Kagerou Days II -a headphone actor-

Chapter 1: Headphone Actor I

Only my shadow and I stood frozen in the corridor during sunset.
Before, I had been listening to music broadcasted by a radio from the headphones around my
neck.
But now, all I can hear is noise, along with something sounding like a person's voice.
The feeling the voice gave was different from before, so I put on my headphones, curious, to listen.
The buzzing noise began to slowly form words.
It sounded like some news interview from some country's president.
The sound was sort of like a performance from the way the voice would exaggerate at some parts,
and a slightly delayed translation played at the same time.
Other noise and static was mixed in, but I could make out some parts. "....very
unfortunate..thing....world is ending.......today...!"
After these words, I could hear much screaming in gibberish that I couldn't understand.
Even if I removed my headphones, the chaos outside was shown so clearly that it hurt.
Through the red-stained glass window, the crescent moon was floating gently in the purple sky. It
was covered by so many birds that it looked like a cluster of black ants had obscured the moon.
I wonder what I had been doing up to now.
I had an odd feeling that I'd been talking to someone a few minutes ago, but now I couldn't
remember.
"...It's surely a joke...."
I whispered, trying to persuade myself while opening a window of the corridor. Once the window
was open, I heard a loud siren and the shouts and cries of people.
The noise and chaos became louder and louder until it covered the entire city.
My lips shake as my teeth begin chattering.
I am alone.
No one else is here anymore.
Soon I will also disappear.
My heart pounded faster as tears fell onto my cheek.
I hate being alone. Being alone is scary.
I put on the soundproof headphones again to try and block out the sounds of despair and isolate
myself from them.
Now the radio stopped, and there was nothing but noise.
"....Should I just give up on everything....."
The minute I murmured that,I could've sworn I'd heard something.

After listening more carefully, I realized that there was a voice talking to me.
And soon I realized.
It was none other than my own voice.
"Can you hear me? You still have a place you want to go to, and something important to say, don't
you?"
I couldn't recall what those things were.
But, even so, I still understood the meaning behind the words.
"It's alright, just trust me. If you can reach that hill, then you'll learn how important this is, even if
you don't want to. If you stay here, you'll definitely disappear. Hey"
I took a deep breath as I wiped away my tears that were threatening to fall again.
"You want to survive, yes?"
The world ended that day.
With my own voice as my guide, I ran with all my strength on the trembling ground.

Chapter 1.5: Yuukei Yesterday I

I woke to the piercing sound of my alarm.

Fumbling, I stretched my hand out trying to find the alarm clock.
I turn off the alarm, then checked the time. I sighed.
This is strange. No, this is really, really, strange. It is definitely strange.
I mean, I should've slept for around eleven hours.

So, why am I still so sleepy? This is so not fair. Even though I had to pay my beautiful high school
girl "Late-Night Time" as the price, the satisfaction I got in return was way to small.
Something wasn't right. Are you saying I'm not beautiful enough...? But then again, when I'm
awake I'll just play that online game, but I still paid the price.

A sense of fatigue flows through my body, "Stop! If you don't sleep more, you're gonna die. Think
about it again!" the danger signal is flashed.
My brain receive the warning and starts thinking of a strategy to stay in the comfortable futon.

For example, Strategy 1: Fake Illness

Right now, I'm living with just my grandmother. If I tell her, "I don't feel so good today, so..." I
should be able to skip school pretty easily.
I'll feel bad about lying to my grandmother, but it can't be helped.

But this strategy isn't good at all.

Saying, "I don't feel so good..." isn't very smart, since my grandmother will immediately send me to
the hospital.
Ugh, therell be a medical examination, and then Ill be hospitalized When I think of this, a chill
runs down my spine.
Also, I won't be able to play my game in the ward, and I don't want to spend my time doing nothing.
The thing is, everyones just worried. Even with this illness, I dont think its that life threatening.
Everyones just overreacting.
My late grandfather was perhaps most nervous, and was always worried about my sickness. He
pulled a lot of strings to make sure the high school Im entering this year will treat me with great
caution.
...Well, I guess if I suddenly collapse in the classroom with a crash, it'll be troublesome to the
people around me. Most of all, it'd be embarrasing.
Thinking about it, this current situation is probably the best.
I've lived thinking like this for half a year. I still haven't made any real friends, not that I really
care so much about it.

Anyway, after all these problems, Strategy 1 is a failure.

The time it took to compute all this was about two minutes. Considering the law of the speed that
time elapses in the morning, it would probably be said that my speed of thinking was
overwhelmingly fast.
Strategy 2: Actually, school is closed today.

I could tell my grandmother that school was closed today... but now that I think about it, yesterday
evening, when she asked me,Should I make you a bento tomorrow? I remember replying, Yep, I
want to eat tamagoyaki!
...Im such an idiot! Why tamagoyaki!?! Instead of a bento, I should've asked for an "Extended
Sleeping Hours" ticked or something. Although something like that doesn't exist.

Almost contrary to my thoughts, the wonderful smell of eggs wafted up to my room. In reply to
yesterday's request, "Chef Grandmother" was surely making my bento wholeheartedly.

Feeling guilty for trying to find an excuse to skip school, I sigh. "Ugh.." I wonder how much trouble I
am for my grandmother to take care of me....?

Turning around, I dive back into my futon for a while, resetting my thoughts.

...Even so, I can't help but wonder how she manages to wake up so early everyday like a clock. I
can't help wondering if she's some kind of super precise computer. Literally, a computer
grandmother...
While I was thinking about such silly nonesense, I could hear the creaking noise of footsteps
as someone walked up the stairs. This sound combined with this old wooden building created a
horror movie-like atmosphere, scaring me. No, this was definitely somebody arriving to wake me
up.
I instantly cover myself with my futon, and attempt to find one more strategy to resist.
Ah Theres no more time Strategy 3 Strategy Strate
How long are you going to sleep for!! Hurry up and get ready before youre late!!!
Uuuuhh...aahh...!

Mission Failed.
As the freakishly bright sunlight flashes from the window through my curtains, mentally, I imagine
red letters flashing: GAME OVER
Late mid-autumn weather.
The hot, heat haze shimmering, summer days soon ended as autumn passed and the landscape
of the school started to look completely like winter instead.
Winter clothes have also seemed to have gotten in fashion. Images of girls and boys wearing
sweaters while talking to each other flash by my vision.

While showing my blunt disgust towards those students while completely shutting off their
conversation that set on the edge of my teeth, I head to the school in silence. I, Enomoto Takane,
was in a very bad mood.
But this probably wasn't something worth mentioning. This was my default.
Because of my habit of staying up late at night, when I was woken by the sun, I'd get irritated by
my drowsiness.
Once the afternoon came around, I would be irritated by the attitude of my classmates and
teachers.

Because of that, I always had an annoyed expression in my eyes, and I was often asked, Are you
angry?
And each time, I would get irritated again; it was a vicious cycle.
Although that made me seem silly and frivolous, and like I spent all my time fooling around, I didnt
think my personality would become like that, nor did I want it to.
Becoming irritated at such a stupid delusion of my own future, I trudged on towards school in my
usual grumpy mood.
However, because the distance from home to school was rather close, there wasnt any need to
use the bus or the train, or better said, it didn't help anyone.
At any rate, I never bothered using any strength to get to school. I preferred sleeping until the last
minute.
Because of that, in the time that would probably be spent rushing to transfer lines in the train
commute to school, today as well, I could leisurely wake up, and easily pass through the school
gates fourteen minutes before homeroom.

Reaching the front path in front of the school, the number of kids wearing the same uniform
increased. Naturally, I increased my walking speed, and the annoyed look in my eyes became
even worse.

At the side of the school gate, I removed my headphones, wound up the cord, and put them in my
bag.

I'd come to rather like the headphones my grandmother had bought me for my birthday. They
looked cute, and the sound was good. Although I say, "the sound is good," whenever I borrow my
classmate's earphones, I've always thought, "Somehow, the sound is dull"; they really weren't any
kind of high quality product.
However, to me, who had gotten used to them, they were my one and only partner.

After I nodded to the rugged looking PE teacher that was standing in front of the gate and entered
the school, I saw the lively bustle of activity since the school culture festival was one week away.
In the center of the ten-meter wide road that went from the school gate to the main entrance, there
were preparation spaces set for each class act.
I saw strangely-written warning signs, like Wet paint!! Dont you dare sit! and material-requesting
posters that said things like, Looking for cardboard! If you can offer any, please contact 2-A
Executive Committee!

As I looked around, I wondered just how early in the morning that everyone had started working

from. There were already students with paint-smeared clothes, students dressed in weird monster
costumes, and even "It's the school culture festival, so let's all do our very best together!" type of
girl, who looked like she was about to cry "because the guys won't do it properly..." The scene I
saw was just like the "Realization of Youth."
However, for me, who was the type of girl that usually hands out snide remarks and quarrels,
and only during times like these, will work together with her fellow students, preparations for the
school culture festival was nothing but a hindrance.

Furthermore, during the period of preparation, the school gate would become increasingly noisy
from the festival excitement; there would be detention until midnight, and people that would be
flirting and breaking the rules, so it was generally not good.
And after the actual day of the culture festival, there would be an abnormal pile of trash left behind.
What was with this unproductive event? It was ridiculous.
Now that I thought about it, in the newspaper that had been distributed yesterday, I had written that
the first year B-class I was temporarily a member of, was going to do the traditional event that
had probably been done to death in this world: maid cafe.
Far from having planning meetings, this event hadnt even come up in normal classes; to me, this
was a completely irrelevant thing, and was even something of a convenience.
If I actually put on maid clothes because of a sudden impulse at one time, I would become
burdened by the work of a memory that couldnt be wiped away in a lifetime.
Thinking and worrying endlessly about this kind of thing, I passed under a huge model of a
dinosaur, dodged and glared at a stupid-faced boy fooling around in the middle of the road, and
headed for the main entrance.

While pushing at the door handle that was so weathered that the words "push" couldn't even be
read, I set foot in the school building which had quite adequate temperature to to the power of
central heating.
I took off my outdoor shoes, and looking at the indoor shoes that were to be taken out of cupboard;
this wooden foot locker was also considerably old and worn.
I had heard that the school building itself was equivalent to a historical building, and was proud of
producing many students, including famous people like politicians and celebrities.
Although, to be honest, before bragging about its history, I wanted to them to hurry up with the
renovations. Rather, this was the demand of the majority of the students.
The school building we were proud of had a hole in the gymnasium roof, left from the summer
typhoon, and the bottom of the drinking fountain had fallen out; it had become a rather painful
incident.

Particularly, around the first really hot day of summer, the incident where all the air conditioning in
the school had broken was very problematic, leading the students to roll out complaints like, I want
to change schools as soon as possible.
However, during summer vacation, the apology-filled air conditioning repairs resurrected the
cooling and heating.
The students that tried to devise an extension to summer vacation to shield the complaints towards
the school facilities, too, were obligated to reluctantly attend two semesters of school.

On top of the drain board, I changed into my indoor shoes, and hurriedly exited to the hallway.
In my school life, this moment was the most bitter.
While everyone else turned left in perfectly harmony at the hallway in front of the show cupboards
and continued on to the second floor where normal classrooms were located, I was the only one
that turned right towards the classrooms for subjects with few students. In particular, I headed for
the classroom that had the foreign sent of chemicals drifting about.
Yes, my normal classroom was the Science Preparation Room with a nursing homeroom
teacher.
In recent years, because of the development of the nearby city and the rapid increase of students
that came with this, the normal classrooms were all relocated for other classes, and presently there
was no classroom to use for the special needs class; That was the reason.
As far as equipment went, having desks and a teachers desk was enough to call it a classroom,
but Id like you to try thinking about it. Most of my time in these wonderful three years of high
school life would be spent in a classroom breathing in the smell of formalin. Thinking about that, it
made me feel rather depressed. However, currently, including me, the students that attended that
class were only two, so that made it fairly easy to spend with how quiet and peaceful it was. About
the illness I had, if I were transferred to a normal classroom now, there was that concern about
becoming some kind of burden, which was why I was my current situation without any complaints.

Proceeding down the hall, and checking that there was no one around, I let out a huge sigh.
Passing art rooms, music rooms, and home economics rooms, in the hallway on the left-handed
side that led to the clubroom wing, there was a plate facing the right that said, Science
Preparation Room.
Underneath that, there was a familiar pale green sliding door.

Before my many complaints, I had a sense of relief that this classroom didn't have very many
people.
At any rate, the teacher would be late as usual, as well as the other classmate; the my own pace
guy that drew pictures in his sketchbook all the time.
While thinking, I guess Ill sleep a bit before the teacher comes, I opened the door, and there, an
unexpected scene that blew away my drowsiness jumped out at me.

Good mor . wh uwaaaah!!

Eh? Ah, Takane. Morning~

There, returning my greeting with a bright, clear smile, stood my classmate, Kokonose Haruka.
Just by looking at him, you could see he had sickly, pale skin and an easygoing demeanor. His
hobby and talent was drawing pictures and doodling. Including his name, he seemed like a girl, but
he was really just a normal guy.
However, right now this guy was not normal.
No matter where or how I looked... He wasnt wearing anything other than his underwear.
Wh...wha ...!?!
I was speechless at this unrealistic scene first thing in the morning. Although I was trying
desperately not to focus on him, he was rapidly advancing towards me while in that state.

Ah, hey hey, I want you to listen to this ... This morning, at the fountain in the school courtyard,
you know how there's that cat that comes around? Well I thought about petting it. But, well, how
should I put this, it dodged me really well. And then I lost my balance, and fell into that big fount

I-its fine!! It doesnt matter how it happened!! H . Hurry up and put some clothes on!!
Without showing any urgency, and with an expression that was like, Ah, what should I do,
Haruka, who had tried to talk indifferently about how hed come to become half-naked, merely tilted
his head a bit in regards to my desperate shouting.
Ehh? But my clothes arent dry yet. See?

While pointing to his uniform that was drying in front of the heater, he showed me a behavior that
suggested that I had been the one who'd said something wrong. The distance between us was 50
centimeters.
Leaning back because of this unrealistic scene, I fell back into the door Id just closed with a crash!
And while colliding with it, I threw out desperate suggestions.
Ah, ah, ahh!! I got it!! Its fine if theyre wet! J-just put them on for now!! Ill go look for a jersey or
something, so just put them on until then!!
Eh? H~m, okay . But um .. Huh? My shirt isnt here... Shirt~...
Youre stepping on it!!! Under your foot!!! Ah, geez! Give it here!
Was it because he didnt feel the seriousness of being half-naked in front of a girl? Moving was
slow as a turtle, Haruka finally began to get dressed.
However, that wasnt a situation that I could just watch over leisurely.
Snatching the shirt that Haruka had picked up, while turning away so I wouldn't have to look
directly at him, I tried to force him to wear it.
Uwaa! No, its fine, I can put it on myself! Wait, thats the other arm~...
Gyaaaah! Stop moving!! Dont face this way!!!
No matter how anyone looked at this, it wasnt a decent situation. Why should I be forced to dress
my half-naked classmate first thing in the morning? If he wasnt a classmate, I could have just
quickly handed him over to the police.
However, if anyone saw us in this situation right now, it would be extremely bad.
It would be like what often happened in shoujo manga, and possibly be misunderstood... Just as I
was thinking this, the worse case scenario happened.
Al~right, homeroom is starting~ Uh...
Accompanied with a flat voice, the door burst open with a rattle, and there stood our homeroom
teacher, also the teacher in charge of teaching science at this school, Tateyama Kenjirou.
Tateyama-sensei made an appalled expression that could have rivaled my own from earlier, and
the attendance book slowly fell out of his hands and dropped onto the floor.
Ahh... no...! Um, Sensei, this is....
Ah, Sensei, good morning~
In contrast to me, who immediately had a chill run down my spine, the half-naked Haruka returned
the greeting with a pleasant smile.
Objectively, at a glance, this situation could possibly be seen as a bad schoolgirl strips a naive
high school boy early in the morning.

Although that moment didnt last long, it felt much longer than it actually was. As I wondered what
conclusion Tateyama-sensei had come to during the silence, he uttered the words, Oh... Ive
interrupted something...Sorry.... and turned to try to exit into the hallway.
Gyaaaah!! Its not!! Its not what it looks like!!! This guy, he... h-he was messing around without
any clothes on, s-so I was just trying to put some clothes on him!!
With an ambiguous expression, Tateyama-sensei, who was about to leave the classroom, stopped
in his tracks.
Eh? Ah, ahh, what, is that what this is? ... Ahh, no, I thought that surely you hadnt been able to
hold it in anymore .... Tateyama-sensei sighed, and picked up the attendance book while smiling.
Please stop saying those kinds of things on a regular basis! Anyway, if that really was the case,
that would be a serious matter, wouldnt it!? Didnt you just intend to run away!?!
Ahh, well, see, if it became some kind of trouble, itd be the easiest to just say I didnt know. Plus,
its that, you know. After all, I want to give you a carefree environment to grow up in, with freedom
to do what you want ....
Youre the worst!!! Anyway, please help dress this guy! O-, or... Ill tell the principal!!
Although Tateyama-sensei was scratching his head like it was a bothersome thing, the moment the
word principal came out, he gave one word of OK and began putting clothes on Haruka at
lightning speed.
You probably wouldnt encounter such a poor example of an adult very often.
In a certain meaning, he really taught us valuable lessons, but.... The time that I fully realized this
lasted only a moment.
Uheee ... it feels gross to be soaking wet, Sensei ...
Haruka, who was dressed again from Tateyama-senseis nimble handiwork, let out a terrible gross
sound and sat down in his seat.
The moment that I, too, finally sat down in my seat because I was just stuck by a tremendous
fatigue.
Because of this guys doing, just how many of my hit points been taken away first thing in the
morning?
There probably wouldnt be anything to laugh about the rest of the day after this ....
Facing the two desks was the teachers desk, positioned slightly elevated from the rest of the
room. Tateyama-sensei sat down in the slightly tall, metal folding chair and opened his attendance
book.
Yeah, yeah, I know, Ill go get you a jersey to wear later ... With that said, good morning. Ah~ You
two are here. I really have to applaud your hard work of coming to school every day without
growing tired of it.
.... Thats not something a teacher would say.

While lying his head down on the desk, Tateyama-sensei muttered in a dull voice, If the teacher
just said it, then isnt it something a teacher would say~?
Was our society peaceful because this kind of person had become a teacher?
However, I was honestly concerned about this countrys future.
Ah~ So about todays homeroom ... Uhh, what was it again? Errr, I think I took down a memo, or
maybe not .....
Please get on with it already!
Even though I was already annoyed this morning, just looking at this person make my negative
feelings increase even further. The way he was spinning his red pen around make him look like a
lazy elementary schooler.
Uh~ Wait, wait, errr ...Oh! Right, right, we have to decide what were doing for the School Culture
Festival. So, what did you guys decide on in the end?
Ehh!? Sensei, when this was brought up the other day, didnt you say Isnt it fine even if we dont
do anything!?' Weve never talked about it since, so how could we have decided on something!?
I jumped up from my chair with a loud thump, but the teacher with the dead eyes didnt seem to
give a rats ass about it, or even bother to get up.
Ah~ well, about that .... Last week, the principal asked me, Whats Tateyama-senseis class doing
for the festival? Of course I hadnt thought of anything, so for the time being, I just told him, Weve
prepared a Special Project that will really wow everyone, so please look forward to it!
Just how good were you trying to look in front of the principal!? What do you mean I just told
him!? What are we going to do!? We only have a week left ...!!
I collapsed into my chair again and covered my face with my hand. I heard Haruka pipe up beside
me with a silly suggestion, Ah, then how about we do a target shooting booth?, when we didnt
have anything prepared or even a budget to work with, making the feelings of hopelessness stir up
even more.
Truthfully, I didnt care what happened to this teacher, but if our current no-plan act became so
famous it was written about in the school paper as Special Project or something along those
lines, it really would be hopeless then.
If it actually became like that, there would only be despair in the end, the abyss of darkness, and
complete ruin....
Ahhhhhhh .....!!
Just imagining that horrifying future made me cry out without thinking. If I had a reliable classmate
right now, perhaps Id be able to make something out of this predicament. However, no matter how
you thought it over, with the soaking-wet optimistic boy beside me, and the teacher that was THE
Trash of Humanity, the three of us were greatly lacking in fighting strength.
If I could just think of a way out by myself .... But even when I triedperhaps because I always did
nothing but play games, or perhaps because I wasnt fully awake, my brain wasnt functioning as
well as I hoped it would.

Faced with this severe situation, and at wits end with the helplessly miserable hand hed been
dealt, Tateyama-sensei looked over with an uncomfortable expression.
.... N-now, now, calm down, its not like were dead yet. In any case, youre free to use the space
of this classroom, and Ill help out, too. So why dont we just come up with something?
The latter half of Tateyama-senseis .... No, he could no longer even be called sensei of this
failure's statement, Ill help out too, I had no confidence in him whatsoever.

For me, things were never so easy.

If, even without it becoming famous as a Special Project, our act for the festival became
something so embarrasing that rumors cropped up, I probably wouldnt be able to have a decent
school life my remaining two years here.
Haruka might not care much about this type of thing, but for me, it was kind of a big deal.
It was bad enough that my presence at school had become so instable, and I didn't want it to
become any worse.
However, I had a feeling that the part where Tateyama-sensei had said we could use this
classroom was a leading factor to some kind of breakthrough. Although we were already tired of
seeing this classroom, for visitors, there must be many rare things to discover. For example, if
something labeled (insert blank) Experiment was brought out, there wasnt one person that
wouldnt feel excited.
.... At the very least, itd be nice if we could come up with something interesting .... Wait, th
budget! Sensei, if Im not wrong, each class was given a budget to work with, right!? How much did
we get!?!
The moment I asked this, Tateyama-sensei flinched, and at the same time, glanced at the supplies
shelf behind us.
Eh? Whatre you looking a
Not missing even a second, I followed Tateyama-senseis gaze, and mixed among lab supplies
and chemical bottles was an eerie-looking fish specimen I remembered seeing somewhere before.
It was the rare oceanic fish specimen that he had been looking at the before in the course
materials online store, while muttering, This specimen is so cool ... But its so expensive .....
.... Huh? Thats odd. Sensei, wasnt that specimen too expensive for you to buy?
Although the weather had become rather cold, I saw a considerable amount of sweat beading on
Tateyama-senseis forehead.
Without meeting my questioning gaze, he simply looked down in silence, almost like a criminal in a
detective manga that had just been convicted with solid evidence and was about to completely
confess about his motives.
.... Sensei .... you used .... our budget.... didnt you...?
.... I-... It- .... Its that guys fault ....!!

While passionately bad acting, Tateyama-sensei defensively said how the "40% OFF SALE for the
fish started right when they started assigning budgets for every class." It sounded like a false
motive for a crime.
.... Although, it wasnt even like a motive or anything.
Speaking as if he was a victim that had been captivated by the rare fish, I was already past anger
or contempt, and was beginning to feel something similar to sympathy.
So, what are we going to do? I think, ummmm..... I think something like target shooting would be a
good idea ...
With Tateyama-senseis speech already shifted to the theme of How captivating the rare fish was,
and while I was thinking of how to expose this teacher to the principal, once again, Haruka pushed
his opinion about wanting to do a target shooting booth.
....You know, for a target shooting booth, wed need a lot of prizes, and its a lot to set up, so
matter how you think about it, its impossible with just us. And for starters, thanks to this idiot of a
teacher, we dont even have any funds left.
Oh... but I thought it was a good idea. I saw what all the other classes are doing, and no one
seemed to be doing target shooting.

Although Haruka said this very off-handedly, it came sounding kind of suprising. The reason there
was never a target shooting booth among the other classes probably had to do with the budget.
With how the school barely had enough for renovations, I couldnt imagine that one class would be
given even nearly enough to get together many prizes.
However, what mattered more was that Haruka, who was always spacing out with thoughts that I
didnt understand at all, was so concerned about what the other classes were doing for the Culture
Festival to the point that he knew all about them.
.... Could it be that youre looking forward to the Culture Festival?
When I asked this, he answered bashfully, Actually, yeah. Seeing as how he hadnt been shy at
all about me seeing him half-naked earlier, it would seem that this guy felt embarrassment for
different reasons than other people did.
Thats kind of surprising.... But the other day, when we were talking about how we wouldnt do
anything for the festival, you didnt even say a word....
Well, thats because, itd be a bother if I suddenly collapsed, since my bodys weak; and when I
was watching everyone, it seems like a lot of work to set things up, so I thought it couldnt be
helped....
Haruka said, then smiled meekly.

I didnt understand it too well, but it seemed that Haruka had a serious illness that was much
more serious than the illness that I had.
It was the type where a sudden attack could cause death.
Tateyama-sensei had told me about this when wed first enrolled, but perhaps due to the guys
optimistic personality, Id never really realized just how serious it was.
Because of his experiences up until now, he was probably more than a little aware of it himself.
Possibly, just because I hadnt really paid any attention until now, hed been putting up with various
burdens at school on his own since enrolling.
I see... But you want to do it, right?
... Yeah. I want to, but Ill probably just end up causing trouble for you, Takane ....
Although he was still acting shy, Haruka said this clearly.
Even though wed already been talking about it this much, I didnt understand why he was still
acting so shy.
... You know, how are you so okay with Sensei doing something like that? Anyway, if you want to
do something, then just try doing it, and if it doesnt work out, then well think of what to do when
that time comes.
Well, thats true, but, I cant do it on my own.... And Ive never really done this kind of thing before,
so I dont know if itll work out that well....
Looking at Haruka who was muttering softly while rolling the eraser on his desk around, for some
reason, I leapt up from my seat, and without thinking, slammed my hands down on the desk with a
bang.
Aaaahhhhh!!! Just make up your mind already, geez!!! You want to do target shooting, right!?!
Then its decided!! Ill help out too, alright!? You got that!!?
After Id yelled, Haruka mumbled, Got it.... with a frightened expression.
However, I didnt just leave it at that. I shot at Tateyama-sensei, Please prepare us money right
this instant! Also, that specimen will be used as the prize! Understood!?!
Ehh!? No, wait, theres no way were doing that! How much do you think it cost
....Principal...
Alright, got it! Well do just as you said! Woahh, Im getting pumped now!
Tateyama-sensei said this hastily while flashing a refreshing smile. At this point, it wasnt just me,
but even Haruka was looking at him and his absurdity with a chilly stare.
Looking at the clock, it had already been more than half an hour since homeroom had started,
and it was nearing the time that it should end.

In the one week before the Culture Festival, all the usual lessons were cancelled, and instead,
each class was assigned to work on preparing their act for the festival, under supervision of the
Executive Committee.
Every class had homeroom during the first hour, but starting from the second hour, all the students
would begin the preparation work in their respective classrooms.
For Haruka and I, wed been doing self-study, but since wed just decided on what we were going
to do, we had to start making progress on preparations, too.
Target shooting, huh.... Where should we even start....?
Although Id been all fired up a moment ago and had said to Haruka, Then lets do it!!, the fact
remained that there was only a week left, and with just the two of us, would be even be able to
finish the preparations for a target shooting booth."
There was the buying of prizes, the lining up of prizes, and along with the necessary work like
preparing the cork gun, and more. There was just no end to it.
We would need to use the engineering room or art room to make large props, but the room
reservations had already been taken in advance by the other classes.
U-um.... Since it seems like its impossible after all, why dont we do something else?
No! If you say its impossible, then it really will be! Youre the one that said you wanted to do it, so
help think of something!
Haruka looked shocked again, and quickly crossed his arms and began thinking.
Although it was originally this guys idea, Id gotten pretty into it, too, wanting to show everyone that
were different from those overly-cheery guys that do this just to get all friendly with each other.
If we were going to do this, I didnt want to do it half-assed. My motivation built up from my daily
online gaming would start being fired up here and now.
At this point, itll be too hard to make any kind of large-scale booth. Sensei, about DIY....
Yeah! Never done it before in my life!
Thats what I thought... Which is why Haruka and I will have to do it by ourselves....
O-oi, oi oi! Just wait a minute! Ive never done anything like DIY, but guess what? Im pretty good
at programming!!
Tateyama-sensei pointed his thumb confidentially at himself, almost as if he saying, Im amazing
in other areas, check me out!
Ahh... Really? Wow~ Well, since youll just get in the way, please go and make a dating sim ga

It had become a pain to deal with him, and just when I was brushing him off with that off-hand
comment, something that I hadnt thought of before suddenly came to me.
We were in a situation where we werent able to make any large props.
Our only prize was the rare fish specimen.
And our aim was to make the most interesting target shooting booth.

It was a gamble, but we might just be able to pull this off in a week.
When I realized this, once again, I jumped up from my seat with a loud !thunk!

Uwahhhhh!!!! Wait, h-hold on Takane!!! Its my fault for fooling around, but lets go about this
calmly!! Violence wont solve anything!!!! There has to still be some other way....!!
Surprised at my sudden movement, Tateyama-sensei had brought his hands up in front of him and
was blurting out some speech that sounded like a cheap, desperate attempt at pleading for his life.
Besides me, Haruka, who must have been dozing off while he pretended to be thinking, had also
been startled by me, and suddenly fell out of his chair and onto the floor with a loud clatter.
Ive just thought of something! The target shooting booth, we just might be able to pull it off!!
Eh? Oh, right, target shooting. But even the preparations will be a lot of work, you know? I said it
earlier, but I cant even build a bookshelf...
Ah, were not relying on that anymore. What I mean is, you can program, right, Sensei...!?
Not understanding the meaning behind my wide grin, Tateyama-senseis face paled.
D-did something happen, Takane....?
Haruka, who was sitting on the floor behind his chair, spoke to me with drool on his face, but I
decided not to mention that.
Fufufu.... We might just be able to pull off this target shooting thing! Youre good at drawing,
right...?
Eek!!
Although I was smiling, Haruka looked like he'd just been threatened. Why were all the guys here
so pathetic?
Well, it didnt matter even they were pathetic.
.....Because Id work them to the bone after this.
O-oi, Takane.... Could the target shooting youre talking about be.....
Judging from his expression, it seemed that Tateyama-sensei had already figured out what I was
thinking of.
At any rate, in order to make this target shooting a reality, it would be an incredibly heavy
workload for him.
Fufufu.... Thats right. Even without using a saw or any tools, we can actually make a target
shooting game, right? Haruka can draw all the characters and backgrounds, and we can finish it
with just one prize.
Once Id explained this, Tateyama-enseis shoulders slumped, and he sighed and muttered, Just
as I thought...
Making a game with one person would be a considerably large workload.
However, up until now, he had done some incredibly terrible things. Taking that into account, he
hadnt been giving enough effort at all and kind of deserved this.
Eh...? Were making a game?!? Starting now!?

The easygoing Haruka seemed surprised at this, and was reacting more than he usually would.
However, unlike Tateyama-sensei, his surprise stemmed more from trying to contain his
excitement.
Thats right! Haruka, youll be drawing everything for the game. You can do that, right?
After I said this, Haruka nodded his head enthusiastically. The expression he had right now was
brighter than Id ever seen from him before, giving off a completely different impression than how
he usually was.
Itll be a lot of work, but do your best. Well, for the most part, Sensei will work something out for
us.
What!? Me!? Just how much work do you think it is to make a ga
Principal....
Lets do our very best and make something good!!
With his most winning smile, Tateyama-sensei posed with his thumb again.
This Principal spell was incredibly useful.
There was no mistake that my future school life would be indebted to principal.
Theres just one problem. What do you mean by Just one prize is enough? As expected, we dont
know how many people will be able to clear the game.... Are we making it so difficult that no one
will be able to clear it? Wont that just drive everyone away?
Dont worry about that. For the games format, please make it a point system rather than a clear
system. Also, I want it to be made for 2 players.
I can do that, but.... Wait, does this mean....?
Right! I will be the opponent and compete for points with the challengers. If a girl like me is the
opponent, all talk about the difficultly and so on will disappear, right?
In a turn of events, Tateyama-senseis pale expression from earlier now changed to one of defeat.
It was the same face that Id had on earlier. Serves him right.
Takanes going to be the one fighting? But if you lose even once, then we wont have a prize after
that...
There wont be an after because I wont lose! Itll definitely be shocked if I lose just once at the end
of the Culture Festival, and Ill adjust myself accordingly when that time comes.

Hearing this, Haruka made an incredibly worried face. Well, he had every right to.
We didnt know what would happen with the game, and there was a slight chance that I might
actually lose. If I did end up losing, and our one prize, the rare fish specimen (expensive) was
gone, that would mean the event would be over right then and there; it was quite a gamble.
However, I had a special skill that I hadnt told him about.
...Well, to be exact, it was that I didnt want to talk about it, but because of it, I had confidence in
this gamble. But I definitely did not want to talk about it, I definitely didn't want to talk about i

Ahh, Haruka, you know what? This kids really famous online. You know that game theres
commercials about on TV, right? The one where you shoot up zombies.
Ah, Ive heard about it. Its an online game, right...? If I remembered right, I think there was a
tournament for it a while back...
Yeah, thats right, thats right. She ranked number two nationally in that tournament.
In the brief moment that I had a mental monologue going on, Tateyama-sensei unbelievably came
out about my secret.
Gyaaaaaaaahhh!!! Wh-wh-wh-why are you telling him!? N-n-no, thats not true....!
The hands-on zombie-killing online shooting game, DEAD BULLET -1989-. Since services began
about a year ago, it was now Japans leading online FPS game due to the widespread response
from its users. And in this game, I was a heavy player that had become a top ranker just four hours
after the game opened.
Although I played with an original style since the game first began, and had become so famous
that a fan community with several hundred members had been created, partly due to my small
circle of friends, Tateyama-sensei was the only that knew about it.
That was, until just a moment ago.
Id been so nave. While searching for a friend in the real world I could share the same game with,
Id been lured in by this teacher that I could talk casually with, but I had made a huge mistake.

It was concerning that a female high school girl would cast away all other entertainment for a
grotesque massacre game. This was DEAD BULLET -1989-.
To be honest, if I knew a female classmate of mine was so addicted, it was at a level where Id be
pretty taken aback myself.
If it were to ever be found out by a classmate...
Takane, thats amazing! Number two nationally!? Thats so cool! Why didnt you say anything until
now? Hey, is it fun?
Completely oblivious to the conflict I was having in my head, Harukas reaction was much more
accepting than I had expected, and was actually very positive, as if he wanted to know more.
No, this had to be because he didnt understand the true nature of the game. Once he did, he
would be sure to say something like, Uwahh. Even though youre a girl, you like this kind of gory
game? Thats scary lol lol Stay away from me lol lol lol.
Just as I stared back in Harukas innocent eyes, Tateyama-sensei suddenly burst out laughing and
said something totally ridiculous.
Isnt this great, Takane? You were looking for a friend to play together with, werent you? That
game doesnt really suit me, so why not invite Haruka?
What!? Wh-what are you even saying!? Its not like I even play that much....!

No, that was a lie. I played, I played a lot. Although I would have gone to bed early due to my
drowsiness, instead Id spent all my time playing from the time I got home at four in the afternoon
until four in the morning.
And Tateyama-sensei, who was grinning in front of me, knew all about this, of course.
Oh~ But I thought you were pretty into it... What was your username again? LightingDancer...
Gyaaaaaaahh!!! Ahhhhhh!!!!! Im going to do it! Ill tell the principal! About everything!! Is that
okay!?
Ahhhhhh!? Anything but that!! Alright, already!! Im sorry!!
From an outsiders perspective, the way Tateyama-sensei and I were yelling at each other while
shaking the desks probably seemed very comical. However, from the perspective of those in
question, this was a battle of life and death.

As we continued to glare at each other for several seconds, right when Haruka started to mutter,
J-just calm down..., the bell rang, as if to put an end to this stalemate.
....Haaahh. A-anyway, Im sure theres no objections to both of us keeping our mouths shut.
Yes, that sounds agreeable.... You understand, right? If you let anything else leak...
Youre one to talk. If you tell the principalYou know whatll happen, dont you...?
....I understand. Ill keep this times incident to myself... However, if this continues any further, I
wont allow it.....
With a bargain that didnt seem at all like a conversation between a teacher and a student and
more like two kids saying, Today, were leaving it at that!, the first hour homeroom ended.
Now then.... Well, I have responsibilities too, so I guess Ill try testing out some things... Well meet
back here again during the next hour. Go take a bathroom break or something~
Tateyama-sensei said, and with his attendance book in hand, he left the classroom while
scratching his head. In the brief moment the door opened, we could hear the footsteps of other
students and their cheerful voices as they talked.
Haaahh.... I wonder if itll work out...
Worn out, I let my head fall down on the desk, and when I did, my eyes met with Haruka's, who
was sitting beside me.
...Honestly, I kind of just blurted it out without thinking, but thanks to Takane, I think itll be really
fun....! Im sure itll work out! Ill do my best, too!!
When I looked at Haruka, who was smiling with a small, confident pose, I felt my cheeks grow
hotter for some reason.... It was probably because I was embarrassed about the thing with the
online game being exposed.
I found myself smiling a little, too.

I realized that somewhere down the line, I, too, had become the type of girl that works hard for the
School Culture Festival. Surely, this smile could be nothing other than a forced one.
....Surprisingly, this actually isnt so boring.

Muttering this, I began fantasizing in my head about the pleasantly enjoyable preparation plans for
the Culture Festival.

Chapter 2: Headphone Actor II

Until now, I wonder whether Ive experienced a moment like this in my life where the surrounding
scenery jumps about so violently.
With every step I take the traffic lights jump slightly as well, and the buildings quake vigorously.
Fresh air continuously flows into my body, and with every exhale my body cuts across blasts of
wind.
The crossroads are incredibly chaotic.
The traffic lights and signals have all lost their meaning, and on the lawless roads lay abandoned
cars of various colors.
People yelling something.
People beating up someone.
Everyones faces were pale green, lamenting the end of the world.
The sudden cries of a baby, nearly made me stop in my tracks.
No. This place is going to end after twenty minutes, you cant turn back. Keep running, turn left
at the next junction.
The quiet voice coming from my headphones was a clear contrast with the outside world, merely
blandly giving me directions.
As I was told, I cut a path through the crowds and continued running.
Until now, I wonder how many times Ive experienced a situation where Ive had to run as fast as I
could.
Since I was young I was overprotected, barred from running around outside.
This was because, I had a disease which would make me collapse and lose consciousness for no
reason unpredictably.
This disease wouldnt trigger frequently.
Its just that, I can never remember what happens when I collapse.
All I can remember is the things that happen after I wake up.

It was like after dreaming a long dream; the memories before I collapse become blurry and
unclear.
Cutting through the chaotic crowds, slipping through the narrow alleys, leaping into the wide roads.
Turn right here! Theres only one minute left!
The voice coming from my headphones gradually took on a panicked tone.
My legs seemed unable to feel pain, and in the instant as I turned right decisively, sounds of metal
slabs crumbling came from behind me.
Continuous wails sounded behind me, and the urge to turn around became almost uncontrollable.
Hurry up! You have someone you have to see no matter what, dont you? So
My breathing became heavy, and along with a burning sensation in my lungs, my consciousness
became somewhat blurry,
Im going to lose consciousness again.
Speaking of which, when was the last time I had lost consciousness?
I couldnt remember anything.
I couldnt remember why everything turned out this way
Nor who I was running towards.
Despite this, I could sense that something very important to me lay ahead.
These feelings dragged my footsteps forward.
- Looking in front of me, the hill that was my destination was getting closer.

Chapter 2.5: Yuukei Yesterday II

translated by Miss-Simplicity

Amazing . Shes already taken down thirty-seven people .

Actually, I heard that shes that veteran player that ranked no.2 in the nationals in DEAD
BULLET-1989-
!! Isnt that LightningDancerEne!? No wonder her moves are so good. Hey, look, its another
new high score! . But why is she crying?
Right now, the Science Preparation Room was the most fired up it had been since its opening.
Without bothering to wipe the tears flowing from my eyes, I desperately gripped the controller.
No matter how painful it was, once I took hold of the controller, there was no way that I could allow
myself to lose.
Due to my daily habits and the personality that I had, it was something I no longer had any
influence over.

On the large monitor, a hand holding a gun was displayed, and as it matched the movements of
my controller and aligned to the left and to the right, I shot down the targets.
Every time they were shot, there was a Gyaaaaah! scream, and incredibly grotesque scenes
were shown on the monitor, with emphasis on the blood and guts, despite the fact that they were
cute-looking characters that resembled bears and rabbits.
You did it, Takane! You won again!! No, wait Should I be calling you Ene right now, instead!?
Haruka was squatting beside my side of the player seats, speaking to me with sparkling eyes,
almost as if he were my coach.
Shut . Shut . up .. idiottt ..
Although I was already crying to the point that I could no longer speak properly, all around, the
audience was showering me in generous applause over my victory.
The challenger that had been my opponent, wearing military-style clothes, passionately saluted me
and said, Excuse me, but I never would have thought Id have the pleasure of playing against the
great LightningDancerEne-sama in a place like this .!! Its such an honor!!
Near the entrance, there were several robust-looking guys that were fighting over who would be
the next challenger, going, Ill be the one to challenge . No, no, Ill be the one to .
With the increasing number of students that were gathering to this unusual scene, and the game
players that had rushed over after hearing the rumors, it had transformed into a living hell.
How did it come to thiiiis ..
My vision became blurred from the tears that continued to fall on top of the controller.
The day of the School Culture Festival. The beginning of this incident started about several hours
ago.
The study desks and teachers desk that were usually in the center of the Science Preparation
Room were taken away, and in its place, a shooting game booth had been magnificently set up.
Honestly, though, it wasnt anything extraordinary; it was just a long table that had a cloth draped
over it, with pictures drawn in fluorescent paint, and the display screen placed on top. However, the
windows had been covered up with cardboard, making the only source of light the light coming
from the display and the faint glow of the fluorescent paint.
It was thanks to Harukas drawing ability too, of course, but if it was like this, it wouldnt be
apparent how much of a rushed job this was.
I-its almost time, huh . It feels like some kind of dream; to think that wed really be able to finish
.!
Yeah, it turned out pretty well in the end .! Good work, Haruka! Now then, let me try it out a little
more before we actually open.

Haruka, who had been making this demanding game until yesterday and had bags under his eyes,
for once; and in contrast, I, who had gotten a sufficient amount of sleep (fifteen hours) and didnt
have bags under my eyes, for once; began working on the final adjustments before releasing it to
the public.
Once Haruka turned on the power for the computer that was placed underneath the table, the
display monitor showed the title screen of the completed game that Tateyama-sensei and Haruka
had created.
One after another, there appeared stuffed animal monsters that were to be shot down in this game,
which Haruka had given the name, Headphone Actor.
At first, I didnt understand the meaning of the games title, but when I saw how the boss that
controls the stuffed animals that comes out in the last stage looked just like me, I understood with
considerable annoyance that it meant to defeat the stuffed animals (actors) that are being
controlled by me, who is wearing headphones.
Of course, it goes without saying that I sent Haruka flying after that.
. This game really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Why should I have to fight against myself?
Well, see, the challengers are going to have to try and defeat you, right? So thats why I thought,
maybe itd be best if I made the enemy look like Takane~ . Although, I completely forgot that
Takane was going to be playing, too.
. How could you have forgotten something like that? . Well, after the colors have been
changed and all, it doesnt really look like me anymore, though.
Originally, the last boss, Takane No.2 (dubbed by Tateyama-sensei) had black hair just like me,
but after being forced to recolor, it was now a 2P design with bright blue hair.
Well, even if I eventually forgive you for this design, why is it so gory? Is this much even
necessary?
After clicking start from the title screen, a monologue would begin. The games stage was a small
town, and once again, by Harukas own decision, it was modeled to greatly resemble the town that
we lived in.
As you advanced with a gun in hand, cute stuffed animals of various sizes would come lunging out
at you, one after another. Every time you shot one down, the screen would become dyed in blood
with a graphic splat! sound, leaving the player to be hit with an enormous feeling of guilt.
Ah, about that, I referenced the game that you mentioned before! Since I thought youd like this
kind of thing.
The moment I heard that, my hand slipped on the controller, and after being bitten by a monkey
doll, I got game over.
Blood dripped down from the top of the screen, followed by the words GAME OVER being
displayed.
D-did you ask Sensei about that!?

After pulling all-nighters every day in order to work on the game, it seemed that once it had been
completed, Tateyama-sensei had collapsed on the bed after rasping out the words, Please .
appeal . to the principal ..
Since Haruka had been staying over at Tateyama-senseis house all week to make the game,
there was a high possibility that hed been told all sorts of unnecessary things.
No, he didnt tell me anything at all. I remembered you talking about this before, so I looked it up
by myself.
Wh-what, really? Well, thats good, then . Anyway, I honestly think this effect is way too
mismatched. It doesnt make me feel excited at all.
I started the game from the title screen again, but no matter what, it really was weird seeing the
stuffed animals be scattered into a bunch of blood and guts when they were shot down. It wouldve
been better if it was zombies that attacked you, instead.
Ahaha, sorry. But, since we were going through with this anyway, I wanted to make it something
that youd like, Takane .
Caught off by what he said once more, my hand slipped again and this time, I got a game over
from being suddenly attacked by a pig doll.
I-its not like I really like gore or anything .!
I muttered while restarting the game, not even daring to look at Haruka.
Eh!? Wah, sorry, sorry, I thought youd like seeing the blood and all that . But when I think about
it, theres no way that youd like this kind of thing, huh.
Haah Youve really misunderstood big time. Listen up. How good a game is depends on how
exciting it is. People play because they want to be cool like the main character and have the kind of
life that they do.
Even if it was subtle, that was the charm I looked for in games.
No matter who they are in real life, anyone could become a hero in a video game.
That was the number one reason I liked games so much.
Oh~ I get it now. I dont usually play games at all, so I had no idea. Ah, then maybe this
game isnt that fun, then?
Haruka asked this very, very slowly.
Without taking my eyes away from the screen and after I shot down a cat doll with a headshot, I
answered, Well, I actually kind of like it, though.
Beside me, I heard a sigh of relief.
While playing this game mercilessly yesterday, I was able to get pretty decent scores already after
just a few minutes.
Other than when Id gotten game overs due to Harukas disruptions, I hadnt made any mistakes at
all. If it was like this, there was no way that I would lose when playing against someone else.

Beating the creator, Tateyama-senseis best score of 45000 points by more than tripling it also
served as one reason I was so confident. Itll be alright for sure! If its Takane, no matter who the
challenger is, they have no chance of winning!
Isnt it obvious? I have confidence in my arms, if nothing else .. Wait, its already this late!? The
festivals going to start in just five minutes! Haruka, how are the other preparations!?
Ah, y-yeah, theyre all ready! I set up everything yesterday so that wed be good to go anytime!
Ah, but, Im starting to get nervous .
Although Haruka had been relaxed as always up until now, with the start of the Culture Festival
quickly approaching, he stood up from his chair and started pacing around the classroom
anxiously.
Wh-what are you so nervous about!? I definitely wont lose, so dont worry about it!
W-well, yeah, thats true, but I wonder if everyone will enjoy it Whatll I do if people say its
not fun at all ?
Since we were right before the opening, I also was starting to feel nervous. Come to think of it,
when Id gone to the tournament a few days ago, I remembered feeling something similar to this.
However, this time, it wasnt about, scoring a good performance, but how to let the customers
have fun that was the critical issue.
From children to the elderly . Well, with a game like this, there was an age limit to some extent,
but as much as possible, we had to let everyone have fun without discriminating.
While it was true that this game that Tateyama-sensei and Haruka made still needed work on parts
of the balance and system, I honestly thought it was interesting and fun.
My job was to show the charm of this to everyone, and try to play in a way they would allow them
to have fun, all while smiling as much as possible.
Itll be just fine. Since we did our best to make it, everyone will enjoy it for sure!
The moment I said this to the worrying and anxious Haruka, an announcement sounded from the
speaker installed by the clock: The Culture Festival will be beginning shortly. Each class should
follow the instructions of the Executive Committee. Lets make this an enjoyable event!
The moment I heard this, my heart started pounding from nervousness.
Haruka had crouched down, and started to chant under his breath, Itll be okay, itll be okay .
Wait, hold on, its already starting! People are gonna come soon, so, umm Stand outside the
classroom and be the guide! If theres people that look interested, make sure you explain
everything properly and let them in!! Understand!?
Ah, ahh, yeah, yeah! . G-got it Its okay, its okay .
With that, Haruka stood up quickly and stumbled towards the door.
And just as he was doing so, he crashed into the door once, and left the classroom while going,
Awawa .

. Is that guy really gonna be okay?

Background music for the Culture Festival had started playing from the same speakers as earlier,
announcing the start of the festival. For the booths effect, I turned off the speakers, as well as the
lights, and waited for the first challenger that Haruka would bring in.
With the lights off, the room was bathed in the glow from the display screen and the pale light of
the fluorescent paint.
Of the two chairs set up in front of the long table, I sat down in the one on the right side, and
spaced out staring at the monitor that continued to display the title screen.
In the screen where Headphone Actor was displayed, behind the title logo was a gray cityscape,
and because it was set in the evening, the gaps between the groups of buildings showed a dark,
violet sky.
Anyway, this really is a game with some bad taste .. Sensei and Haruka just went ahead and
made it on their own whims, but if its a girl that plays this, shell probably get freaked out.
But if it was Haruka, he probably wouldnt pay attention to that at all, and if there was a girl that
seemed interested, hed just cheerfully lead her inside like Id told him to.
No, this could potentially be very bad. What would we do if the one lead inside happened to be
pretty faint-hearted?
The moment they opened the door, what would jump out at them would the extremely brutal
shooting game set up in the dismal Science Preparation Room.
And the challenger they were up against would be me, gloomy and with unpleasant eyes, standing
in this dark room . No, I should stop thinking about myself. Honestly, Id get depressed, and that
was no improvement. Id end up crying.
But even excluding me as the factor, as expected, it really was a game that would be a little rough
for girls or kids.
Id have to take caution and make sure that Haruka explained that part clearly.
The moment I stood up from the chair with a sinking feeling, the door opened.
Suddenly seeing light for the first time in several minutes, my eyes were momentarily blinded, and
all I could see of the customer was their silhouette. I panicked a little, but judging by their height, it
seemed to be a male adult.
It was rude to stay silent, so I started with the explanation that I had thought up.
Ah, w-welcome! Our class is doing a shooting game! If youre able to win in a challenge against
me, then this fabulous prize
I was wondering who Id be up against, and turns out its just a girl. Even though that guy standing
in front of the door looked easy enough to beat.
As I was giving a cheerful and cute explanation with my best smile, the man smacked it down with
those words.

For a moment, I was frozen without really understanding what had happened exactly due to the
abruptness of his words, but I gradually came to realize the aggressive attitude that he was giving
off.
Eh . Ah, um ..
Due to this being the worst first contact and also because I wasnt accustomed to socializing in my
first place, my heart started throbbing at once, and my hands naturally started shaking. The speech
that I had already thought up went completely blank, and even when I thought Id still be able to
talk, my mouth could only let out vague noises.
Sorry to say, but its your unlucky day, girly. We came because it was our friends Culture Festival,
and turns out theres this fun-looking booth. Hes really good at shooting games, yknow, so well
be taking off your prizes, alright?
As my eyes gradually got used to the light, I saw that behind the man that had entered first, was
another, giddy-looking man. It would seem that these two were a pair.
U-um, Ill be doing my best as your opponent, so
Even as I felt sweat running down my back, I tried to keep calm, and continued with a smile on my
face.
From the minute theyd started talking, I already knew that they were some malicious customers,
but that still didnt change the fact that they were the first.
I wondered if they planned wreck havoc for booths during the festival just for the heck of it. I
couldnt read the expression of the able-looking man with the sunglasses, but I could feel a devious
attitude from the man behind him.
Well, whatever. A homemade game is probably going to be shitty, anyway. Just childs play, in the
end. Although I feel bad about taking away the prize so early on, dont lose hope, and think of this
as lesson for growing up.
As the man said this, he passed by me and dropped himself down in the challenger seat.
Its really too bad for you, since he doesnt go easy or anything. Girly, you may not know this, but,
he made it to the semifinals in the tournament for a game called DEAD BULLET-1989-. Hes also
participated in a number of other tournaments, so if its you, girly, theres nothing that you can
Speaking up until this point, he stopped his annoying rambling with a small scream.
That might have been because Id stopped smiling to glare at him, or because hed bit his tongue
from rambling too much.
Ta-Takaneee .
Suddenly, I heard a familiar, miserable-sounding voice. From the other side of the door, Haruka
was looking this way with tear-filled eyes, and judging by his frightened expression, hed probably
been intimidated by these men.
With a hand gesture, I signaled for him to close the door. Haruka hesitated for a moment, but after
managing a quiet, Good luck .! he slowly closed the door.

Making sure that he had, I was once again in the darkened room, and walked towards where the
booth was set up.
Sitting down in the chair beside the one the sullen-looking man, I faced the display with the title
screen and once more, started to explain.
Allow me to explain the rules one last time. This is a shooting game with a point system. The one
that takes down the most targets will be the winner. There are different levels of difficult, so which
level would you prefer?
The hardest one, obviously.
Understood.
Pressing the select button on the title screen, I set the difficulty to extra.
This level was one that Tateyama-sensei had said was so difficult, that if someones able to get a
perfect score with this, theyre a monster.
Oi oi, wait a minute, girly. Im sure you already know, but no cheating, got it?
Before Id even noticed, the gaudy-looking man had stood behind the sullen man, and said this in a
slighter more threatening tone than earlier.
Certainly, that was something to be worried about. There was a possibility that theyd think we
would change the difficulty for only our side of the stage, and furthermore, cheat with the points.
Of course we wouldnt rely on anything like that. Therefore, would you like to switch places with
me? As its a point system, this way, there will be no complaints about who the winner is.
As I said this, the sullen simply said, I dont care either way. Just hurry up and start, and took off
his sunglasses.
Lets begin, then. May the best shot win.

I tightened my grip on the controller once, loosened it . then gripped it again. Once I was sure
that I was feeling absolute confidence, I clicked the start button for the game.
As the monster enemies flooded out, for a moment, the top of the screen was filled with them. The
time limit for battle mode was two minutes. In that time, the one that takes down the most enemies
is the winner.
There were only two differences from single mode: even if you get hit by an enemy, you wont be
get game over, and instead become unable to move for a certain period of time; and if youre able
to destroy the bonus items, you can obstruct your opponents view with blood splatters
Other than that, there was nothing else different; it was a simple game where you simply take
down the monsters that appear, but thats exactly what allowed a players true ability to show itself.
Yes, there was nothing shitty about this game at all.
I had to completely wipe out this man who had looked down on this game, no matter what.

It had been one minute and thirty seconds since the game began. The point difference between
me and my challenger was already so wide that he had no chance of recovering no matter how
hard he struggled.
With my eyes focused on the screen, I couldnt confirm his expression, but with his bluffs gone to
this extent, he was in this miserable state. It was a rough guess.
Very calmly, I faced the enemies that appeared before me, and without destroying a single item to
obstruct my opponent, I simply continued to shoot at the enemies.
The game buzzer sounded at the end of the game, and the screen showing the results pulled up.
However, perhaps because he already knew that he had lost, the sullen man stared dumbfounded
at his controller. The man behind him, too, merely stood with his mouth agape.
It was obvious. To be able to continue shooting at that number of enemies without faltering didnt
have to do with the specifications of the game or whatever, but simply, the ability of the player.
After all, I had even dared to let go of the controller once and let the enemies attack me, so there
was no room to make any complaints after that kind of performance.
And thats a match. Thank you so much for playing. As the rules dont allow consecutive plays,
please come back after thirty minutes if youd like to attempt another challenge.
Even as I told him this with a smile, the sullen man was still mumbling the all-too-expected loser
speech of, This cant be . How could I have .
Um the exit is .
Just as I was trying to coax him into leaving, he stood up and faced me, raising his voice to a
shout.
J-just who are you!? Ive never seen such an amazing player before! Just who !!
Listening to him say such overrated things had, honestly, become an annoyance.
I tried to pull him along as quickly as I could while telling a fitting lie, I just practiced a lot .
However, the screen showing the results was too bright, and after he looked at my illuminated face
and moved back, I realized that I had made a big mistake.
Earlier, the gaudy man had talked about the semifinals for the DEAD BULLET-1989- tournament.
With it being a nationwide event, it had been a pretty big turnout, and there was no mistake that itd
been rather packed with players.
From watching me play, it wouldnt be a lie to say that I was fairly skilled. But, right now, I wanted
that to be a lie.
C-could be you . LightningDancerEne-san!?
Things had taken a turn for the worst. If he was a contestant from the semifinals, and
furthermore, from this district, there was no doubt that we had crossed paths at the tournament
hall.

And whats more, I had lost the mask Id prepared for that day, and played with my face completely
exposed.
In the semifinals, I had pulled off such a strong performance that itd been called the Dancer
Legend afterwards, gotten first place by a wide margin, and stood out to the point of being
abnormal.
I was relieved that there hadnt been a relay broadcast of those painful semifinals on television, but
to think that Id come across this kind of situation in a place like this ..
Since Id been annoyed with these guys earlier, I had purposely put on a show to look cool, but
with this sudden turn of events, my mind went blank again.
Eh? W-wait, what, is this kid famous or something!?
Idiot, shes not just famous .! Shes achieved legendary scores at many tournaments, and the
group that shes the leader of, Lightning Rondo Eternal Rondo even ranks in the top 3 in team
competitions
Gyaaaaaah!! Youve got the wrong person!! Thats enough, please!! Please, just hurry up and
make your way out!!!
With the information concerning the secret I wanted to hide most of all being blurted out right now,
quite simply, all reason had flown out the window.
Ackk!! A-and whats more, that play style from earlier is, without a doubt, Ene-sans speciality,
Phantom Waltz Holy Nightmare .!
With a sensation like my internal organs were tightening, it felt like my face might start spewing
magma.
I wanted to put these two in a drum can right this instant, and bury them deep in the mountains
somewhere.
I-Im telling you, youve got the wrong person!! Ah, ah, please hurry up and get out!! Im begging
youuuuu!!
Perhaps because thered been too much of an uproar, the moment I threw open the door, Haruka
burst into the room looking worried.
T-Takane! Are you ok!?
Gyaaaahh! You, too, get out!! Everyone just GET OUT!!
I pointed at the door and screamed. Haruka included, all three of them replied, Y-yes, mam! and
rushed out of the room.

I sat back down in my chair, shoulders slumping heavily.

Id made an outrageous miscalculation. To think that my identity would be exposed like this .
There was a chance that the sullen man would come back later with some kind of message like,
Im very sorry for my rude behavior earlier. It was such an honor to be able to compete against
you .

No, he would definitely would. It was probably wise to not log in for a few days.
But then there was Haruka. It was possible that he hadnt heard the conversation from earlier,
but if he had . I felt nauseous just thinking about it.
Truthfully, I was aware of it myself how embarrassing the account name was, which Id made on an
impulse, along with the cryptically redundant circle that Id made on an even stranger impulse.
Furthermore, to think that even the play style name that everyone had secretly started using would
be exposed
I have no choice but to delete my account and die .
Tears of shame began spilling from my eyes.
As expected of Haruka, if he found out that I was suffering from this degree of chuunibyou, despite
how much I usually berated him for being an idiot, he would probably be put off by it.
Our friendship up until now would be broken, a distance would be placed between us, and finally,
he would say, Ah, Enomoto-san, good morning .. This was certain.
It was no use anymore. This was the worst.
In the first place, why had a junkie that often competes in tournaments come to this school at this
kind of timing? I had the worst luck.
Anyway, assuming that Haruka had indeed heard everything earlier, I had to think of an excuse to
cover it up as best as I could.
However, surely, if he had only heard it by chance, he wouldnt be able to fully understand without
knowing the context or what those names even meant.
No, I was sure of that.
There was no mistake.
It would be alright.
Takane, are you okay?
Yeah, Im just fine Waituwaaaaaaaaah!! S-since when have you been !?
Because Id been so concentrated on my own inner conflicts, I hadnt even noticed that Haruka
was suddenly right beside me .
Eh? Since when .? Around when you said, I have no choice but to delete my account and die.
I could feel my face heat up in an instant. Hed even heard me talking to myself.
Including that embarrassing part where Id been worried about my account ..
Y-youre wrong! When I said account, I meantWell, you know, its pretty popular, right? The kind
you use to chat with your friends .
Just what exactly was wrong, anyway? Even though Haruka hadnt actually heard anything, it
was definitely suspicious of me to be frantically making of excuses while avoiding eye contact.
Better yet, I genuinely thought that somehow should just bury me in the mountains somewhere
already.

However, becoming curious of his expression, I slowly lifted my face, and saw that, for some
reason, Harukas eyes were ablaze with brightly burning flames.
It was amazing, Takane! I thought that customer earlier was a really scary person at first, but after
playing the game with you, he came back and was really nice to me, too! He even said that the
game was really fun! This has to be that kind of thing, right? Where after the match, everyone
becomes friends with each other!
Haruka suddenly started talking with passion.
His frightened tone from earlier had completed changed to a spirited one of newly-awakened
sportsmanship.
I didnt really care about Harukas sudden transformation, but the fact that he hadnt mentioned
anything directly about me brought me a sense of relief.
As I thought, he hadnt heard anything. If I really stopped to think about it, there was no way that
this guy had such good hearing. Id worried over nothing.
Oh? Those two really said something like that, huh. Then, taking this as a learning experience,
there probably wont be any more problems. Well, if you leave it in my hands, something like this is
an easy win!
Yeah! I was kind of worried, but its really fun! Its all thanks to you, Takane!
Thats right. Its true that itd been an irregularity, but in the end, we were able to ensure that the
first customer had fun.
Also, if I had been able to win that easily even against that level of an opponent, as long as the
nationwide number one player veteran didnt come, we most likely wouldnt be losing our prize.
Looking at these results, we were off to a very good start. If those two had already left, then there
was no longer any reason for concern.
With where the Science Preparation Room was located, it probably wouldnt be as crowded
compared to other booths; it wouldnt be a bad idea to let loose a bit while waiting for more
customers.
With my throat completely try from the built-up anxiety, I decided to take a drink from the sports
drink Id placed under the desk, as if to drink to my victory.

Takane, youre amazing .! And so cool! LightingDancerEne!? Id love to see that Phantom
Waltz Holy Nightmare technique for myself, too!

Instead of flowing down into my stomach, the sports drink in my mouth was instead spit out in
midair.
What remained in my mouth entered my trachea splendidly, causing me to cough violently.
Uwaaaah!! What happened all of a sudden, Takane!? A-are you okay!?

Haruka was helping me by rubbing my back, but if possible, I wanted to disappear from this place
already.
With my skirt soaking wet from the spilled sports drink, and how violently I was coughing, all my
thoughts were gradually disappearing.
Rather, I wanted to die, right here and now.
Uuu Haa . Haa How do you know that ..!
Regaining my breath somewhat, I asked this question while wiping my mouth with the back of my
hand. But perhaps it was already too late to ask. After all, hed just said my handle name and
special move without a single stutter.
Ah, that customer earlier was really excited about talking about you, Takane. And I was happy to
hear about a lot of stuff, too!
Ah, ahh, ahhhh ..
Unable to even wipe the sports drink off my skirt, I could only moan with my head drooped down. It
was over.
Farewell, my school life. The Culture Festival had been pretty fun, but honestly, it was already
becoming a memory that Id rather forget.
Eh? Eh? Why do you seem so depressed about it? Youre amazing, you know! Youre famous and
you have a lot of fans, right!? Its like youve suddenly become someone I hardly know anymore~
Haruka had started rubbing my back again, but the words somehow I hardly know anymore
stabbed mercilessly into my heart.
Thats right. Thinking about it sensibly, I was a far cry from a normal girl. If shopping was my
hobby, that would still be normal. And if club activities were my hobby, Id probably be seen as an
active and lovely girl.

However, even I couldnt find the charm in a girl that was a heavy player in a zombie-slaughtering
game.
It was only because Haruka was misunderstanding the situation that he could say these things. If
he actually knew about my usual routine, that would make him back off for sure.
That, in itself, might make him want to stop being friends with me; just thinking about it scared me.

Muu Takane, I may not understand why youre so worried, but Its not like Ill hate you or
anything, no matter how much you change. So dont be so down about it. Oh, right! Will you teach
me how to play next time? Lets play it together! . Hey, are you listening?
Haruka said this while still rubbing my back.
Whether this guy realized it or not, the fact that he could so casually say these embarrassing things
was what bothered me. He was probably like this with everyone. Maybe he was just
straightforward, maybe just pure and innocent, but he was simple.

But, that was exactly why what hed said about not hating me sounded so relieving.
Thinking about it like this, I was pretty simple, too.
Without really understanding if it was from embarrassment or happiness, I felt like crying, unable to
bring myself to respond or even face Haruka.
Excuse me~! Wed like to try playing~
Suddenly, I heard a voice that sounded like a customer from beyond the door. Of course, the
Culture Festival had just started. This wasnt the time to be spacing out.
As I wiped away my tears in a hurry and went to get the door, I realized that my skirt was still
soaking wet.
Uuu . Ahh ..
Stuck in a stance that was like a standing start pose for a track event, Haruka rushed past me to
open the door and went out.
Even though he would usually react slowly all the time, it was only in times like these that he was
surprisingly attentive.
Pulling out several tissues from the box on the shelf, I quickly wiped down my skirt, as well as the
floor.
It wasnt a lot since itd only been what had been in my mouth, so I finished wiping up the sports
drink in a few seconds.
Balling up the used tissues, I threw them into the trash can in the back of the room and headed for
the door as if nothing had happened.
I opened the door a little, and gave Haruka a look to signal that everything was fine now. In front of
the door stood the owner of the voice from earlier: a boy that looked to be in his second year in
middle school.
Ah, is it okay now? It looks like he wants to try, so I leave it to you to make it another heated
match!
Haruka said this with flames burning in his eyes again. It wasnt like this was a sports competition
or anything, but putting it into perspective as enjoying it as a game together, and both aiming for
the best, it was true that there was something like a sportsman mentality.
Surprisingly, this guy actually gets it, I thought happily as I, too, faced the next match with a firedup fighting spirit.
Ah, is Onee-san going to be one Ill challenge? I look forward to playing against you.
The challenger, a brunette boy wearing a black parka, flashed a casual smile that seemed to hint
at something else, and bowed his head.
Ah, yes, I look forward to playing with you, too! Ill be explaining the rules then, so please come on
in!
Opening the door wide, the boy came in while commenting, So cool~
I-Ill do my best, then.

I said to Haruka, who was still all fired-up, and closed the door.
Umm, I will now explain the rules! In a moment, youll be challenging me in the game thats there
in the center. The one that takes down the most enemies is the winner! Simple, right?
I tried to give a big sister-like explanation with a desperately forced smile.
This time, the customer seemed quite normal. No, it was probably only because the first customer
had been too much of a different species that made me think this .
Ohh~ Seems like fun! Even though they dont seem to be here . How about it? Do you want to
try, Kido?
Doesnt it? .. Hm? Kido? Whoeeek!!
Although the boy had been facing me and grinning while listening to my explanation, he suddenly
started talking to the empty space beside him.
For a second, I didnt understand what he was doing, but the moment I looked where he was
looking, an unbelievable sight jumped out at me.
Up until a moment ago, I was sure that there had only been that one boy.
But now, standing beside him was hooded girl of about the same height.
It was dark, so I couldnt see her expression very well, but the voice that muttered, Yeah, was
definitely a girls.
Ah, wh-wh-wh-what .
I was so shocked that I could barely keep standing. I was so certain that this girl had not been here
when wed talked in the hallway earlier, or even when hed been let into the classroom.

There hadnt been any opportunity to enter the room in the one second that the door had been
open. If I thought about it, she must have come in together with the boy, but . I couldnt get away
from the feeling that she had just suddenly appeared.
Onee-san, are you okay? Ah, if its her youre wondering about, shes been here the whole time.
She kind of has a weak presence, so people often dont notice her . Ouch!!
The girl seemed to take offense to being called a weak presence, and hit the boy in the ribs.
But even if she did have a weak presence, was it really so weak that shed go completely
unnoticed like this?
Could she possibly be some kind of ghost? This thought crossed my mind, but that was
completely unrealistic. For someone like me, who had absolutely no belief in extreme supernatural

things like the cognitive body of a ghost, it definitely made more sense that she was occasionally
overlooked.
. Could we hurry up and start already?
Eek ! Y-yes, of course! Please, make your way to the seats in the back .!
Putting the girls true identity aside, it would be a good idea to end this as soon as possible.
But suppose she was a ghost, it wasnt like shed intentionally do me any harm. Most likely.
. I didnt think there would be any curses or anything, either. Probably.
But, if instead of picking up the controller with her own hand, she made it float in midair and started
manipulating it, thats when I would run. Persuading myself in a manner that I didnt really
understand, I made my way towards the seats.
I arrived at the seats together with the girl, but even now, my heart was still beating at a quickened
pace.
Slowly glancing over at the girl, I could faintly catch a glimpse of the girls face from the glow of the
monitor in front of her.
She had a fair complexion and long, pretty hair. Although her eyes were rather unpleasant, she
had a nice, even face, and would no doubt grow up to be a beauty.
However, with the way the light was hitting it right now, it looked very much like the face of a girl
straight out of a horror movie.
I quickly started the game before I began to lose my mind.
Ah, u-umm, as I explained earlier, its a shooting game with a point system! If you score a higher
number of points than me, you will be presented with a fabulous prize! A-and, so, about the
difficulty level of the game .?
. Normal.
Ah, right! Of course! My apologies! Now then~ lessart!
As I accidentally slurred my words at the end, the boy who was standing behind the girl snickered.
I became instantly embarrassed just hearing that.
There were various thoughts swirling around in my head, but at any rate, I focused on ending this
as quickly as possible.
Setting the difficulty to normal, I pressed start at the title screen, and enemies began appearing in
groups.
Compared to the extra mode that I had played earlier, in this mode, there were significantly fewer
enemies, and a much lower number of possible points.
And, this was just a feeling I had, but compared to the extra mode, there was also an
overwhelming number of pig enemies; they seemed to be this modes characteristic feature.

It had been one minute since the game started.

The girls playing style wasnt particularly characteristic, and was generally fairly ordinary.
It was a slightly unsatisfactory fight for me, who had played the extra mode against that kind of
veteran during the first round, but this was probably to be expected from a normal girl.
Although I could hear occasional cries of Kyah! in a cute voice, she was playing indifferently.
Suppose she started off her days going, Ughh, this is sooo hard, its so annoying~ and Haha,
guess it cant be helped, oh well, and then later threw away her forced smile and put on that
Hannya Mask. Just thinking about it seemed easy to do.
However, with thirty second remaining on the clock, a sudden disaster occurred on my screen.
A strange bug caused both the pig enemies and the aiming crosshairs for my gun to disappear.
H-huh ..!? Some kind of malfunction .?
Behind the girl, the boy was snickering, Do your best without getting scared, Kido!
I desperately tried to keep hitting the enemies, but without knowing where I was aiming, it was no
use.
And in that time, the point difference between us was quickly reducing. Id held back early on so
that there wouldnt be a huge difference between us, but to think that it would turn against me !
Just as it was getting bad, the buzzer for the end of the game sounded.
Since Id played so desperately, I didnt know what had become of the points. I closed my eyes in
prayer before the results screen showed.
If I lost here, the prize would be lost to the second customer.
It was an unavoidable situation that couldnt have been dealt with.
As the fanfare sounded, the results screen pulled up. I opened my eyes very slowly to confirm it,
and by only a meager 100 point difference, the word WIN was shown on my side of the points.
Sweat dripped down. To think that an error in the game would cause us to fall into this kind of
pinch .
Either way, was it possible that that stupid teacher had pulled something at this crucial part?
Just as I was thinking this, I heard the boy chuckling from beside me.
Hahaha, looks like you lost, Kido. But itd be wrong even if you won by cheating, right? Come on,
you have to apologize to Onee-san.
As she was told this by the boy, the girls expression looked like she was suppressing tears of
mortification.
.. Im sorry.
She said in a slightly shaky voice, rose from her chair and headed towards the door with quick
steps.
Wait, cheating .? But that was an error with the game, so it wasnt her fault at all.

No matter how you looked at it, that phenomenon just now couldnt have been cheating. She
hadnt hacked the computer or directly interfered, so there had been no foul play.
Even as I said this, the boy continued to grin.
Sorry, Onee-san. You may not believe me, but earlier, that girl used a psychic ability. Youll know
if you check, but the machines not broken, and the game is fine, too. It should work without any
problems next time, so dont worry.
After saying this, the boy headed after the girl, and left the room and into the hallway without
looking back.
The moment the two of them exited out into the hallway, I heard Haruka scream, Uwaaaah! Just
like how it was with me, it was probably because he hadnt noticed the girls presence.
Letting go of my controller, I stared dumbfounded in the direction of the door that they had left
through.
It almost felt like Id been deceived by a fox.
A ghost girl with a psychic ability, and a boy who wouldnt stop smiling .
Even if I told this story to someone, Id probably be cut off in a single stroke with, You watch too
much anime.
Just as I expected, Haruka burst into the room and, also just as I expected, he said this,
Was that girl here this whole time!? I didnt even notice at all!
Wasnt she .? I mean, look .
I pointed at the display screen that showed the records of the close match that the girl had fought
with me.

*
Around 12:00, after the morning passed, the school became enveloped by fragrant aromas.
Seeing as how this was the hour that food and drink-type booths like cafs and food stalls were
most active, it was the most ideal time for attraction-type booths like us to take our break.
Exiting the dark Science Preparation Room, I hung up a sign that said, On break until 1:00 on the
outside of the door so that Haruka and I could go out and have lunch together.
Id challenged about a dozen other people during the morning, and being blessed with honest,
normal customers after that boy and girl, we were able to make it until noon without any further
problems.
I was really worried about how the first hour would go .. At first, I was convinced that you only
picked out weird customers to bring in.
Ehh!? Th-thats not true! I just introduced the booth to whoever happened to pass by, thats all
..

The space spread out in front of the main entrance was crowded with food stands in the middle of
setting up, filled with blue tarp and cardboard.
From yakitori to hot dogs, and French fries to yakisoba and more, all the colored signboards
helped to work up an appetite.
As I walked with Haruka while looking back on the mornings events, I spotted a lunch area to the
right side of the front gate where we could sit down and eat what wed buy.
Ah, how about going over there for lunch? We eat in the classroom every day, so every once in a
while its .. hey, wait!!
Mn? Mmwut?
Before Id even noticed, Haruka was standing there with his arms full of food, and eating a fried
squid in a way that made it look really delicious.
. Honestly, dont you know anything about cooperating? I thought we were going to go around
and take a look together .. Anyway, when did you even buy all that!?
Nn, pwah! Ah, sorry, sorry, it just all looked so delicious, so I couldnt help myself .! Ah, Takane,
Ill give you some, too. Here, eat whatever youd like!
In the bag that Haruka held out, there was a large quantity of packs of things like yakisoba and
okonomiyaki that seemed like they could become main dishes.
Uu . Thats a pretty nice selection. Well, anyway, lets just sit down somewhere and start eating.
The seats in the back look like theyre free.
Finding an area that seemed empty, I looked back at Haruka and said this, and saw that he was
already onto his next victim, a hot dog, and nodding his head without saying anything.

The spot Id found was right in the shade, and walking there together, we sat down. Today, we
were lucky to have nice weather; the perfect day for a School Culture Festival.
It was even a little hot out, and many were wearing light clothing.
Since Haruka and I thought wed be moving around quite a bit, wed also come in light clothes.
The moment we sat down, Haruka cried out, I cant wait anymore! and started to take the food
out of the bag with an extremely happy face.
It would seem that the food hed shown me earlier had only been a part of it; one after another, he
spread out about five to six servings worth of food onto the table.
F-four-dimensional bag .?
With so much food that it seemed impossible that it had all fit in one bag, Haruka decided to start
eating from an okonomiyaki after a moment of indecision.
I was also pretty hungry, and so I picked up a sauce yakisoba and pulled it towards me.
Alright then, time to e . Wait, I havent paid, right? How much was this?

I felt bad about being treated, so I pulled my wallet out of my skirt pocket.
Ah, its fine, really. Actually, Sensei told me, Eat whatever you like with this, and gave me some
money this morning. About 10,000 yen. So its fine!
10,000 yen!? That much!? Haah~ . That teacher, even though he was so selfish when it came
to the budget for the booth, he can actually be pretty generous!
Ah, while he was making the game, he told me he went to pachinko for a change of pace, and
ended up winning a lot. He even ordered sushi take-out for dinner that day.

The moment I heard that, my slightly increased rating of Tateyama-sensei fell back down to the
lowest of lows. And at the same time, I could only see the delicious food in front of me as byproducts of gambling, and fell into a very depressed mood.
Hm? Arent you going to eat, Takane? If you wont, then Ill .
I-I am! Anyway, just how much are you gonna eat!? Youre definitely gonna get fat, yknow!?
When it came to the food stalls at the Culture Festival, it was a festival of high calorie food.
Truthfully, I wanted to pig out on fried chicken, but no matter how much of a festival today was,
tomorrow was just a normal day again.
It was obvious that the calories I merrily ingested today would turn into suffering for my body
tomorrow.
As I was worrying about this, Haruka went through eating a hot dog, crepe, pizza stick, French
fries, and chocolate-covered banana at an amazing pace. The abnormal amount was one thing,
but just watching him eat all of that at once gave me heartburn.
Its so good, though. Ah, but no matter how much I eat, I never get fat, anyway~ I dont bring much
for lunch to school, but I always eat about this much at home.
As I listened to this, I compared the amount that Haruka was eating to his body type and felt
incredibly annoyed.
If I overate even just a little bit, my body weight would undergo a serious change; it wasnt fair.
Ahh~ . I wish I could just have a body that never gets hungry and doesnt need to eat . And
also, a body that doesnt need to sleep, either.
Eh~ But thatd be boring. After all, I love eating and sleeping.
Haruka said this as he happily took the wrapping off of a hamburger.
. You sure live a happy life.
Hm? Did you say something?
As he asked this with ketchup on his cheek, somehow, I found it hard to hate him. Even so, I
prayed silently that he would complain about gaining around ten kilograms tomorrow.

*
1:30 PM.
As planned, we had resumed business for our target shooting booth, but completely unlike the
morning, there was no one coming by at all.
Thats weird. It wasnt like this at all this morning. Could it be that theres a bad rumor going
around .?
I stuck my head outside the door and checked up and down the hallway. Haruka was standing in
front of the classroom and waiting for customers as usual, but in the first place, there didnt seem
to be many people in the hall at all.
Just when I was starting to feel anxious, Haruka seemed to remember something and pulled out a
folded print-out from his pocket.
Oh, right, right. Im sure this is why, Takane.
The print-out that Haruka had pulled out was the schedule of all the classes booths for the day of
the Culture Festival.
Id lost mine soon after theyd been distributed, but because it was annoying to ask Haruka to show
me his, I hadnt said anything this whole time. Thanks to that, I had no idea about the other
classes booths for today.
Ah, ahh, okay . So, which ones the reason that no ones coming?
Its this one, the Student Council Presentation thats from 1 to 2 PM in the gym. I think everyone
probably went to see that.
In the print-out where Haruka was pointing, it was certainly written, Student Council Presentation
1PM-2PM. And what was more, it was the only one outlined with a thick frame and stood out a lot.
I see. Sheesh, so the Student Council wants to stand out too, huh? Anyway, there should have
just had it later, and not in the time frame that booths are open . This probably isnt good for any
of the other classes either, right?
I didnt really like the strong assertiveness given off by the print-outs design, either.
Even though wed gone to the trouble of eating a proper lunch to prepare for the battles in the
afternoon, it couldnt be helped that no one was even coming.
Well, after another thirty minutes, Im sure well have a lot of customers then. So until then, lets
just take the chance to relax for a while longer.
Folding up the print-out again, Haruka opened the door I was sticking my head out of and came
inside.
Guess it cant be helped. Ah~ I wish someone stupider would come~ Id give it my all to be their
opponent.

As I voiced that complaint and was about to pull my head back inside, I caught sight of someone
by the front door on the left side of the hallway.
Even though there hadnt been a soul around earlier, I now saw three men wearing the exact same
clothes.
They wore camouflage pants, bandanas, and goggles, as if theyd just dropped by here on their
way home from a survival game.
Wh-whats with those people .? Some kind of costume? But they seem like normal customers,
so could those be their normal clothes ?
But if those were normal clothes, that kind of style was a little overdoing it. Its be more acceptable
if it were a costume, since I could see something that looked like a transceiver on the shoulder
strap of the rucksack they were carrying on their backs.
Whats wrong, Takane?
Um, yeah . Theres some suspicious-looking people . Should we call a teacher or
something?
Suspicious people? W-wait, let me see.
Haruka said this, stuck out his head above mine, and stared down the hall.
See? They look kind of suspicious, right? Thats obviously not the kind of clothes youd come here
in .
I wonder about that. It might be that kind of style, you know? The military fashion type.
The fact that Haruka said style was what shocked me. Surprisingly, did this guy know a lot about
that kind of stuff .?
If that was the case, what Id called suspicious earlier might actually be the latest style . And if
so, would that make me the one thats actually old-fashioned?
W-well yeah, I see it around a lot lately . That kind of clothing is popular in, like Tokyo? Or
something like that .
There was no choice but to just go with it. For now, Id try praising them a bit. But more than
anything, I didnt want it to seem like these guys knew more about trends than I did.
Wow, really?! I had no idea about that . As expected of Takane!
Harukas bright smile pierced my heart. If I really thought about it, there was no way that a guy who
was fine with being half-naked knew anything about fashion sense.
Having dug a grave with my useless vanity, I stuttered out a, Y-yeah, I guess . which further
increased my guilty conscience.
Excuse me, but may we please ask something of you?
Huh?
Hearing an unexpected voice, I lifted my head and saw that the military group from earlier was
standing there.

While Id been so engrossed in that silly conversation with Haruka, theyd come up so close that it
was shocking.
E-eek!! Y-yes, of course! What is it!
Looking at them from up close, this group seemed incredibly intimidating.
Although at first Id thought it was three men in inappropriate dress for school, for some reason,
their numbers had now increased to six.
Uwah!
Haruka didnt seem to have noticed either, and after leaning back in surprise, he hid behind me. So
pathetic.
We apologize for startling you. Actually, were looking for a booth. We heard about a famous
shooting game at this Culture Festival that was accepting challengers
I-I see . Eh!? Ah, umm, well, that . probably means us
I was surprised that these guys were good, courteous young men, but I was even more surprised
that they were looking for our booth.
The men in front of me also started buzzing in surprise.
O-ohh, so it was here! S-speaking of which, the person that will be the opponent is .?
Almost as if this was to determine if this was the shooting booth they were seeking or not, they
asked me this question, treating me like their superior officer.
Eh? U-uhh . That would be me?
Not know what this group was after, I put some distance between us, and replied with only my eye
peeking out from the crack in the door.
And as I did, the group cheered out, Ohhhhhhhh!!
For some reason, the young man speaking at the head of the group started bursting into tears. Ddont tell this, this reaction is . I had a bad feeling ..
F-forgive my rudeness ! Then, this would mean that you are LightningDancerEne-sama, correct
..!? Its such an honor to finally
Hearing up until this point, I slammed the door shut with a bang!
Just as I thought. They were my fans from the online game.
Judging from their appearance, they were probably participants from the tournament.
If Id known that earlier, I could have just lied about this being the shooting booth as well as about
the opponent being me! How stupid could I get!?
But, how did they know ..? No, it was simple.
The first customer, the sullen man, must have posted online something like, LightningDancerEne
is holding a 2P shooting game! Gamers in the area should check it out! Its so worth it!

That was the only way I could imagine the information might have leaked. I should have warned
those guys earlier when I had the chance.
T-Takane . Who were those people earlier .?
Eh? Ah, yeah, its nothing! They already left!
Although I said this to the concerned-looking Haruka with a sweaty smile, immediately after, we
heard severe knocking from the door behind me, accompanied by the painful cries of the men,
going, Please!! Allow me to compete against you just once!! Please!! Please!!
Ahh, who was the one that suggested we do a shooting game, anyway? No, it was me. If Id known
itd turn out like this, it would have been a thousand times better to have just gone with the maid
caf.
Judging by the gradually increasing noise of the voices from outside, it probably meant that even
more soldiers had come due to that information leak.
. Oh, what does it even matter anymore.
Muttering this, I opened the door and saw that the soldiers had already increased by more than ten
people. The moment I appeared, the cries turned to low cheers.
I threw the door open all the way and shouted, I am Ene!! Ill challenge all of you one by one, so
those who wish to die, come forth!!
Behind me, I heard Haruka say, Ene . So cool ..! in admiration, and this time, the flowing
tears were a signal of the end of my youth.

*
Itd been about two hours since then.
The inside of the classroom was filled with an audience, and there were even crowds of people
outside.
After playing against several veterans, and as such, having created the New Dancer Legend, my
tears of shame had long since dried up.
. Shes won again!! This makes the 45th consecutive victory!!
The cheers rose up once more, and as the challenger cried tears of honor, he paid words of tribute
to me, and then left his seat.
With all the challengers being gamers, and not at all like normal customers, it was difficult to tell
that this strange scene was a booth at a School Culture Festival.
Ene, can you keep going!? Theres still about ten minutes until its over, so do your best until the
very end!
Crouching on the right side of my seat, Haruka had somehow come to call me Ene, and
continued to cheer me on like he was my coach.

Yeah, itll be over soon . Although, its already all over for me . Fufufu ..
I leaned back and muttered deliriously. Starting tomorrow, there would probably be rumors about
me going around school.
Maybe I should just walk around with a name tag that says Ene.
Just as I was thinking about this and had reached a selfless zen-like state, a new challenger came
to the seat.
Up until now, all the challengers were bulky-looking men, but this time, it was a young boy wearing
a red jersey, and around the same height as the two parka-wearing kids that had been the second
customers.
Just as I sat up in surprise, Haruka tapped my shoulder from beside me.
Ene . Im sorry to say this just when youre getting all fired up, but I think its about time that we
let someone win. I know it might be hard, but do you think you could lose to him .?
Haruka said this in a very hesitant voice. Just how much longer was he going to keep on
misunderstanding? It wasnt like I was getting fired up or anything at all.
But, it was true that it might be a good time to lose here.
Well, it was a little hard for my pride to lose to a guy younger than me, but this was a service
decided before the game.
And it was better than losing to one of those gamers, anyway .
For the sake of this event being a success, I couldnt betray myself here. Seeing as how it was the
last customer, as well, I forced a smile on for the first time in a while.
Youre the next challenger, right? Nice to meet you! Do you know the rules, or should I explain
them to you just once?
I managed to speak in a splendid Cute Onee-san Voice. If it was a boy of this age, it was possible
that he might end up falling for me in some puppy-dog crush. I was such a sinful woman.
.. You may be taking advantage of being no.2 in the nationals right now, but from I can see,
youre no big deal. Your judgment is sloppy, and so are your movements. Just looking at you
irritates me.
Contrary to what Id imagined, the jersey-wearing boy muttered this without even making eye
contact.
Eh .? Ah, sorry, Onee-san here didnt quite hear you, so ..
I must have just heard wrong. There was no way that such a cute boy had said those sharp words.
I said, Youre weak. Just hurry up and start the game. I dont care what difficulty you make it.

I heard something snap inside my head. After hearing it the second time, there was no mistake.
He was calling me weak.

A mere kid was making fun of my play style. My play style that was worshipped as being like a
Dancer.
Wh-why you . Calling me weak . Are you trying to say youll win against me!?
Yeah, Ill win. Ill definitely win. Because youre weak.
Id had enough. The blood vessels in my head seemed about to burst because of the how much
my blood was boiling right now.
But because he was younger than me, I couldnt lash out at him.
Yes, all I had to do was win, against this weakling that did nothing but talk big. I would personally
teach him how the world worked; that there were winners and there were losers.
O-oh, is that so now~ .! I see, I see .! So youre fine with having a match with me at the
highest difficult, right? I DEFINITELY wont lose though!?
The controller I was holding starting making cracking noises from how hard I was gripping it.
Beside me, Haruka quietly said, Wait, Takane, youre supposed to lose to him! but that voice no
longer reached my ears.

This was a battle where my pride was at stake.

Right now, there was no other way but to crush this jersey boy and protect my pride.
Fine. If you win, Ill listen to whatever you say. And if you lose, what will you do?
As he said this, the boy looked at me for the first time. His sharp and somehow melancholy eyes
gave off a cold pressure, almost as if looking right through me.
I-If I lose, then Ill listen to anything you say! Ill become your servant and even call you Master if
you want me to! I definitely wont lose!
Oh really. You really are boring, after all. Whatever, lets just start.
The boy said and faced the display screen again.
Even without looking at a mirror, I already knew that my face was bright red from being so worked
up.
Ill knock him down ..! This guys the only one Ill definitely knock down!
Taking one deep breath, I selected the extra difficult and pressed the start button.
Ill make you regret making a fool out of me .!
With the decisive match finally begun, enemies appeared on the screen.

In the end, I had scored my personal best today. I was certain that I had played very well, and had
been completely focused.
However, when the results screen showed up, the word LOSE, spelling my defeat, were shown.

And on the boys screen was the word WIN in gold, and furthermore, below that . it showed the
word PERFECT!! in red lettering.
Youre . kidding
Unable to grasp the situation even now, the boy simply said to me, Its a bother, so you can forget
about that promise, and left the classroom.
Haruka hurriedly stood up to give him the specimen prize.
Ah . Ill go give this to him! Ene, you were really cool up until the end! Good work!
I wasnt able to give any kind of reply to Harukas words, either.
Id been made a fool of by someone younger than me, bluffed to that extent, and still lost.
All around me, a discussion had started: She lost on purpose! No, but looking by the points,
thats the highest today! Which means that Ene lost!? However, I didnt care about that at all.
It was so frustrating. That was all I felt as I was unable to let go of the controller, even now.

U-um . I apologize that my friend said such rude things .

The one that unexpectedly spoke to me was girl with semi-long hair.
Even though it wasnt so cold today, for some reason she was wearing a red muffler, and gave off
a very frail vibe.
.. Are you a friend of that guy from earlier?
Putting the controller on the desk as I asked this, the girl answered shyly, . In a way.
Did this mean that that jersey boy, with that strong hand, had come to the Culture Festival with a
girl!? The flames of my fury started to fire up, but with how apologetic the girl seemed, my
emotions were dampened.
I see . Well, its fine. He was strong, and its also been a while since I had that much fun. But,
you should warn him about his attitude, yknow!? Hell never make it in the real world like that.
I huffed, and the girl sighed with a forced smile.
Thats true. Hes not very good with people, or well, better put, he can be self-centered
sometimes Ill be sure to warn him later. I really am so sorry .
N-no, you shouldnt have to apologize . Well, Im sure he has a lot going on at that age. Itll be
fine as long you have a proper talk with him.
Yes, Ill do so. Ah, oh no, Ive been left behind! Im sorry, but Ill also be excusing myself here,
since I have to go and meet my father after this, as well
Bowing her head, the girl left the room in a hurry.
With the prize gone, customers gradually began to leave, and the people that were my fans said,
We apologize for intruding, and quickly left the room.

Watching this as I remained sitting in the chair, the clock soon displayed the ending time of the
Culture Festival; 4:00.
I heard an announcement coming from the speakers in the hallway: Thank you for waiting, the
event has come to a close. Each class, please follow the instructions given by the Executive
Committee and begin cleaning up.
As I heard that, my exhaustion suddenly hit me. Honestly, Id wound up being involved in so many
unexpected things today, and even gone through ridiculous shock, but once it was all over, it was
actually pretty fun.
Also, itd be nice if the fact that I was Ene didnt spread around anymore than it had, and
eventually faded from everyones memories ..
As I thought about these things, I waited for Harukas return.

Hed worked hard today too, so maybe I should reward him just this once.
Right, maybe I should treat him to something to eat on our way home .. No, that was no good. If I
spent my measly pocket money on that guy, it would all disappear in an instant. What if we split the
bill . No, we should just pay for our own portions. Yeah, that would be best.
Come to think of it, there was still a lot left over from the food money that Sensei had given us.
It would be a good idea to use it before he asked us to give it back.

With my cheek leaning on the teachers desk, I silently fiddled with the controller and waited for
fifteen minutes.
.. Haruka still wasnt back.
Even though hed only gone to hand over the prize, he was taking way too long.
Where on earth could he be lazing around?
The ticking of the clock rang out in the room . After the booths had closed, each class had to
clean up and leave the school by 5:00.
Of course, we also had to do so, but it would take a lot of time for two people to do everything.
That guy . Dont tell me hes trying to skip out.
No, hes the last one to do something like that. It was obvious that Id send him flying the next
day if he did, and more importantly, he was more earnest than anyone.
But, thats what made it strange that he still wasnt back by now.
As I thought about the possibility of him lazing around somewhere, I suddenly had a very bad
feeling.
What if hed had an attack while running to catch up?
I remembered hearing that Harukas illness was so serious that it was endangering to his life.

But because of his usual behavior and personality, it didnt seem like that in the slightest, so I had
never worried about his illness at all.
However, hed been staying up late for the past few days, run the booth with me for most of the
day, and after that, gone running out of here.
As I thought about it more, my bad feeling got even worse, and my heartbeat quickened.
I jumped up from the desk, making a loud noise as I knocked over the chair.
But, I didnt care about that.
Right now, Haruka might have collapsed somewhere.
He could be in pain, without anyone realizing.
As I thought of that, I felt an agonizing sensation.
I wish Id realized it sooner. He was such a weak person.
Even so, I hadnt been worried at all, and kept on pushing him recklessly.

Haruka ..!
Facing the door, I opened it in one pull .! Just as I was about to dash out with the momentum, my
bodyflew straight into the person standing in front of me.

Uwaaah!!
Kyaaah!!

Crashing into them, I was thrown back into the classroom, and fell down hard on my bottom. As I
cried out from the pain running though my waist, I raised my head, and saw a familiar boy,
collapsed with dizzy eyes in the hallway.
H-Haruka!?
Owowoww, thats dangerous .. Whats wrong, Takane ..? Whyre you in such a rush .?
Idiot .!! I-I was worried ..
Feeling both relieved and also concerned that Id knocked him over, I stood up, and headed
towards him as if about to hug him.
But, when I noticed the sauce around Harukas mouth, as well as the packs of various food
scattered around him from the impact of being run into, those feelings converted into a feeling of
wanting to kick him.

.. What do you think youre doing?

While rubbing my waist in pain, I stopped right in front of Haruka and asked this while looking down
at him.

Eh? Well, since the booths are closing, I thought Id go and get the leftover food before its all
thrown out! Ah, hey, look at how much there is! We can have a party today! Isnt that great!?

.. My anger was quickly starting to build up.

I felt my clenched fists and both my cheeks heat up. Ahh, I was such a big idiot for worrying over
this guy for even a second.
Takane? Are you angry or something?
The moment Haruka asked this, I brought my fist down on his head.

Right at that timing, an announcement was made throughout the school about the MVP of todays
booths, and apparently, it had been our booth.
However, because the announcement had been drowned out by my shouting and Harukas cries of
agony, the two of us didnt find out about this until several days later.

Chapter 3: Headphone Actor III

There was no one else around me.
Previously the sunset was blocked from my sight by various buildings, but from here its very clear.
The patch of light that painted the world a deep, deep shade of red, looked to me like an allconsuming fire instead.
Running up the steep surface, the dying me finally reached the top of the hill.
In my headphones, the voice that guided me here said something else, but all my energy was
already spent in continuing to breathe, so I couldnt even comprehend its words.
I feared the time had come where everything would end. No, there was a possibility that it had
already passed.
But on the hill I had reached, there was nothing.
No, more correctly speaking there was only a giant wall with the sky drawn over it.
This is wrong
I felt a strong sense of apprehension toward this place where there was nothing.
My messed-up breathing gradually returned to its normal tempo.
As for the cause of this apprehension, it slowly became from blurry to clear.

- It wasnt because nothing was there.

But instead because that person wasnt there.
I finally got here, and I thought I could finally tell him
I unconsciously began talking to myself.
My drawn-out shadow became thinner and thinner.
The evening was ending.
I reallycouldnt make it. I could only tell him right here, in this place!
The sentence spoke through my headphones, spoke my thoughts for me whose mind was still
blank.
In the end everythings over anyway! Everythingall of it!!
- Just give up.
I cant meet that person anymore.
Ive understood.
A a world like this might as well just get destroyed -!
Dont say something like that?
Even though you didnt make it,
But at the very end Ive still,
- Noticed my own sincerity.
Turning around, the streets have already welcomed the end.
Over the horizon where the sealed-off sky was beginning to collapse, I spoke my last words to her.
Im sorryTakane

As my consciousness gradually faded, I glanced over at the remains of the program that was being
incinerated little by little,
The low voice coming from my headphones,
Was enough to tempt me into entering a deep sleep.

Chapter 3.5 Yuukei Yesterday III

Yuukei Yesterday III
It was midsummer.
The sky was clear blue outside the window. In the distance cumulonimbus clouds could be seen.
(TL note: Rainclouds.
I cant do it; I dont understand it at all
In the classroom, a seminar was going on despite it being the summer vacation.
A large pile of papers lay in front of my eyes. Haruka smiled while doing the exercises in a relaxed
manner, while for me it was an energy-consuming uphill battle as I took a long time just to read and
comprehend each question.
Soon after the school festival, we were promoted to our second years of high school.

Despite this, our class size remained unchanged with just the both of us, Haruka and I, and sadly
our form teacher was once again Tateyama-sensei.
The homework got harder after being promoted as well, and to be honest for me who isnt that
smart, my average score decreased with each test.
Eh, Takane, youve stopped writing again. Do you need me to teach you once more?
Haruka had already completed several times more worksheets than I did, earlier, I had just
endured the shame of having him explain to me a question I just couldnt seem to understand.
B, be quiet! Ive almost got it so just be quiet already!
As I said this I once again concentrated on the paper, but honestly I couldnt even understand what
was written on it.
It was clearly mathematics but there were English words on it for some reason, and they requested
for an equation and not the answer, it was just too confusing.
Ahaha, Im sorry. Yeah, theres no meaning to it if you dont complete it with your own ability, right!
Mm, keep it up!
Haruka gave a victory sign while speaking, and resumed sweeping through the questions.
Dammit just persevere a bit longer.
This is bad. If this continues, Id be the only one left in the classroom again.
After he finishes his questions Haruka would always ask me Do you need my help?
That was probably a genuine question as to whether I needed assistance, but if this continued on
my dignity would completely disappear.
So today Id probably chase Haruka out as usual with a Ill do it myself, just go home already!
Ah what am I doing. My precious summer vacation would just be eaten up slowly by my belowaverage learning ability and my astounding stubbornness.
I had clearly planned to train in my room in preparation for an upcoming gaming tournament, but I
hadnt even dreamt that my time would be wasted on something like this.
Hah, what am I going to do, my skills have deteriorated I havent logged in in two days. I think Ill
just give up this time
As I grumbled while slapping myself with the paper, Haruka happened to say Im done while
packing up his own papers filled with answers.
Eh!? So fast!! Eh, you must be joking, youre going back already!?
Due to the shock, I accidentally said something that sounded like Id be lonely if Haruka were to go
back. As I hurriedly tried to correct myself, Haruka nonchalantly placed his bag on the table.
Ah y, yeah, youre going back. Anyway go home and enjoy your meal then. I, I can do
everything myself alone you know?
I accidentally said too much again.

But, as I hugged my arms Haruka sat down beside me and said Eh? Im not going back now?
while pulling out his notebook PC from his bag.
He slowly raised the screen, typed in his password with a clearly accustomed speed, and along
with the title of the game a white-haired character wearing a black neck brace named Konoha
appeared on the screen
W-w-w-what!? What are you thinking!? You want to play now!? Beside me!?
Mm! Since the tournament is coming up, and if I play beside Takane shell finish as fast as
possible in order to play right?
No, Ill just get distracted, argh Im at my limit!! I want to play!! Lend it to me!
Wah! No, you cant! Finish your paper first!
Yep, the game Haruka was playing was the one in the tournament I was joining.
After the school festival, Haruka gradually picked up some meaningless info and began playing
online games.
At first I figured Hed probably get bored of it immediately and didnt pay much attention, but
instead Haruka got increasingly addicted, and the fruits of his endeavors began to show.
Now hed become a fairly well-known player within the game, and his skill level was actually at a
standard where he might become a candidate for champion in the upcoming tournament.
And as for the moment it all started, it would be the night after the school festival.

Well lots of things happened during the school festival. It was quite fun, huh.
About that, to be honest a lot of things that might cause psychological trauma happened as well.
Ah! This bun is especially delicious~
Bawt Tawkarneh yew reely hawd ah lawt awf fuwn hurh (But Takane you really had a lot of fun,
huh) (TL note: eating noises.)
Hey Haruka thats disgusting! Swallow before you talk! Oi, Sensei youve been drinking too much!
How many cups has this been!?
The three of us, Sensei, Haruka and I had gone out for dinner together under the excuse of
celebrating our victory during the school festival.
The food Haruka ordered was quickly swept clean with his stunningly voracious appetite, after
which we hurriedly packed up, finally welcoming the end of the school festival.
As we were packing up earlier, despite the fact that I would aim a kick at Harukas direction every
time he called me Ene, he still hasnt understood why I get angry at him. This is infuriating.
After we were done, as though grasping the opportunity, Sensei walked in saying something along
the lines of Heroes always appear at the end to which Haruka and I kicked him almost about
the same time, while as an apology, he promised to treat us to dinner.

Ah~ it sounds so cool. It was called Holy Nightmare right? Ene just took down the enemies like
that, pew pew pew!
Didnt I tell you not to call me that!! Ah dammit.
Since the Chinese restaurant was quite a distance from our school, I didnt spot anyone else from
our school celebrating there.
I lifted up my arms near the piles of plates, and hid my face with my hands in frustration.
Ha! Ha! Ha! What is this, didnt you get exposed in the end anyway!! But its not like you did
anything wrong, dont worry about it Ene, OUCH!
I delivered a punch to Senseis arm and sighed heavily.
After which I drank a glass of orange juice in one gulp in a sudden rush of self-pity.
Yeah, theres no need to hide it anyway! But, regarding the name Ene, its made up of the first
and last characters of Enomoto Takane right?
Y, yeah but what about it?
Eh? It just sounds interesting. Although its a fake name it just sounds cool~. I want one as well!
Haruka finished up yet another portion of food among god knows how many he had eaten today,
while worriedly waiting for the next dish to be served.
However I really wondered what that guys stomach must be made of, I didnt know whether hed
feel uncomfortable after eating, but the fact that the speed of his consumption hadnt decreased
until now really creeps people out.
How about that? Does the term Lightning Dancer have something to do with you as well no,
wait! Im sorry!! Its my fault, please spare me!!
I successfully threatened Sensei not to say anything else. It was already eight P.M., but since the
next day was a holiday, we had a lot of time to spare.
I randomly thought of the nickname and other stuff, so just stop commenting on it already its
embarrassing
I hurriedly snatched a tempura onto my plate before Haruka could finish it and ate it, while
grumbling at them both in frustration.
Ill get one too! Since my names Kokonose Haruka how about Konoha!
OK OK, isnt it fine? Nice to meet you, Konoha-kun.
My reply was somewhat dismissive, but Haruka replied unexpectedly with an Ooh! This really is
great! From now on Ill introduce myself like this! becoming inexplicably emotional.

- Things progressed from then until now.

Because its too cunning of you to play alone!! Improving your skills alone over there I want to
play as well!

Then its Takanes fault~, I did finish the papers after all. So Ill let you play when were done, so
quickly finish it OK?
No matter how you looked at it Haruka was right, but I could only provide rebuttal in a childlike
manner with the occasional If and But
Once again I realized the difference between myself whose results were dropping due to my own
laziness and Haruka who clearly had studied diligently but still had to attend summer classes.
Yes, Haruka wasnt here because of his results. To be able to answer questions with that sort of
speed, his standard would be at about the top of the level.
His learning attitude was excellent as well, clearly not needing any guidance. However, he missed
a lot of the most important component Attendance.
About December last year, Haruka planned his own Christmas party, where Sensei and I decided
to attend.
Since that day was coincidentally Harukas birthday, I wanted to surprise him, and tried my best to
select a present for him. I had spent much effort in saving up pocket money for this, and although
using up all my savings for this is somewhat painful, but when I imagined Harukas joyful
expression, I cheered up as well.
- However on that day, Haruka collapsed due to his illness.
Luckily he was sent to the hospital immediately, so nothing serious happened.
When Sensei and I arrived, Haruka was already in the process of eating a portion of food meant for
five people, but despite that he was hospitalized since then.
Haruka who was released a week later came to school just the same rather energetically, but after
a month, his sickness worked up again which caused him to be hospitalized once more.
At that time his condition wasnt very good, and he wasnt able to leave his ward for a month.
He himself however wasnt worried as much about himself but rather the online game he was
addicted to at the time, as he kept telling me I need to practice as soon as I get out of here.
After that, the both of us were successfully promoted a year, but Haruka became extremely weak,
although it wasnt bad enough for him to be hospitalized, the days that he would be absent from
school continued to increase.
And now, in order to make up for the days he was absent, Haruka came for summer school.
Haruka didnt complain a slightest bit, instead saying Since Im together with Takane, this will be
fun but I wondered what he actually thought.
- As for this I didnt get to find out.
Ah, a new weapons on sale! Is it because the tournaments coming? Ill just get one~
No matter whether I was his only classmate, or when only our class had lessons during sports day,
or when he was unable to come to school due to being hospitalized, Haruka would always be
smiling.
Every single time I would get angry at Harukas smile, stare into space then get attracted by it.

Hey, Haruka
Eh? What is it? W, wait a second. The battles beginning!
Haruka didnt even take his eyes off of the screen, and fought with all his might.
Muttering to himself occasionally while playing his video game, he looked just like an innocent
child.
- But he was still really slow. Considering hed actually bothered to stay, it wouldnt hurt for him to
pay attention to me a little more.
I sighed and looked again at the paper, but I was unable to concentrate due to the sounds of
gunfire coming from beside me.
What do you mean quickly finish the paper, itd achieve the exact opposite purpose if I were to
get distracted, right?
I glared at him while pondering whether I should just chase him away, but he still didnt pay
attention to me at all, causing my anger to dissipate.
I wasnt even in the mood to do the papers any more, and as I rested my arm on my desk while
twirling my ballpoint pen around, an idea flashed across my head. I stood up in a fit of pique,
extended my hand towards my bag hanging from the side of the desk and took out my
headphones.
- If I acted coldly, maybe hed stop playing.
Humans, if no one pays attention to them while theyre immersed in their own world, they would be
hit by a surge of loneliness. This guy would undoubtedly react the same way.
I put on my headphones, inserting the cable into my handphone in my pocket.
As I was pondering about what to listen to, I figured I didnt have anything in mind so I opened up
the radio application and in an instant some BGM with an afternoon tea-ish feel began playing.
I turned my back towards Haruka and slumped onto my desk, closing my eyes while listening to
the msic.
If I did this, Haruka would definitely notice and attempt to chat with me. If that happened I would
reply Im listening to the radio, talk to me later.
I myself felt that it was a perfect plan. I believed that it would work completely , so I had a
meaningful smile on my face.
During the first few minutes I managed to think calmly Meh, hell talk to me soon enough, not
even bothering to look over at him.
But after ten minutes or longer, I felt for the first time the limitations of my patience.
So slow. Too slow.
The graceful BGM coming from the radio was no longer music to my ears, and I began an endless
struggle with my urge to turn around and look at Haruka.
And after twenty minutes, I reached my limit.

Ah, ah~ah, this is so boring~. Ill go back first then~

As a final stubborn jibe, I spoke without turning around.
Realizing how childish my previous sentence was, my embarrassment seeped out slightly.
Dammit. Why did I have to feel this way towards a guy like this.
Its his fault as well. To ignore me for so long, hes too much.
Or am I really not charming at all
The more I thought the more uneasy I became, so I had to confirm Harukas expression as he
hadnt talked to me this entire time.
Driven by a sudden urge, I stood up, forgetting my previous stubbornness, took off my earphones
and turned towards Harukas direction.
Hey! Haruka?
Taking off my earphones, in a world without music, only the BGM of the game still resounded.
The gunshot noises had stopped as well, along with the sounds of him handling the controller.
- Haruka stretched out his hand with his head drooping down lifelessly silently.
Haruka, Haruka!
I immediately noticed something was wrong. I hurriedly stood up from my chair and shook his body
violently.
Haruka didnt seem to react at all, and his shoulders were eerily cold. It was as though his soul had
left his body which now had completely no support.
My mind threatened to go blank. My knees shuddered, and tears of horror streaked down my face.
Dont fool around, this must be a joke! Someone, anyone!! Is anyone here!!
I supported Harukas lifeless body, while yelling at the door leading into the corridor.
No one answered. It was the summer vacation which meant that there wouldnt be many people
around the school in the first place, and especially not near the remotely located chemistry lab.
Please, someone someone come save him!!
My brain was unable to make decisions normally anymore. I could only grasp Harukas lifeless
body while shuddering uncontrollably.
If I let go now, I wouldnt be able to touch him anymore, as hed be at a place very far away.
God!
As I was praying like this, the door of the classroom burst open.
A familiar white-coated man walked in and told me Its fine,
- And slowly lifted up Haruka.

The waiting area of the hospital was shrouded in a serious atmosphere.

I could occasionally hear nurses running past, and my shoulders would shiver slightly in shock.
Haruka was sent to a General Hospital built on top of a hill a few months earlier.
Only Sensei and I were seated at the bench located outside the emergency theatre.
The handkerchief I had been clutching tightly onto was completely drenched, but my eyes
continued to stream with tears.
SenseiHaruka, hell wake up right? Hell get better again right?
Id lost count of how many times Ive asked Sensei that question.
I knew that questions like these would only add to his worry.
But Sensei merely laughed while saying That guys trying his best as well, hell be fine every time,
and patted me on the back.
Previously when I was sent to the hospital, did my grandmother feel the same way while waiting for
me as well?
It was like crawling through a tunnel with no end in sight.
Everything will definitely be fine.
I tried to think positively but I was unable to completely drive away my fear, although I refused to
accept it the worst possibility kept flashing through my mind.
At that time, if I had noticed earlier, something like this probably wouldnt have happened to
Haruka.
Due to my childish stubbornness, Haruka was struggling painfully alone.
Maybe at that time Haruka had cried for my help before losing consciousness.
Despite that I still...!
I had never hated myself like that until then.
My tears dripped onto my hand that was holding the handkerchief, giving me the sensation of
water droplets.
- Yeah. I was unforgiveable, I didnt have the right to stay by Haruka nor worry about him.
What would I say to Haruka when he wakes up?
Something like Its great that youre fine, I was so worried?
I only cared about myself. Even at this time I was thinking about how to act like my usual self and
cover up the entire scenario in order to end this entire affair. Sassiness has to have a limit
somewhere.
If Sensei hadnt come, I wouldnt know what to do.
Im just a completely useless existence that can only act stubbornly.
The lights in the emergency theatre extinguished.

The automatic doors slid opened, and Harukas doctor stepped out while wearing a surgical gown.
Sensei stood up at once, ran over to him and began talking, while I couldnt move at all from my
nervousness and fear.
I couldnt hear what they were talking about, but I merely watched them carry out their
conversation.
So thats how it is. Please you have to find a way.
Sensei bent his head down. The doctor spoke two or three more sentences to him, and walked
down the corridor.
S, Sensei Haruka~
Still in a sitting position, I grasped the underside of Senseis coat while questioning him with my
brain still somewhat muddled, while he looked at me with a somewhat more relaxed expression.
Hes still in a coma, but they saved his life.
Sensei sat down loudly beside me.
The sweat beading on his forehead dripped onto the collar of his coat.
After hearing his response, I exhaled in relief,
Haruka was still alive. I was so happy I felt that nothing else was important other than the fact that
he was still alive.
But, Harukas smiling face suddenly flashed through my mind, as though it was too far away from
my grasp, and my chest began throbbing violently.
Maybe, he didnt want to see me again.
Maybe he hated me for doing nothing while he was in pain.
If he had woken up now, what kind of expression would he have on his face when he sees me?
As I thought these thoughts, I became increasingly horrified.
Sensei, I, Ill take Harukas things, and bring them here...
Hmm? Ah, speaking of which I think his wallet and phone were both left in the classroom are
you sure youre alright alone?
Ill be fine in order to make sure that no one else is around him when he wakes up, Sensei
needs to stay here.
As I said this I stood up from my seat and walked towards the hospital gate used for emergencies.
I didnt know what I was running from. I just had to get away from there.
As I walked through the gate at the end of the hall, the warm outdoor air wrapped around my body.
I felt like crying again as I was alone, but I put on my headphones that were hanging around my
neck and continued forward without looking back.

When I reached school, it was already evening.

Compared to the day the calls of the crickets were much less frequent, and the temperature had
decreased significantly.
But because I was in too much of a hurry, my school uniform was drenched in sweat and stuck
tightly to my back.
I put on my indoor slippers, ran to the corridor and turned right in the direction of the chemistry lab.
The school was even quieter than before.
In about an hour, everything would turn completely dark.
It was almost a year since the school festival where tens of people were gathered in this same
hallway.
Groups of weird fans gathering together, even meeting a girl just like a ghost, that day was pretty
chaotic. Haruka had gotten addicted to online games on that day as well, and she had also made a
female best friend. And then
Ah, Takane-neesan, its been a while. Is something wrong?
I was shocked at my name being suddenly called out like that, and I removed my headphones.
I turned around to see a young girl who was still wearing a red scarf even in midsummer standing
there.
Ah, Ayano-chan. Its been a while. Eh, why are you in school?
As I asked Ayano became embarrassed.
I couldnt understand at first why she reacted in that manner, but then I realized there could only be
one reason why Ayano would be here without any club activities.
Dont tell me Ayano-chan is here for summer school as well? Even though youre only a firstyear?
Yeah, thats what happened; my results appear to be pretty bad
Ayano stared at the floor while uttering a bone-chilling laugh Heheheh
From the way her eyes lost her usual glow, Ayanos results mustve been pretty bad.
It must be hard on you. I understand.
Ah, speaking of which I think my dad mentioned that Takane-neesan is having summer lessons as
well?
That Sensei really could only blabber on and on about unnecessary things. Its not like he has to
reveal everything to his daughter.
F, forget it, lets change the subject, shall we? All this is doing is making us depressed ah, that
guy isnt here today?
I looked around cautiously, looking for that guy with the infuriating personality.
But I couldnt seem to detect his presence.

Are you referring to Shintarou? Nah, that guys really smart so he doesnt have to attend summer
lessons and things like that
As Ayano mentioned Shintarou, her tone became somewhat more emotional. She really was easy
to read.
Ah, he is pretty smart coming to think of it. Isnt it hard on you Ayano-chan? To have to take care
of a stubborn guy like him.
Eh~? Its not actually like that you know? If you try talking to him, hes actually an unexpectedly
nice guy, its just that hes rather shy.
Ayano laughed as she spoke.
Ah, that kid will probably get in trouble with his personality someday. In my opinion, that guys just
a presumptuous little brat. But I guess to Ayano thats why hes cute.
Ah. But itd be better if that guy could be nicer to people for a change really. That guy really
must be incredibly lucky to have someone like Ayano-chan to take care of him huh.
As I finished my sentence, Ayanos expression became cloudy all of a sudden.
Maybe Id said something I wasnt supposed to.
I didnt mean it though.
Its not like that, I really cant do it. That guy needs someone cheerful to counteract his
stubbornness and guide him. I can only follow in his footsteps, I cant do anything myself
Ayano scratched her head while giggling. No no wait wait wait, it probably isnt possible that
anyone more stubborn exists on this earth. Someone like him whos just as arbitrary, mean, and
hides all their real feelings, not to mention being hard to grasp. Strange?
No one~
Eh? Did you say something?
Ah, um, no!! I didnt say anything!! I was just talking to myself! Sorry Ayano-chan for getting in
your way for so long. You need to go back fast right?
I hurriedly waved in an attempt to mask over my actions.
Ah, no, I myself enjoy talking to you. Yeah I do have to go back, so would you like to follow me
Takane-neesan?
Ah, no thanks Haruka collapsed again today. Senseis in the hospital as well, so I need to
deliver him his things.
As I finished my sentence, Ayano hurriedly looked down shamefully.
Ah, I-Im sorry! I held you up for so long without knowing. You need to get there as soon as
possible, right? Is Haruka-kuns condition stable?
Ah, yeah! Hes still unconscious but they managed to save his life and Senseis there as well so
there shouldnt be any problem. AlsoIll only cause trouble if I remain there

My seemingly nonchalantly spoken words sounded rather masochistic instead, causing my chest
area to feel uncomfortable.
Why did I have to say that? It clearly had nothing to do with Ayano.
Takane-neesan, is something wrong? Causing trouble and whatnot, Im sure Haruka-kun wouldnt
have any reason to think that right?
Mmbut I still cant do it. I dont have the guts to see him if I can Ill just go home after
delivering his things to the reception office
I was shocked by my own cowardice. It wasnt supposed to be like that.
Suddenly as I looked up at Ayanos face it was completely different from her usual kind, amiable
expression, instead it was puffed up almost as if she was angry.
It was the first time I saw an expression like this on her face, which made me nervous.
Takane, Takane-neesan isnt honest with her feelings at all. Youve clearly decided what you
really want to do in the first place already, but youre going to use Haruka-kun as an excuse for
your own cowardice?
Ayano glared at me sharply, immobilizing me with her gaze,
No, thats not
No no no theres nothing wrong. Takane-neesan should see Haruka-kun and tell him how she
feels honestly. And
As she said this Ayanos expression saddened suddenly as though shed remembered something.
She inhaled a small breath before continuing.
Even if you want to tell him, theres a possibility that you wont make it. You will if you do it now.
So please, be courageous.
As Ayano finished her sentence her expression returned to her usual warm smile.
Ayano-chan
Anyway, if you get dumped Ill be there to comfort you! So Ill be leaving first then.
I was touched to the point that I felt somewhat numb, but my cheeks reddened when remembering
Ayanos last sentence, dispelling my previous emotional state.
Although I wanted to explain myself immediately in shame, Ayano was already walking towards the
shoe cabinets.
What, what is this huh did I just get lectured
Ayano was too far away for me to see her already, so I gave up and continued towards the
chemistry lab with my head bent down.
My real feelings.
As I was too used to stalling, I wasnt clear of them myself.
It was too hard for me. I didnt even know what to do.

I thought as long as everything could return to how it always was, with just the both of us in that
classroom it would be fine.
So I might as well not worsen the situation and just continue on without saying anything.
- My heart reached that conclusion.
Yes, to just return to how it always was.
All this time Id never tried to reveal my true feelings, until now.
But would it really be alright like this
In front of me was the door to the chemistry lab I had already grown used to seeing.
Yeah, every single time I open this door, another tense day would start.
I took a deep breath and opened the door.
Good morning, Takane.
In the blink of an eye it was almost as if I heard his voice talking to me, in the empty classroom
with piles of unfinished games and small mountains of reference books on our tables.
My heart began pounding.
That was probably exactly what I was looking for.
I dashed out into the corridor.
Now, I finally understand!
What Ive been meaning to say all this time.
I would definitely be able to say it this time.
Yes, it its now then definitely!
My chest tightened from my overflowing emotions, and I felt I needed to reach him as fast as
possible.
My feet touched the ground
That was what was supposed to happen.
The walls of the corridor suddenly distorted, and the floor suddenly became too close for comfort.
An impact almost like being thrown made me collapse heavily onto the floor.
Kuhhah.ah!!
I was unable to breathe properly.
I wanted to get up, but just moving my fingers proved to be my limit.
Why, why at a time like this!
The fear that I would forget my current feelings began taking over my brain.
At the same time an unreasonable wave of sleepiness began stealing my consciousness.
No. No!

Without any methods to defend myself, with my gradually fading consciousness,

At the very end I saw the blurry image of someone standing at the end of the corridor.
- Why would that person be here.
He had no reason to be.
I didnt have the time to closely discern who it was as I was reaching my limit.
I suddenly remembered Ayanos words: Even if you want to tell him, theres a possibility that you
wont make it.
I was an idiot. It was just a simple matter of conveying my feelings but Id wasted too much time.
My consciousness became blurry, but up to the very end, I was repeating the same sentence over
and over.
- Haruka, I love you the most.

Headphone Actor IV
Did I manage to deliver my final message?
There was no way I could verify it, but I did. I felt it.
Its such an unbelievable feeling.
Like floating in warm water, and yet like flying in the air
Yeah, it was almost like Ive awoken from something.
My heavy breathing, the pain that felt as if my legs were going to split open, the annoying
sleepiness the current me couldnt feel any of those anymore.
Have I died?
Is this never-ending darkness the so-called afterlife.
In my imagination the afterlife was more fairytale-ish, but apparently the gods have been slacking
off.
At least give me some light
Hah, I just dont understand anything eh? Ah! Ah~! Ah~~! I can speak. Eh~ ehum~ my
bodys still here.
I felt up my body carefully, it appeared that I could feel my body and voice just fine.
Anyway, whats up with this place? It doesnt feel like Im being locked up anywhere was all that
just now just a strange dream
I suddenly recalled my epic and despairing experience earlier.
The streets were just like Avici. (TL note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avici)
The crumbling skies.
The voice of the other me I stumbled upon unintentionally.
Just remembering it all gave me goosebumps.

Which was when I noticed that I produced goosebumps.

Speaking of which why did something this bizarre happen?
I could talk, but it didnt feel as if I could breathe.
I could feel my body, but I couldnt sense my temperature.
If this is the so-called death, then I guess I can only accept it, but I couldnt remember it no matter
how hard I tried.
At that time, before I awoke in the corridor, what exactly happened to me?
Ive experienced that feeling countless times.
The feeling of waking up after suddenly falling asleep.
Now in my head all my memories before waking up in the corridor have been erased.
Maybe I had collapsed due to my disease and woke up there.
That was a situation I had been in countless times before, so it wasnt really anything to get all that
surprised about but this time it was different.
Ive never been in a situation like this as though I was sucked into a dream, walking about in the
darkness.
Hmm~!! I dont understand!! Where the heck is this!? Is anyone there!! Is anyone there~!!
I didnt know whether it was because my voice had activated something, but as I was yelling a fourcornered monitor-like space opened up in front of me in the darkness.
And opposite it, countless monitors and what appeared to be ceilings with wires with organisms
lying over them were projected.
W-Waaahhhh! That scared me what is this a television?
I went up to take a closer look, and it appeared to be a dark laboratory.
Every screen displayed some sort of parameter and timetable.
The four-cornered window I used to look into the room was probably one of the monitors as well.
But I was unable to confirm what I was seeing.
It was pitch black all around me. The room displayed on the four-cornered window-like thing was
all I knew about my situation.
But I wondered what was going on in that other world. At that time, I somehow felt like the streets I
lived in were made of papier-mch.
I was trying my best in order to convey something, but now I cant remember what it was.
There was no other light in the room other than that emitted by the screen, so my field of vision
was somewhat limited.
From the four-cornered window I could hear a faint noice.
Number one appears to be a success for now. Hahah I never thought that our very first test
would be this successful. Our yearlong preparation was worth it after all.

The voice as soft as a whisper belonged to someone I knew rather well.

Sensei? Why would he be in a place like this
I tried to find a way to see who the owner of the voice was, so I adjusted my position and looked
out the window again.
It was only a little but the volume had increased from earlier, and now it was perfectly audible.
My eyes had seemingly got used to the faint light as well, and I could gradually see the entirety of
the room.
However, what was reflected there was a sight that made me question my eyes.
In the deeper parts of the room that I couldnt see earlier, there was a large X-ray like machine.
There was a bed located there as well, and a white round gate was placed over it, stretching over
the entire bed.
What appeared to be a heart-rate monitor was placed there as well with all sorts of buttons on it. A
persons body was lying on the bed while sliding out of the machine, and a seemingly infinite
amount of wires were connected to it.
Is thatme, me!?
That person was clearly me. I was wearing a white hospital gown and a headphone-like apparatus.
W-whats going on!? But Im right here!
I realized something after that.
Maybe this is what it means to become a spirit.
My consciousness was here, but my body was unquestionably lying on that bed.
Which means
Dont tell me, I really died? How could this be?
The impact of this revelation caused me to fall onto the floor.
At the same time I unconsciously realized that I was able to fall on the ground.
I never thought that I would turn into one of the spirits I had never believed in previously.
At this rate, that girl that came to our booth during the school festival might have been an actual
spirit.
Wait a minute, didnt she say she had some superpower?
Either way they were both abnormal symptoms, and I could only accept it.
After which I returned to my normal emotional state, to my own surprise.
It was a great shock, but even if I died it wasnt as if I disappeared.
As I pondered this, after confirming the situation, I was completely convinced that I existed here at
this point.

But what should I do after this? I hear Senseis voice just now so he should be there, how
should I get his attention and get him to help me
I once again surveyed the room, that voice earlier sounded like it was coming out from the right
side
I stuck my face onto the window and looked as far to the right as could.
After that, I was able to see everything in the deeper parts of the room that was blocked from my
previous angle clearly.
What I saw was a giant water tank no, more of an enlarged version of those containers used to
hold Formalin, and Sensei stood in front of it. But, as compared to finally finding Sensei who I was
looking for all this time, I was considerably more surprised at what was in the container.
H-Haruka!?
I thought it was Haruka for an instant, but the figure I saw was noticeably different from the Haruka
I knew.
Just like my body lying on the bed, every inch of his body had pipes connect to it, and he was
floating in the water with his head down he appeared to be a teenager with white hair and light
pink eyes.
Isnt that the character Konoha Haruka created? But, but how!?
Faced with strange happenings occurring one after the other, my brain ceased its activity.
Why was I dead?
Why was Konoha there?
And also why was Sensei?

Before I was able to organize my thoughts, I once again heard Senseis voice.
Anyway, the Key is now in my hands. Now Ill be able to open the next Kagerou Daze.
Konoha youre going to
As I listened up to this point, a large amount of snowflakes appeared on the window all of a
sudden.
I stretched my arm towards the monitor in confusion, and as the outline of my hand was lit up by
the faint glow, it began to fall apart from the end just like mosaic.
Eh! W, waaahhhhh!! W, whats going on!? My body is!
In the next instance, all the monitors reflected through the four-cornered window had the word
Delete* written on them.

A act moe!? ...Ehe (TL note: This part needs some expression. Essentially Ene thought that
the word Delete was Dele/Dere instead, which is part of the words Tsundere/Yandere. Dere
essentially means to act cute, or as the Japanese put it in manga/anime, act moe. In case this
needs any more explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_(slang) An example would probably
be how Hanazawa Kana sings cutely intentionally in Renai Circulation.)
Following the instructions, I tried my best to act moe.
- But the situation didnt change at all.
What was that all about, the instructions earlier!?
Kyaaaahhhhhh!! Nothing changed!! Ah, my feet are gone!! M, my breasts ah screw it they
werent there in the first place anyway
Just like in a dream, my body was disappearing at a speed still visible to the naked eye.
I couldnt comprehend it.
But it was probably the act of so-called vanishing. No doubt about it.
I briefly wondered whether I would wake up in bed to realize Im almost late for school. Probably
not.
As I was pondering over these trivial questions, my body had just about disappeared completely.
In my helpless state I called out Oh God! unintentionally, and in the next useless instant
Everything went black.
What a poor little girl. Since your bodys gone, whats the point of lingering around?
Ah, my body really was gone I knew it.
Even if you go back, your home or whatever its called will be gone as well you know?
If so if so then Id build another one. No matter where it would be, it would be fine as long as I
have a place to stay.
What an arrogant girl. So you want to get out of here that badly?
O, of course! Because if I stay here Ill just remain confused
If you want to get out then awaken (open your eyes) young girl.
- Eh!? Who are you anyway?
As I asked this my eyes heated up as though they were about to catch on fire.
At the same time, lightning flashed across the completely dark world.
I was dizzy for a moment, and something appeared in front of me a log-in screen.
To me it was an extremely familiar sight.
- So thats how it is. So anyway Id better find somewhere to stay. Preferably not a boring
place.
I entered my password at an accustomed speed.

WELCOME.
With the refreshed sensation one gets after one wakes up completely, I flew into the sea of
characters floating around.
A giant blue compass spun round and round, a sky made from 0s and 1s stretched out endlessly,
and birds made of lightning flew past each other.
- My long, long cyber journey, began from this point onwards.

Chapter 4: Reminiscence Forest

August 15th, Midsummer.
On the roads of the countryside some distance from the city, the noises generated by cars and
people are much lesser, but in contrast to this the calls of the cicadas are much louder.
There were only corroded traffic signals and small townhouses scattered around the seemingly
endless road.
The road itself had obvious cracks from insufficient maintenance, and weeds grew on both sides of
it.
It seems that its already the afternoon. It feels like Ive been walking on this road for hours, but its
probably been only tens of minutes.
Time thats passed when the body is under harsh conditions usually feels much longer than it
actually is.
- The reason for all this was something that happened yesterday.
I, Kisaragi Shintarou, after two years of being a hikiNEET, have been pushed into a situation where
I have to go outside due to various reasons.
And those various reasons are actually that evil virus Ene messing up my computer components,
forcing me to go out to buy things at the nearby shopping center, as simple as that.
However in the shopping center itself I bumped into a terrorist attack that probably was a once in
a million occurrence, and I was taken hostage and shot.
Well everything does sound pretty dangerous up to this point, but the main point only starts from
here on. Please let me continue.
After I got shot, I was saved by some mysterious gang that was coincidentally there as well.
Some group called the Mekakushi Dan with an invisible girl, a medusa and a chameleon guy.
I did feel that this group was even more suspicious than the terrorists themselves, but since
theyve helped me recuperate and took care of my wounds, they dont seem to be bad people.
- So far.
Using all my mental willpower to resist the urge on commenting on all sorts of things, I figured that
if I could just have the opportunity to say Thanks a lot, goodbye and return to my hikiNEET
lifestyle, Id just forget about everything.

But, after I listened to this guy called Kano rambling on and on conceitedly, I attempted to reply
with a So thats how it is which somehow led to a Since you know our secret we cant let you go
back, sounding suspiciously like a terrorist organization.
- Of course I did try to defend myself.
I thanked them for taking care of me while I was unconscious for the whole night.
I wasnt planning to get myself into a situation like that where I could be easily manipulated, but the
impact of not going outside for too long had exhausting effects on my energy and body.
Also, those ridiculously unbelievable things he was talking about would probably get a response
something along the lines of You must be wrong in the head somewhere no matter who you told
them to.
So there were no negotiations. I refused.
But, my resident evil virus Ene obviously responded with a Isnt this the most marvelous and
interesting development, Master! and joined the Mekakushi Dan while in possession of
embarrassing information regarding myself.
No matter how much I begged her she still refused, so I was dragged kicking and screaming into
the Dan, and now I hold the position of Member No. 7, Shintarou.
Hey Mom I finally found some friends! I joined a group called the Mekakushi Dan! Im member No.
7 you know! ...Eh? My age? How could you forget, Mom? Im 18!
- I want to die. Please let me die. I would never say something like tha/
Hey, Nii you really make people hot just by looking at you and that set of clothes doesnt look
good at all on you.
As I was carrying out my monologue, my sister Momo who was walking beside since earlier
started a conversation with me unhappily.
Since shes two years younger than me shed be sixteen this year. Not too long ago although it
was a few years earlier, back then she was still a cute little sister that would pout and say things
like Onii-san Onii-san!
But her attitude suffered a drastic change after she reached high school.
She began to take on a high-handed attitude not uncommon among female high school students.
After which she somehow became an idol, and with her posters and stuff seemingly placed
everywhere around the streets she seemed to have made quite a name for herself.
I did feel happy for her success, but since our personalities were way too far apart we didnt even
have any chances to talk recently.
But idol activities seem to cause a lot of stress as well, since yesterday she discussed something
with her agency and shes apparently on some temporary vacation for now.
She seems to have had not many friends in the first place as well, so the fact that she made
friends with the people in the Mekakushi Dan makes me as a brother feel rather complicated
emotionally but at the same time relieved I guess.

- Just my opinion. Since youre sweating so much you might as well take that thing off. Its not like
were having an endurance contest.
She was right, the surrounding temperature and my sweat made my sweatshirt feel like a sauna.
It may be alright if I were to take if off but my skin is rather vulnerable so I dont like getting it in the
sun, plus taking off this Sweatshirt which could be considered as the ultimate form of padded
clothing and a perfect accessory would be impossible to me as Im addicted to sweatshirts.
Well the main reason was because a friend (female) once complimented me Shintarou really looks
good in sweatshirts, but now it seems to have become some sort of curse.
Hey~Hey~ Listen! Nii are you listening!? Just looking at you makes me feel hot!
From her consistent complaints it appeared that she was venting her frustration stemming from the
summer heat and exhaustion on me.
I understood how she felt but I was in the same situation. I was rather annoyed at her hypercritical
attitude in the first place, so I began provoking my sister as well.
Its not like its directly causing you any trouble, isnt it? Speaking of which what kind of clothes are
you wearing its like one of those things someone would wear in some punishment game on a
variety show?
Momo was wearing a jacket with the word Door emblazoned directly across her chest in a large
font, something so old-fashioned that even a comedian wouldnt wear.
If other people saw it they would definitely say something like Ah, this guy mustve been punished
for doing something pretty bad
Huh? Thats because you dont understand the cute parts of this clothing Nii really doesnt have
taste at all! Look at the pot calling the kettle black, are you trying to join some hitchhiking project by
some comedian with that sweatshirt? Just go and interview some farmers and cry at their fresh
vegetables or something.
Probably because she liked that piece of clothing, Momo countered sharply.
But to protect the dignity of my sweatshirt, I couldnt lose here.
Ill attack Momos weak points then.
Shut up already. I know what youve been doing you know, you always watch livestreams of video
games alone at night while laughing like an idiot, dont you. Thats disgusting. And you always
make your room so dark just to eat fried squid strips. Are you an old man
Momo who was caught off guard by my piercing insults became flustered.
Wait why!? How would you know that!?
Momo who was so adamant earlier suddenly turned green, and was now slowly turning red.
I saw my chance and took it.
Ah, because I always hear weird noises coming from your room like Foo foo foo every time I
pass by to use the toilet. Also the doors always half opened, so I saw everything.
I win. No matter what shes still my sister. She cant compete with an older brother.

D how dirty!! I cant believe you!! Speaking of which Niis always looking at dirty images right!?
Ene-chan told me you know!? Masters sexual urges never seem to run out! How disgusting!!
From my pride earlier at winning the battle I was struck down to my lowest point. I wiped off my
sweat caused by the summer air, and a new batch of cold sweat was released.
Y-y-y-you, whatre you talking about!
Exactly what I just said!?
E, exactly what you said!? Ah, aahhh~ so thats what you meant. That was when I clicked on
some weird ads right!? Anyway everyone makes mistakes once in a while!
Sigh how many times do you make mistakes in a day, huh? Ene-chan also said Every single
time that happens Master would run out of the room uneasily with an astoundingly high heart
rate
An alarm in my head began to ring violently.
I, Kisaragi Shintarous life is at the edge of being ruined! I wanted to throw the cellphone in my
pocket into a dirty drain immediately, but compared to that I would be in even deeper trouble if I
didnt change the subject. Momo was already looking at me like I was a piece of trash, but I should
still have a chance. What else can I say!
What~ are you guys chatting about so happily!! Ah, you guys go so well together, no wonder
youre siblings!
Ouch!
Someone hit me on my back suddenly. I was so shocked I jumped into the air.
I hurriedly turned around only to see a large teenager wearing a pair of green overalls and carrying
some hairy white thing on his back with a cheerful smile on his face.
He was a teenager from the Mekakushi Dan I had just joined.
Speaking of which that guy shouldve been behind us since just now. Which means, he mustve
heard our entire conversation. Unless he was trying to save me from being picked on by my
sister.
And you are um Se-something or whatever right?
I tried to start a conversation only half-remembering his name and failed miserably. I definitely
appeared to be wrong, as Momo hit me in the ribs with her arm.
With an Oof, my breath escaped through my mouth.
His name is Raito! He introduced himself this morning right!? Nii you really are bad at
remembering other peoples names!
With an expression that seemed to apologize for my rudeness, Momo glared over at me. Just as
she was going to continue lecturing me, the hairy thing on the overall-wearing guys back spoke
dissatisfiedly.

Wrong, its Seto

Behind the shoulders of the guy called Seto, two pink-colored eyes revealed themselves and
stared at us.
The white hairy thing that was Mary, continued her correction with a somewhat unhappy
expression.
Its Seto if you get his name wrong itd be too bad for him.
Momo who was being stared at by Mary had a shocked expression on her face.
In an instant, she made a sideways glance at me to confirm my expression.
Hahahaha! Its fine Mary. Raito sounds pretty cool as well!
Seto comforted her nonchalantly.

Mary had a completely confused expression on her face, and with an Mm she once again
buried her face in Setos shoulders and remained silent.
For a moment there was only silence Momo attempted to ignore the awkward silence and
increased her pace, but I couldnt let her off so easily.
Hey.
I closed in on Momo while speaking dissatisfiedly. Which wasnt surprising, of course. I got jabbed
only to find out that the name she had corrected me on was completely wrong as well. Anyone
would be angry in that sort of situation.
What is this
Nii, didnt Onii-chan get it wrong in the first place!? At least my guess was more accurate
Its not a matter of accuracy!! What was all that Raito crap about!?
Watching us argue meaninglessly, Seto laughed casually.
Although Id only known him since this morning, Seto seemed like a person fairly easy to read,
having a magnanimity that allowed him to accept anything head-on.
Being interrupted by his large gales of laughter, I felt embarrassed at our meaningless argument.
Ah Seto-kun Im sorry for getting your name wrong Mary-chan, Im sorry for making you
unhappy as well OK?
Momo turned around and apologized to the two of them.
Marry raised her head from Setos shoulders and mumbled Raito does sound a bit cool.
Hearing this, Momo seemed relieved.
Speaking of which, how can you still carry someone while walking in such hot weather?
Eh? Ah, because I carry all sorts of things in my part-time jobs normally. Marys very light so she
isnt that hard to carry around!
Setos physical ability was really good. My scrawny arms developed from being a household
security guard for two years could barely manage to lift a little baby, so his ability was good to me
at least.
Hence I ignored Momo who let out a nasal Hmph after comparing Seto and I.
But Mary you cant go on like this you know? Its because you dont exercise normally that causes
you to get exhausted easily like how you are now.
Mm, mm next time Ill walk around more
Mary had collapsed only a few minutes after we left, and was being carried ever since.
This girl looks like someone who doesnt go out often.
An indescribable sense of familiarity surged from inside me, but the disparity between a girl who
never leaves her room and a hikiNEET is just too large how regrettable.
Another layer of noise added to the calls of the crickets around us.

We had probably reached an area pretty far from the city center.
Beside the roads small forests were beginning to appear in clumps here and there, and the amount
of farmhouses had significantly decreased as well.
Wed only walked a little while but we could already feel the countryside atmosphere, although I
had felt it yesterday I once again expressed surprise at the development of the city.
Momo was holding a rather old touchscreen cellphone that seemed to be on the brink of death
yesterday from being splashed with tea. But it seemed to have resurrected after being put into a
bag with dryer.
But Im really sorry, everyone. We have to walk because of me
Momo lowered her head while speaking.
It was true that it would be much faster if we were to take the bus but Kidos blindfold ability
seemed to have a weakness that worked something like the effects would be lost if you bumped
into someone, so it would be dangerous to use in a closed space like a public bus, thus we ended
up walking instead.
Speaking of which, todays plan was to go play at the amusement park located at the roof of the
shopping center we went to buy things yesterday! but it definitely wouldnt be open considering
that theyd just been hit by a terrorist attack yesterday, so mission failed.
But, since Ene stubbornly demanded We have to go now! we could only go to an amusement
park in the countryside as a substitute.
The Commander Kido and another member Kano would be slightly late, so the rest of the Dan
was currently heading towards the park.
The road we were walking on didnt have much people on it in the first place, so there werent any
problems related to Momos ability so far.
Kano-kun said theyd turned a nature park into an amusement park or something isnt it that
place over there!? Look! I can see cable cars!
Momo pointed ahead of us in sudden realization.
And beyond the large patch of forest ahead of us, within the trees we could vaguely see something
that looked like roller coaster tracks.
Oh, it looks like it! Look, Mary were here!
Seto lightly shook Mary whose eyes promptly lit up with a Really! This is great!
Ene-chan seems awfully quiet all of a sudden. Is it fine for her not to be saying anything since just
now?
Because I didnt want to waste battery power she just said something like Tell me when we
reach!
I had thought that shed be chattering all the way there, but she did appear to have unexpected
weaknesses.
Ah. So we should wake her up now Ah! That looks like the Commander.

About forty meters ahead of us there was a sign with the words Natural Amusement Park written
on it with a public bus stop next to it. Among the visitors and their families that were continuously
getting down, there were two familiar faces.
It really is them! Ah, so many people are getting off! Ill make a call first!
Momo hurriedly put on her hood and began calling someone.
Ah, Commander? Were near the main entrance Yes! Yeah. So well be waiting here, thank
you!
After hanging up, Momo looked around uneasily. The passengers getting off the bus didnt seem to
be walking in our direction, instead directly surging into the amusement park itself.
And among them we saw the two figures from earlier heading our way.
So we will definitely need Kidos ability in order to play around in the park huh.
Yes! Exactly!
Momo had a childlike smile on her face under her hood.

- I found a bench and sat down on it, feeling as though I was going to die.
The backrest of the bench was damply cold due to the shade from the trees.
I breathed deeply. Is my semicircular canal still working I still felt like I was on a boat, and the
urge to throw up arose again.
Is Shintarou-kun OK? Mary and the others are too much; they really went too far
Seto sat down to the left of me, and patted my back strongly after passing me a bottle of mineral
water.
Ah, Shintarou-kun kukuku you really dont need to mind me. Phew
Kano sat down to the right of me as though wanting to squeeze me in between the two of them,
and encouraged me evilly with both hands crossed behind his head.
Kano, youre being rude you know? There are people who arent suitable to screamers after all.
You shouldnt go around treating him like an idiot just because he threw up a little.
Pplease stop Im begging you
Setos kind words only reminded me of the fact that I threw up, worsening my psychological
trauma. I already felt like dying.
Ah, Im sorry. Its just because Shintaro-kuns just so fun to tease. But its really a surprise that
Mary isnt afraid of any of the thrill rides. Kido appears calm for a change as well.
Those sentences made an image of the group of girls appear in my head, and my shame
deepened. They actually saw my humiliating form earlier. I cant take this anymore.
Because Kidos trying to act cool. But isnt it great for all of us to come out and play like this?
Seto spoke somewhat emotionally while continuing to pat me on the back.

Amazing, huh. That must be the reason why Im throwing up so much.

Really, this must be the first time we did something like this. Its hard on you Seto, working
everyday like that right? You came back very late yesterday as well, didnt you?
Yeah. Although I was pretty shocked to see so many people after I came home!
Speaking of which, its been a few years since weve had any more new members after Mary
came along. Kidos really happy about our increase in numbers. Its great. So, Seto what do you
think about Kisaragi-chan?
As I was still bent over Seto and Kano began chatting merrily behind me, but their topic of
conversation made me recall Momos face, dispelling my urge to join in.
Shes really polite! I was surprised enough that a hikikomori like Mary would introduce herself to
her, and shes an idol as well!
Ah, I was really surprised when Kido brought her here as well you know? Kidos flustered face
heheh.
Kano began giggling merrily, but I still felt like crying.
Ah, and Ene-chan! That kids personalitys pretty decent as well! But what happened to her? How
does she even move?
A kid that lives in handphones! Hmm~mm? Although she does look like she lives in them
My tears began flowing as soon as they mentioned Ene. That fellow will definitely never forget my
humiliating state earlier. She might tease me about it until I die.
She really does look like she stays in handphones. Anyway, what is up with her Shintarou-kun?
What!? Whyre you crying!?
Kano peeked at my face, and an expression with the words Ive~ found something interesting!!
written all over it appeared on his. What a disgusting person.

The fact that he was nonchalantly stroking my back was pretty disgusting as well.
S, shut up! Its nothing!! Also, regarding what happened to Ene?
With my mood completely changed, I answered Kanos question. Maybe joining in their
conversation would make me feel better.
Eh? Ah! Yes, Ene-chan! How did you get to know her!? Is it because of those things that have
been the craze recently? Those dating websites!?
How is that possible! Im not sure of it either but she seems to have been living in my computer for
a really long time I dont know where shes from nor who she is, and she wont tell me even if I
ask.
It wasnt a very conclusive answer, but Kano accepted it with an Oh.

So thats how it is~ is it? Shintarou-kun asking about Ene-chans private past on and on which
made her angry. Which means
No! What were you listening to!? I didnt say anything like that earlier!? I dont care about her past.
If she doesnt want to talk about it
After rebutting Kano whos ability to comprehend others didnt seem that good, he smiled while
patting my back with an Im joking, Im joking.
Ah, is this how it feels like? What people always talk about, The feeling that I really want to quit
caused by there being an extremely annoying Senpai in a club that I joined without thinking.
Forget it. It isnt good to argue ah, Shintarou-kuns finished his water! Ill go get some more!
As Seto finished his sentence I realized that my bottle of mineral water was essentially empty.
Ah, its fine, Ill get it myself so I wont trouble you
No matter how you put it it just feels painful to be taken care of by others all the time, as I was
about to stand up from the bench Seto pressed on my shoulders, forcing me to sit.
Its fine! Just have a good rest! I want to buy something to drink as well!
Seto spoke with a cheerful smile not unlike that of a model advertising a cool drink and walked off
quickly.
Ah! Wait at least take the money
I hurriedly pulled out my wallet, but Seto was already pretty far off and waved to me while saying
Pay me later, disappearing into the crowds.
Seto really cant sit still, can he?
Kano yawned and once again placed his hands behind his head.
I didnt feel like saying anything to him so I remained silent. If I were to say anything that guy might
just take it as an opportunity to go on and on once more. Honestly hes really annoying; I dont
want to get in a conversation with him at all.
Speaking of which, I remembered when I was held hostage along with him yesterday.
Despite being in a dangerous situation of being held hostage, he still appeared as cheerful as he is
now.
According to Momo, everyone in the Mekakushi Dan is younger than me.
It was rather obvious from the way they said Members, lets all go have fun at the amusement
park! which was honestly rather childish.
But, from the way they defeated the group of terrorists, and after hearing that they all possess their
own abilities, I dont think that theyre just a group that just messes around.
- Speaking of which I wonder what this group actually does, and why it was formed.
This group, only consisted of Kido, Seto and Kano before Mary joined.
Now there are seven of us including me. Besides me everyone else has an ability.

The members pretty much obey Commander Kido.

Thats all I know for now.
Ene and Momo didnt seem to care much about the activities of the group, but since the two of
them clearly lack the ability to think, they werent much of a reference.
Thinking along these lines, I began feeling that my current situation of joining a mysterious group
and mixing with them without knowing anything was rather dangerous.
Ive only been with them for a very short time, but judging from the way they speak they dont seem
like bad people. They seem to care about Momos ability almost as if theyve experienced similar
things themselves, which in my opinion makes them unquestionably friends of hers.
I couldnt imagine that they might be a group that would plan some sort of criminal activity for their
own benefit.
But regarding those abilities, they dont seem to know much about them as well.
When Momo noticed her own ability she was already rather famous, and since she herself doesnt
remember when and why it appeared, I definitely wouldnt know as well.
But hearing their tones, its like they know the origin of these abilities.
If they do then who exactly are they
Hi! Shintaro-kun, Ive got your water!
As I was immersed in a serious air trying to uncover whatever dark secrets these people may
have, Seto placed the bottle of water hed just bought on my neck.
Kyaaaahhhhhh!! You scared me to death!! You, you at least take into consideration the
atmosphere!! Just now, earlier there was like a somewhat cool but serious feel right!?
Eh? Oh, I apologize. Ah its just because you have so many openings
Seto nonchalantly smiled cheerfully, and gave me a thumbs-up.
Are you a samurai or something!? Argh, I completely forgot what I was thinking about earlier.
Sigh, forget it. Anyway
I tensed up slightly and was crushed by an overwhelming sinking feeling. I think Ill never be able to
appear as a serious character.
Ah Shintarou-kun, it isnt worth it if you dont enjoy yourself as much as you can today you know?
If you need it I can give you some special training regarding thrill rides?
I wondered where that guy got the idea that I would agree to something like that, and as I looked
up his eyes actually had flames burning in them.
While Kano mumbled Going for special training at 18 years old and laughter burst out from him
violently.
I wont go on any of those things until my next life!! Speaking of which you guys should just go
play somewhere
Anyway as long as Im with these guys Ill never have peace.

Yeah, it does feel great to be alone once in a while.

Eh, wait a minute? Now Enes in Momos phone as well. Which means I can finally be truly alone
- Now!
As I said that, my desire to be alone began burning passionately.
Yes. I could never get rid of Ene normally, so its been a really long time since Ive been in a
situation where Im truly alone.
So, I might as well just wait here in complete freedom.
I stood up from my chair suddenly and determinedly.
Kano was so shocked that his shoulders trembled slightly, and looked at me astonishedly.
Eh, what? Suddenly it seems as if Shintarou-kun has awakened?
Why would that be! No, I just want to walk around alone!! Please dont follow me! Goodbye!
I walked away from them as fast as I could after I finished and blended into the crowds.
I planned to slowly exit the commotion and walk to somewhere where they cant see me.
This is great! I never thought that Id get the chance to be alone at a time like this.
Ah, its really been a while since Ive gotten any private time.
Because of Ene, except for when Im in the toilet or in the shower, I would always be in a state of
fear.
If I was sleeping I would be woken up, if I was using the Internet I would be interrupted, if I tried to
visit porn sites shed tell my sister
- But today, Im finally released from my curse.
Frantically resisting the urge to yell AAAAATHISISGREATHHHHHH!!, I once again surveyed my
surroundings.
Yeah, in an amusement park with such a natural air I would definitely be able to have a good,
relaxed nap somewhere. Wait, since that person isnt here shouldnt I just use the internet to my
hearts content!?
Ah this is Heaven. Its great that I came here today!
Lots of amazing things do happen when Im free. Yeah, today will definitely be a beautiful day.
This is definitely because Ive been working so hard so God has given me a reward
Hey
Shut up, dont talk to me while Im in such a good mood.
Ah today is such a beautiful day -!
Hey Didnt you hear me Shintarou?
- I came to my senses after hearing my name being called out.

I wouldve nearly stepped into a dangerous world due to the overwhelmingly open sensation I felt if
not for that voice that stopped me.
Who was it?
Looking around, I saw an easy-to-spot little girl with long fuzzy hair with tears in her eyes standing
there.
Why were you ignoring me...?
Eh, ah, Im sorry! Eh isnt that right Mary!! Dont cry! OK?
Mary appeared somewhat helpless, was it because I didnt reply immediately? I did apologized but
her face was still puffed up, and tears began appearing in her eyes.
W, whyre you so unhappy? Did something happen?
Mary nodded and pointed to her right.
The direction she was pointing at had a sign with the name of one of the amusement parks
attractions, Maze of Ice written on it and a giant castle-like building apparently sculpted from ice.
What about it you want to play inside?
Before Id finished my sentence Mary was already nodding her head violently.
Honestly I felt like saying Cant you just go in? and run away. Why did my personal time have
to be taken away by an attraction obviously made for kids.
Well, I wouldve done it considering the way I was before.
But if I said that this kid would probably start crying.
This is a disaster. The matter itself was simple, but if that were to happen everyone around us
would think that I was about to do something perverted to a pure young girl.
I would be dragged away by security guards, after which my details would be revealed publicly:
High school dropout! Jobless! Hikikomori! Virgin!.
That would be equivalent to social suicide.
And I had no other way around the situation.
I get it. Mary, youll be satisfied as long as we go in there and play right?
Mm! I want to go! Together?
Marys expression suddenly lit up, and her previously tear-filled eyes began glowing at me as well.
It made the male Shintarou (virgin)s heart begin to beat violently.
Dammitmy plans were ruined.
But I had too many perks.
It was regrettable but I had no remaining space for the Lolicon perk.
Goodbye, Lolicon.
Maybe you can come back to me after I get rid of my Virgin status!

(TL note: Extremely large walls of text incoming. Original text had no spaces for some reason. Ill
try to leave spaces appropriately.)
- So, Mary and I joined the queue for the Maze of Ice not too embarrassedly. It didnt appear to be
a very popular attraction, as getting in didnt require much time. But, I suddenly recalled something.
AfterIthrew up the group of girls did begin going around as a group.
Arguments or something that probably wouldnt happen. If they really did argue, then this kid
would probably be crying non-stop.
Huh, what happened to the others? Why are you here alone?
Eh? Ah, basically. After that we went on another roller coaster, but I accidentally went into another
queue by myself and got lost.
Mary was staring fixatedly at a map of the park she picked up near the entrance, and answered my
question without even looking up. It seemed that she had drawn question marks in red on the
attractions she wanted to go to.
This kid is unexpectedly energetic. She wants to visit everything herself I personally thought
that shed say something like I dont want to go anywhere without everyone else which made me
sad somehow.
Oh. Anyway, as long as Momos with Kido Ill be somewhat at ease Speaking of which why do
you have to go in this maze with me?
As I asked, Mary silently pointed to another sign at the attractions entrance without speaking.
Looking at the sign, it seemed to be a notice saying Visitors must enter in groups of two. Ah, so
this maze attraction had that sort of restriction. I knew that thered be a reason like this as to why
shed invite me here I once again felt inexplicably sad.
As the queue moved along it was finally our turn next, and I did feel somewhat excited.
Speaking of which Ive never been to an amusement park in a really long time; and as for going
into an attraction with a girl this would be the first time.
I looked over at Mary, noticing that she was done looking at the map and appeared uncontrollably
excited at the prospect of entering the maze.
Shin, Shintarou this place is a large maze huh just in case shouldnt you finish the tea first!?
Ah? Yeah. Id better finish it just in case, huh?
As I finished my sentence, Mary took out a water bottle from the bag that she was carrying, and
began drinking with an OK.
This kids really simplebut
Dammit!
Get away from me Lolicon! Didnt I say I dont need you!?
Alright, may the next visitor please enter~
A worker spoke and opened the door leading into the facility. A gust of unexpectedly cooling air
blew out from within.

It had somehow become our turn without us even noticing.

I looked over at Mary, and as expected she was unable to close the cap of the bottle properly in
her panic.
Hey, hey, Mary. There are people behind us, just cap it after we go in
I, I understand!
Mary walked into the door slowly.
I entered the attraction with her, and inside was really a maze of ice way grander than I had
expected.
Rows and rows of pillars made of ice were lined up on the both sides of us, creating a surreal
atmosphere just like in an RPG game. An unexpectedly strong gust of icy wind cooled down my
extremely warm body immediately. It might be about minus twenty degrees Celsius.
Whoa, it is pretty cold in here. Isnt this great, Mary? You looked really hot just now
I was unable to believe my eyes. Mary had only been inside for a few seconds but she was already
freezing and her face was a shade of green.
Sso, so cold ah Im dying!
What were you here for in the first place then?
The events happening before me froze me in place in shock. This kid really hates the cold huh.
If so, why did she bother coming here?
This place so cold, cold I never thought

We clearly hadnt even reached the maze itself yet, but in another sense Mary had already
reached the finish line.
Argh its not that cold anyway, isnt it!? Anyway put that bottle down first, its really dangerous, give
it to me.
The bottle in Marys shaking hands would probably slip and fall off any time soon.
The cap wasnt even capped on, so if it dropped all the tea would probably spill out. And if it did in
this extreme cold it would freeze and cause trouble for the other customers.
Uh, mm thank ah ah-CHOO!!
Mary sneezed violently.
- The tea spilled onto me as I was bending down to take the bottle from her.
- Eeeeyaaaaahhhhhhhh!!
Facing this unexpected turn of events, I jumped aside instinctively. In this temperature, being
sprayed with cold tea would instantly make the surroundings feel like hell frozen over.
You, youyouyouyou what are you doing ah, ah, aaaahhhhh! S-s-so, cold
Due to the extreme drop in body temperature, my body began shivering uncontrollably.

Eh, eh!! I-Im sorry!! T-tissues

Mary began removing all sorts of things from her bag just like a certain cat-shaped robot whose
name I shall not mention here, and the sections of my sweatshirt that were stained with tea began
to freeze over noticeably quickly.
WAAAAAAHHHHHHH!! MY MY SWEATSHIRT AAAHHHH!!
Eeeeehhhhhhh!! Im sorry Im sorry Im sorry Im sorry Im

How embarrassing.
In the end Mary and I gave up halfway, but before I could get angry after exiting the maze she was
already out of sight.
That kid really is different from how I thought she would be originally it just feels somewhat
what do you call it
Maybe Mary was already at the next facility.
So, I was once again walking around in the park in an attempt to dry of my clothes. The situation
earlier was unexpectedly embarrassing, but this time I would enjoy my free time without intrusion
Shin, Shintarou what good timing! C, could you come over here for a second
My name was called out once again as I passed by a stall selling grapes. It was an unmistakably
gruff voice, and I didnt need to turn around to know who it was.
What is it Kano eh? Wheres Momo? She isnt with you which means
Turning around, a panting Kano stood behind me. Maybe because of the heat, she had removed
her hood, allowing her long hair to float in the breeze. However, Momo was nowhere to be seen.
If that guy wasnt beside Kido then her ability would start to attract crowds
Thats how it is Kisaragi bumped into some trouble please! I need your help. Anyway just
come with me!!
Momos in trouble? No, its no surprise that someone like her is in trouble, but what good would it
be if I went? If she were to gather a large crowd somewhere in the park, then I wouldnt be able to
do anything even if I were to go
But Kanos expression was something completely opposite from her usual self as it appeared be a
delicate expression saying Im really begging you this time.
There was no other way out.
I should probably go check it out anyway.
Anyway, I had no way to counter something like I need your help.

- I had been dragged around by Kido for about three minutes.

Now, we were standing outside an attraction titled Bizarre Tomb of the Dead Puppets.

It was a classic horror attraction not uncommon in amusement parks with Western-styled
architecture, and around it there were decorations like tombstones and axes scattered everywhere.
Occasionally what appeared to be the screams of the customers could be heard coming from
within, making the attraction appear all the more sinister.
I sighed with a Really.
W, what is it Shintarou? I cant hear you all too well so speak louder!
We had been queuing for ten minutes. Three more couples and it would be our turn, and Kido had
slowly put on her earphones. After that she began reciting something continuously, and sometimes
closing her eyes almost as though trying to remember something, repeating the same actions over
and over.
Youre scared huh.
Some people intentionally act like theyre not scared but actually they are the ones who are the
most afraid, I remembered that and spoke with an increased volume intentionally so Kido could
hear, shocking her and causing her shoulders to tremble slightly.
A, are you an idiot!! Of course not! I just think that the customers screams are really loud! W, why
would I be scared of something clearly used to trick small kids!
Although Kido blatantly denied it, the fact that her face was completely red eliminated any chance
that she mightve been able to convince me.
Hah so, Im going to reinterpret what you said earlier, so Kido and Momo both went into this
haunted house, but Kido came out alone for some reasons, and since Momos unable to move
around without Kidos ability without attracting crowds, shes been waiting inside all this time,
right?
Y, yes! You catch on pretty fast not bad, Shintarou.
As Kido said that she smiled with a Hmph as though trying to appear cool, but her previous
reaction nullified all possibilities of that happening.
So, what are those reasons? As for not being able to enter a haunted house, the only reason I
can think of is fear
Its definitely not like that!! Its not I, I cant tell you why!
I had asked her that countless times since earlier, but Kido always answered hurriedly, seemingly
not intending to answer properly at all. So our Commander that would jump slightly whenever the
park personnel called for the next customer would be useless in this situation for now.
Essentially speaking she was too afraid to go in, so she wanted someone to go with her. I did want
to advise her to conceal herself, but it would have absolutely no meaning in a haunted house. To
put it simply, the only thing she could achieve was to prevent others from hearing her screams.
So, the next group is us, are you ready? Commander.
I asked Kido a question, but since she was already playing music at a volume loud enough to leak
enough sound that I could hear it as well, engaging in a conversation was impossible. However,
she did seem to have noticed that we were next from the actions of the personnel.

The closer we got to the entrance, the heavier Kidos breathing became.
As the personnel opened the doors, I could see creepy Western dolls and various other old toys
covered in blood scattered everywhere, looking rather realistic. And as I saw that, my fear that I
had been trying my best to control began to grow exponentially.
Kido appeared to have tears beginning to form in her eyes, which means I cant tease her any
longer. To be honest I wasnt sure whether I was beginning to tear up myself.
As the creepy mansion closed its doors creepily, the two of us were helplessly led into the
darkness.
Once the doors were closed no light from the outside could get in, and our only sources of light
were the creepy glow generated by candles scattered along the hallways. A completely different
type of cold from the ice maze earlier crept up from my feet, chilling my entire body.
The two of us were paralyzed by the bizarre air of the place, unable to take even a single step
forward.
Heh, heh, this place is pretty well made huh, Kido
I turned around while resisting my urge to start shivering in fear in front of a girl, but Kido had
already closed her eyes and lost herself in her music.
I immediately plucked out her earphones, and confiscated the music player in her pocket as well.
Waaahhhh! What are you doing Shintarou!? R-r-return it to me now!
Are you stupid!? Theres no point if we cant talk to each other considering we still dont know
where Momo is, right?
Thats true but!
Kido was shivering violently without her earphones, appearing as helpless as a newborn sheep.
Her actions that were in complete contrast from her normal self added a layer of unease to my
fear.
However, we wouldnt be able to progress if we just stood there.
In order to get out even one second quicker, we could only boldly proceed forward. I gathered my
courage and took my first step, while Kido nervously followed along.
We were progressing slowly but still moving along, and I could feel only fear due to the unique
BGM usually played only in haunted houses and the like. Portraits of people without heads were
hanging in the corridors, and the scythes hanging on the walls seem to give off a horrifying air that
said Something will fly out immediately at us.
I squinted my eyes in an attempt to avoid looking at those things and proceeded forward while halfstooping and scrunching my shoulders as close together as I could. Kido proceeded in the same
manner.
Others might think Whatre you doing at this age but I didnt care at all. I was already putting my
life on the line.

Youve already been inside once right? Where all the traps are and stuff wouldnt you know
by now?
I remembered that and turned towards Kido, but her eyes were closed and she was blocking her
ears as though she didnt want to listen to me.
Hey, come on dont ignore me as I said this and was about to pull out her hands from her ears,
the puppets hanging on the walls of the corridor began to speak.
Yaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!! Who are these people!?
The owner of this mansion used to be a puppet collector, but he became a murderer who turned
all his guests into puppets. Will you make it all alive...! Ha! Ha! Ha! !!
My heart threatened to leap out of my chest at this shock, and I backed down slowly, almost
collapsing onto the floor of the chamber.
Stop fooling around, what is all this about a murderer!? Were so weak that were scared to death
already just from your appearance so how are we going to stand up to that?
Kido who was standing beside me as I was still collapsed on the floor removed her hands from her
ears with a relieved expression, and looked down at me apologetically.
You knew about this thats why you covered up your ears right!?
No, its not that, Im sorry. I wanted to tell you but I was already at my limit just by covering up my
earsno I wanted to use this as an opportunity to train you, of course.
Kido hurriedly changed the subject halfway through her sentence.
What do you mean training!? You were clearly just covering your ears in fear!!
I, I wasnt scared!! That was just a coincidence!
Halfway through her sentence Kido seemed to notice something yet again. She quickly walked
further into the haunted house. Did she finally overcome her fear? Thats probably impossible. Kido
just seems like a natural coward. But since its come to this.
As I thought up to this point a sudden sense of dread overwhelmed me.
I slowly turned around to the direction we had previously come from, only to see a group of
zombies brutally murdered by the owner of the mansion walking towards us wearing suits covered
in blood.
AAAAAAHHHHHHH!! IM SORRY!! PLEASE SPARE ME!!
I kowtowed stunningly fast, and instantly sprinted in the opposite direction.
What were those things!? No, they were probably some part-time actors. Their performance was
so convincing that I seriously began to pray for them to spare me.
I caught up with Kido who had ran away earlier, only to see that she was at the verge of puking
foam with her wrist being grabbed by one of the countless arms sticking out of the walls.
Waaaaahhhhh! L, let go!! Please stop!
Kidos state would make anyone forget that this place is a haunted house.

Immediately after, the personnel on the other side of the wall quickly let go of her arm. Im sorry for
causing you trouble, please dont come out again.
Hah hah ah, thanks a lot Shintarou. Im saved
No, you, dont ditch me and run away alone!! Its super scary here!!
Eh? Ah, Im sorry. I suddenly remembered something urgent I have to take care of
Kido once again revealed an unhappy expression and averted her eyes.
- This guy is really something. Shes really useless.
So where did you and Momo split up? Is it further ahead?
About right after the next turning. About there
Passing through the area where arms would jut out from the walls, and turning the corner Kido
mentioned, we came face-to-face with a large amount of coffins placed along the corridors.
They did say earlier that the owner of the mansion turned his guests into puppets right?
If so then coffins would be unnecessary anyway.
But thinking along those lines then the zombies covered in blood wouldnt make sense at all as
well, and so would the arms jutting out of the walls. Upon some closer thinking this place is really
flawed, but it did manage to scare me half to death
Leaving those thoughts for another time, I continued forward to notice a head of tea-colored hair
moving about in one of the coffins on the right.
Here.
As I said that Kido backed away instead.
W-w-what do you mean found it!? W, where!? Hey, Shintarou!
No, its not a ghost! Look, Momos probably hiding in there.
I pointed to what I saw earlier, and Kido appeared to exhale in relief after seeing the clump of what
appears to be Momos hair.
Ah so its only Kisaragi no, its great that weve finally found her. Thanks a lot Shintarou!
Kido once again stuck her hands in the pockets of her jacket and attempted to put on a cool front,
but it just seemed comcal now.
Co, Commander
Momos tone of voice seemed to imply that the reason why she didnt come out of the coffin was
because she was waiting for Kido to come get her.
Sigh, but since there were only the three of us here itd probably be fine at this distance.
Ah, Kisaragi, its me! Im sorry for leaving you here, just get out of there!!
As Kido spoke she walked closer to the mountain of coffins.
But she fainted instead after Momo turned around to look at us.

I was pretty scared myself even though I was standing further away, but at least I deserved some
credit for not yelling out loud.
Hmm, this is strange!? Commander!? Did she collapse from the shock?
Momo who climbed out of the coffin had her face covered in blood, and even had an axe lodged in
her head. Kido probably thought she was attacking her and all, trying to hug her with that sort of
get-up.
What are you even doing?
Momo turned around suddenly as though finally noticing me. Looking at her closely, I got shocked
again.

Eh!? Onii-san went into the haunted house!? But youre such a coward

Momos bloodstained face had an utterly shocked expression on it.

Of course I can stand scares of this standard!! And then? How did you even end up like this?
Ah, this? After the Commander ditched me I hid in there, which was when I found this axe and
some other props. I figured I should scare her a bit when I get the chance, so I was spending my
time in there applying all this makeup. I never thought itd be this effective
My younger sister actually scared a superior to the point of fainting, what a scary person.
But if Kido faints here we really cant get out.
What were you planning to achieve with this!? You do realize we cant get out now right?
Aaaahhhh! Right! W-what should we do right, first wake the Commander up
Momo began shaking Kidos body violently.
No, youd better take care of your face first! If she sees your face again when she wakes up shes
just going to faint again!
Ah, right.
Momo who realized that only after I told her once again climbed into the coffin.
If we leave Kido here the next customer would probably cause a huge ruckus.
So my only option was to carry Kido further into the pile of coffins.
Momo crouched down and removed the axe from her head and took out a pack of wet tissues from
her purse, the kind used to wipe off makeup, and began to wipe her face vigorously.
I sat down there as well and sighed.
In the end I didnt get my private time to enjoy how it feels like to be alone as well.
I just feel incredibly exhausted right now
Im sorry making you guys run around just because of me.
Momo finished cleaning up and took out her handphone.
On the screen, her wallpaper was that of a group photo she took this morning to celebrate the
phones resurrection. But when the photo was cut slightly during screensavers I was left out of it,
leaving me somewhat unhappy.
Quite some time has passed but we still have some time to play right?
Momo kept away her phone and once again began shaking Kidos body.
Commander! Wake up! The parks closing soon!
Ugh, emm huh!? Kisaragi! Why, why would I be sleeping in a place like this?
Kido hurriedly stood up and began to survey her surroundings. It appeared that she didnt
remember how she fainted after Momo scared her.
Ahum you fainted here suddenly for some reason?
Momo spoke while averting her eyes for Kido, stealing a glance with me.

Ah, so thats what happened never mind. Weve got Kisaragi so lets get out of here.
Kidos eyes turned from black to red.
Anyway now lets just make Momo invisible. Shintarou and I will exist from here.
Looking again towards where Momo was standing earlier, I couldnt see her anymore.
Well actually I could still vaguely see her if I looked closely, this really is a convenient ability.
If someone like me had an ability like this I might be able to step into a public bath.
Setting that thought aside, I stood up and walked towards the exit.
Remembering the fact that we were still inside the haunted house my heart began pounding once
again and my mood darkened slightly.
As I was about to take my first step forward, I felt a sudden sense of apprehension.
After thinking hard enough, I was able to locate the source of it.
But wait. If so then everything Id experience until now was
I felt chills running down my spine, and I decided to ask Kido something.
As my footsteps halted, Kido stopped in her track as well.
Hmm? What is it this time Shintarou? Lets get out of here already.
No my guess could be correct.
I did manage to confirm it earlier unconsciously.
Hey Kido. After Ene went with you guys on the roller coaster what happened?
As I asked, Kido appeared flabbergasted.
After that, Ene just said that she was going to find you and disappeared?
- As Kido finished her sentence the handphone in my pocket began vibrating as though laughing at
me.

I once again sat down on the same bench alone.

Waaaaaahhhhh!! My sweatshirt!!
I did feel that the haunted house was rather scary initially, but I didnt feel anything in the end.
It was just an attraction after all. Nothing to it.
Momo and Kido said something like Well contact you later after we get Mary and went off to find
the other members after that.
The two guys wont be that hard to locate, but considering Mary didnt bring her phone along this
would take a while.
Aaaaaaaahhhhh!! Im sorry!! Please forgive me!
The private time I had dreamed of all this while was just my imagination in the end.

Is this what happens when you do things at your own whim without thinking how sad
Ugh I feel weird all of a sudden argh gulp
- Aaaahhhh!! Stop that!! Dont play that!!
I finally yelled in anger at the handphone I was holding, and on the screen a young girl with blue
twin ponytails was laughing while stamping her feet and rolling around.
Ah my stomach hurts! My apologies. Its just because Master always provides the best
material!! Ahahaha!!
Whos the material, huh!? Arghif I had known you were here I might as well have just sealed
my mouth with tape already
YAAAAAHHHHHH!! KYAAAAHHHHHH!! You scared me!! Whats wrong with this guy!! Im sorry!!
I feel weird all of a sudden
I was clearly having a nervous breakdown but Ene continued to cut out scream samples while
laughing.
So this guy was in my phone ever since I was talking to Kano and Seto earlier. After which she
recorded videos and audio files of every single embarrassing moment I had experienced today,
and was currently playing with them like a little kid who had just got some new toys.
You really are too muchphew. So! Master! Did you have fun today?
She smiled and pressed her face against the screen, but I couldnt detect even a whiff of good
intentions from her excited expression.
Ahthanks to you Ive experienced the worst day of my life. Thanks a lot.
I mustve gotten used to this fellow over here already, as I came to understand that getting angry at
her is useless.
Huh!? No, you mustve had fun, right!? Lets go back first
No! Not at all! Master promised me that we would play together. I havent forgotten that.
Ene puffed up her cheeks as she said that which was her usual expression every single time she
planned to force me into doing something.
And every single time this happens if I were to try bluffing her it would lead to some unspeakable
situation, every single time.
Previously I had promised her lets play some games together.
But after saying that I pretended not to know anything, after which my computer suffered an attack
of various viruses, and in the end I was forced to spend quite a bit of money on games in exchange
for the removal of those.
Thinking of the various inconveniences I might get myself into if I didnt comply, I figured the
smarter decision would be to just play along and not ruin her mood.
But its just so troublesome
If you dont, then Ill pass Masters secret folder to your sister

OK then! I suddenly feel like playing!! So which ride shall we go on!? Just nothing too strenuous!
Id completely given up on myself. I stood up and looked eye-to-eye with Ene. She had a
somewhat satisfied expression of victory on her face.
But its exactly because of this that I didnt get to enjoy going out.
It really is unpleasant to be around her, but its not every day I get to visit an amusement park.
Thanks a lot Master!! So lets start with ah! Isnt that one pretty great!? The one where you sit
down and shoot aliens!! Master youre really good at shooting games, arent you?
Huh? How would you know about something like that. Ive never played those with you right?
Ah, really? Anyway isnt this great, I know everything about Master, dont I? Anyway shouldnt we
start playing already?
Ene finished her sentence and pointed towards the specific attraction.
I get it Ill just play along with you for now. Please dont make too much noise, alright?
Understood!
Ene said that with a huge smile on her face.
What an arbitrary,
Mean,
Person that cant seem to grasp the point of things.
I felt as if I was going to remember something in the past, but I quickly stopped myself.
Compared to back then, being ordered around by this fellows stubbornness is already taking up
too much of my time.
- How much would we be able to play before the sun sets?
I held my phone in my hand like a compass, and began walking in the direction pointed out by
Ene

~Afterword: "A story unbearable to look at"~

Im Jin.
Did you guys enjoy reading -a headphone actor-?
This times novel pretty much reflects the real world perfectly, as it was written in blazingly hot
midsummer days with outside temperatures exceeding thirty degrees Celsius. Of course, I wrote
this with my air conditioning set to twenty-three degrees while eating pizza.
I apologize to everyone in the agency for being a parasite to all of you.
Yeah, in my previous work -in a daze- I did write something like if this work
is too unpopular, Ill write a schoolyard romantic comedy next time! in the afterword, but luckily
weve received unexpectedly great reviews thanks to you readers (smile).

So the reason why the contents of this novel seem to have a schoolyard rom-com feel isnt
because of that.
Its simply because Im craving for some romance. Please relax everyone!
This novel was also written while I was in the midst of composing singles, hosting live
performances and things like that, so naturally I was at my limit when working on all of this as
though I was going to go insane.
Forget about that, it wasnt hard at all? Im serious.
Just thinking about writing volume 3 just makes me want to release all the food Ive just ate into the
crapper, I just cant wait to start!
My slowly decreasing HP bar has been changing colors from yellow to red recently as well.
This afterword was written as my consciousness was fading after finishing the main body of
volume 2 as well, so it initially looked like a huge ball stuffed with uneasiness written amongst
thoughts of What am I going to do if I accidentally write some perverted
But when this reaches you guys itll probably be completely exorcised by the nice Editor-san
(handsome) so there wont be a problem. Definitely not.
(Editors note: The original text will be published to respect the intentions of the author.)
Speaking of perverted, since I mentioned Chinchin (name of a rose) in the afterword of the
previous volume, every single time my mother in the countryside (62) calls and tells me I gave you
lots of publicity by saying things like my son wrote a novel! Keep it up! I get a headache.
However whenever my sister (18) tells me All my friends are reading Onii-sans novels you know!
I feel exceptionally excited in contrast.
Are you reading this, my sisters friends? Im her brother! (smiles)
Speaking of my sister, she told me that Im rather similar to one of the characters Shintarou.
I didnt feel that way personally, honestly I thought he was a rather disgusting person so I wasnt
too happy about it.
But I did think could this be a chance.
If I let Shintarou get along well with some girls in the novel, maybe I can finally hit on girls in the
real world. No, thats definitely the case!
In volume 1 Shintarous computer spoilt, while my computer suffered some mysterious error
recently and is now completely unusable. So from these incidents you could say (Shintarou) and I
have a rather deep sort of connection.
So in this novel I gave Shintarou some pretty good experiences. Im definitely going to receive
some tickets for an amusement park myself. I cant wait!
I kept thinking that anytime now a cute girl that wont disappear no matter what I do is going to
appear on my screen and talk to me, so I would just wait there every day with my pants off but
for some reason theres no sign of her appearing. Really, why is that?

But in these past few days I keep bumping into advertisements for adult websites that I cant seem
to delete no matter how many times I try.
Although its definitely different from what I expected, talking to those ads every day still give me
some sort of spiritual comfort. Thank God.
Ah, so its almost time to say goodbye this time as well.
This time Ive received a lot of support from many people as well, thanks a lot.
So please continue supporting me! You must!
So well meet again in the afterword of volume 3 then! Goodbye!
Jin (-P/Shizen no Teki-P)

Excuse me.
Im Shidu, its been a while.
Thanks a lot for allowing me to take care of this volumes illustrations as well.
I wanted to draw a cool-looking Shintarou like I promised in the previous volume but I had even
less time compared to then so I drew a good-looking sesame instead, just a sesame. Im sorry.
Thanks a lot again. (TL note: will upload illustrations when I figure out how)
2012/09/14 Shidu