Volume 1 - CH 3.4

Chapter 3: This is not a date

Translated by 64990022

Chapter 3: This is not a date

Part 4

The next morning, we got to work right away.

“Yo, Machida.”

“Woah, Akashi. What’s up?”

First of all, Minato is now trying to approach the boys more actively. Of course, it was to make her like more people. But since she seemed like she could freeze up any moment, and that was even before she began talking, I told her to relax. But I just can’t let her be, so…

“Well, there’s a thing–”

“What? What a weird guy.”

In contrast to her task, mine was simple. In short, to monitor her as she carries out the plan.

That was why I’m here, second year class seven, Minato’s class, standing by. Incidentally, this Machida is a fellow who was in the same class with me last year. This time, I intended to use him as a placeholder during the operation. I’m from another class, afterall.

“Ah! You’re here for Yuzuki? How cute–.” His dubious face broke into a grin.

“Ah, nope. Well, the truth is… I’m kinda curious.”

He probably meant it as a joke, but that’s exactly what I’m waiting for. 

He exclaimed in surprise, his eyes shooting sparks all over. “Eeh?! Really? You’re not the type to take interest in a girl. I’m shocked.”

“I’m interested–, a lot, at that. Besides, she’s different.”

“Well, I can see why. Hmm… got it, got it.” He crossed his arms, satisfied.

I’m grateful he believed that, but sometimes, he could be a bit too much. But it’s all thanks to you that I can come here without being suspicious. Sorry for taking advantage of you, Machida

“She’s here, Yuzuki. Look, there,” he called.

When I followed his finger, Minato was already at her seat, radiating her sparkling aura as ever.

Wait, why are you there…

Then, she slowly turned this way. When our eyes met, her head quickly lurched back to its original position. Compared to a second before, her expression stiffened visibly.

“Whoa? Did she just look this way? You might have a chance after all?”

“Dunno.”

Nope, she just noticed my presence, then panicked, now that there’s no way back for her now.

I scanned people around Minato absentmindedly, while grunting a few responses to Machida’s questions.

A few boys looked at her from afar. There were also a few girls too. All the expressions and looks on their faces varied.

This might be a bit too hard for her… So this is the normal atmosphere for her, huh? Having good looks could be a bit of a bother.

Suddenly, she stood up, then awkwardly approached a group of boys and girls mixed nearby. Both Minato and the group seemed nervous. But after a while, the conversation flowed normally and the atmosphere relaxed.

A wave of relief washed over me as I sighed.

Why do I feel like a parent watching their kid on their first day of school…

“Huh? Yuzuki-san, that’s unusual. She’s usually with Fujimiya-san.”

“Fujimiya?”

That said, I already knew her from Hiura yesterday. Fujimiya Shiho, Minato’s best friend.

“Ah, she’s here.”

Following Machida’s gaze, I looked at the entrance.

Chestnut-colored medium hair curled loosely inward, under her neatly trimmed bangs, round red-rimmed glasses. Behind them her bright slanted eyes scanned the room quickly. Her round outline and her short height contributed to her cute appearance. She had the impression of a quiet yet gorgeous girl.

She was a friend of Minato’s so she was quite noticeable. No, that has nothing to do with this.

She dropped her bag at her seat and immediately joined Minato. Like Minato, she joined the conversation.

Perhaps because of her arrival, Minato became more relaxed.

“Fujimiya-san is kinda cute too–. Actually, she’s more of my type,” daydreamed Machida.

“She’s pretty. And she seems to be strong-willed too.”

She’s calm and serene, but somehow I feel that way. The quiet fervor type?

“That’s the best part〜. That plainess was exquisite, ahhh. She’s always next to Yuzuki-san, so she doesn’t stand out, but I think she could rise to Plus Four if she wants to.”

“Hmm. Flus Four, huh.”

Well, by popularity, she seems to fare better than Hiura. But if it’s just looks then they’re a good match.

“Ahhh. I want to get the Angel’s letter too–. And then, you know, with Fijimiya-san–” his daydream continued.

“Machida… do you believe in those rumors?”

“Well, isn’t it interesting! Besides, it seems authentic. By my feeling, that is.”

“Hmph. That’s unexpected.”

Thanks, Machida. But well, I don’t plan to send a letter to you. For various reasons.

“Hehh–. You’re those unbelievers?”

“I’m with those uninterested guys.”

“The most boring of all choices–”

I’m sorry for being boring. But I’m safest with this stance, as the Angel himself.

After that, nothing of note happened and the first period came around.

For today, no, for a while, I will continue this kind of monitoring.

Heavy footed, I left class seven. Before I duck out, I glanced at Minato. Secretly, we nodded encouragingly to each other.

◆　◆　◆ 

The same day, I left my class and visited her during lunch break. While making random responses to Machida’s prattling, I watched her. 

She was probably aware of me and she was properly interacting with a variety of people. As serious as ever.

“Yuzuki-san doesn’t belong to any club, right? So what are you doing at home?” One of the boys asked with keen interest.

A group of three boys, five including Minato and Fujimiya, were engaging in a small talk.

“U-umm… Well, the usual. Reading books, watching TV shows, and so on.”

“Hm? Watching TV shows? That’s unexpected,”

“R-really?”

“Yup, Yup. You look like the type to only read books–” Another guy agreed.

Yeah, I think the same thing too. And she’s probably studying too, but she’s not saying it.

“But, you go out with me often, don’t you?” This time, it was Fujimiya. Hugging Minato’s arm, she joined the conversation with a smile on her face.

“By the way, you two get along well. You were in the same class last year?”

“Yup. Minato here doesn’t have many friends, so I’m quite worried about not being together.”

“Hey, stop it, Shiho!”