CH 11

Culture Festival Committee Member

Where there’s encounters, there’s also farewells. Young people depart with the anxiety of not being able to meet each other again. A short farewell—with these thoughts in mind, I raised my head.

‘Alright, starting tomorrow, we’ll enter summer break.’

I surely won’t be able to get up in the morning. Summer break arrived. This is a big event. I’ll be enjoying my time playing games while Big Sis is heading off to cram school. It might sound weird coming from me, but I secretly get up early in the morning in order to fully enjoy this blissful time as long as possible. All so that the day is longer. Then again, definitely not as early as on a school day…So maybe around 8 to 9am, which is just right for a no-good man (*No-good man speaking).

Since I’m not getting any exercise in, it’s good practice to combine breakfast and lunch into brunch. If I ate three times a day without being in any sports club, I’ll only get fat. More than anything, ‘brunch’ just sounds so stylish, I love it.

As I was making plans for my first brunch, the speech of our head of the student year ended. Wasn’t he talking even longer than our principal himself? They’re the type to always absolutely lecture others about student guidance and whatever.

Also, what even is there to talk about when you’re last? Didn’t everybody else already steal all the principal’s material? Then just skip that entire part? Right when I was feeling a bit sad towards our principal, I saw our student council president Yuuki-senpai walk up on the stage. In response, the girls around me were raising cheers. He’s as popular as always, I see. Imagine waking up with that kind of face, I wouldn’t mind going to school like that.

After being introduced by MC Kamata-sensei (who is responsible for old Chinese) with a disinterested ‘Alright, here’s the student council speaking’, Yuuki-senpai spoke up. Seemed to be related to the summer break.

‘With the culture festival preparations beginning now, the committee members will be attending school three times a week. We will try our hardest to make an enjoyable culture festival for everyone, so please watch over us.’

Culture festival committee members…That sounds just as troublesome. Starting the second term, every student will be part of some kind of committee, as this will be decided on the first day. However, the culture festival committee members had been decided today, it seems. The merit of participating in it is that you’re done with any committee work once the culture festival is over, since there’s practically no more work to do.

I was invited into the public morals committee by Shinomiya-senpai, but what should I do about that? I don’t really feel motivated for either, but since she invited me, I might just be able to slack off a bit…Well, I’ll decide when that time comes.

*

“Who wants to become the culture festival committee member~?” Our homeroom teacher Ootsuki-sensei asked in a cheerful tone.

‘What a bother’, is probably what everyone was thinking, as nobody answered that question, trying their hardest not to look Sensei in the eyes. After a brief silence of around five seconds, Sensei showed an annoyed reaction.

“If nobody volunteers, then I’ll be taking candidates.”

“““…!”””

I’m pretty sure that all our heads shot up at once. That bad premonition we all had seemed to be accurate, as proven by Sensei’s next words.

“Okay, everybody not part of a club, stand up!”

Well, I should have figured as much. That’s to be expected. Those in a club have to participate in practice and tournaments and all that. So, those who don’t help the school and keep time to themselves are forced to work in another way…I don’t like it, but I have to accept this fate.

Reluctantly, I stood up from my chair, to which I heard several other chairs screeching after me. Looking around, I saw six people. I knew about Natsukawa, but I’m shocked there’s so many other people not part of a club. Looking to my left…That’s Ichinose-san, always busy reading her books. We rarely talked, but don’t worry about it. You could have joined a literature club if we had one, but now it’s more of a phantom club…If you want to resent something, then resent this time and day. You’re not allowed to have fun in high school.

The others were all relieved to know they’d be saved the hassle. A small group of them even grinned at us with a ‘Sucks to be you~’, which is quite irritating~ if you ask me. Just you wait until I hit you with my kamehameha.

“Hmm…Alright, rock paper scissors it is!”

“Just get Sajou already!”

“Yamazaki. You better remember this.”

Don’t just throw me into the lion’s den like that. Where’s the track-and-field club’s cannon ball at? When I glared at Yamazaki, Ashida stabbed her black volleyball bag at her knee next to her. Is she recommending me that instead? Well, I don’t mind. Can I do it? Heck yeah.

“Ohh! Will you do it, Sajou-kun? Also, you got the time, don’t you?”

“Ah, I just recovered from a cold, so…”

“Yes, you already rec—”

“Okay! Rock paper scissors time!”

“Ehhh!?”

With a bad premonition assaulting me yet again, I raised a shocked voice. Like hell I would miss out on this precious upcoming time. I’m the main character Sajou…and I will break down this unlucky atmosphere! Like hell I would work as a culture festival committee member! A fulfilling and joyful summer break is waiting for me! I’ll lock myself in my room with a working A/C, enjoying games…!

“J-Just when I thought you calmed down a bit…!” Natsukawa growled behind me.

This isn’t the time to be complaining. My summer break is depending on this. The go-home-club members, all six of us to be exact, gathered at the front of the classroom. Rock paper scissors Goddess, please give me your strength…!

“I won’t lose.”

“If you hate it that much, couldn’t you have just come up with another excuse…?”

“No, that wouldn’t be fair…”

“Now you’re suddenly all righteous…”

“Ah, we’re splitting up boys and girls by the way.”

“Eh?”

As I was enjoying some annoyance from Natsukawa directing my way, Sensei dropped the bomb. I froze up. There’s only two bastards that could be referred to. Both me and Tabata separated from the group of four girls, including Natsukawa. Even now, Ichinose-san did not let go of her book. She really likes it, huh…I can see why she’d feel annoyed if I suddenly talked to her.

“Tabata…How many months has it been since we talked.”

“Who knows…”

Tabata—is a normal guy. He’s pretty much the same as me, but he’s weak against pressure, known as the Yes-Man of the class. I feel like we’d blend right in together.

“Onwards, with passion—”

“Just hurry up and do it.” I retorted.

“Sorry about that.”

N-Normal…? Maybe he’s actually a bit twisted? I never really got the impression that he was the talkative guy. Rather than normal, he seems a bit more secluded. He definitely has some one-sided crush on somebody in this class, but is unable to confess because he’s not confident enough about himself (*prejudice). Not to mention that he feels pretty easy if you just threw him enough bait. Also, how cruel am I, really.

I steeled my resolve, and prepared myself for the rock paper scissors match. Better just get this over with. Alright…rock, paper…scissors!

“Alright, please take care of it, Tabata.”

“……”

Sorry about that, Tabata. This is a battle I definitely cannot lose. Now that you’ve lost, just step down. I’m not taking a second fight, okay.

“I have cram school though.”

“Don’t say that after you lost…”

I couldn’t hold back a retort. However, Tabata stepped down politely, stating his loss to the teacher, and I returned to my own seat. Um, now I’m actually feeling a bit conflicted. Let’s just talk some more…?

“—Alright, Natsukawa-san will be the other member.”

Oh my. I heard Ootsuki-sensei’s voice, so I turned around, and spotted Natsukawa letting out a dejected laugh. I really wanted something like this as well. Being cheered on, losing in the end, but being supported by everyone…Couldn’t we have done that as well, Tabata? Oh, that guy…! He seems happy that Natsukawa was chosen! Urk…W-Well, it can’t be helped. This time, I lost, so I need to do my duty of not doing my duty.

Either way, Tabata was chosen from the boys, and Natsukawa became the female culture festival committee member of this class, and hearing the speech from our teacher, I sighed in relief. However, that guy raised his voice.

“—Tabata. Cram school must be tough, right? Should I do it for you?”

Sasaki. Right when I was wondering what he was talking about, he suddenly called out to Tabata, offering to take over. Suddenly being talked to, Tabata let out an awkward ‘Y-Yeah…’, acting the usual Yes-Man. What annoyed me the most was Sasaki getting all the admirable gazes from our classmates.

“Oh my, are you sure about that? I’d be thankful if you could take over, Sasaki-kun, but…don’t you have the soccer club to worry about?”

“Yes, but it’s fine. As a first-year, I’m no regular after all.”

So what was that whole battle just now for…Sasaki turned into the member responsible for the boys in a matter of seconds. Now it’s Sasaki and Natsukawa, a hottie and goddess. Of course, it’s plain as day as to what Sasaki is planning with this. How slick, really.

Also, this is scary. I know of his feelings for Natsukawa, but to everybody else, he seems like the ‘Hottie who is kind enough to help others while being busy himself’. If Tabata and Sasaki were in the opposite positions, they’d just think of Tabata as weird because he suddenly stood up.

“Sasakin is a total hottie, alright.”

“Huh, then I’ll just take Natsukawa’s place then.”

“Shut up, cold Chinese noodles.”

“Cold Chinese noodles.”

Is that supposed to be an insult, Ashida? I’m sure it is, I can already see it in front of me. Don’t give me that look while running away from reality. I’m the realist here.

“Tabata, at least thank him.”

“Eh…Y-Yeah, thanks.”

“No, don’t worry about it. I brought it up myself. You just do your best with your studies.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Phew…Being urged by Yasuda, Tabata gave Sasaki his thanks. In response to that, Sasaki just showed a calm smile, getting him even more popularity. God, this feels gross. Why do I have to feel this way despite winning.

“—Sheesh.”

“Eh? You don’t like Chinese noodles?”

“No, they’re delish.”

“Of course, I know.”

What’s with this girl…Using some B-rank gourmet level of an example…Hm, B-class? At least give me an A-class example.

“Looking forward to working with you, Natsukawa!”

“Yup, same here, Sasaki-kun.” Natsukawa gave a gentle response to Sasaki’s words.

Watching that, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. Of course, I already knew why. Everybody would be sad if their favorite idol ended up in some kind of scandal. Before feeling betrayed, it’s the sadness of ‘Seeing her become another man’s woman’, I think. Not like I ever got into idols though, but that’s probably pretty close.

I forcefully put a lid on all these feelings slowly starting to rise inside of me. Thanks to that, I could stay calm, and acted like this was nothing out of the ordinary. Leaving aside an idol, it’s hard to expect any kind of happiness in this world. Not to mention that Sasaki and Natsukawa aren’t even like that. If she’s happy, then I’m happy.

“Ehh, they seem pretty solid together, right…?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Eh?”

“Hm?”

I was planning on giving a normal comment, but Ashida looked at me like I just insulted her entire family. What kind of reaction is that…I’m perfectly aware of it, you know? These two just look good together, I can’t help it.

“Sajocchi…why can you stay so calm?”

“I mean…you know.”

“……”

I get why Ashida’s giving me that dubious look, I really do. She’s seen my relentless approaches towards Natsukawa after all. She must have expected me to panic, seeing this. Well, I was pretty flustered in the beginning. Oh right, when I was still trying to win over Natsukawa, Ashida would always support me. Probably because she thought it was funny to see me struggle. Then again, that was when I was seeing dreams……Though my feelings for her haven’t changed or anything.

“If they’re such a solid pairing, then I can only smile in agreement, right?”

“Hmm…loser.”

“You wench.”

This woman…She’s saying it so indifferently. That unfortunate gaze she’s giving me…Couldn’t you have cheered me up some more? I already feel like a loser here, so don’t just ram it into me. Do you want me to get another fever again?

“Sheesh……Hm?”

Right as I was cursing my existence with a sigh, I felt a strong gaze in the corner of my view. Looking over, I saw Sasaki giving me an arrogant gaze—Don’t look at me, you bastard. I get it already. No need to look at me like that. You’re not even hiding your emotions right now…Also, I don’t intend on stopping you, so why are you this hostile? A hottie is seeing an average guy like me as an enemy?

Just approach her as much as you want, why try to stir me on like that? Are you trying to get me motivated or something? What kind of twisted thinking is that…You just mind your own damn business. You’re just making me feel more pissed than before.

Ahh, right. Someone who has a yandere brocon little sis can’t be a bad guy. Though, I don’t see a happy future for this guy. If anything, it’s already too late for him. Sasaki…live on strong, okay? I still feel complicated about you and Natsukawa, but I’ll try to support you…Oh right, I need to send out my regular report. If I take any more time with this, he’d be in danger of being tortured by his little sis. Of course, I’m talking about Yuki-cha—

*

“I was waiting for you, Sajou.”

“Ah, excuse me, but I have cram school today, so I can’t~”

“Wait wait wait…! You’re not even attending a cram school, so don’t give me that!”

Right as I was about to make my way home, Shinomiya-senpai was waiting for me at the shoe lockers. She sure is attacking me a lot as of late. Is she that interested in me? I wanted to copy Tabata and slip into the crowd of people to escape, but Shinomiya-senpai grabbed my arm and denied that attempt. What if I am attending one!? Are you judging this with your eyes alone?

“I get that you’re a bit careful around me. I’m not trying to forcefully pull you with me, so stop with the futile resistance.”

“I get it, I get it already! I won’t run away, so don’t pull me along!”

If the public morals committee president Shinomiya-senpai were to pull a boy after her, it’s clear for what reason. Not to mention that I was already pulled to the student guidance counselling room before, everyone giving me a ‘What’s that about~?’ look. Also, can you let go of my arm already! When I stopped putting strength in my arm, she finally let go of me.

“So, what do you want from me today?”

“I was just thinking of maybe tempering the weakling who fell for a summer cold.”

Is she picking a fight with me? Also, what’s that ‘Better be thankful’ look you’re giving me? Why should I be thankful to anybody who called me a weakling to my face. Also, what do you mean by temper? Are you trained in some kind of martial arts? Muscle training? Are you going to split my stomach apart? I’m terrified.

“Ah, Inatomi-senpai is in trouble.”

“Wha!?”

Isn’t that working too well? I really don’t want to bother. I should just take this chance and—Urk!? I can’t properly put on the loafers…! Damn it, why now at a time…!

“Sajou.”

“I’m sorry.”

Having my back grabbed with the strength of a bulldog, I could only apologize. Is this the direction of the student guidance counselling room? Maybe I shouldn’t have used Inatomi-senpai’s name to deceive her after all. But, that’s the best a weakling like me could do.

“Don’t act like I’m going to torture you…Leaving aside the case with the public morals committee, I wouldn’t like the fact of Kaede’s little brother to be this fragile, so I want to help you, albeit unwillingly.”

“I’m not that weak or anything…Also, what do you mean unwillingly.”

Is it that? Is she doing this to get bonus points with Inatomi-senpai? I mean, that girl really is cute…Ah, I called a Senpai ‘that girl’…Still, what are you going to do once you graduate? Will you repeat a year? Will you die from a lack of Yuyu-paisen around you?

Of course, the accused Shinomiya-senpai just smiled silently. I really hate how all hotties can pull that off, but even girls now? That’s just not fair.

“Now, stay silent and just tag along. Just see it as a favor you’re doing me.”

“Huh…”

Weird? Am I being restrained after all? Also, aren’t we technically linking arms like this? I get why she never gets flustered, it’s because she’s a fellow gorilla like Big Sis. She can probably rival Big Sis in terms of strength. Or I don’t know, Big Sis might have leveled up again. Seriously, what do I do about this?