Chapter 4

♤♤♤

【Tsuchiya Bunta】

 

“Good morning. Thank you for the handkerchief. This is to apologize.”

“Good morning. Thank you for the handkerchief. This is to apologize.”

“Good morning. Thank you for the handkerchief. This is to apologize.”

 

Late at night. In my room. I was rehearsing in front of the mirror for tomorrow.

How could a guy with communication issues like me keep it together in front of the Saint-sama?

Wringing out what little brains I had, I arrived at one answer.

Prepare my words in advance and practice saying them over and over.

When I make contact with the target, focus all my concentration solely on executing predetermined actions.

Completely ignore ‘thinking on my feet’—a concept that never existed in my vocabulary to begin with. Throw out all improvisation too.

This way, I shouldn’t lose my composure.

 

I also bought a white-based handkerchief as an apology.

The strategy was to casually hand over this item in a shopping bag, then immediately retreat.

Even the Saint-sama would probably prefer starting with a greeting rather than having someone talk to her over-familiarly.

For me too, being able to fully concentrate on a short exchange would be helpful.

 

Not a bad plan, if I do say so myself…

The goal was to get the Saint-sama to revise her evaluation of me upward.

I wanted to graduate from being an incomprehensible alien or walking sludge.

Watch me transform! First, I’ll greet her! I’ll do it properly!

With determination in my heart, I got into bed.

I probably don’t need to say this, but I couldn’t sleep a wink from the nerves.

And because of that, I—

 

【Omotekawa Yui】

 

Late at night. In my room. I was checking my condition in front of the mirror while thinking things through.

Tomorrow, Otaku-kun would definitely call out to me to return the handkerchief.

Now then, what should I do to him?

I recalled when I’d spoken to him in Ura-chan mode.

“…Oh, it’s just you, Urakawa-san,” he said?

This is a first. No one’s ever made such a fool of me before.

 

If that’s how he wants to play it, then I’m going all out too. With my final form—Omote-chan.

Otaku-kun was probably expecting just a light greeting.

And then, when a certain someone’s sweet angel suggests,

“Since we have the chance, why don’t we talk?”

When I suggested this…

 

For Otaku-kun, who’d accepted the sample role but hadn’t received a single piece of advice, his mind going completely blank would be inevitable.

Hehe. He’s really so fun to tease, or rather, he gives me exactly the reactions I want.

Well, he never disappoints.

Ahh, I wish it were time to commute already.

I suppressed my eager feelings and got into bed.

With a grin plastered on my face, I drifted off into dreamland.

Just you wait, Otaku-kun. I’ll appear before you as the ultimate Saint-sama.

 

〇●〇

 

The stage: inside a train car.

The actors: Otaku-kun and me, the Saint-sama.

Objectively speaking, we’re complete opposites in every way, right?

A supporting character and the protagonist. An ordinary male student and me with my distinguished status.

A guy who just wants to finish with a greeting (and be alone) versus a girl who wants to engage fully and enjoy his reactions (talk to him).

This is what you’d call the push and pull between a man and woman, right?

He never would’ve dreamed that on his first day as a commoner sample, he’d be commuting to school with the Saint-sama.

Letting my predatory gaze wander, I spotted Otaku-kun with his head down. I erased my presence and crept closer.

Hehehe…

Just as I was about to sit next to him to give him a good scare, I witnessed a shocking truth.

 

Huh, whaaat?! I can’t believe this! I thought he was hanging his head from nerves, but he’s totally passed out!!

Th-this guy!?

Blacking out on the first day as a commoner sample! That’s seriously beyond what I imagined!

I can’t tease Otaku-kun like this! And it’s not like I can forcibly shake him awake either. Ugh, this is way too disappointing—!?

 

—Wait, hold on. Disappointing? Did I just think ‘disappointing’? No way! That would mean I was looking forward to seeing him!?

It’s not like that! Let me put it this way… yeah! I just wanted to heal Otaku-kun with my perfect appearance.

Selfless love! It’s charity work!

Wake up—wake up and look at me, Otaku-kun! Your sweet angel is already on board!?

As usual, Otaku-kun had no idea the Saint-sama was paying attention to him.

Well, of course not. What he’s looking at are dreams. Sleeping soundly, good grief.

Time mercilessly passed, and the exit station was approaching soon. The announcement began flowing through the car.

No way, seriously… he really didn’t wake up the entire time—!!

Unbelievable! This is seriously unbelievable! I woke up early to create the perfect Omote-chan!

As I looked down, trying to suppress my anger and frustration,

 

Hm?

A shopping bag entered my field of vision.

It seemed too small to be for luggage… and the design looked totally impractical for a guy to carry around.

“…Mm, apology, is.”

“!?”

 

My heart jumped at Otaku-kun’s voice.

I quickly checked on him, and he was breathing peacefully in his sleep.

Oh, it’s just sleep talk… don’t scare me like that.

Still, an apology? Does that mean he was trying to give me something—!?

 

I lowered my gaze to the “something” visible through the gap in the shopping bag.

Through the opening, I could see a small square box.

The transparent film on the surface let me see what was inside.

Inside was fabric? —Wait, it’s a new handkerchief! Huh, no way! Did he go out of his way to buy this for me!?

Wow, I’m actually really happy! Wake up—! Wake up, Otaku-kun! There’s still barely enough time!

 

I was desperate not because of a hungry spirit of taking what I could get, but because I’d imagined the process.

Considering Otaku-kun’s personality, it wasn’t hard to imagine him agonizing over choosing a handkerchief.

Maybe he’d even practiced how to hand it over.

No, I’m sure he did.

Maybe even late into the night.

Could that even be the reason he fell asleep on the spot?

The way he’s gripping the shopping bag as if he’d never let it go really conveys the weight of his feelings.

 

…Ahh, fine. I’ll let it slide this once.

Because,

—I can see him anytime from now on anyway.

 

His sleeping face… yeah, it’s kinda cute.

Oh! Maybe I should get one more apology out of this.

I took out my ultra-high-definition camera smartphone 【For Ura-chan】. And snapped a pic of his sleeping face.

When Otaku-kun realizes he overslept, he’ll probably be really down, so today Ura-chan will cheer him up—wait, hold on? I might’ve just thought of something fun.

 

【Tsuchiya Bunta】

 

After school, having finished my part-time job, I was feeling down on the train home.

I did it again…!

Falling asleep the very day after accepting the sample role…!

Just how much of a background character am I!?

Making a blunder in front of the Saint-sama → getting depressed → getting reamed out by Urakawa-san.

Isn’t this becoming way too much of a set pattern!?

If my prediction is correct, what comes next is Urakawa-san appearing after hearing from the Saint-sama that I was dead asleep.

Which means I’ll receive a baptism of sharp tongue, sharp tongue, scolding, sharp tongue, teasing, and encouragement.

Nooooooooo!!

I can easily imagine Urakawa-san with that cackling demon smile on her face.

For an otaku, getting attention from a gyaru who’s a total knockout is in some ways a reward, but unfortunately, she’s also in a mentor position. Words like drill sergeant and tough-as-nails instructor come to mind.

How should I express this feeling? Even though I don’t dislike her at all (in fact, I only have positive feelings), it takes courage to face her.

Like a grandpa who lectures you harshly but has love behind it?

No, comparing a gyaru to a grandpa is weird.

 

“May I sit next to you?”

 

She’s heeeeere!!

Out of sheer terror, without even looking up, I responded, “Please go easy on me.”

Then I felt something off.

 

—May I sit next to you?

 

Huh? May I sit next to you? Why the polite speech!?

And also, the voice sounded different from usual—

The moment I noticed something was off and looked up,

 

 

“Then excuse me.”

“(Whooooaaaaa!)”

I desperately held back and swallowed the scream that almost burst out.

My eyes nearly popped out from the sheer shock. Wh-wh-wh-what’s going on!?

Why is the Saint-sama here—!?

Normally Urakawa-san would be here! That gyaru with the questionable personality!

Whyyyy???? What on earth is happening!?

Ah, wait, I get it. A dream. I’m in a dream.

Wake up! You’re under attack! This is a dream! Wake up and fight…!

 

“I’m sorry for appearing so suddenly. Was I bothering you?”

“Nosh ach aaaaall!”

 

My tongue died! Actually, this is real! Definitely real! Because she smells amazing!

Whooooaaaaa!

This is bad! I’m gonna get purified by the aura emanating from her entire body!

 

“Wh-why is the Saint-sama here?”

“Saint-sama… are you referring to me?”

 

Aaaah crap!!!! My brain can’t keep up with this sudden good fortune that’s fallen upon me!

Thanks to that, I called her Saint-sama right to her face…!

Did I totally turn her off…!

“I-I’ve been calling you that in my head without permission…”

My face is so hot I feel like steam is rising from it.

Well, of course it is. My five senses are screaming in front of this overwhelming amount of information.

Just a glance reveals lustrous hair and beauty I can’t look at directly. Ugh, blinding!

When I focus on my sense of smell, there’s that sweet scent unique to girls. The 【Healing】 aura radiating from her entire body seeps into my uniform, promoting blood circulation.

I can feel my skin rejoicing.

 

“To Otaku-san, I’m your ‘healing’, right?”

“Bwuho!?”

 

The unexpected statement left me speechless.

“Oh, was I wrong? I heard that from Ura-chan.”

“Geho… geho, no, you’re right. I’ve been selfishly healed by you.”

M-Master!? Don’t tell me you told the Saint-sama that I’ve been getting 【Healed】 by her!?

That’s terrible! This is too much!

I vowed to protest to Urakawa-san. This topic is problematic in various ways, so I changed the subject.

“S-so, um… why is the Saint-sama on this train?”

“Fufu. So you really do call me that.”

The Saint-sama brought her hand to her mouth and smiled as if amused.

Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The preciousness went full circle and now has destructive power that might cause cardiac arrest!!!! I can’t look directly at her!

This is truly a finishing move!

So healing power, when it breaks through the heavens, becomes lethal damage, huh!

 

“This morning, did you know that it was Ura-chan, not me, who boarded the usual car?”

“Huh!?”

 

I didn’t know! I had no idea! I mean, the moment I boarded, I immediately fell asleep!

“That reaction—so you didn’t know. Ura-chan was fuming that Otaku-san lacks awareness as a sample. It was hard to calm her down, you know?”

“I apologize for the trouble…”

I had no idea that this morning it was Urakawa-san, not the Saint-sama, who boarded the train…

Maybe she had some advice for my sample role or something she forgot to tell me.

The mercy of the Saint-sama who calmed her down… I wish Urakawa-san would learn from her.

Also,

“So you’ve already heard about the sample thing. Are you sure I’m really good enough?”

“Yes. I heard from Ura-chan that you’d be fine. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

A ladylike smile. The Saint-sama’s trust in her best friend is incredible.

I need to stay sharp so I don’t disgrace Urakawa-san, who selected me.

“So the person who instructed me to board this train was—”

“—Yes. Of course it was Ura-chan.”

As aggressive as ever.

“She told me to show you this.”

So saying, the Saint-sama took out her smartphone and showed me a photo displayed on the screen.

While feeling flustered by getting closer to the Saint-sama, I looked at the photo displayed—

“—I’ve been secretly photographed!”

There, my sleeping face was captured in all its glory.

What does it mean that this photo is saved on the Saint-sama’s smartphone?

That gyaru who’s harsh on otaku…! Not only did she secretly photograph my dopey sleeping face, she even sent it to the Saint-sama!

This grudge shall not go unavenged!!

“It’s funny, isn’t it?”

“Funny!?”

Huh? Did you just say funny!?

Like ‘he looks funny, right? Crazy, isn’t it? He’s sleeping’—is that what you mean!?!?!?!?

Way too merciless!

“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

“Didn’t mean to!?”

Even if—or rather, definitely—she’s pretty merciless. I see, so Urakawa-san’s whole sample thing suddenly makes a lot of sense.

She’s playful, or maybe naturally airheaded, or I can see why she’s close with Urakawa-san.

“Um… are you disillusioned with me?”

“Disillusioned? Why would I be?”

“Because I might be different from the kind of girl Otaku-san imagined.”

“I’m not disillusioned at all. If anything, I’m honored.”

“Honored…?”

The Saint-sama tilted her head, looking puzzled.

“Just being able to catch a glimpse of you was enough, yet now we’re having a conversation like this. If you’re different from what I imagined, doesn’t that mean I’m being allowed closer to your true self? That’s why I’m honored.”

“…I see. Then what if my true nature was exactly like Ura-chan’s?”

“Ehhh!?”

Another curveball. With that appearance and manner of speaking, her inside is like Urakawa-san…? I can’t really imagine it. Anyone would see them as complete opposites.

“To be honest, um, I think I wouldn’t be able to hide my surprise. Like I wouldn’t be able to process it.”

“…I see.”

A response I couldn’t read the emotion in. The Saint-sama and Urakawa-san are best friends. They’re completely comfortable with each other.

Saying things like I wouldn’t be able to hide my surprise or I wouldn’t be able to process it doesn’t exactly sound positive.

“But I wouldn’t feel betrayed.”

“Huh? Doesn’t that contradict your reaction?”

The gaze directed at the Saint-sama asked “why?” I continued.

“Well, feeling betrayed means you had expectations to begin with. Not to be misunderstood, but I don’t have any expectations of the Saint-sama whatsoever.”

“Ehhh!?”

Now it was the Saint-sama’s turn to react as if she hadn’t expected that.

“I just happened to catch sight of you and was selfishly healed by that, nothing more, nothing less. That’s why even if I’m surprised by a side of you I didn’t know at first, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Actually, more than that—”

I recalled Urakawa-san’s behavior.

To be honest, even though it feels like she mostly treats me like a toy,

 

“Talking with Urakawa-san is actually pretty fun, y’know. Maybe it’s because I’m admittedly passive by nature. I think it’s because the dynamic between us is so clear. So—”

 

A breath.

“If the Saint-sama had a personality like Urakawa-san’s, it might actually be lucky for me.”

“That means—”

A gaze mixed with doubt.

After finishing, I felt embarrassed about what I’d said without shame.

I sounded like I was saying something profound, but there wasn’t much substance, and more than anything, doesn’t this way of putting it make it sound like I have romantic feelings for Urakawa-san as a member of the opposite sex?

As usual, it’s an otaku-brain way of thinking, but I’m also serving as a sample right now.

If the Saint-sama misunderstood and tried to support something between me and Urakawa-san, it could develop into a complicated love triangle—!?

 

“—So Otaku-san is an M.”

 

What was that?

Um, uh, huh, did I mishear? Just when I thought we were headed straight for rom-com territory, I got hit with words from totally out of left field.

Did I have dirt clogged in my ears?

Fortunately, it was in a whisper that only I could hear, so there was no cold reaction from people around us. Still, my head went blank from that out-there statement.

“Um, what did you just say?”

“Huh? Did I mess up again?”

This isn’t some isekai.

“It’s a term used when you’re compatible with an assertive member of the opposite sex, right? I heard that from Ura-chan.”

Urakawa-san, I now fully understand your troubles. A sheltered young lady. A girl raised in a bubble. I see. That’s why a sample is necessary.

“No, ‘M’ means—”

The moment I realized I was about to convey the accurate meaning, I quickly shut my mouth.

Wait wait wait!? What was I about to say!? Of all things, was I about to teach the Saint-sama herself about the concept of S&M? Am I suicidal!

This is a trap!

If I give the Saint-sama biased knowledge right after accepting the sample role.

I can vividly picture Urakawa-san getting seriously pissed.

“Could there be a meaning I don’t know? Please tell me, Otaku-san. I’m curious.”

Why are you curious about that? Also, I’ve heard that line somewhere before.

No good, my retorts are starting to pile up…!

“Well, um… it’s hard for me to explain, or rather, if you’re curious, it’d be better if you asked Urakawa-san again…”

Ultimate move: pass the buck! I’m sorry, Urakawa-san! If you’re gonna resent someone, resent the pure and innocent Saint-sama!

“Geez. You won’t tell me either, Otaku-san.”

The Saint-sama with a pouty face. That upward glance had enough power to nearly send me to heaven.

“As a trade for that, how about this—!”

I rather forcefully presented the shopping bag to the Saint-sama.

“What’s this?”

“It’s an apology for dirtying your handkerchief yesterday. If you’d like, please accept it.”

Even though I’d fallen into dreamland this morning, the results of my repeated practice showed. The words came out smoothly.

“You really don’t need to worry about it that much, but… are you sure?”

“Yes. Please.”

“Then I’ll gratefully accept. May I look inside?”

“Of course.”

My heart was pounding loudly. Actually, this apology has another purpose.

“Huh? There are two new handkerchiefs…?”

“The white-based handkerchief is for the Saint-sama. The other one, the black handkerchief, well, this is a bit presumptuous to ask, but could you perhaps give it to Urakawa-san?”

“Huh, to Ura-chan?”

The Saint-sama looked more surprised than I’d imagined.

Saying it’s an apology while making a request is extremely rude, so it’s a natural reaction.

“I don’t have any ulterior motives, okay?”

“Please calm down. Your eyes are darting around.”

When I decided to apologize to the Saint-sama, I also decided to buy something as thanks for Urakawa-san.

After all, the fact that I’m currently in this blessed situation is entirely thanks to that gyaru who’s harsh on otaku.

“As you know, Urakawa-san is really caring, isn’t she?”

“Fufu. Thank you very much.”

The Saint-sama looked happy. It was a smile that just slipped out.

Still, ‘thank you very much,’ huh? Getting thanked for praising her best friend—they really are tight, aren’t they?

“Being able to talk with the Saint-sama like this is also because she pushed me forward, so I’m more grateful than I can express.”

“…Give me more.”

“Give you more?”

With both hands covering her mouth, she leaned in—unexpectedly eager!

A-are you really that happy…?

“What do you think of Ura-chan, from Otaku-san’s perspective?”

“What do I think, as in?”

“Her appearance and looks. I’m asking about your preferences.”

Ugh… This is another hard question to answer. Please don’t look at me with those sparkling curious eyes!

“Well—”

“—Don’t worry. Of course I’ll keep it secret. I’m pretty tight-lipped, you see.”

“Please absolutely keep this between us. Sh-she’s a beautiful person, yes…”

“I see. What do you think of her figure?”

“Figure!?”

“I’m curious.”

Don’t say you’re curious about that—I want to retort. You’re coming on pretty strong despite appearances.

Even though she’s a young lady, could she actually love this kind of topic? Maybe because of her position and people’s eyes, she can’t casually ask about these things normally?

Like, if it’s a sample brought by Urakawa-san, she can ask without worry?

No, maybe the Saint-sama is trying to determine whether I’m worthy of hanging around with Urakawa-san.

I need to stay sharp.

 

“…Her legs are long and she looks like a model, doesn’t she?”

“Got it!”

“Got it!?”

Got what!? What did you get!?

 

“When she crosses her legs, you don’t know where to look, noted.”

“I absolutely didn’t say that! Um, please don’t say that in front of her, she’ll think I’m creepy, okay?”

“…Hehe.”

“No, not ‘hehe’—”

“Do you want me to keep it secret?”

“You didn’t say anything, but if you’re going to make stuff up, then yes, please.”

“I have one condition.”

“A trade?”

What’s this feeling? I sense an atmosphere somewhat similar to Urakawa-san’s.

Could it be I’ve been certified as a teasing sample?

Well, if she’s having fun, whatever. I’d been longing for exchanges like this anyway.

It was a dream come true.

Honestly, this situation is way too enjoyable for a male student you can find anywhere.

The subjective experience of time had gotten shorter. The arrival announcement began flowing through the car.

 

“Starting tomorrow, will you be my conversation partner?”

 

The Saint-sama smiled mischievously. I was momentarily dazed, not understanding what she’d said.

But I had to affirm this or I’d die with regrets, so,

“O-of course.”

“Thank you for the handkerchief. I’ll pass it along to Ura-chan too. Well then, see you tomorrow.”

“Ah, yes. See you tomorrow.”

While seeing off the Saint-sama’s back as she bowed and got off, I savored the reality.

—See you tomorrow, huh.

I never imagined I’d make such a promise with a girl I’d been content just to glimpse.

I feel like I can’t thank that gyaru who’s harsh on otaku enough.

This time the handkerchief was given indirectly, but I need to properly express my gratitude.

Life really is full of surprises, isn’t it?

 

【Omotekawa Yui】

 

“May I sit next to you?”

 

Having been stood up by someone sleeping on the day after becoming a sample, I decided to attack as Omote-chan to surprise Otaku-kun.

Otaku-kun’s breathing stopped at Omote-chan’s assault. No, literally, without exaggeration.

Hey, you okay? Did your consciousness fly away? Come baaack!

A reaction that made me want to wave my hand in front of his face. As always, so fun to tease.

“I’m sorry for appearing so suddenly. Was I bothering you?”

“Nosh ach aaaaall!”

As expected, tongue-tied. I could see his head wasn’t working at all.

Hmm. So this appearance is that good to him.

Good, good. What a lovable fellow. I’ll forgive that comment about being used to seeing Ura-chan (my true self). Be grateful for my generous heart.

 

Wait, is that steam coming off him?

How embarrassed can you get?

“Wh-why is the Saint-sama here?”

“Saint-sama… are you referring to me?”

“I-I’ve been calling you that in my head without permission…”

Otaku-kun confessed while embarrassed.

…Oh? Oh ho ho. You’re giving me tempting reactions. This makes teasing unavoidable.

“To Otaku-san, I’m your ‘healing’, right?”

“Bwuho!?”

Nyahaha. He sputtered. He’s probably screaming internally.

Never would he dream that what he revealed to 【Ura】me, 【Omote】 the Saint-sama knows about.

Sorry, but of course it’s leaked. Because we’re the same person lol.

“S-so, um… why is the Saint-sama on this train?”

“This morning, did you know that it was Ura-chan, not me, who boarded the usual car?”

“Huh!?”

“That reaction—so you didn’t know. Ura-chan was fuming that Otaku-san lacks awareness as a sample. It was hard to calm her down, you know?”

“I apologize for the trouble…”

It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m not bothered at all about him sleeping. Not one bit, not even a little, not in the slightest.

I’ll let it go if you entertain me from now on.

Otaku-kun bowed his head deeply and then looked up.

“So you’ve already heard about the sample thing. Are you sure I’m really good enough?”

“Yes. I heard from Ura-chan that you’d be fine. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“So the person who instructed me to board this train was—”

“—Yes. Of course it was Ura-chan.”

I pushed through the lie that it was Ura-chan who boarded the train this morning.

Because this is way more convenient. It’d be hard to make it seem like the Saint-sama took that secret photo, right?

It also serves as a reason why Omote-chan is riding this car.

 

Now then. Let’s get to the fun part.

“She told me to show you this.”

“—I’ve been secretly photographed!”

What I showed him was a smartphone image—Otaku-kun’s sleeping face.

Ahahaha, that’s the first time I’ve heard such a spirited retort from him.

Of course your eyes would nearly pop out. When it’s presented by none other than the Saint-sama herself.

“It’s funny, isn’t it?”

“Funny!?”

Ah, no no. I meant Otaku-kun’s reactions and retorts, the back-and-forth is funny.

I bet he took it as ‘funny (sleeping) face,’ didn’t he?

I could correct him right away, but… since we’re here, why don’t I ask about something I’m curious about?

“Um… are you disillusioned with me?”

“Disillusioned? Why would I be?”

“Because I might be different from the kind of girl Otaku-san imagined.”

“I’m not disillusioned at all. If anything, I’m honored.”

“Honored…?”

“Just being able to catch a glimpse of you was enough, yet now we’re having a conversation like this. If you’re different from what I imagined, doesn’t that mean I’m being allowed closer to your true self? That’s why I’m honored.”

Honored, huh?

From observing his gaze, movements, and expressions, he doesn’t seem to be lying.

To begin with, Otaku-kun isn’t the type who can calmly say things he doesn’t mean in this situation. Which means he’s serious.

So then—what would you think if Omote-chan’s true nature was Ura-chan?

 

“…I see. Then what if my true nature was exactly like Ura-chan’s?”

“To be honest, um, I think I wouldn’t be able to hide my surprise. Like I wouldn’t be able to process it.”

“…I see.”

 

I see…

Even for Otaku-kun, if the girl he likes turned out different from who he thought she was, he wouldn’t be able to process it, huh?

Well, of course. But it’s a bit disappointing.

 

“But I wouldn’t feel betrayed.”

“Huh? Doesn’t that contradict your reaction?”

 

Surprised but not disappointed? What does that mean?

“Well, feeling betrayed means you had expectations to begin with. Not to be misunderstood, but I don’t have any expectations of the Saint-sama whatsoever.”

“Ehhh!?”

 

“I just happened to catch sight of you and was selfishly healed by that, nothing more, nothing less. That’s why even if I’m surprised by a side of you I didn’t know at first, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Actually, more than that—talking with Urakawa-san is actually pretty fun, y’know. Maybe it’s because I’m admittedly passive by nature. I think it’s because the dynamic between us is so clear. So—”

“If the Saint-sama had a personality like Urakawa-san’s, it might actually be lucky for me.”

 

…

……

………

Ahh, this is bad. I’m happy. Getting a bit validated and I can’t stop grinning—that’s way too easy.

Wow, it really hit me hard.

No good. My face really won’t go back to normal.

To hide my agitation, I decided to change the subject. Even I know that was a terrible way to deflect.

“—So Otaku-san is an M.”

“No, ‘M’ means—”

He started to say something but hurriedly closed his mouth.

Earlier I took a hit from an unexpected angle, so now it’s my turn.

What goes around comes around. Role reversal! Just kidding.

“Could there be a meaning I don’t know? Please tell me, Otaku-san. I’m curious.”

“Well, um… it’s hard for me to explain, or rather, if you’re curious, it’d be better if you asked Urakawa-san again…”

“Geez. You won’t tell me either, Otaku-san.”

Otaku-kun avoided the crisis by passing everything to Ura-chan since he was reluctant to explain.

You coward…!

 

“As a trade for that, how about this—!”

“What’s this?”

“It’s an apology for dirtying your handkerchief yesterday. If you’d like, please accept it.”

“You really don’t need to worry about it that much, but… are you sure?”

“Yes. Please.”

“Then I’ll gratefully accept. May I look inside?”

“Of course.”

“Huh? There are two new handkerchiefs…?”

“The white-based handkerchief is for the Saint-sama. The other one, the black handkerchief, well, this is a bit presumptuous to ask, but could you perhaps give it to Urakawa-san?”

“Huh, to Ura-chan?”

Whoa, a surprise attack! Don’t steal my signature move!

Though I’m thinking that, well, I’m happy, y’know? There’s no way I wouldn’t be happy.

 

“I don’t have any ulterior motives, okay?”

“Please calm down. Your eyes are darting around.”

“As you know, Urakawa-san is really caring, isn’t she?”

“Fufu. Thank you very much.”

“Being able to talk with the Saint-sama like this is also because she pushed me forward, so I’m more grateful than I can express.”

Caring? Well, if there’s a desperate guy in front of me, I’ll lend a hand a little.

Plus, Otaku-kun doesn’t try to turn things romantic.

Compliments from guys who are conscious of me as a member of the opposite sex—I just can’t take them at face value somehow, they seem fishy. They’re not even a little bit, not at all happy to hear.

Otaku-kun isn’t complimenting me as a member of the opposite sex, but as Omotekawa Yui, as a person.

So, well, I’m gonna want more, y’know?

 

“…Give me more.”

“Give you more?”

“What do you think of Ura-chan, from Otaku-san’s perspective?”

“What do I think, as in?”

“Her appearance and looks. I’m asking about your preferences.”

“Well—”

“—Don’t worry. Of course I’ll keep it secret. I’m pretty tight-lipped, you see.”

“Please absolutely keep this between us. Sh-she’s a beautiful person, yes…”

 

Ohhh. Oh ho ho. Nothing comes from compliments, but that’s not a bad answer.

I seee.

What, for someone who said “Oh, it’s just you, Urakawa-san,” his heart was pounding internally. Sorry for being beautiful.

Asking about appearance and looks to a member of the opposite sex is something I’d absolutely never normally do, but… with Otaku-kun, he won’t misunderstand like “I’ve got a chance” or start hitting on me.

 

“I see. What do you think of her figure?”

“Figure!?”

“I’m curious.”

“…Her legs are long and she looks like a model, doesn’t she?”

“Got it!”

“Got it!?”

 

Ahh, getting reactions that are purely fun to tease is actually enjoyable.

Long legs and looks like a model, huh? I see.

Man, I’m jealous.

I’m jealous of Otaku-kun who gets to be messed with by a beautiful gyaru with a killer figure.

“When she crosses her legs, you don’t know where to look, noted.”

“I absolutely didn’t say that! Um, please don’t say that in front of her, she’ll think I’m creepy, okay?”

“…Hehe.”

“No, not ‘hehe’—”

“Do you want me to keep it secret?”

“You didn’t say anything, but if you’re going to make stuff up, then yes, please.”

“I have one condition.”

“A trade?”

“Starting tomorrow, will you be my conversation partner?”

A reward for Otaku-kun who bravely gave me a handkerchief.

I’ll have him become Omote-chan’s first male friend.

As expected, he couldn’t process what he’d been told.

What’s with that dazed face? Shouldn’t you be like, ‘with pleasure!’?

“O-of course.”

“Thank you for the handkerchief. I’ll pass it along to Ura-chan too. Well then, see you tomorrow.”

“Ah, yes. See you tomorrow.”

 

After expressing thanks for the handkerchief, I got off. Still, see you tomorrow, huh?

Hmm, not bad. No, actually pretty good even.

Ahaha… I wonder what I should try tomorrow.

Commuting might not be boring for a while, I’m thinking.