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Chapter 2
Take off the pumpkin helm and you’re a civilian
It was the day after I managed to save the Shinjo sisters and their mother.
If a burglar breaks in and the police are called, the story will spread whether they want it to or not.
“I heard it was near your house.”
“Are you all right?”
I chuckled, “I’m okay, that’s why I’m here safe and sound.”
As soon as I arrived at school, I was approached by my group of friends. I was very happy that they were seriously worried about me, even though I was always fooling around like an idiot in front of them.
“I was surprised too, but good thing Shinjo-san and her family are safe. Let’s be happy about that.”
My friends laughed at that too.
“…Hah”
I let out a small sigh so my friends wouldn’t notice. It really seemed like yesterday was a raging storm of events.
Regarding what happened after that, the man was taken into custody and the Shinjo family were safe. The police came as soon as I heard the sirens of the police car, although they were taken aback when they saw the pumpkin helm I was wearing.
“What’s going on…?”
Well, I certainly would have also been lost in thought if I were in their shoes. I mean, seeing the guy that was restraining the robber wearing a pumpkin… it wasn’t situationally embarrassing, but it’s kind of a scene you’d expect to see in a skit.
The robber had a history of arrests and numerous complaints in the past, and it was discovered that he had recently burglarized another house, so he was arrested without much problem..
Although I, a pumpkin-headed man full of suspicion, was also suspected at first, the Shinjo sisters and their mother defended me with great vigor, and explained to the police in detail what had happened.
“This man is our benefactor! He’s not a shady person!”
I heard a police officer’s voice saying, “No, but he is wearing a pumpkin helmet,” and I apologized about that. The incident then ended without any further questioning, and I was able to return home safely.
Incidentally, although the police saw my true face, Shinjo-san and her family didn’t know. Partly because I didn’t know what kind of face to make in such a situation, and partly because I didn’t want them to be reminded of the incident again, triggered by my presence.
“What’s your name…”
“Who are you…?”
“I’d like to see your face…”
The three of them looked as if they were looking for a supportive presence at that time. Both the sisters and their mother reached out to me as if they didn’t want me to leave, but I backed away and left them.
…Well, what can I say, it was too much for me to take in the feelings conveyed by those eyes.
“But they both seem to be at school today, they’re truly strong.”
That’s right.
I heard that the sisters still came to school as usual after all that happened. They were warmly greeted by their classmates.
“Well, I guess it’s none of my business anymore.”
I don’t mean to sound like a hero, but I don’t consider these ladies to be in my debt, and I don’t intend to ask for anything in return either.
I was able to help, and that fact alone means a lot to me.
“Then let’s go out to lunch!”
“Oyo.”
“Aiyo.”
It was lunchtime and I headed to the cafeteria with my friends. My father died early, and my mother also died of illness when I was in junior high school. So, instead of having a lunch box, I basically have lunch in the cafeteria.
“Itadakimasu”
I clasped my hands together in front of the ginger-grilled pork set meal.
Then, just as I was about to bring the main course, ginger pork, to my mouth, the cafeteria started to become a little noisy.
“Oh, it looks like the princesses are here.”
“As popular as ever I see.”
Hearing their words, I turned my attention to the entrance and saw the Shinjo sisters arrive with their friends. Their exceptional good looks and outstanding style alone attracted numerous gazes.
I mean, it seems unusual for those two to use the school cafeteria. Well, it was the day after what happened, so maybe it was difficult to prepare their lunches?
“They’re like Takane-no-hana that guys like us can’t get near.”
“That’s right  Let’s just be content to watch from afar.”
Indeed.
But then again, I think they’re really beautiful.
First is the older sister, Arisa, with long flaxen hair tied to the side and a cold gaze that is described as cool beauty. She does not seem to smile often, and if you see her smile, you are lucky.
And the younger sister, Aina, is said to have a cheerful personality in contrast to her older sister. Unlike Arisa, Aina’s light-colored brown hair falls just past her shoulders, and she is very expressive and always smiling. What they have in common is their violent side.
“Shall we do it here?”
“I agree.”
Oya, the girls sat down nearby as I was thinking about them. The two girls must be very dazzling after all, since the two friends subtly shifted their trays and distance themselves from each other.
“……?”
As I was glancing at her like that, my eyes met the little sister, Aina. However, she immediately looked away as if she was not interested in me, which means that I am just another person who she is not interested in at all. Unlike her sister’s blue sapphire eyes, the younger sister’s are crimson like rubies… really contrasting in beauty in many ways.
“But are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should have rested at least today.”
“I really don’t have anything to worry about. I’m more okay than I thought I’d be. It’s all thanks to that man who saved us.
“I know, he could have at least said his name… That would have been really great.”
I made a clanging noise, but thankfully only my friends were bothered by it.
But what happened yesterday would certainly have instilled fear in the girls. But if they were well enough to smile and talk with their friends like that, there was nothing to worry about.
“Hey, we’re not supposed to be listening, are we?”
“I guess so. Let’s just eat it up.”
I agreed wholeheartedly with that statement.
I ate my lunch with my friends quietly and quickly left the place.
“Ohh, I was so nervous.”
“Really. But still beautiful, those two, they’re truly gorgeous.”
I feel that they’re not only beautiful, but also full of something that attracts others.There aren’t many people who can attract others like that. Well… I’ve heard rumors that the older sister hates men.
“Well, what did Hayato buy for his costume?”
“Was it the lightsaber and the pumpkin helm?”
“Ahh.”
“…That’s not very artistic, you know.”
“Shut up.”
I can’t afford to buy something so elaborate of a costume, because I don’t even have that much money… Well, they sent me quite a bit of money, but I didn’t want to splurge it on something like this. I talked about it all the time after I headed to the washroom to do my business in preparation for my lunch class.
“…??”
Suddenly I thought I felt a gaze behind me and turned around, but no one was there.
“… was it  just my imagination?
“Hayato?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing…”
My friends called me and I quickly caught up with them.
*POV change
“It’s unusual for you to go to the bathroom while you’re eating.”
“Fufu, I’m sorry Nee-san. My tummy is a bit…”
“…I’m eating so you don’t need to explain… Luckily I’m the only one listening, though.”
“Sorry~♪”
The younger sister returned, looking not at all offended, and apologized.
It’s a bit indecent during a meal, but it’s cute to think of this kind of light-heartedness as part of my sister’s charm. I thought back to yesterday.
I can’t stop thinking about the reality that we could have almost been at the mercy of the robber, and a man wearing a pumpkin helm saved us.
“…Hah.”
When I think of that person, my heart feels sad. I wanted to know his face, I wanted to know his name, but after he answered the police interview he disappeared without telling us anything. Me, my sister and my mother wanted to thank him… but he said it was not needed and disappeared.
“…Hah.”
And it seems the same is true for my sister who sits next to me.
I want that person who saved us, that kindness that put his hand on my shoulder and comforted me, to pour into me all the feelings that he can direct toward me. He is different from any man I have ever met, he is the one I want to be loved by.
“Did you fall in love with the person who helped you?”
I shook my head at a friend’s question.
Falling in love… may indeed be wrong, but I don’t want that kind of relationship with that person. If anything I… probably want a connection. I think I want my existence to be forever tied to that person.
“… Slave, I’d like to be.”
Yes, I want to be enslaved to the soul by that man.