Volume 4, Chapter 3 - Konoha Hoshinomori and Character Takeover

This chapter is updated by wuxiaworld.eu

Translator: your_pingas

The strong sunlight from the afternoon is reflecting off the asphalt road. It’s unrelentingly scorching my skin to boiling point.

Early August. Midsummer. As a bean sprout boy, I, Keita Amano, would usually even hesitate to go to the convenience store.

But, if it’s a game release day, I have no options left.

Nowadays, you can just buy the game online or pay to download the digital version. There’s a bunch of ways for you to get the software you wanted without leaving your house. However, the former will usually not deliver the goods to on time during the release day to a guy living in a rural area. As for the latter…honestly, I used that quite frequently. But, I guess it’s natural for people to wish for the package and any special physical editions for a series they loved.

Well, today’s the release day of my favorite series.

“Ah…I’m too into the hobbies of otakus, perhaps I will become more likely to leave my house after a line is crossed. Right, let’s call this analysis graph the Amano Curve…”

An otaku is talking to himself, idiotically, while carrying a disgusting smile as he walks alone. Although I feel I’m a crappy person, I can never maintain my poker face in a hot summer like this. That will hurt my heart even more.

…Sigh, while that’s true, the hot weather isn’t the only reason that I’m going haywire right now.

“What does Uehara-kun..feel…?

I turned depressed the moment I thought about that, even to the point that I took back my disgusting smile, which is something that I’m good at.

I was talking to Uehara-kun a couple minutes ago. Then, he just said that he can no longer support Tendou-san and me. To put it this way, he just announced the fact that he loves Tendou-san.

“With that, this can no longer be explained as a misunderstanding anymore…”

The only reason that Uehara-kun told me face-to-face that he can’t support Tendou-san and me…I can’t think of another other than he loves her.

My mouth curved up as I tried to squeeze a theory out of my head.

“What if another girl fell in love with me, and Uehara-kun decided to ally himself with that girl?”

…………

“…Um, I felt bad about that.”

I’m ashamed of myself, from the bottom of my heart, that I just associated myself with the plot that only exists in moe light novels as I apologized to the gods.

Well, you’ll more or less imagine yourself to become popular if you’re a guy. Still, I already have a fantastic girlfriend now. However, I still have the wild idea that another girl is falling for me. This is so disloyal to the point that I hate myself for it! I need to realize my current position!

“Although an angelic girl is willing to bend over and date with me, I’m still a disgusting otaku loser from the inside out. Moreover, Uehara-kun loves Tendou-san, and he should be the one to match with her in this situation. This is the absolute truth right now. Alright, I will have to accept that with all my heart.”

…………

…Crap, while I did accept the fact, but my heart was almost crippled by it. Well, the reality is often cruel, I can’t help it. All I can do is to try and go on with my life.

I made up my mind and walked towards to the game store…and buy hentai games.

“…My bad.”

The guy who, a moment ago, just decided to swear loyalty to his girlfriend, went ahead and try to buy hentai games. What’s wrong with me? Do I want my trust to go bankrupt? Am I an idiot?

I didn’t stop myself from buying the game while I’m contemplating my life. That’s what makes me Keita Amano. I’m helpless. I have to play the game…even though I don’t know why I’m feeling helpless right now.

..B-But, that’s different. Although it’s an adult game, I’m not buying the 18+ version. Basically, it’s still the console version. Well, to be fair, it is infamous for a bunch of hentai scenes. People even commented that “it’s even more erotic when you’re fantasizing over it; the content is way more sexual than an actual 18+ game.” The game is getting such comments by solely relying on CG without nudity and words that make your imagination run wild. This is next-level, as a gamer, I have to play this no matter what…

…………

“…This is really all my fault.”

So, I apologized to someone (A god or my beloved sir) while I dashed towards the game store.

Then, a couple minutes later, an exhausted me (both mentally and physically) finally reached the store. To try and cool myself down, I walked around the game store and avoided the new release section, even though my target is a new game.

“It’s going to be nasty if I brought that hentai game to the counter with my face full of sweat…”

I wanted to more or less decrease my level of disgusting. Although I didn’t put effort into buying matching clothes or decorations, I still wanted to maintain basic hygiene. Well, I guess no one really cares how much I sweat anyway.

“Crap, I’m even more self-abased today.”

…Well, I ran here to buy hentai games after I heard a handsome guy just announced that he loves my girlfriend, after all. There’s no way I’ll have any faith in myself right now. However, that isn’t going to stop me from buying the game.

“If Tendou-san forced me to answer whether she or the game is more important. How should a loser like me answer…?

Of course, Tendou-san will never ask this based on her personality. Also, after I actually thought about that, isn’t that a strange jealousy scene? The guy’s already dead if he dares to draw an equivalence between gaming and love. Keita Amano, you suck…But I’m still getting the game!

“…Phew. So…”

After I recovered my strength in the cold store with air-con, I once again started walking towards the new release shelves.

I immediately found what I was looking for. I can’t help but let out a relieving sigh as I looked at the package.

“Wow, what a great design. The logo and the color both adopted a steady tone. Even though the illustration is just the female protagonist leaning against the wall of the corridor alone, why is this so god damn arousing!”

How should I put it? This is giving off a sexual vibe even if it’s just a moe type illustration, but my heart is throbbing for a bit. This image alone will attract any gal game lover without them realizing it.

“…………”

I’m so touched that my feet began to tremble as I stepped closer to the package. I swallowed my saliva and reached for the game with my left hand. Then-

-I accidentally grabbed someone’s right hand at the same time.

“…Eh?”

Our slight grasp overlapped each other, which pulled me back to reality. By the way, didn’t I encounter this exact same situation before…

Although my heart keeps telling me not to look to the side, I still looked, and I realized it’s the familiar face of a girl. I knew this person. So, I can’t help but ask.

“K-Konoha-“

“Y-You are…”

The girl’s eyes bulged. I stared at that face, which surprisingly resembled her sister’s when viewed up close. Then, I snapped out of it and immediately said.

“-Konoha…Hoshinomori-san?”

“…Keita…Amano?”

We really don’t know what to do, aside from feeling shocked and mumbling. So, we just stared at each other for a few long seconds.

At last…the scene is a boy and a girl with a subtle distance between each other, trying to buy the same hentai game…This is as embarrassing as a nightmare.

*

“Damn, really, why did I decide to not put up my disguise today!”

“…………”

Konoha-san stomped on the floor as soon as she left the game store. I can only scratch my face because I can’t follow up with her sudden change of personality.

-So, she suddenly turned to me and gave me a sharp glare.

“You. Why do you have to mess with my life in such a crappy way every time!”

“Ouch…eh!”

I was struck by this unprecedented hostility. For some reason, NOBE, who I admired, suddenly decided to hate me. Crap, to be honest, I wanted to cry.

…During this time, Konoha-san suddenly became alerted to my reaction. She let out a big sigh before changing her attitude helplessly.

“Ah, well…I’m not saying that to you as NOBE or Mono. That’s my reaction as Konoha, so please don’t mind.”

“Eh? No…eh? I don’t understand what you are trying to say…After all, isn’t them the same person…?”

“A-Anyway! Although I’m very pissed at you right now, NOBE and Mono are still your dearest friends!”

“R-Right…Um…y-you mean something like multiple personalities?”

“Uh, it’s not like that…Ah…Hmm, but that was a fitting explanation. Not bad. Alright, let’s go with that.”

“L-Let’s go with that?”

“So, you need to think of me as a separate entity than NOBE and Mono.”

“Oh…”

“Ah, but of course, I’m both NOBE and Mono, yes!”

“O-Okay…”

What is this person trying to say? Sigh, I’m not bringing our friendship on the internet to the real world anyway, I guess that’s a proper outcome…Hmm…

Just as I’m showing a confused look, Konoha-san cleared her throat.

“A-Anyway, let’s get moving. Amano…kun. We don’t want others to see what we’re doing, right?”

Konoha-san lifted her plastic bag with the hentai game in it as she spoke. I glanced at my own as well…After all, we both bought the game despite the situation.

I nodded my head and agreed with Konoha-san before moving. She said she’s taking the bus, so I decided to accompany her to the station.

“…………”

There’s a subtle distance between us, we fell silent as we walked along the path.

…The sound of the few cars that rushed by. The scent of the summer grass that came from somewhere, and the group of ants that are carrying an earthworm’s dried carcass.

“…………”

…Crap, this is an overwhelming atmosphere. I forgot about this since I haven’t encountered this situation for a long time, but staying alone with a person that you aren’t friends with is seriously messing with my brain. Especially Konoha-san, who I frequently chatted on the internet while having no idea how to interact with in real life. So, we kept probing each other…and never spoke a word.

Honestly, I really wanted to get out of here. However, Konoha-san is radiating an aura that implies that she wanted to tell me something…which prevented me from leaving.

We can’t help but silently walk for a few minutes. Then, after we arrived at the road with basically no pedestrian, Konoha-san spoke to me stiffly.

“Can I ask…um…A-Amano-kun, you’re my senpai, right?”

Konoha-san is suddenly respecting me. Come to think of it, last time when we met at Hoshinomori’s place, she’s using this kind of formal, respectful tone as well…

“Eh? Ah, r-right. If you’re in year 1, then I’m your senpai…a year older.”

“…Uh, so put it this way, I should be more respectful to senpai, right?”

Konoha-san leaned towards me to see my face. I scratched my head and answered.

“No…that doesn’t fit well at all…After all, I just saw who you really are. It’s unnatural for you to change back to your past attitude…”

“You’re right! Okay, that I’ll just switch to my natural attitude to talk to you, senpai.”

After that, Konoha-san changed her attitude immediately and stared at me violently. She calls me senpai, but I don’t feel respected at all. Instead, I think her tone sounds like she’s trying to prank me. W-When did I piss her off…?

Just as I’m freaking out internally, Konoha smiled at me while looked me with her eyes full of hostility.

“Please don’t tell anyone about me buying hentai games.”

“Hmm? What do you mean by anyone…”

“That includes senpai’s girlfriend and my sister.”

“W-Well, sure…”

After my answer, Konoha raised her fingertips to her chest and smile as she said, “That’s great! ♪” What the hell? She is reminding me of Tendou-san’s image as the “standard beautiful girl.”

But, to be honest, she sounds warmer than before. I figured out that there could be a room of discussion, so I tried to add a bit of condition.

“Uh, then I can mention that while I’m chatting to my friend Uehara-kun…”

“A-m-a-n-o-s-e-n-p-a-i?”

Konoha-san, who’s still has a smile plastered on her face, immediately radiated a menacing aura towards me. What is this? Tendou-san knew this as well, don’t tell me all girls know how to switch their smile from healing mode to attacking mode in a second. The girls are incredible.

I nodded like an idiot while still finding it hard to take in.

I quickly walked to Konoha-san, who’s far ahead of me now as I asked once again.

“Uh, but why did you have to hide it from everyone?”

I’m still using a respectful tone to a younger girl who doesn’t care about me in the least bit…How should I put this…I guess I don’t really know how to close off our distance, even though I realized that being self-abased is an excellent way of pissing other people off.

Just like what I’ve expected, Konoha-san gave me a frustrated look as she glanced at me. Even so, she didn’t ignore me and answered.

“My senpai, will you tell others explicitly that you’re playing hentai games?”

“…Uh, yes, I won’t…But, think about it, this is merely a console version…”

“Well, then senpai, why don’t you play this in front of your family tonight.”

I started to imagine the scenery she described.

My parents and little brother are watching me in the living room as I played that gal game with a lewd smile on my face. The protagonist is licking a devil school girl’s toe. That image is way more tormenting than getting your secret magazines discovered by your family!

“My bad! I will never reveal your secrets!”

“Right, good to know that you listened. I appreciate your attitude, Amano-senpai…?”

“T-Thank you, Konoha-san!”

…S-Strange? This isn’t right. Isn’t I the one who knew her secret? Why am I acting so humble right now? Uh, it’s because this is the creator who I admired from the bottom of my heart, so I can’t help it.

Eh? But, come to think of it, I remembered NOBE said that…

There’s a giant question mark above my head, so I asked her sheepishly.

“Uh…I didn’t know that NOBE will play hentai games as well, I thought you hated moe elements…”

“…………”

Strange, is she ignoring me?

“NOBE…?”

“…………”

“Hey, NOBE?”

“…………”

“…Konoha-san?”

“What’s wrong, Amano-senpai?”

This person is NOBE, right! Uh, no one will really call someone with their alias online! But, they will at least give a reaction!

Although my heart is overwhelmed in suspicious right now, I asked again.

“NOBE plays hentai games?”

Konoha is somehow confused at my question.”

“Eh? No, my sis will never play hentai games…”

“Of course, I know Chiaki won’t play that, right? You’re wrong, I’m asking if NOBE…”

“I’ve said it already, sis will never-“

I feel like just as Konoha-san lazily said that she suddenly remembered something as she bulged her eyes and switched her attitude.

She immediately gave me an energetic response.

“Yes! Hi, I’m NOBE! Nice to meet you!”

A radiant Konoha-san is giving me a “V” with her hand in front of her eye.

“What, why are you suddenly using that tone! It’s as stiff as the self-introduction of a new type of AI!”

“I-It’s not that. Think about it, it’s because I’m both NOBE and Mono.”

“I knew that! Why do you have to keep emphasizing that!”

“I-It’s nothing! Right, where were we? Uh, will NOBE play hentai games, right? Well, it’s hard to say.”

“You’re already holding a plastic bag of hentai games, what makes it so hard to answer…”

Konoha-san then crossed her arms and answered me embarrassingly while I’m dumbfounded.

“…Even if I love hentai games, what’s on the mind of NOBE?”

“W-Why are you giving an answer like you’re Eikichi Yazawa! That’s quite cool of you!” [Note: Eikichi Yazawa, a famous singer-songwriter in Japan.]

“Hmph, the girl that can completely differentiate the attitude of a consumer and the emotions of the creator. That’s me, Konoha Hoshinomori. Please just think it that way, Amano-senpai.”

“Oh, that’s why! I feel like that explains everything! No wonder I can’t see you as NOBE before!”

Just as I’m agreeing, Konoha-san seemed like she was hurt for some reason.

“Ugh…! W-Well, A-Amano-senpai, let me ask you this.”

Konoha-san suddenly started stuttering. This person…her mood can never stop swinging.

“Uh, you can’t really see me…as NOBE or Mono before?”

“Yes, completely! To be honest, I thought you were irrelevant to them! While this is impolite, but I have even suspected whether you’re lying or not!”

“…R-Really…Sigh…I’m losing faith in my acting skills…”

“Why are you losing faith in that?”

“…A-Amano-senpai! I’ve heard this before, but you never really miss a single word coming out from other’s mouths even if they are just mumbling to themselves! You’re more annoying than those dense and deaf protagonists!”

“Why are you being unreasonably pissed at me right now!?”

The only reason that I listen to what they say is to avoid being impolite.

“…Sigh. But…really…I don’t feel like NOBE at all…I’m sorry, sis.”

“W-Why are you apologizing to Chiaki in this situation?”

Konoha-san is utterly depressed as she apologized to her sister. Although I don’t understand what she meant by that, all I can do is to cheer her up for now.

“It’s not like that. I admire the way that you can separate your characters! It’s more like you have a strong will than your acting skills! You’re really a creator!”

“…Really…Thanks for your appreciation…”

Konoha is saying that while not looking excited at all. H-How incredible. She won’t think highly of herself even though she was praised. She is NOBE, indeed.

At this moment, my heart is finally feeling a bit that this person is really NOBE.

“Although it’s far from what I’ve imagined, I can tell that Konoha-san is very ambitious. Moreover, she will sometimes say something that doesn’t make sense, this is the same as NOBE…I guess so!”

The creator that I’ve admired is walking next to me, how honored.

“Hmm…w-what’s wrong, Amano-kun…? Why are you staring at me with such a pure and brave look that can never appear on a high school boy…”

“It’s nothing, I just felt delighted. I really like NOBE’s works!”

“…………”

“What’s wrong, Konoha-san? Why are you turning your face away from me…”

“…Ouch, my heart is being flushed with a barge of emotions right now. Embarrassment, envy, guilt, jealousy, pain in the butt, and my heart are beating so fast…Right, Amano-senpai, please take up responsibility and let me punch you.”

“Eh! Why! That’s unreasonable-“

“Hiya!”

“Uwah!”

She really slapped me on the face. Well, she only pushed the muscle on my face for a bit, and it’s not painful at all…However, it’s too sudden, and it really hurt me mentally. If I am a kid, I would probably break into years.

Just as I’m shocked while touching my face, Konoha-san just stared at the sky before letting out a sad sigh.

“…Sigh. This helps nothing, it just made me empty…”

“Exactly! What is this! Even Tendou-san has never punched me!”

“I’m not that keen to violent female characters as well. After all, those girls are not going to be popular.”

“Ah, you’re right. It’s hard to grasp a violent girl- No, wait! Then why did you punch me!”

“It’s because I’m embarrassed?”

“Embarrassed? Why are you punching me if you’re not pissed?”

“Ugh! You’re annoying senpai…wait.”

“?”

Konoha-san suddenly stopped walking. I poked my head out, thinking that there’s something wrong, then, she seems frustrated and urged me to realize what’s going on as she pointed forward.

Although I’m slightly pissed, I still confirmed what’s in front of me-

“A-Amano-kun?”

“…T-Tendou-san…”

-I turned around, and I saw my beloved girlfriend, Karen Tendou.

Her soft and silky hair is blowing around because she suddenly stopped, and her jewel-like blue eyes are bulging. She is still beautiful, even in such a state. We fell silent for a while…However, I instantly managed to snap out of it and turned to Konoha-san.

Konoha-san immediately gave me a “what should we do” look. But, once she realized Tendou-san’s staring at her, she quickly gave her that “formal Konoha Hoshinomori” smile and approached both of us.

“H-Hi, Tendou-san. It’s been a long time.”

“H-Hi…uh, Konoha Hoshinomori-san. We saw each other back at the pool shortly, right?”

“Yes, you’re right. I’m honored to be remembered by you.”

“Ah, no, I should be the one to say that.”

Tendou-san and Konoha-san smiled as they greeted each other…Alright.

Very good, we can play along…and try to get out of this situation!

Konoha and I both have an eerie smile plastered on our face as we hid the plastic bag with the hentai games behind us. Then, we nodded at Tendou-san as greeting before we start taking a step.

“Well then, if you will excuse-“

“Right, why are you two together?”

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Tendou-san moved and blocked our way as she asked with a smile.

Konoha-san and I, while we’re still smiling, started to sweat uncontrollably.

We immediately plopped our heads down and started to hold a conference extremely quietly and quickly.

“Ah, senpai! What should we do! She’s your girlfriend! Please just fudge it!”

“Don’t ask me for something I can’t do! Other than the disgusting fact that we met each other while buying hentai games, there isn’t another reason of why I’m walking along with Chiaki’s sister!”

“…C-Coincidence! Yes, this is just a coincidence! Let’s pretend that we just met each other!”

“T-That’s the only way!”

So, I smiled as I explained this to my girl-

“I saw it from afar, you two were chatting up real close to each other, I guess you’re not trying to say you just met with each other, right?”

“SHE INTERCEPTED US BEFORE WE EVEN HAD A CHANCE!”

Konoha-san and I lowered our head as we started trembling again.

“Ah, what’s with this girl! While I’ve heard this before, from a negative perspective, she’s way too smart internally!’

“She’s Tendou-san, indeed! I’m way out of her league!”

“Amano-senpai now’s not the time to be proud of that! W-What should we do!”

“Uh…Konoha-san, you’re a smart and beautiful girl as well, do you have any ideas-“

“Hey, don’t praise me in a situation like this-“

“Oh, did you two just starting whispering with each other in harmony?”

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

She found out! She found out about our conference! Of course! We discussed it for too long!

Konoha-san and I immediately raised our head and tried to look for an excuse as we smiled.

“N-No, Konoha-san just, dropped something, yes.”

“Y-Y-Yes, that’s it. Ah, but it looks like I messed up. S-Sorry to make you two worry.”

This is a rushed and crappy excuse. However…it surprisingly worked. Tendou-san seems to have come to her realization on her own.

“Oh, that’s why. The reason that you two were so intimate is because of finding something lost.”

“Yes! Exactly!”

“Alright, I understand. It’s fine. I just feel like you two are “partners that realized each other has the same target deep inside your heart,” so I grew a bit suspicious…”

“SHE’S SO SMART! IT FREAKS US OUT!”

Tendou-san hit straight to the nail. Konoha-san and I grabbed our plastic bags tightly.

I bitterly smiled as I changed the topic.

“Well, Tendou-san, why are you here today? Are you buying anything?”

Tendou-san gave my question an embarrassing smile.

“No, I’m going to my summer classes. Although I can study by myself, my parents will be worried if I just stayed home and play games throughout the summer. So, I guess I need to be a good daughter, sometimes.”

“Ouch!”

In the midsummer, two hentai gamers are staring at this angelic girl. We were struck. Hard.

Tendou-san didn’t notice our reaction, and she tilted her head with an “Eh?”

“Come to think of it…Amano-kun and Konoha-san knew each other already?”

“Huh!”

If I need to explain this adequately, I have to talk about taking something I forgot at Chiaki’s home, and who NOBE and Mono really are. To put it simply, this means that I went to some girl’s house other than my girlfriend’s, and the specific part about chatting with a girl other than my girlfriend…Yep. We are…really…

“IT’S LITERALLY A GIANT FIELD OF LANDMINES!”

The relationship between Konoha-san and me can’t be truthfully revealed to my girlfriend, no matter which part you choose.

Just when I’m out of options, Konoha-san took a step forward and tried to smooth things over.

“I-It’s because I saw the photos on my own.”

“Ah, really? But where did you see Amano-kun’s photo?”

“O-Of course, it’s from my sister, right.”

This is the only logical explanation. Konoha-san and I focused on whether this makes sense and even verified it repeatedly in our brains. Then, we nodded our heads in satisfaction.

However…

“H-Hoshinomori-san has his photos?”

“?”

Tendou-san froze as if she’s shocked. Why is she shocked? Is there a problem with our explanation? Konoha-san and I freaked out for a bit as we tried to think about whether this makes sense or not…We still couldn’t find out where’s the problem.

“R-Really? Hoshinomori-san has his photos…Well…I feel like…”

Konoha-san anxiously asked Tendou-san, who’s mumbling to herself.

“U-Um…i-is there a part that you were baffled in?”

“Baffled? Haha, let me think. No, there isn’t. Yes, absolutely no. Come to think of it, this is a natural conclusion!”

“Y-Yes! There’s nothing strange with that!”

Konoha-san and I looked at each other’s face in relief. Yep, this explanation makes sense! Chiaki having my photo is physically logical! Alright, at least we made it through. Let’s continue.

Konoha-san started talking again.

“W-Well, Tendou-san, it’s time for us to leave.”

“Eh? You two…are leaving together?”

Tendou-san gave us a reasonable question. To be fair, Konoha-san and I don’t have a reason to stay together anymore. As a boyfriend, I should accompany my girlfriend to her summer classes. But…

Konoha-san took a glance at my hidden hentai game. Jesus. T-That’s why. As a hentai game lover, she said that to get me away from my girlfriend Tendou-san as soon as possible?

I’m throbbed with her idea. So, I decided to accept her suggestion!

“Um, actually, I wanted to discuss something about Chiaki with Konoha-san.”

“Eh! Y-You wanted to discuss something about H-Hoshinomori-san?”

Tendou-san is trembling with a pale face…It looks like she realized what I’m about to say is going to be terrible. To explore the weakness of my rival Chiaki, I’m going to spy on her sister. This is a logical explanation!

So, I continued.

“Yeah, …it’s about time…to bring an end to the relationship between Chiaki and me.”

“Y-You two are ending…”

“Yes, it’s not easy to get to know Konoha-san. Now it’s the best chance for me…to take a step forward!”

“F-Forward!”

Tendou-san’s lips are shaking from her fear. Haha, it looks like the horrible war between Chiaki and me freaked her out. Honestly, I feel like I’m making it up at this point. However, to eliminate the possibility that my girlfriend is suspecting me cheating, I have to act like Chiaki’s absolute rival!

…During this time, Konoha-san hit my elbow slightly to try to talk to me.

“Eh, I don’t understand what you are saying. Are you sure that excuse will work?”

“Why won’t it work? There isn’t a better excuse, right?”

“Sigh…if you think it does…I guess senpai is not falling for Tendou-san but for sis after all…”

Perhaps she’s shocked over the rivalry between her sister and me, she mumbled as she distanced herself from me. Although I felt terrible for her, I still asked for her cooperation.

Konoha-san cleared her throat in an attempt to switch up her mood, then she did what I say. She turned to Tendou-san and explained.

“He’s right, Tendou-san. I’m sorry.”

“Konoha-san…it’s fine…your actions are right in your stance. It doesn’t matter.”

“?”

Somehow, I feel like there’s a grave atmosphere radiating off everyone right now. Isn’t this purely a conversation between a sister that is about to betray her cowardly older sister and a gently appreciating Tendou-san…?

For some reason, Tendou-san took a deep breath and gave me a somewhat sad smile.

“I understand. Amano-kun, that’s good. You can do It until you’re satisfied.”

“Eh? Ah, okay, of course! I’m taking care of Chiaki and let her know how strong a man can be!”

“H-How strong a man can be? Ah, n-no! T-That wasn’t what I meant by you can do it!”

Tendou-san’s face is as red as a tomato as she yelled. Now that I’m looking, even Konoha-san blushed as well, with her eyes sparkling…What is this reaction? Will girls be interested in fights like this?

“With that, I need to first acquire assistance from Konoha-san.”

“Wait! Amano-kun…what do you want her sister to help you with!”

“Eh? I’ve said it before, I need to know Chiaki’s weakness from her sister…”

“Y-You mean you’re doing that via her sister’s body!”

“Her sister’s body? It’s more like via the mouth instead of the body…”

“You…you rapacious boyfriend! Uwahhhhhhh!”

“WHAT!”

At last, Tendou-san finally cried like a child! I-I feel like there’s a fatal misunderstanding within our conversation! Also, why is Konoha-san mumbling at the side, “Am…am I going to be dragged down? Like I’m in a hentai game? Like I’m in a hentai game!” She’s clearly excited about it for some reason. How terrible! I’m calling the cops!

After I expressed my confusion, Tendou-san and Konoha-san finally seemed to have realized that something isn’t right and calmed down.

Tendou-san cleared her throat and led the conversation again.

“Well, I-I have to admit. Those ridiculous, sexually harassing words that came from Amano-kun is just a misunderstanding coming from my imagination.”

“Huh, wait, what do you mean by ridiculous and sexually harassing words?”

“A-Anyway, you’re talking to her sister to get to know Chiaki-san. I understand that.”

“R-Really, that’s good…”

We knew what we were talking about at the start, right? Forget about my question, during this moment…

“I trust you…Amano-kun. I’ll wait for you.”

“…Tendou-san! Yes, I will absolutely not waste your trust!”

As your friend, I will defeat Chiaki!

“Amano-kun…!”

“Tendou-san…!”

We stared at each other. How should I put it? I can feel it, at this moment, our hearts are connected to each other! We’re sharing each other! This is my feeling! This is how you feel to be a couple!”

“…Ahem.”

Konoha-san let out a cough and made us snap out of it. To cover up our embarrassment, we waved at each other and headed towards each one’s destination.

I looked at Tendou-san until she took a turn. After she’s out of my sight, Konoha-san and I pressed our chests in relief.

“I feel like a lot of things had happened. But we made it through, Amano-senpai.”

“Yeah. Thank you, Konoha-san.”

“I’m the one who’s supposed to thank you.”

Then, we smiled at each other like we’re soldiers on a harsh battlefield.

So, after Konoha-san walked for a while, she let out an ugly “Hnnnng!” as she raised her arms to stretch her back. Then, she relaxed like a sloth.

Then, she mumbled with a husky voice.

“Ah…but, this was tiring. Uwah, I’m exhausted…”

I can’t help but laugh at her reaction, which doesn’t resemble a beautiful student council president in the slightest.

Then, Konoha-san glared at me fiercely with the corner of her eyes.

“…What’s wrong, Amano-senpai? Are you taunting my ugly side?”

“What do you mean by ugly. No, I didn’t mean to despise you…”

“Hmph. I’m sorry. I’m different from that Tendou-san. I’m just a pretentious girl.”

Konoha-san said that a bit angrily. I tilted my head for a bit and responded.

“But, I actually really respect people that can put up a performance on their own. Ah, I didn’t mean to cheer you up. Just saying. It takes a lot of effort, after all. It’s incredible for people to not give up and learn that skill.”

I spoke to Konoha-san as I stared her in the eyes. Then, she turned away from me.

“…You are saying that naturally again…!”

“Again?”

Did I mention something like this to Konoha-san before? I don’t really remember. Crap. I forgot something that the girl remembered. Isn’t this super impolite?

Just as I frowned to try and dig into my memory, Konoha-san leaned towards me with a mischievous smile on her face.

“Wow, Amano-senpai, I can’t believe you can forget interacting with such a cute girl. Are you thinking too highly of yourself right now?”

“Ouch…! Y-You’re right. I’m getting ahead of myself! Just a while ago, I will remember all conversations from my high school!”

“…Ah..I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you remember the pathetic high school life you were in…”

“Eh? You’re now pretending to be a girl that shows her compassion to a regretful senpai! Please don’t do that! I’m feeling really empty right now!”

After my protest, Konoha-san smiled happily before asking me in a pranking tone.

“Eh…Amano-senpai, do you mean you’re the type that all people want to bully on?”

“Exactly. People often see me like that without realizing it!”

“Ahaha, I guess so! Hey, it’s fun to bully senpai, after all!”

“You just spew that insult out of your mouth so randomly! By the way, Konoha-san, I don’t feel like you’re trying to pretend as a lovely little sister anymore!”

“Eh? Ah…yeah, you’re right.”

Konoha-san gave me a bitter smile. This time, she scratched the back of her head roughly and started to face me with the true her.

“Sigh, for me. I’m not a girl that hides everything in my heart, not to mention negative emotions. Everything from work, affection, and sexual desire- I mean power. I wanted to vent them out whenever I wanted to.”

I agree with her.

“Ah, I know how you feel. It’s effortless for me to express my emotion out sincerely since I’ll always overthink everything and freak out. If I can’t even say something that I wanted in a place that I feel secure with, my emotions will probably erupt someday. I’m really a guy that can only vent out my anger in front of my family or close friends…”

After I said that, Konoha-san’s eyes brightened as she becomes interested.

“Yeah, I get it. I get it! That’s precisely the reason! Come to think of it, it’s the same when I’m the student president in Hekiyou…Although I didn’t become the president purely out of my acting skills, there’s a lot of times where I can’t express how I really think…That’s why I will often show who I really am when I’m chatting with my family, friends, and when I’m on the internet.”

“Exactly! However, that’s the reason why I will let loose too much sometimes…”

“Yes, yes, yes! I know how it feels! Life is always either being serious or let loose with no in-between. This can really mess with the brake that prevents you from going out of control!”

“That’s what I’m trying to say! I always care about what others are thinking worriedly. Then, if I slip for just a bit, I’ll yell at my little brother or Uehara-kun like I’m a different person. Either that or I will oppose Chiaki or Tendou-san when it comes to gaming style.”

“It’s the same for me, it’ll always end like this! I can’t hold my violent desires back even if I met someone I knew outside, then I’ll end up buying hentai games explicitly.”

“Right…”

Konoha-san raised her plastic bag with the game as she said that.

I responded with rasing my bag as well. Then, we gave each other a bitter smile.

Then, I realized the gap between Konoha-san and me has already disappeared.

Well, it’s because we have the same hobbies in the first place. We can just start chatting right away, just like…when I first met the girl’s sister.

“Ah, right. Konoha-san, have you played Eushully’s new title that was released last month?” [Note: Enshully, a famous Japanese eroge studio in Sapporo.]

“Of course! Eh, you’re playing that as well, senpai! That company’s game design is still comparable to console versions!”

“Yeah! That’s it! You feel that too! Uwah, I’m excited to know that someone actually played it!”

“That’s what I wanted to say! Sigh, but that game is quite erotic when it comes to the plot CGs. Amano-senpai…you acted like you’re an innocent boy, I can’t believe you were just hiding your teeth.”

“Do I? But...compared to the fact that the elite and adorable student council president is a hentai game lover, I feel like I’m nothing.”

“…J-Just like the intelligence from my sister, you’ll praise others unconsciously…”

“What intelligence? Ah, let’s move on to that game! Even though the players are focusing on the UI, don’t you think the plot is incredible as well?”

“Yes! Exactly! Exactly! I’ve always got a grudge with people only praising the UI…but the plot is very well-made, after all!”

“Yeah! Right, speaking of the famous titles-“

So, during the walk to the station..both of us just chatted about hentai games that no one could talk about loudly.

*

“Eh? Chiaki?”

After Konoha-san and I entered the station, we surprisingly saw Chiaki, who’s sitting on the chair playing on her phone.

As soon as I spoke, a defenseless Chiaki freaked out after she raised her head and saw me.

“K-Keita? W-W-Why, are you here…?”

She trembled and accidentally dropped her phone. I immediately grabbed it, that was so cool that even I wanted to praise myself for it. I gave Chiaki a smug look, however…

“P-Please return my phone!”

“Eh!”

She robbed her phone back from my hand…Honestly, I was pissed.

“I almost forgot the fact that she’s my enemy.”

We started fighting each other because we have different opinions when it comes to moe. However, now I feel like we both hated each other’s behavior. See, Chiaki’s glared at me while blushing, even with a bit of tear on her eyes, she’s clearly angry…Right, a guy like me can’t even touch your phone, right?

“I think I glanced at a mobile game screen that I’m familiar with…Whatever. I don’t even have the mood to chat anyway.”

I explicitly let out a sigh to Chiaki, and Konoha-san leaned forward to try and smooth things over.

“Uh, I’m coming out with my sister at the start. We were walking together, but we split up because each of us has things to do. So, we decided to meet at the station before disbanding…”

“Oh, that’s why. That’s why you were going to buy the hentai-“

Konoha-san stared at me while I’m in the middle of my sentence, I immediately fixed my words.

“-That’s why you met me, who was happily buying hentai games alone.”

“…Uwah…Keita, you’re disgusting…”

Chiaki is giving me a cold stare…Uh, even though it’s true that I’m buying hentai games, but why I’m feeling like I’m the only one getting hurt right now?

I glanced at Konoha-san and found out that she looked away like she has nothing to do with this…should I say that this girl is really something…?

“Damn, why does this have to happen…”

Chiaki mumbled as she put her phone back to the pocket before she stood up.

This is only the third time that I’ve seen Chiaki in her casual clothes. However, she’s still the same type as I do. An attire that she didn’t spend any effort on that can reluctantly be worn out to the streets, a T-shirt with a tannin skirt. How should I put this…while I’m pissed, I’ll probably wear the same boring outfit if I was a girl. Although I’m unwilling to admit this, Chiaki does look good because she has a beautiful figure. It’s giving off a “back to nature” vibe, she was not supposed to have reached this level yet.

“W-What’s wrong, Keita? You keep staring at my body. This is what a hentai game lover is like…”

“Hmph, Ms. Chiaki. Bold of you to assume that you earn the same position as the female protagonist in hentai games. You sure do think highly of yourself. What, are you getting smug just because you changed your look?

“I…I don’t want an otaku that pretends to be a protagonist from harem novels just because he accidentally started dating with Tendou-san to say that to me!”

“Hmm, this seaweed still got thorns on it…!”

“This is what a bean sprout boy that keeps overthinking looks like…!”

We closed off our distance as we stared fiercely at each other. Then, Konoha-san looked at us with admiration.

“You two can surely start a fight with each other like it’s breathing…want to go on a show?”

“Please don’t say it like our minds are in sync!”

“I feel like I just saw a boy and a girl with brains that are completely synced with each other!”

Konoha-san is throbbed for some reason…I’m not convinced in the least bit…!

Chiaki and I gave a “Hmph” before turning around with our backs facing each other. Konoha-san, who was in the middle, annoyingly scratched her cheeks. To calm things down, she said this a bit forcefully.

“Um, well, Amano-senpai, thank you for accompanying me to here-“

“Amano-senpai?”

Suddenly, Chiaki noticed how Konoha-san called me as she put on a poker face.

I responded with a frown.

“What, you got a problem? I’m a year older than Konoha-san. That’s a normal thing for her to call me that right.”

“It’s not. You don’t deserve to be called senpai at all, how arrogant of you. Moreover, our Konoha is cute, smart, gentle, and the student council president. She’s the perfect little sister.”

Konoha-san lowered her head with a blush after Chiaki tried to fend me off.

“Uwah…we got another person that blatantly praises people here…forgive me…”

Konoha-san seemed to be mumbling something, but I couldn’t much as I’m retorting.

“Konoha-san is indeed adorable and smart. Also, I realized that she has a good personality after I talked to her. I’m convinced that she’ll be a fantastic student council president as well! But I’m really older than her!”

Konoha-san seemed to have blushed so hard that she had enough and screamed.

“What’s wrong with you two! Pretending to be fighting each other, but you are just trying to mess with me in reality!”

“But, even though you’re older, my sister is surely nobler than you! At least she’s totally different from a prick that buys hentai games in the middle of the day!”

“Ouch!”

Konoha-san moaned while pressing her chest suddenly. She…she was hit even though she was outside the situation! That’s bad!

“Y-You can scold me, but I won’t allow you to look down upon all hentai gamers!”

“That’s the part that you were trying to defend? What are you? President of the Hentai Game Fan Club?”

“Uh, no…A-Anyway, you can depreciate me, but don’t depreciate all hentai gamers! This is for the sake of someone you treasure!”

I reaffirmed Konoha-san’s depressing look with the corner of my eyes as I announced to Chiaki.

However, I didn’t convey my true meaning to her.

“W-What kind of fallacy is that! Uh, i-if I have to say it, I really didn’t mean to scold at anyone except you…I guess I can apologize for that…”

“Yes, Chiaki! Just target me!”

“Why are you getting so excited about this! Sigh…that’s enough. I ran out of steam to fight.”

Chiaki finally decided to stop fighting after she mumbled…No matter how much I hate her, I’ll never go after someone who lost the will to continue. I took a couple deep breaths to clear my mind.

After we calmed down, Konoha-san started explaining to Chiaki about how we met. (The entire hentai game was skipped.)

“Oh…so you two met on the road and just chatted with each other all the way to here…?”

“Yeah.”

Chiaki finally understood. Konoha-san and I nodded with a smile.

However…Chiaki immediately gave us a confused look.

“…But, were you two that close before?”

“Hmm.”

Konoha-san and I lost our words. Ay…we only started chatting with each other happily because we grabbed the same hentai game at the same time…If we just met on the streets, we’ll probably go our separate ways after a standard greeting.

Konoha-san tried to explain.

“Sis, think about it…Amano-senpai and I will often chat on the internet, r-right?”

“Eh…”

Then, for some reason, Chiaki is the one to turn sheepish this time…? Why is she acting like this after she knows the relationship between Konoha-san and me?

“Ah…her little sister had a connection with her rival, is this the reason why she’s being so repulsive?”

If this is indeed the cause, I find it quite convincing…

Just as I’m suspicious, Chiaki cleared her throat with a cough. Then, her eyes rolled around as she asked me for reasons unknown.

“Uh…about the chatting on the internet part, what did you talk with Konoha…?”

“Eh? Nothing much…Also, why do I have to tell you?”

I feel like this is a sensitive part of both Konoha-san and me. Even though she’s a relative, there’s no way for me to just explain everything clearly…

In this awkward situation, Konoha-san somehow tried to smooth things over again.

“Ah, well, as long as it’s related to NOBE and Mono, you can tell my sister all about it, Amano-senpai!”

“Eh? This is wrong…what’s happening…”

I can’t believe she can just reveal who she is on the internet to her family…I don’t really understand the entire reasoning behind it. For me, at least I will never tell my little brother about it.

Konoha-san beamed me a manly and frank smile.

“I’ve nothing to hide from my sister!”

“Konoha-san, are you sure you can say that!?”

The little sister that is hiding her hentai game in her bag while saying stuff like that. I feel like this scene is out of reality…but I can’t reveal her secrets now.

I unwillingly admitted…and told Chiaki about the exchange with Konoha-san.”

“We didn’t talk much about the internet part…Ay, but we had fun chatting with each other, that’s basically it.”

“You’re chatting with Konoha? What did you two talk about?”

“Sigh.”

Konoha-san and I froze…she’s annoying! This sister is annoying! What’s wrong! Why does this girl care about the conversation between Konoha-san and me?

Konoha-san and I glanced at each other silently to think of a solution. Too many things had happened today. We already knew this is the way to get us out of this mess. However, squeezing our eyes seems to have ruined the whole thing. Chiaki is looking increasingly suspicious of our movements, so we just stood like a statue there.

Just as we were in a standoff, we heard a ringtone coming from somewhere suddenly.

I grabbed my phone out to confirm, thinking that it was mine, but it’s not. Then, Chiaki freaked out and said, “Oh, it’s my phone.” She grabbed her phone out. This girl…she even got the same ringtone as I do…Sigh.

“Anyway, we’re saved for now.”

Konoha-san and I smiled at each other…what’s going on? She was so rude to me earlier, but I don’t feel bad about it incredibly. Is it because we both have each other’s secrets? I feel like I’ve changed, I’m closer to Konoha Hoshinomori-san now.

However, on the other hand, the more I get to know her…

“I feel like…while she’s different than her stiff version, but I still think that there’s a difference between Konoha-san and NOBE or Mono…”

I dazed in thoughts as Chiaki is picking up her phonecall.

…Konoha-san is no doubt a “good person,” I think that she shared some similarities with NOBE and Mono in terms of attitudes. But…they’re still different.

“Sigh, if she already said that they’re separate characters, I guess it makes sense for me to view it this way…”

The situation is perfectly logical, but I’m not 100% convinced. This is the first time that I’ve encountered something like this…Uh, even though Konoha-san is really nice…

“Amano-senpai?”

“Ah! It’s fine, nothing’s wrong, I’m sorry.”

Once I snapped out of it, I realized that I’m staring at Konoha-san directly. Her face’s slightly red. Of course, she’ll feel uneasy when a guy that she’s not that familiar with stared at her face.

I lowered my head to apologize and said.

“Well…Chiaki’s busy answering her phonecall, after all. I should leave.”

“Ah, alright. Well…uh…ehm…”

“?”

Konoha-san suddenly started stuttering for some reason. I tilted my head dumbfoundedly. Then, she gave me an unwilling pout before mumbling.

“…See you next time.”

“Eh? Ah..o-okay. Uh, well, see you next time.”

I was flattered as I replied to her…It’s because I didn’t expect her to say that. I’m excited.

“This got to be just out of her courtesy. Still, I appreciated that. Konoha-san is incredible.”

She is the student council president, indeed. Her social skills are way out of my league. Although I really feel that Konoha-san is impressive, on the other hand…

“This person…is she really NOBE and Mono?”

The two people that I liked…the two people that resonated deeply with me…Do they really exist in the heart of this smart and hardworking girl? The more time I spend with her, the more I feel…

“Eh! W-W-W-W-What does that mean- U-Uehara-kun? Uehara-kun!”

“?”

-During this moment, Chiaki suddenly yelled at her phone.

Konoha-san and I freaked out as we stared at Chiaki. We found that she froze as she looked at her phone with the call ended. Then, she turned to us with a shocked expression on her face. This is a situation that can’t be ignored…!

“Sis mentioned Uehara-kun…He’s the handsome normie in your Game Hobby Club, right? The guy that she’s initially affectionate with…”

Initially? Uh, I think Chiaki has always been fond of Uehara-kun…Sigh, whatever.

“Yes. Uh, Uehara-kun is a very reliable hero to us.”

“Then…what does he has to do with my sister by now?”

By now? Even though I’m not sure what that means…Sigh, whatever.

“…I have no idea either.”

Konoha-san and I looked at each other before we nodded with an empty head.

After a second, we asked Chiaki at the same time. “W-What’s wrong?”

Then…Chiaki’s eyes lost focus as she explained with her lips trembling.

“U-Uehara-kun…he…said a single sentence with a serious tone before hanging up…”

“…What did the guy say?”

“Uh…well…”

Chiaki swallowed her saliva in the middle of the sentence. Then… she continued.

“He said, “I’m choosing you only!” loudly…”

“------“

During this moment, we put everything we had talked about to the side. Konoha-san and I lost our emotions.

Then, Chiaki, who’s seemingly trying to confirm something with us…she mumbled.

“T-This means that…what Uehara-kun means is that…!”

Following that sentence, the scene fell silent as if the sea is ebbing. Then, at the next moment-

Like a violent tsunami, all of us shouted at the top of our lungs!

“HE CONFESSEDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!”

-During these few days, our mind has been subtly wrapped in confusion.

However, at this moment, the Hoshinomori sisters and I…felt like everything is irrelevant already.

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