing friend Yuri Shirase, and Tachibana Yuuki.
"Good morning, Kanda-kun, Fuyuki-kun."
"M-morning... Kanda-kun. Kurushima-kun too."
Yuuki smiled with his usual gentle face, while Yuri was still a bit timid but trying her best to approach someone like me.
And in contrast to Yuri, there was Netora, the weirdo girl whose sense of personal space was completely broken when it came to me.
I raised a hand to greet the three of them.
"Yo. ...Wait, Tachibana, you’re something else. Arriving at school with two girls in tow... pretty flashy, huh?"
"D-don't put it like that, Kanda-kun... I just ran into Shirase-san right there a minute ago."
"Hah, notice how he didn't deny arriving with Netora."
"W-well, that’s, uh..."
Fuyuki and I chuckled as Yuuki looked down with a slightly red face.
Yuuki, Fuyuki, and I had become close enough to trade jabs like this.
To be honest, I still stand out a bit in class, and there are still plenty of students who are afraid of me.
That’s my own fault, and since I’m not actively trying to change it, it can't be helped.
—Even so.
"More importantly, Kanda-kun? You were late to school yesterday too, weren't you?"
"...Was I?"
As I tried to play dumb, Netora knitted her brows and went into lecture mode.
"Honestly! I won't tell you to never be late, but at least send me a message, okay? I get worried that you might be sick or in an accident."
"Shut up. What are you, my mom?"
"I am the class representative, after all."
Netora puffed out her chest—which was quite well-developed for someone her age—with a proud hmpf.
...Apparently, this girl had volunteered to be class rep just so she could look after me.
“I mean, Kanda-kun is the type to push people away by saying "this has nothing to do with you." If I’m the class rep, then a classmate’s problems aren't "nothing to do with me," right?”
—I wonder when that conversation happened.
After interacting with her for a while, I realized she wasn't so much an "honor student" as she was an "endlessly kind person."
She hadn't snitched to the teacher or even scolded me about the smoking on the rooftop; instead, she’d gone out of her way to help me cover it up even though I didn't ask. She wasn't just some textbook "good girl."
She wasn't some sheltered girl who only knew the good in people; she was the type who knew about people’s ugly sides and malice but chose to accept it all anyway.
—Maybe it’s because someone like her was by my side that I’ve started thinking school life "isn't so bad."
Before I knew it, I was regularly hanging out with Netora, Fuyuki, Yuuki, and Yuri.
Killing time after school, complaining to each other about surprise quizzes, actually taking a class seriously once in a while...
The "ordinary school life" I’d already given up on had tumbled right into my hands.
"Hm? What is it, Kanda-kun? Is there something on my face?"
...And so, it was only natural that I’d developed feelings for Netora, the one who had brought those days to me.
"...You’ve got bedhead."
"Eh!? No way! I’m sure I set it properly!"
The girl panicked at my random lie, and Yuuki, standing next to her, calmed her down with a wry smile.
"Ahaha, it’s okay, Rei-chan. You don't have bedhead."
"R-really...? Geez, Kanda-kun! Don't just say whatever you want. I almost had a heart attack thinking I’d been standing next to Yuu-kun with bedhead the whole time!"
Realizing I’d tricked her, Netora directed a glare at me that lacked any real heat.
However, that anger was easily dispelled when Yuuki reached out and gently stroked her hair.
"But I’d kind of like to see you with bedhead once in a while, Rei-chan. Back in the day, I was the only one who had to show you my messy hair."
"Uu... Yu-Yuu-kun! Don't just touch a girl’s head so casually!"
"Sorry, sorry."
Yuuki raised both hands in exaggerated apology, and Netora snapped back at him with flushed cheeks.
...Yeah, so that’s how it is.
I don't need to be an expert in romance to see it.
Netora likes Yuuki. Yuuki likes Netora.
They aren't officially dating yet, apparently, but it was as clear as day that they both had feelings for each other.
...It was nothing. My love had ended before it even started.
Yuuki is... a good guy who hangs out with someone like me without any prejudice.
If Netora—who is kind, and helpful, and has more right to be happy than anyone—is going to end up with someone, it’s much better for it to be a guy like Yuuki than some bad dude.
...Netora and I were from different worlds from the very beginning.
".................."
...?
I realized Netora was staring intently at me.
Had I let my feelings show on my face? Was I making her feel uneasy?
"Wh-what is it, Netora?"
"...Ufufu, it’s nothing."
"...?"
I was confused by how strangely upbeat she seemed, but before I could press her on it, the bell for HR rang.
I shook my head slightly to clear my thoughts and turned my attention toward the teacher’s podium.
＊
"...Hah? You want to come to my house?"
It was lunch break.
We were eating lunch together in our usual group, our desks pulled together, when I let out a dumbfounded cry.
Netora swallowed a piece of tamagoyaki from her bento before replying.
"Yep! Golden Week is coming up soon, right? I want everyone to hang out, but the weather is like this. Then I realized we’ve never been to your place, Kanda-kun."
"...If you’re going by that logic, we’ve never gathered at Shirase’s house either."
"Ugh, Kanda-kun... saying you want to go to a girl’s house is a little creepy..."
"Don't twist my words like that!"
Netora giggled at my retort.
Actually, in this group, we’d already hung out at Yuuki’s, Fuyuki’s, and Netora’s houses.
"Well, there’s no deep reason for it... are you free during the break?"
"My house is..."
It wasn't that I had a strong reason to refuse.
...But when I thought about my parents, with whom I wasn't on the best of terms, I couldn't deny that I wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea.
"...Um, Kanda-kun? You don't have to force yourself, okay?"
"Yeah, really! It just kind of came up in conversation! The place doesn't really matter!"
Yuuki and Fuyuki both had slightly worried looks on their faces.
"Ah, no..."
...I’m making them worry about me.
I wasn't trying to hide it, but they’d probably sensed that something was up at my home.
"Kanda-kun..."
Even Netora, the one who’d suggested it, looked anxious.
Looking at her face, I made my decision.
"...Fine. My house, then. It’s okay if it’s all of you, right?"
"R-really?"
"Yeah. I’ll check with my parents to make sure it’s okay and message you later."
It was too embarrassing to say out loud, but I didn't want the first real friends I’d made in middle school to make faces like that.
That was my only reason for taking a step forward.
"Yay! Thank you, Kanda-kun!"
"...It’s not like there’s anything interesting there."
Netora was already happily frolicking with Yuri, and I wasn't sure if she’d even heard me. I could only give a wry smile.
...Well, if it makes her this happy, I guess it’s not so bad.
I’ll just have to do my best to be a good host.
＊
Dinner time. The only sound echoing through the room was the clink of silverware against plates. It was an awkward table, to say the least.
I looked toward my mother and my father—who was home early for once—and finally spoke up.
“...Dad. Mom.”
“What is it, Kouichi?” my father replied, not even bothering to glance my way.
I swallowed the small spark of defiance rising in my chest and pushed forward.
“T-the upcoming long weekend... I was thinking of inviting some friends over.”
“...”
At that, my old man finally spared me a fleeting look.
...I hated those eyes. Even though we were father and son, I could never read the emotions behind his pupils. Being pinned under that gaze made my hand tighten around my chopsticks instinctively.
“...I don't mind. I’ll be at the office during the day for work even through the holidays. What about you, Kouichi’s Mother?”
“Kouichi, when would your friends be coming?”
“Uh, well... I’m thinking the first day of the break. From around noon until the evening.”
“I see. Do as you like.”
“...Right.”
It wasn’t like I expected them to say no. But I couldn't help but suspect it wasn’t out of kindness—it was more like, “We don’t care what you do, so just stay out of our hair.”
“...Thanks for the food.”
Regardless, the hurdle was cleared. I needed to let Netora and the others know my parents gave the okay. I set my dishes in the sink and headed for my room.
“Kouichi.”
“...What now?”
My father’s voice caught me just as I was about to leave the living room.
“What kind of children are these friends of yours?”
“Hah? Just... normal school friends.”
“...I see. You may go.”
“The hell was that about...?”
Question marks practically hovered over my head at his vague inquiry, but I wasn't interested in dragging out the conversation. I hurried off to my private sanctuary.
＊
A few days later, around noon on the first day of the long weekend.
The buzzer rang, and when I opened the front door, Netora and the rest of the gang were standing there in their civilian clothes.
“Hello, Kanda-kun!”
“O-oh. Hey. Come on in.”
Trying not to look too flustered by the sight of Netora out of her uniform, I ushered my friends inside.
“I didn't realize your place was a high-rise condo, Kanda-kun. This is a first for me,” Tachibana said with a nervous, awkward smile as he slipped off his shoes.
“It’s just a normal apartment building that happens to be tall. Nothing worth mentioning.”
The group shuffled through the entryway, their eyes darting around curiously.
“I-I think this might be the first time I’ve ever been in a building this high...” Shirase stammered.
“The view’s gotta be killer, man. You gotta take me up to the lounge later, Kouichi!” Kurushima added.
“Oh! Hey, hey, Kanda-kun! Is this photo from your entrance ceremony?”
“Ah—shut it, shut it! This isn't a damn field trip!”
I was just about to lose my patience with my rowdy friends when my mom poked her head out, sensing the guests.
“Welcome. You must be Kouichi’s friends?”
“Oh, hello! You’re Kouichi’s mom, right? I’m Kurushima.”
“I’m Tachibana.”
“N-nice to meet you. My name is Shirase.”
“I’m Netora. Thank you for having us. Oh, and also...”
Wasting no time after the greetings, Netora handed a paper bag to my mother.
“This is for you, if you’d like. Just some baked sweets...”
“Oh my... You didn’t have to go to such trouble. Thank you, Netora-san.”
“No, no! Kanda-kun is always so good to me, after all.”
I watched Netora close the distance between her and my mother in record time. Giving her a half-hearted glare, I muttered, “What are you supposed to be to me, anyway...?”
“Hmm... Your caretaker?”
“I’m not a toddler!”
While Netora and I were engaged in our usual banter—which didn’t quite qualify as an actual argument—I caught a glimpse of my mother out of the corner of my eye.
(...Wait, Mom’s actually in a good mood?)
She was usually someone who didn't show much emotion, but we were still family. Even if she looked expressionless to a stranger, I could tell she was feeling upbeat.
“You all haven’t had lunch yet, have you? I’ve made some food, so please, help yourselves.”
“Wait, Mom! I didn’t hear anything about this...!”
“Whoa, seriously?! Awesome!”
“Thank you very much. We’d be honored to join you,” Tachibana said politely.
I was about to protest my mother’s unsolicited hospitality, but Fuyuki and Tachibana’s voices drowned me out.
“Oh, please let me help with something too!” Netora chirped.
“M-me too!” Shirase added.
“In that case, could you help set out the dishes? The plates and glasses are in that cabinet.”
“Wow, the kitchen is so big! And so clean!”
Netora and Shirase followed my mother into the kitchen. ...If I complained now, I’d just be the guy who couldn’t read the room. Letting out a heavy sigh, I started setting the table with the other guys.
＊
“...Netora-san.”
“Yes? What is it?” Reiko replied as she helped Kanda’s mother plate the food.
“...How is Kouichi at school?”
“Eh? How is he?”
“...As you can see, that boy is a bit... peculiar. I was worried he might be an outcast at school.”
Reiko couldn't help but let out a wry smile at the mother's incredibly blunt assessment.
“Kanda-kun is a wonderful boy, you know? He might be a little prone to being misunderstood, but... I think he’s a kind and lovely young man.”
“...But ever since he started middle school, he’s become quite difficult. I hope he hasn't been a burden to you and the others?”
Reiko gave Kanda's mother a soft, gentle smile.
“Not at all. Yuu-kun, Fuyuki-kun, Yuri-chan... and of course, me. Even if he isn't the most honest with his feelings, we're all truly happy to be friends with someone as warm-hearted and kind as Kanda-kun.”
“...I see.”
How many years had it been since Kouichi invited friends over? Based on his recent behavior, the mother had been concerned he might bring home some troublemakers, but her expectations had been subverted in the best possible way. If such pure-hearted children were willing to be his friends, then surely her son would be all right.
“...I’m sorry. Could I leave the rest to you?”
“Eh? Oh, yes.”
“You can just leave the dirty dishes in the sink. I’ll be in my room if you need anything, so just call out.”
With that, Kanda’s mother hurried out of the kitchen.
“A warm-hearted and kind boy.”
Hearing her son praised like that by a friend... as pathetic as it was, Kanda’s mother felt like she was going to burst into tears. She didn't want to show that kind of weakness in front of a girl young enough to be her daughter—especially not for her son’s sake.
“...Um, excuse me. Just one more thing.”
“...What is it?” the mother asked, pausing without turning back—a lapse in etiquette she hoped Reiko wouldn't mind.
“At dinner tonight, or whenever you have a moment... please ask Kanda-kun about today.”
“About today?”
“Yes. About his friends, or what tasted good for lunch... anything is fine. I'm sure Kanda-kun wants to talk to you.”
“...I will.”
With that final reply, Kanda’s mother returned to her room.
She was well aware that both she and her husband were failing as parents. They had no idea how to handle their son when his behavior turned rebellious a few years ago. The truth was, she didn't even understand why he had entered a rebellious phase in the first place. As a result, both she and her husband had defaulted to a hands-off approach. It was a foolish, cowardly way to act.
“...To think I’d be enlightened by my son’s friend.”
She had allowed herself to fall into the inexcusable trap of thinking that even if she didn't show it, her love would be understood... a lazy delusion. Love that isn't put into words can never reach a child.
She would start paying back the debt she had accumulated, little by little. She had realized the truth before it was truly too late. Making a firm decision, she sent a message to her husband: Let’s all have dinner together as a family tonight.
The reply came almost instantly. There was no need to describe its contents. After all, he loved his son in his own way, too.
＊
And so, that’s the deal with the Kanda family internal affairs.
Yo! It’s me, Netora Reiko. Let’s give this a whirl.
As I laid out Kanda-mom’s home cooking on the table, I analyzed the state of the household. Once you peeked under the lid, it turned out Kanda-kun wasn’t nearly as unloved as he thought. It was just that the Kanda couple were catastrophically bad at expressing affection, so it never reached their son. A classic, tragic case of family wires getting crossed. “Is this a Christmas present?!” kind of vibes.
Initially, I considered thoroughly shattering the relationship between Kanda-kun and his parents so I could swoop in as his "Maman" protector and make him utterly dependent on me... but at the end of the day, I’m a good person at heart.
Since I couldn’t bring myself to do something so heartless, I decided to play mediator and rack up some massive "favor" points instead. Well, looking at the long game of increasing my collection of "paramours," I suppose there’s a part of me that thinks it's too much of a cost to manage Kanda-kun alone.
If I pushed, I could definitely force a route that leads to the total collapse of his family, but everything needs a little breathing room. “Be elegant even in your leisure,” as they say.
It might be fun to meticulously curate and control every single detail of a plan, but if you’re always wound tight, you’re bound to hit your limit eventually. A bit of ad-libbing is what makes NTR truly delicious. I’m the type of player who builds my travel party on a first playthrough without checking any strategy guides. Squelch.
It might be inefficient if you’re thinking about the meta-game later, but the bond you forge with your companions while fumbling through the unknown is priceless. The depth of the attachment is just different, you know?
Anyway, let's put the travel party aside for a second. I set the plate of fried chicken and my thoughts on my team aside.
Because of all those behind-the-scenes reasons, I planned this home visit with the goal of improving the Kanda household environment. I’m a pacifist down to my core, after all. I’d never do anything to make my friends sad—unless it’s being cuckolded. I crush all sources of anxiety in advance. Thoroughly and—
Focus on my NTR instead of family drama. Read the room. My room.
I stared at Kanda-kun’s back as he prepared for lunch in the living room and let out a long, wet lick of my lips.
＊
“Yuu-kun! Plates, hurry!”
“Wait, wait! I’ve got customers lining up here!”
“Whoa! There’s a fire! Someone put it out!”
After lunch.
Once we finished cleaning up the dishes, I—Kanda Kouichi—was engrossed in a game Fuyuki had brought over. It was one of those co-op games where you try to run a restaurant together.
“E-everyone... if you yell too loud, Kanda-kun’s mom will be startled,” Shirase said with a troubled look, sipping her tea while watching us. I was actually sitting out with her at the moment.
“Ah, well, this much is probably fine. Don't worry about it, Shirase.”
“Y-you think?”
“Yeah. More importantly, your cup’s empty. Want another drink?”
“U-um. Yes. Thank you, Kanda-kun.”
While I was talking to Shirase, the restaurant being run by Netora and the guys on the screen burned to the ground, forcing them into bankruptcy.
“Oof. We were so close, too.”
“Man, I’m beat. Kouichi, swap with me.”
“Here, Yuri-chan, you swap too.”
Fuyuki and Netora handed over the controllers. I took mine, but Shirase looked worried.
“Eh? I-I’ve never played this before, and it looks really hard...”
“It’s fine, it’s fine! It’s easy, and I’ll teach you,” Netora said. She then proceeded to press her body against Shirase’s back in a sort of back-to-back style.
“You use this to cook, and this button for...”
“A-awa... R-Rei-chan, your face is too close... fweh!”
...She was bad enough with me, but she was even more touchy-feely with her own gender. This girl.
Netora and Shirase were both beautiful enough that you could call them "eye candy" without hesitation. Seeing the two of them stuck together like that made the air feel... sparkly? Or maybe a bit more sensual?
“...Hey, Kouichi. Yuuki.”
“Hm?”
“What is it, Fuyuki-kun?”
Fuyuki threw his arms around mine and Tachibana’s shoulders, whispering into our ears like he was sharing a secret.
“...Don't those two look kind of erotic?”
“H-hah?!”
“...You’re an idiot.”
Honestly, though? I was thinking the exact same thing.
＊
“Sorry for the intrusion—!”
“Yeah, see ya.”
“Please come again. Get home safe, now,” my mother called out.
Dusk was falling. My mom and I were seeing Netora and the others off at the entrance.
“Kanda-kun, thank you so much for today! I had a wonderful time!”
“...Hmph.”
Netora said that with her eyes sparkling. Same as always, she was so over-the-top. Getting such a direct look of affection from a girl wasn't something I was used to, so I ended up giving a blunt response out of sheer embarrassment.
I gave a light wave as they headed for the elevator, and Mom and I were about to head back inside... but then Netora came running back toward us alone.
“What? Did you forget something...?”
“Kanda-kun, you have to come play at my place next time too, okay? I’ll be waiting!”
“Pfft—?!”
I nearly choked on that incredibly misleading invitation, but Netora didn't seem to notice. She just waved a "Bye-bye!" and hopped into the elevator with Tachibana and the others.
...Mom was looking at me with a terrifying expression. Since when did you have such a rich range of facial expressions?
“...Kouichi. Um... are you and Netora-san in that kind of relationship?”
“N-n-no way! We just gathered at her place with the same group as today!”
“..................I see.”
“What’s with that pause?! Damn it!”
To hide my embarrassment—no, it was purely to hide my embarrassment—I grumbled and tried to retreat to my room.
“Kouichi.”
“What?!”
“...They’re good children. Your friends.”
“...I know that already.”
Giving only that reply, I finally made it back to my room.
＊
“Kouichi. Could I have a moment?”
At the sound of my mother knocking on my door, I looked up from my phone and opened it.
“What is it, Mom?”
“I found this in the living room. It must belong to one of your friends, right?”
She handed me a smartphone in a pink flip-cover case.
...If I recalled correctly, this was Netora’s phone.
“Ah... yeah. Looks like it. I’ll let her know.”
“Yes, please do.”
Taking the phone, I snapped a photo of it and sent it to our group chat.
【KOUICHI: Found this in the living room. This is Netora’s, right?】
【FUYUKI: Whoaaa. Seriously? Classic Rei.】
【YURI: That’s Rei-chan’s phone... it seems she didn’t notice at all...】
【YUUKI: Rei-chan doesn’t check her phone very often...】
“...Tch. Figures.”
【KOUICHI: It’s probably bad if she doesn’t have her phone. I know where her place is, so I’ll go drop it off now. If anyone has her home landline, let me know.】
I quickly sent the message and got ready to head out.
“Mom, I’m heading to Netora’s for a bit.”
“...At this hour? To a girl’s house?”
“D-don’t get the wrong idea! I’m just delivering the phone!”
＊
It was about a fifteen-minute walk from my place to Netora’s house. It was about one station away—close enough to be neighbors, really. A perfect distance for a stroll.
“...Ah, damn it.”
I muttered a curse and ruffled my hair. ...I was just delivering a forgotten item. It wasn't a big deal, yet the thought of going to the house of a girl I liked made my heart feel light and fluttery.
“...Don’t get all excited over a one-sided crush that’s doomed from the start. You're pathetic.”
Netora was nice to everyone... well, I had enough vanity to think she was slightly closer to me than some random guy. But still, Netora was kind to everyone.
...And honestly, that kindness was hard to swallow.
Every time I dared to dream that maybe I had a chance... I’d be slapped with the reality of how close she and Tachibana were... a reality that made my head spin.
...Would it have been better if I’d never met her in the first place? Then I wouldn't have to suffer like this.
Just as that thought flashed through my mind, I heard a faint voice from down a dim alleyway.
“...Please get out of the way.”
“Ehh? Don’t be so cold.”
“Seriously, you’re actually really cute up close.”
“...?!”
The voice of a girl I knew well—Netora’s voice—sent a cold sweat down my back. I sprinted toward the alley where the sound came from.
“You’re always hanging out with that Kouichi-kun lately, right? Are you his girlfriend?”
“...No, I’m not.”
“Liar! You’re getting all friendly with a guy who isn't even your boyfriend? Kouichi-kun’s gonna get the wrong idea, you know?”
Because it was a quiet, deserted alley, the voices echoed clearly. That idiot...! Why the hell is a girl out here all by herself?!
“I’m telling you, you should stop hanging out with a guy like that.”
...The sound of the frivolous man's voice made my running feet falter.
“That guy is seriously dangerous. I heard he doesn’t care about hitting girls if they piss him off.”
“I heard he skips school to hang out in shady shops. You never know what he’ll do to you if you’re with him.”
Every word was a complete lie.
...But I couldn't say they were entirely baseless. The fact was I had been skipping school, and I looked every bit the delinquent. I couldn't blame them for talking trash.
What right did a guy like that have to act like Netora’s friend...?
“...Are you two friends of Kanda-kun?”
Netora’s voice cut through my dark thoughts.
“Hah? Being friends with that guy is a bad joke.”
“...I am Kanda-kun’s friend. And because of that, I know many more wonderful things about him than you do.”
Her voice was trembling. Yet, she continued.
“K-Kanda-kun... might look a little scary, but he’s a very kind and wonderful boy. So I don't believe a single word of what you’re saying, and I want you to... stop badmouthing my friend.”
The man who heard Netora's words let out a sigh.
“...How annoying. You’re cute, so I thought I’d just scare you a little, but... since you’re gonna be that cheeky, you’re prepared to get hit, right?”
“Eek...!”
—The next moment, I stepped between Netora and the man, catching his fist.
“Y-you... how...?!”
“...K-Kanda-kun?”
I looked at the faces of the guys who were bothering Netora. ...Who the hell are they? Do I know them?
Wait, I think these were the guys I nearly got into a fight with a while back. Well, it didn't matter.
...More importantly, I checked on the terrified face of the girl behind me. Seeing the look on her face made me turn a gaze filled with murderous rage toward the men.
“...Scram.”
“Hieee!”
The men scrambled to pull their hands away from my grip—into which my nails were digging—and fled from the alley as fast as their legs could carry them.
“Hmph. Pathetic.”
Seeing their cowardly retreat made me feel a bit better. Then, the girl behind me threw her arms around me.
“K-Kanda-kun! Are you okay?!”
“I-I’m fine, I told you. It's not like I actually got hit...”
“But...”
The soft sensation of her body pressed against mine made my gaze wander aimlessly. ...Well, at least Netora was safe. I let out a sigh of relief and slumped down against the alley wall.
“...By the way, Kanda-kun, why are you here?”
Now that the tension had broken, Netora asked with a puzzled expression.
“That’s my line... look.”
I pulled her phone out of my bag and handed it to her.
“Oh, my phone! I really did leave it at your house.”
“...Judging by that, it looks like you were on your way to my place too. Didn't you get a message from Fuyuki or Tachibana?”
“Eh? I didn't hear anything...”
It seemed we had just missed each other in a stroke of bad timing. Well, at least we managed to meet up safely like this...
“...Hey. What kind of girl wanders around alone at this hour?”
“Eh, ah, well...”
“Seriously, didn't your parents say anything?!”
“M-my mom and dad just happened to be out... and your house isn't that far, so I thought I’d be okay alone...”
“Idiot. You just got harassed by those punks. Have a little more sense of danger.”
Netora shrank back at my low voice. I felt a twinge of guilt, but this was something she needed to hear. It was lucky that I happened to be passing by, but if I hadn't... what would have happened to this fragile girl?
“...At the very least, you should have asked Tachibana or Fuyuki to come with you. Those guys wouldn't have minded a favor like that.”
“...Yes, I'm sorry.”
Netora replied in a small voice, looking down. I let out a sigh and placed my hand on her head.
“...Well, I'm just glad nothing happened to you.”
The warmth of her skin through her hair and the silky texture of her black locks made my heart beat just a little bit faster.
“Kanda-kun...”
“Yeah?”
Netora gently took my hand and pulled it toward her chest.
“Kanda-kun, you’re such a kind person... so why do those people, and everyone at school... why do they look at you with such cold eyes...?”
“That’s...”
“I hate it. I hate that I couldn’t do anything when they were badmouthing my friend...”
I went quiet at the sound of her teary voice. ...I wasn't anyone special. I was just a pathetic kid who was being a little nice to a girl he liked.
“...That’s just you being too nice, Netora. In fact, the way those guys reacted is the normal one.”
“That’s not true...!”
“This is a good time. I’ve been wondering for a while. Netora... why do you bother with me so much?”
Netora looked at me with a bewildered expression.
“Why...?”
“When we first met, you said it was because “I looked lonely” or whatever. But usually, people don't want to hang out with a guy who has nothing but bad rumors following him around, right?”
I felt like I had a decent grasp of Netora's personality by now. I wasn't saying she had some malicious scheme in mind, but I couldn't for the life of me understand why she was so friendly with me.
“...You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. But, honestly, I was really happy.”
“Eh?”
I turned my back to her, trying to hide my reddening face as I spoke.
“I felt out of place at school, so I skipped and went to the arcade. I was a textbook delinquent. Naturally, everyone treated me like a leper. It was my own fault, but still.”
“Kanda-kun...”
“...Oh, and just to be clear, I never did any of that extortion or shoplifting stuff. I never did anything to screw over people who were actually trying, okay?”
“I know. I trust you.”
That trust was so embarrassing that I snorted to cover it up.
“Hmph. Well, thanks for that... anyway, that’s why it was... well, it actually made me really happy that you and Tachibana and the others treated me normally... that we became friends.”
Crap! What the hell is wrong with me today? Spouting all this embarrassing crap... I guess saving the girl I liked from some thugs made me feel like I was in a manga or something. ...Well, might as well say the things I can't usually say. It'd be impossible when I'm sober.
“So! No matter what your real reasons were, I'm grateful to you. And whether you tell me why you’re being friendly or not, my feelings for you won't change. That’s all I wanted to say!”
“...Hehe.”
“D-don’t laugh!”
“S-sorry. But... pfft, you’re just so cute, Kanda-kun.”
Aghhh, damn it! This is why I shouldn't try to be sincere! Netora was giggling uncontrollably, and I scratched my head furiously to distract myself from the shame. Once she finished laughing, she looked at me with a surprisingly serious gaze.
“Well, you see... I thought we were alike.”
“...Hah?”
“The reason I wanted to be friends with you. I felt like you and I were kind of similar.”
...Alike? Me and Netora? That wasn't even a funny joke. On one hand, you had the perfect, model student who excelled in both academics and sports. On the other, the delinquent problem child. Finding similarities was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
“You see, people used to say a lot of bad things about me too.”
...However, there wasn't a hint of a joke or a lie in her voice. And the words she spoke next were a shocking revelation.
“A piece of trash who doesn’t understand the human heart (said in my past life). Lower than a beast (said in my past life). A demon, the height of villainy (said in my past life). I was told all sorts of things by both boys and girls.”
“...What are you talking about?”
Abuse that was utterly unfitting for her. Netora spoke of those heartless words with a lonely smile.
“I did all sorts of things because I wanted to be friends with everyone (brainwashing, framing, community destruction, NTR)... but even though I didn't mean for it to happen, it seems I just made everyone angry. And then everyone hated me...”
“...That’s ridiculous.”
I couldn't fathom why a girl who was this incredibly kind and selfless would be insulted so viciously. To reassure me when I looked grim, Netora continued in an especially bright tone.
“Oh, of course, it’s different now! Yuu-kun, Fuyuki-kun, Yuri-chan... they’re all such wonderful people!”
“Netora...”
Just how much pain had she experienced behind that smile? I clenched my teeth, but Netora smiled as if her past was nothing and gently unfurled my fist, which I had clenched without realizing.
“...That’s why, seeing Kanda-kun being misunderstood by everyone when you're actually so kind... I just felt a certain kinship with you. I thought, Ah, I want to be friends with this boy. Ehehe, it’s a bit selfish, isn’t it? Are you disillusioned?”
“...Of course not.”
...I was such an idiot. Thinking this girl—who could smile so gently—had some ulterior motive, and then digging up a past that must be painful to remember...
“Honestly! Stop making that gloomy face!”
“Fugh?!”
Netora grabbed my cheeks and pulled them upward. Forcing a smile onto my face, Netora puffed out her cheeks as if she were a little annoyed.
“I didn't tell you that because I wanted you to look like that. You already have a scary face, Kanda-kun, so you need to practice smiling more! ...Wait, maybe that would be even scarier?”
“Hey.”
“Hehe, feel better?”
“...Yeah, more or less.”
I let out a wry smile at Netora’s teasing.
“And... thank you for saving me earlier. You were so cool!”
“...You’re welcome.”
Ah, it was no use. Looking at Netora’s sun-like smile, I couldn't help but realize it. I loved her. I wanted that smile, that heart, all for myself. ...Even if her heart was already set on Tachibana.
“Well then, let’s go. I’ll walk you home.”
“Eh? You don’t have to do that.”
“Idiot. What if another group of punks bothers you? Let’s go.”
“Ah, wait! ...Honestly!”
As I started walking, Netora hurried to catch up and walk beside me. I tried to act calm so she wouldn't notice how much my heart was swelling with affection for her.
＊
“—Rei-chan!”
“Eh, Yuu-kun?”
“Tachibana?”
Just as we stepped out of the alley onto the main street, a familiar voice called out to us. We turned around to see Tachibana running toward us, completely out of breath.
“Haa... haa... thank goodness. Your phone wasn't connecting, and no one was home... I was so worried something happened to you, Rei-chan...”
“I’m sorry, Yuu-kun. Kanda-kun told me, but it seems we just missed each other...”
“No, I'm just glad nothing happened.”
Tachibana looked relieved, but it wasn't like nothing had happened...
“Actually, just now, Netora—”
“Kanda-kun!”
Netora jabbed her elbow into my side. What the hell? When I gave her a look of annoyance, Netora whispered into my ear.
(Don’t tell Yuu-kun about what happened! I already got a lecture from you, I don’t want to get in trouble with Yuu-kun too!)
(Hah? Seriously...)
(Please! Keep it a secret... just between the two of us!)
(...Tch. Fine.)
A secret between the two of us. The sound of those words gave me an indescribable sense of comfort. I made a face as if I were doing it reluctantly and gave Netora a nod of agreement.
“...Rei-chan? Kanda-kun?”
“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”
“Yeah, yeah! It’s nothing!”
“...Really? If you say so...”
I gave Tachibana a neutral look as he watched us suspiciously.
“Well, let’s go home. Kanda-kun, I’ll take Rei-chan home from here, so you don't have to...”
“Ah... well, I’m already here, so I might as well. Two guys are better than one if any creeps are lurking around, right?”
“Eh... u-um. Yeah. I guess so...”
Netora led the way, pulling a slightly confused Tachibana along.
“Well then, let’s go! A little night walk, right, Yuu-kun?”
“Whoa, don’t pull so hard, Rei-chan!”
...As I thought, the distance between those two was closer than it was with me. That was an undeniable fact. I accepted it. But that was it. The gap wasn't so fatal that I had to give up yet.
“Hey, you two. It’s already dark, so don’t make so much noise. You’ll bother the neighbors.”
““Okay—!””
I had finally learned what it meant to have a heart-wrenching crush. I wasn't the type to just sit around and mope like some enlightened old man. I clenched my fist, feeling the lingering warmth of Netora’s hand.
＊
“Thanks for the food.”
“...Thanks for the food.”
After seeing Netora home and returning to my own house, I was sitting at the dinner table with both my parents. I tilted my glass of water to wet my throat and then spoke to my father, who was sitting across from me.
“So... Dad. You’re home pretty early today.”
“...Yes.”
My father looked a little surprised that I had started a conversation, and he paused with his chopsticks in the air. ...Well, I couldn't blame him for that reaction. It had been a long time since I’d tried to have small talk with him over a meal. Trying to hide my awkwardness, I started picking at my grilled fish while remembering my conversation with Netora earlier.
＊
“Are you and your parents fighting or something, Kanda-kun?”
A little while before we left the alley to meet up with Tachibana, Netora-san suddenly threw that question at me.
“Hey... sticking your nose into the delicate details of someone else’s home life isn't exactly what I’d call having good manners.”
“But it’s not fair that you’re the only one who knows my heavy secrets. Come on, let me in on a little bit of your story, too~”
“...”
When she put it like that, I didn't have much of a comeback.
It hadn't been my intention, but I’d ended up hearing about Netora-san’s painful past... the experiences where she was seemingly persecuted by those around her. It wasn't exactly an apology, but if this was what she wanted, I figured telling her a little wouldn't hurt.
“...Fine. It’s not that big of a deal, though.”
With that preamble, I started telling her about the friction with my parents.
My childhood, where I was raised in a spoiled environment. How I’d started to suspect that it was just the flip side of their indifference. How I’d ended up ruining my own life as a result of some petty, rebellious pride.
Netora-san listened with a serious expression as I rambled on with the kind of sulky, bratty logic that made me embarrassed just saying it out loud.
“Well, that’s about it. ...Happy now?”
“...Phew~~”
Netora-san let out a long sigh. She placed her left hand on her hip and pointed her right index finger straight up.
Oh boy. She’s gone into ‘Lecture Mode.’
“Kanda-kun. I’ve never met your father, so I can’t say anything half-baked... but at the very least, I think your mother loves you very much, you know?”
“That’s...”
“Do you really think someone would prepare lunch for a kid’s friend, or see them off when they’re leaving, if they didn't care about their own son?”
“Ugh... N-No, I mean, that’s just for show, or maybe she’s just worried about appearances...”
“You dummy! If she were the kind of person who truly only cared about appearances, there’s no way she’d let you keep acting like a delinquent!”
“...”
She was right.
It was a bit frustrating to admit, but perhaps because my heart had found some breathing room thanks to my peaceful school life with Netora-san and the others, my perspective on my parents had been shifting lately. I’d started to wonder if I hadn’t been interpreting my father and mother’s actions with more malice than was actually there.
“...Look, I know I’m meddling where I’m not wanted, okay? ...But she’s such a wonderful mother. It would be a waste to just give up and decide you’ll never understand each other.”
After saying that, Netora-san gave me a smile that looked a little troubled.
＊
“...Is it really that strange for a father to come home early to eat with his son?”
“...Whatever.”
My old man said it without breaking his usual expressionless mask. His way of speaking was so incredibly clumsy that I couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle.
A stubborn man who couldn't express affection honestly.
Yeah, we’re definitely related.
I still wasn't great with my dad. But the reason was simple: it was just a case of mutual self-loathing.
“Kouichi.”
“What is it, Mom?”
“...I was wondering, how was lunch today?”
“It was fine. Just normal... Actually, the salt-flavored fried chicken was good. ...I, uh, want to eat it again sometime.”
“...I see.”
Our awkward conversation echoed around the dinner table. But the air drifting between us wasn't cold; there was a faint, lingering warmth to it.
＊
The clock winds back slightly.
Around the time Reiko was enjoying her "doll play" in the alleyway with Kanda and some background delinquents—a scene straight out of a seedy roleplay club—Tachibana Yuuki was running through the twilight streets, completely out of breath.
“Hah... huff, huff...! Rei-chan, where did you go...?!”
Immediately after Kanda sent that message saying he was going to deliver Reiko’s smartphone, Yuuki had called her house. All he’d gotten was the mechanical voice of the answering machine.
A terrible sense of dread washed over him. He visited her house, but the dark, lightless windows confirmed that neither she nor her parents were home.
“I can’t get a hold of Kanda-kun either... If—if something happens to Rei-chan, I’ll...!”
Relying on the assumption that they might have missed each other and that Reiko might be heading toward Kanda’s place, Yuuki sprinted from Reiko’s house toward the apartment building where Kanda lived, his face pale. The sight of the boy, his handsome features distorted with frantic anxiety, was so evocative that if Reiko had seen it, she probably would have whipped out a high-end DSLR to capture the moment. It was a look that practically begged for someone to indulge their sadistic side.
...And then.
“Ah! Rei-ch—?!”
The boy finally found the sight of the dear girl he’d been searching for.
...And standing beside her was his friend, Kanda.
There was Kanda, walking solicitously next to Reiko, and Reiko, flashing a gentle smile back at him. At the sight, Yuuki instinctively ducked behind the shadow of a building.
(Eh... w-why...? Why are Rei-chan and Kanda-kun in a place like this...?)
They had emerged from the entrance of a dim alleyway, a blind spot hidden from public view. It was the kind of place where rough types loitered—hardly a safe neighborhood. What on earth had Reiko and Kanda been doing there?
Questions with no answers swirled around the boy’s mind. He thought back to how strangely close Reiko had been with Kanda since they’d started their second year. She’d even publicly claimed she became a class rep for his sake, a move that had made Yuuki fall in love with her kind heart all over again, even as he felt a slight pang of jealousy...
“No... no, that’s not it. B-Because Rei-chan said she liked me...”
...Except she hadn't.
That was right. Reiko had never explicitly used the word "like" in a romantic sense toward Yuuki.
It felt wrong to say it, but Yuuki had long felt that Reiko had a bit of a difficult time knowing how to handle the opposite sex. ...Could it be that he was the only one who thought their feelings were mutual? Could the person Reiko actually loved be someone else—for example, the person walking right next to her...
The realization sent a chill through Yuuki’s entire body, as if he’d been run through by an icicle.
“...N-No... I—I was the one who loved her first...! Rei-chan is... she’s mine...!”
Terrified of a fatal heartbreak, Yuuki peeked out from behind the building to watch them, desperate not to be found. However, the moment he saw Kanda’s hand reaching out to gently take Reiko’s, Yuuki couldn't take it anymore and screamed.
He burst out into the open, putting on a pathetic little performance as if he had only just arrived.
“Rei-chan!”
“Eh, Yuu-kun?”
“Tachibana?”
＊
“Goodnight, Kanda-kun.”
“Yeah, see ya, Netora. You too, Tachibana.”
After seeing Kanda off as he walked away with a casual wave, Reiko turned back to Yuuki.
“Thanks for walking me home, Yuu-kun. Do you want to come in for a bit?”
“Ah, um... it’s late, so I’ll just take the thought for now.”
When Yuuki replied, Reiko looked a little disappointed for a second, but she quickly put on a smile.
“I see. Can’t be helped, then. Goodnight, Yuu-kun.”
“Yeah. Goodnight, Rei-chan...”
Despite saying goodbye, Yuuki didn't move. Reiko tilted her head adorably at his behavior.
“...? What’s wrong, Yuu-kun?”
“U-Um, Rei-chan. I... I really... l-love you.”
“Whoa. Hehe, where did that come from?”
“Rei-chan... do you love me?”
“Of course! I love you so much, Yuu-kun.”
Her pure, innocent affection and that smile sent a dull pain through Yuuki’s chest.
...Was that "love" a romantic kind of love? Or was it...
“...Yeah, thanks. ...Goodnight, Rei-chan.”
If he pushed for the truth and the answer wasn't what he wanted to hear... the boy, unable to face that fear, turned his back and practically fled from the girl. It was as if he were terrified that this comfortable, lukewarm hell might finally shatter...
Reiko went inside her house after seeing Yuuki off. Her mother, who had gone out to buy more dinner ingredients—likely having been caught by one of her housewife friends—hadn't returned yet.
Though it was before dinner, Reiko felt a little peckish and picked up a small apple from the fruit basket in the living room.
“...He abhors the idea of being robbed of what’s his, yet he’s too afraid to declare it belongs to him. He knows full well it belongs to someone else, yet he sharpens his claws to make it his own. So irrational, so absurd. Truly unpredictable beings.”
She rolled the apple in her palm and took a bite. Then, she bared her teeth and broke into a roar of laughter.
“Man, humans really are the best!”
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