Chapter 4

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There’s an expression called “dragging oneself to the ground” to describe it, and recently, that’s exactly what ha

I am. Enveloped in all sorts of difficulties, my body and mind are falling apart. And I crawl into bed halfway throu Crying. The only respite is in dreams. But even those dreams have become unsettling lately.

Finally, Shizuku appeared. We only passed each other, but I screamed like crazy and woke up. I think I’m

too sick.

Before becoming a Kämpfer, I enjoyed a peaceful school life, but the last few months have been

tumultuous. Couldn’t they make a movie of this in Hollywood? I’d be happy to sell the rights.

For product sales, please contact me for the royalty agreement.

Two days have passed since that terrible day. I miraculously escaped a near-traumatic event that seemed It was like something out of a nightmare—I was almost raped on the library roof in broad daylight. Since then, I’

trying to go unnoticed.

Specifically, I only went to the men’s section. This is a sanctuary and one of the few quiet places that

I still have some left. I heard rumors that Senou from the women’s section was absent again, but I don’t know an

regard.

When I got to this point, the face of the idiotic leader Higashida started to look somehow like a Angel, I was even in the classroom for no apparent reason. Although it’s also said that my sly smile is

disgusting and that things are not going well in general.

That day too, I stayed in the classroom after school without leaving, wandering aimlessly.

—What’s wrong, Senou? You’re still here.

That’s when Higashida spoke to me. I’m usually one of the first to leave, so apparently

He found it strange that she was still there.

—Don’t you love your house?

—Yes, I love it.

—Is there anything at school that interests you? If it’s the Beauty Research Club, you’ve already lost your chanc

right to attend the executive committee meeting.

—I don’t feel like going anyway.

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That “Beauty Research Club” I mentioned is one of the many extracurricular activities

from Seitetsu Academy. Since their success with a leaflet during the cultural festival, it seems they have

state increasing the number of members.

I used to be the special advisor for that group, but for various reasons I lost my qualification. Actually, no

I wasn’t interested at all, but this guy insists on “doing my duty.” Very annoying.

—What’s going on between the president and the girl Natsuru Senou?

—I don’t know, Mikoto will probably look into it later.

Of course, I know that. I can postpone teaching this guy.

—Since Mikoto is more active than I am, you’ll probably receive a report soon.

—I’ve heard something about some new information being found…

Ah, actually, it seems he referred to Shizuku and me, saying something. That would be a problem too.

It seems Higashida hasn’t heard anything more than that. That’s a relief.

—With the growing demand for pretty girls lately, and also because of the catalog, I want to know soon. I’m not interested in the catalog, but I’m not someone who accepts that kind of logic. Maybe before, when I was Kämpfer, I would have acted foolishly alongside him, but now our position is a little different.

—Do you really not have any other source of information besides me?

—Yes, but you’re the most reliable. Hanzawa and the others are investigating Sakura-san. There isn’t enough staff.

—Sakura-san doesn’t talk much about her private life, does she?

—Yes, that’s right. It seems he recently mentioned that he’s going to return temporarily to his family home.

—… Hee.

“If it’s for a holiday home, that’s fine, but if he skips school to get back, someone will be upset.” Let him worry.

Sakura-san is a popular beauty along with Shizuku, so she’s sure to make headlines. Although not even See you later, there are men who are proud just for attending the same school.

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—You’re sad too, aren’t you?

-Hey?

—I’m talking about Sakura-san.

—… Ah, of course.

Yes. I love Sakura-san more than anyone. But lately, because Sakura-san has been attacking me with Malice and fighting, in reality, I feel increasingly weakened.

It can’t be. That wouldn’t have been possible with my old self. Even if I’ve become an enemy, no I must allow my loyalty to Sakura-san to weaken. I need to focus.

—Sakura-san is incredible. She’s beautiful, an angel, a goddess. Just imagining her smile makes me want to ea Rice dishes. Well, six dishes! Even though she’s in the women’s section now, she’s determined to get married.

with me in the future.

—I understand, I understand.

Higashida waved his hand.

—I’ve heard your ramblings many times. They’re going to live in a house with white walls, right?

—Exactly. I’d also have a dog.

Since the first year, he has been listening to Sakura-san’s and my future plans, that’s why he reacts like this.

Listen to the end. There’s also a plan to move abroad as a family.

—Senou, go and get information about the president right now. —What are you saying? I want to know about Sakura-san’s breasts— —Did you say something?

Upon hearing Higashida’s question, I remained silent.

It was dangerous. I was about to say he’d touched my chest. I was on the verge of having that kind of relationsh

With Sakura-san on the riverbank. I let myself be swept away by her charm and ended up touching those soft b It could have gone further if there hadn’t been interruptions. It’s truly a shame to look back on it.

—What’s wrong with Sakura-san?

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—No… our secret nightlife, I mean…

—I don’t want to know. Senou isn’t the only one with those fantasies; many men have them. I’m tired of

listen to them.

—This school has a deep culture, doesn’t it?

—Don’t talk like that. The president has the most of them. We receive fantasy visual novels at the Club of Researching Beauty even when we’re not making doujinshi.

—It’s more or less the same.

I understand it to some extent. They must be venting their overactive, unsatisfied imaginations somewhere. like “The Club for Being Scolded by Shizuku Sangou.” If you don’t let the steam out somewhere, people They end up going crazy.

The doorbell rang. This is a sign to “go home immediately.” Unless it’s the day before something…

For events or supplement classes, it’s difficult to stay here for very long.

—Is Senou still here?

—I want to go home.

—Then just leave, right?

—I have a reason. There might be someone waiting for me.

“Who’s pointing a gun at you? Golgo?” (a manga and anime character known for his abilities to

sniper)

—No-… It’s nothing.

“If you have so much free time, can you help me?” Higashida said.

—If it’s the Beauty Research Club, I have nothing to do with it anymore.

—No. I also belong to the “Committee for the Normalization of Relations between Men and Women” as

extracurricular activity.

—Ah, right, I remember hearing about that.

—They are looking for someone to be the liaison.

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—Heee.

I answered vaguely. This “Committee for the Normalization of Relations between Men and Women”

It is an organization that was created trying to circumvent the official surveillance forcefully imposed on the

Relationships between men and women in Seitetsu. In clandestine activities, it is as active as the “Club “Beauty Research” and has the support of both sexes. Apparently, it was inspired by an organization

known as the “Underground Railroad” that existed in the United States before the Civil War, which

He dedicated himself to helping slaves from the South escape to the North, but isn’t it a bit of an exaggeration to Japanese schools?

—Go and do it for me, please.

—Why is it always me?

—Did you forget all the times the “Committee for the Normalization of Relations Between Men and Women” Did it help you?

Higashida said. I bowed my head.

-Really?

—I taught you how to communicate, how to use the tunnels, and more. That’s true. I didn’t yet have an ID card to access the women’s section, so I asked him for help.

—After that, there was also a runner who was sacrificed after being discovered by the council Student. Do you remember digging a tunnel last time?

—It was a failed attempt, wasn’t it?

—That was crushed too. Soon the media outlets will run out. We have to send a

messenger from here soon.

—So it’s me then?

Whenever something annoying like this happens, it seems I always end up being blamed. Could it be that Do I seem so idle?

—I’m sure you know people in the women’s section. You wouldn’t raise any suspicions.

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—It’s not like I can just go to the women’s section that easily.

—I’m not telling you to force yourself to go to the women’s section.

Well, with my ID card, I can get through easily, you know?

—Is it now?

—Yes. The messenger from there is waiting in the library.

—… I don’t really feel like going.

—If you don’t go to the library, you won’t be able to meet the girl from the women’s section.

I know that, but I can meet up with Akane and Shizuku there. Last time, something happened on the rooftop.

—Go quickly. It’s almost time.

—And what are you going to do?

—I have a meeting of the “Commission for the Investigation of the Secret Treasures of the Men’s Section.” I had

problems because the schedules overlapped.

I didn’t know clandestine activities like that existed. Even though they complain about school events, this kind o Things really have vitality, don’t they?

I showed some hesitation.

—And work for free?

—I’ll give you secret photos of the president.

—That’s not necessary.

—Then, I’ll treat you to a soft drink.

-Alright.

It’s a hundred times better than Shizuku’s picture. It’ll come in handy when I’m thirsty. You can’t quench your thi I left the classroom immediately. The path to the library is etched in my memory. I’m afraid of running into myse

with Akane, so I’ll have to be careful about that.

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I thought about entering the library through the window, but decided to stop for now. It would be problematic if I They thought I was a thief. Instead, I watched carefully from the entrance.

There was a student at the counter, but she was a stranger. Okay, fine, that should be all right.

Even so, I went in trying not to stand out. Acting like nothing was wrong. I walked over to where the shelves we

Because we had previously destroyed it, this area had been closed off, but finally now we could It’s only half-used. It seems to be Shizuku’s doing. Since Akane was grateful, it must be true.

I moved to a place that was as inconspicuous as possible. Okay, where is that contact?

—Here I am!

I heard a strangely lively voice. I already knew who it was without even looking.

With a feeling of weariness, I turned to look.

—… Masumi-chan.

—It’s been so long since we last saw each other!

It was Masumi Nishino, the first-year student in the girls’ section with boundless energy. Ah, her She was involved in several clandestine activities.

He spoke with a voice that carried well from anywhere. Although he didn’t think he fit into this category.

of secret meetings.

—Natsuru-san is friends with Higashida-san, right?

—Well, yes.

—Are they good friends?

-More or less.

Sometimes I wonder why I’m friends with that big idiot, but on the surface, that’s how it is. Personally, I prefer to remain mere acquaintances and I don’t mind at all.

I gestured for silence.

—They told me I should talk to Masumi-chan.

-Yes that’s how it is.

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—What’s it about? They said something about rebuilding the media.

—No, that’s not it.

He spoke quickly and drew out the tone at the end of his sentences, showing his ability to converse.

—You know, there was actually something I wanted to tell you, Natsuru-san.

—Huh? Me?

I immediately pointed to myself.

My relationship with Masumi is distant. We’re not complete strangers, but we don’t talk that often.

Especially lately, we haven’t met at all due to our busy schedules.

—Well, about your recent relationship with the president, just one word. I heard she rejected you.

That’s not true. She didn’t reject me. Please don’t put strange things like that in the article. You don’t have to

ask me, as a woman?

I was starting to get tired of it, but she immediately changed the subject.

—You don’t need to bring that up now. Actually, that’s not what it’s about.

-What do you mean?

—If you’re willing to tell me, I’ll listen.

—No, is it something different?

-Yeah.

Masumi gestured with her hand towards the back of the bookshelf.

—She called you. Come here, come here.

The one who appeared from there was Mikoto.

She’s always been my childhood friend, but she looks a little nervous right now. She must You’re holding in the urge to go to the bathroom. It would be good if you went without worry.

—Again, huh?

—What do you mean by “again”?

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Mikoto got angry.

—But we met recently, didn’t we?

—Do you find it so annoying to run into me?

—It’s not that it bothers me.

Mikoto thanked Masumi with a “thank you.” Masumi replied with a “don’t worry” and disappeared.

—Who is she?

—That girl is a member of the “Committee for the Normalization of Relations between Men and Women.” I aske

would help me arrange a meeting with you.

“What’s the benefit of that? It’s hard to do favors for someone like that. It’s like dealing with a Yakuza.” -Not bad.

—That’s not a good idea. I’m leaving.

—Well, then I’ll shout here. I’ll tell Masumi you were violent with me and I’ll get help.

—You’re stronger, aren’t you?

—Hey, Masumi-!

At her sudden call, I quickly covered her mouth. Mikoto stared at me.

I hope no one heard us. I hope he doesn’t come looking for me after this.

—Hey, you know where I live, why don’t we meet like normal people?

“I don’t want the president to find out. Since then, the surveillance has become even stricter,” he whispered.

Mikoto. I sense something suspicious about this.

—What do you mean by that?

—They’re watching me.

I felt a little uncomfortable. Sometimes you see people like that. People who think the CIA is after them or that t

being watched by extraterrestrials. I once witnessed someone shout at the station: “I have a treasure!”

“I’m hiding from the Imperial Army and I’m being hunted by the FSB!” Many police officers came and took him a What became of him?

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—Which secret agency is it?

—It’s not the radio frequency type. It’s from the student council, a supporter of the president.

That sounds like another dangerous fantasy. I hope she doesn’t start talking about a group of assassins. The on Shizuku is violent here.

Mikoto looked around.

—The president is trying to monitor my movements. I can’t let my guard down at all.

—What? Would the president go that far?

—Yes, she will. Not necessarily as a spy. She just asks the girls in her class, “If anything happens to Kondousa Ah, then that makes sense. As for the information network, Masumi’s newspaper club is…

Building the biggest one, but so is the student council. You only have to listen to stories. from students in general, but apparently, some pretty underground rumors are also being gathered. With the The trust they have must mean there are many collaborators.

Why are they doing this? Because there are clandestine activities. They don’t want any of this happening near t The student council needs to be aware of everything. It seems like a difficult task, but if everything is… which translates to gathering information about Mikoto, could be quite effective.

—That’s why, if they find us here with you, it would be a bit problematic.

—Why me?

—You’re really slow, aren’t you? Since what happened last time, the president mentioned something about

free competition.

—Ah, yes, I remember hearing something about it.

That was unbelievable. He suddenly knocked me down, about to rape me. After all, my will was completely use What to see.

The combination of Shizuku and Mikoto is impressive. A cruel student council president and Ruthless, and a crazy girl, like a steam engine, who’s willing to cross the world. If I don’t

transformed, it would have been completely crushed.

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That was hard for me to swallow, but I thought I had no choice but to resign myself to it, thinking that there was I’ve been bitten by a dog. I even considered waking up as a masochist and enjoying it as a solution.

It was so bad, but I quit. What would I do if it became a habit?

—It’s about that at that moment…

He’s babbling something. What’s wrong?

It’s unusual for her. She always seeks clarity in everything; she likes to define things clearly. I remember her sa Did you like Othello? It only has two colors.

She’s a little embarrassed. Her ears look red, or maybe not.

What’s wrong? Did you choke on something?

—That’s it, well, instead of that, about what happened the other time…

—The rooftop incident? That… really surprised me.

-I’m sorry.

—Yes, yes… Huh?

—That… I’m sorry.

I was perplexed.

Mikoto apologizes to me. She’s not someone who’s very remorseful. It seems like it’s because she shows weak They can take advantage of their business partners, especially if I’m the partner. They’re always looking for an e

to justify anything. You tend to feel that she’s right, so it’s a kind of talent.

But why is he apologizing?

—I think I went too far… I’m sorry.

—Well… I guess.

The confusion that was brewing vanished somewhere. If someone, like a girl, is standing in front of me Wouldn’t it be natural to apologize in embarrassment?

Mikoto speaks in a soft voice.

—I suppose that even if the opponent is Natsuru, I shouldn’t do that…

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-Yes it’s true…

Mikoto looks at me with her eyes raised.

Did I bother you?

-No not at all…

—That’s good then.

—Shock is shock, you know?

It became an unforgettable memory. Being pinned down by two girls and undressed, probably not It will never happen again in my entire life. Every time I remember it, I feel a chill run down my spine.

Suddenly, I see Mikoto blushing. She’s so embarrassed she could boil water with her cheeks.

—If you’re so ashamed, then don’t do it.

—But I told you I’m sorry… It’s the first time I’ve done something like this.

—I can’t stand having an expert on those things around.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a boy’s underwear so close up…” —You even tried to touch them, didn’t you?

—A-Aah… E-Eeer… I-I didn’t touch him, really!

-Oh really?

Actually, it’s true. He didn’t touch me. I escaped just in time. I still retain my purity.

But I decide to make fun of it.

—You’re a pervert. My perverted childhood friend.

-Hey…!

—You’ve become a perverted girl.

—Don’t say those things… idiot.

Mikoto remained seated. Ah, there she is. Originally, Mikoto intended to punch me.

or a kick here and that’s it.

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She crouched down and murmured to herself. I got a little nervous. This situation is very similar to me.

Bothering Mikoto. It would be really bad if someone saw us. Akane or Shizuku. Even for the students.

In general. It’s not something teachers find funny.

Fortunately, we weren’t attracting attention. There are probably still many students who don’t

They know they can use the library. It would be annoying if they saw us and reported us to the student council o

teaching.

Mikoto breathed, raising and lowering her shoulders.

—When I remembered it, I lost strength… It’s embarrassing.

—Is it really that bad?

—That’s how I feel.

Anyway, stand up. I grabbed her arm and helped her up.

Her hand was surprisingly warm. Mikoto stood up slowly.

—Aah moo, I’m dying of embarrassment.

—I intend to live a long time.

—I went to such lengths for a man like you, I even had to steal a glance from the president.

—Go ahead and steal it, now’s the perfect time. Stop looting archaeological sites. You’ll be reported. before UNESCO.

—I always follow the law. Even when I’m buying, I’m a third party acting in good faith. … That doesn’t matter.

She composed herself a little.

—You know, Natsuru… I apologized, right?

-That’s how it is.

—So… everything’s all right with that matter now, right?

—Well, yes.

—Also, even though everything is confusing, there’s something I want to say… Even though it’s a little late, this I’ve wanted to say this for a long time.

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—Be brief.

—This will be brief… Hey, Natsuru, do you want to go out with me?

Faced with this unusual proposal, I frowned slightly.

—We’ve been together since kindergarten. Where do you intend to go now? I’m telling you, it won’t work in the Foreigner. You always forget to bring your passport with you.

Mikoto was surprised for a moment, but soon seemed to understand what I was saying and quickly resumed

its lines.

—That’s not it. I want you to be my boyfriend.

—Boyfriend? Has a new moon been discovered orbiting Saturn or something?

—I don’t know anything about that. It’s about love.

—Between you and me and Sakura-san?

—Of course not! Come out with me.

-Because?

—Stop asking! Because I like you!

This clearly reached my ears.

I was taken aback. Huh? You’re telling me you like me? People have said that before, but wasn’t it just a joke? Mikoto’s expression wasn’t amused. Perhaps this is the first time I’ve seen her like this, more serious than usua

when he is reading a book about ruins.

—Are you… serious?

“I’ve been saying I like you from the start. Natsuru, it seems you haven’t noticed at all.” —You’re my childhood friend, aren’t you?

“It’s not wrong, even if they’re childhood friends. There’s no rule against it.”

It would be amazing if that were the case. But deciding whether we’re dating (together) or not is another story.

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—I want you to look at me, but Natsuru always talks about Sakura-san, and he also says he likes Akane-chan a

kisses the president.

It wasn’t what I wanted to do, but it happened. It’s kind of an accident. If I don’t accept it that way, I won’t be able

endure it.

-That…

—I like you, Natsuru! I want to go out with you!

My words got stuck and I blinked.

Mikoto gasped. I thought maybe it was all Higashida’s doing, but at least she didn’t seem to be saying this as pa

from a punishment game. Still, it’s surprising. Although she’s beautiful, I didn’t expect something like this from m

childhood.

Since we met in kindergarten, could a girl’s confession be more than just a

Is this an event in a game? Or is what’s happening to me now also part of a game?

No, that’s not it. It’s a legitimate confession. Mikoto told me she likes me.

“I didn’t want the president to beat me again, so I called you here, Natsuru. I couldn’t wait to…”

going back home…

I couldn’t answer. No, I’m speechless! What should I do?

—I think it’s cowardly and shameful. It’s not like me. I should have told you at a more appropriate time.

Maybe when we were enjoying curry together. But I was afraid that the president or Akane-chan would…

They were going to steal. I couldn’t contain myself.

Isn’t she overthinking it? She could stay still for days in the middle of the desert if she were

necessary. And curry is already enough.

—It would be difficult for me to explain what I like about you… But, you know? When we’re together and we say

Nonsense, I feel at peace. We don’t need to pretend, and we already call each other by our names. Even

When I’m sleeping, I often think of you, Natsuru, and you often appear in my dreams…

Mikoto began talking to herself. She felt as if everything she had been bottling up had been released. bang.

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She was the talkative type. But it wasn’t about world events or curry; it wasn’t about her. as a person. Revealing her inner feelings was probably something new for her.

—And when I think of you, my heart feels heavy. So, if we’re together, maybe I can feel more

light and relieved.

—…

—I think all this is because I like you, Natsuru.

I was greatly surprised when, instead of talking about Southeast Asian gem businesses, the conversation turne

concerns typical of a young woman, from her mouth.

Being feminine isn’t bad, but I didn’t think it suited Mikoto. She was in a world where, from Somehow, I couldn’t access it, and besides, I was enjoying it. As a childhood friend, I was just It was stimulating to glimpse a part of their experience, and that was enough for me.

But now it’s reaching my level of existence. In the form of a confession.

This is difficult. What should I answer? What would be the most appropriate response? This was sudden, and I’ Thinking clearly. Although, the truth is, I rarely think clearly.

—Aah… er…

Avoiding the topic with vague statements to buy time is a bad habit.

—I’m not very smart, you know?

-Yes I know.

It’s a regrettable conversation. The fact that neither side feels any awkwardness is unsettling. —That’s why I think I take my time to answer. It would be more efficient if I did calculations with a

calculator or a computer…

Does that really happen? In what world do men write responses to confessions on a computer?

There isn’t even suitable software for that.

Since I could only say silly things, I started talking less. Mikoto was still herself, returning to normal.

—Ah… yes, that’s right. There’s no need to answer immediately. Since Natsuru probably hasn’t had any experience

how are you.