"I... I’d like to go running together with you, Kaho... Is that alright?" Karen Miyamoto spoke up cautiously.
"That won’t be necessary. Go ahead and get some more sleep, Sister, or prepare breakfast or something," Kaho replied in a disinterested tone while walking past Karen.
"Breakfast’s already been prepared." Karen followed her younger sister while speaking in a weak voice.
‘Just how early did you wake up!?’ Kaho helplessly thought as she failed to think of a suitable retort.
She knew what her older sister wanted, but it really wasn’t necessary for her sister to do things to such a degree!
"If it’s already finished, then go back and rest."
"But... I want to have a morning jog together with Kaho."
"I already said it’s not necessary! Your weight is fine—there’s no reason for you to exercise more, so don’t tire yourself out needlessly."
After she finished speaking, Kaho began jogging.
"I won’t get tired!"
Karen began jogging as well, causing her ample chest to jiggle.
"Kaho... you’ve changed recently. I’m so happy, and I want to do things together with you..."
"Why be together? We’re not little kids anymore!" Kaho increased her running speed.
"This doesn’t have anything to do with our age!" Karen also sped up, causing her breasts to bounce up and down even more violently.
"Even though I don’t know the reason, my younger sister’s begun to make an effort to change herself and is currently working hard. Naturally, as your older sister, I should..."
"That’s pointless!" Kaho glared at her sister.
"It has meaning to me!" Karen glared back at her: "It does, to me!"
"You’re being unreasonable!’’
"Is there something wrong with a girl that wants to be together with her sister!?"
"Karen, don’t say something that could be misunderstood as a double entendre!"
"I don’t know, I just... I just want to be by your side, Kaho—"
Honestly, what an annoying sister.
A wet glimmer sparkled in Kaho’s eyes.
‘You’re so perfect, so I feel like I’m nobody when I’m standing next to you. But, as a family member, you’re the best sister I could ask for!’
"Forget it. If you want to follow me, just come along..."
"Kaho!" Karen was delighted.
"Hey! Don’t pull my hand while we’re running! Your chest is getting in my way, let go—"
The sisters ran down the street at dawn, into the rising sun...
The end.
The end—what the hell!?
This wasn’t a cliché idol drama!
When Kaho arrived at school, she felt fatigued as she’d overexerted herself and spent her "youth" together with her sister earlier this morning.
But she instantly saw someone that could have come right out of an idol drama, which erased all her weariness.
Seigo Harano.
He looked handsome today as usual. It was almost as if he was shining brightly. He walked into the school grounds chatting and laughing together with the tomboy prince Chiaki Wakaba from the drama club as well as the cute and lovely girl next-door-type who was surprisingly innocent, Mika Uehara.
With the gentle sunshine beaming down upon the three of them, if someone took a cell phone picture of them right now, it would probably be mistaken as a scene right out of an idol drama.
After all, that was just how brilliantly each of them seemed to be shining!
Kaho Miyamoto stared at his face for a long period of time.
Suddenly, he seemed to detect something and turned his head in her direction!
Then, before she could even react, he smiled and nodded at her.
Wah!
Kaho hurriedly averted her gaze and felt her face was burning hot.
‘He noticed me! He even smiled towards me. How embarrassing...’
"Hey hey, was Harano-kun just smiling in this direction?"
"It seemed like it? Who was he smiling towards?"
"I don’t know... But he’s so handsome! Just like an idol."
"I know! He’s so tall and strong, and he seems reliable as well—it’s amazing!"
The girls around her were gossiping idly.
‘He smiled towards me!’
A sense of pride welled up in Kaho, combined with some other complex emotions.
Harano-san was so popular.
He was handsome, had a nice body, a good personality, and he wasn’t bad at academics… Not to mention his physical ability that was way overboard... Kaho still remembered what happened two days ago when he had been surrounded by all those club presidents desperately trying to recruit him.
Because of that incident, his reputation as the "destroyer of clubs" became even more well known within school.
By now, most students had learned that Year 1, Class 5 in Genhana High School had a new handsome transfer student who was ridiculously amazing at sports, to the extent where several club presidents had stated that as long as he joined their club, he’d easily be able to become the ace and go to the nationals!
Unfortunately, the transfer student didn’t seem interested in joining any club, which disappointed all the club presidents, although each of them maintained a sliver of hope.
Many students were curious about him simply due to the rumors, and girls were constantly falling in love with his physical appearance.
In addition to this, his personality was indeed nice, so he was given an excellent assessment by the girls in his class. Even all the boys that were jealous of him found it difficult to find any flaws; all they could do was make a few snide comments.
If it wasn’t for the fact that he had two beauties accompanying him at all times, and the fact that he hadn’t joined a club yet and shown off his true abilities, he’d probably be even more popular with how outstanding he was.
The more she thought about it, the more Kaho felt the vast distance between them.
That day, she wasn’t dreaming, was she... No!
‘I can’t deny reality. Don’t get depressed—be more spirited!’
Kaho Miyamoto clenched her fists in order to galvanize herself.
She didn’t want to become his girlfriend; she wanted to become his friend.
Besides, he already reached out to her; she just temporarily decided not to take his hand.
‘There are no problems and no obstacles. All I need to do is change myself slightly!’
"...What are you doing?"
A familiar voice abruptly sounded from behind her.
Startled, Kaho turned around and was greeted by a round face staring at her.
"Don’t scare me like that, Momoko!"
Momoko Matsuoka was one of Kaho’s classmates and good friends. She was short and petite with a roundish face, light orange short hair, light yellow eyes, and a quiet personality.
"I wasn’t trying to do that intentionally... You were lost in thought about something, and you didn’t even notice me standing right behind you." Momoko tilted her head. "Were you perhaps thinking about Harano-san?"
She hit the mark on the first try.
"N... No!" Kaho reflexively denied it.
"Heh, your face is reddening. Kaho, you’re so bad at lying." Momoko chuckled, "You probably saw Harano-san pass by and were awestruck by his presence."
"Er…" Kaho couldn’t come up with any words to say.
"Stop being silly and standing there! Hurry up and go to class—it’s almost starting… Honestly, you can stare at him all you want in class, but you insist on watching him while outside." Momoko began walking as she glanced at her friend out of the corner of her eye.
"It… It’s not the same!" Kaho followed her friend’s footsteps.
"You’re not denying it anymore?"
"You’re not denying it anymore?"
"Fine. I admit it, I admit it!" Kaho could only give up the act helplessly. "Is it wrong for a girl to enjoy looking at a handsome boy!?"
"Of course not. Harano-san’s quite handsome indeed—he’s much better than any of those other idiots in our class in both appearance and personality," Momoko stated calmly. "However, precisely because he’s that way, he’s on such a different level from all the other boys that he’s not the type of person ordinary girls like us can hope to approach. You should realize this as well."
"I… I know." Kaho pouted.
"If you understand, then don’t fall too deeply in love with him." Momoko sighed before continuing, "I know that he’s helped you before in such a gentlemanly fashion; it’s only natural for you to fall in love, but… I don’t wish for my friend to get her feelings hurt."
"Momoko…" Kaho could feel her friend’s compassion. She felt a sense of warmth along with an apologetic feeling.
"Don’t worry about it—I won’t have my feelings hurt, so relax!"
‘Because I don’t wish to overstep my boundaries—I simply want to be able to shake the hand that he reached out to me.’
…
In the classroom.
Seiji saw Kaho Miyamoto entering class with another girl and couldn’t help but take an extra look at her.
He just nodded towards her in greeting, but upon seeing her instantly turn away from him at an amazing speed, he felt a little hurt.
Did she really hate him? He didn’t think he did anything to deserve it.
He didn’t really understand… Well, forget it.
What Seiji cared more about currently was that Chiaki had informed him that she wanted to discuss something important with him after class.
When Chiaki told him this, Mika’s expression turned strange. It was obvious she was aware of what Chiaki planned to discuss with him.
Just what could it be?
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Between classes.
Seiji walked out of class together with Chiaki and Mika before finding a secluded spot for their discussion.
"Okay, what’s up?" Seiji took a relaxed pose as he leaned against the wall.
Chiaki glanced at Mika first before turning to Seiji. She then clasped her hands together and bowed towards him.
"I’m begging you, Seigo—become my fake boyfriend!"
"What?" Seiji raised his eyebrows. "Become your fake boyfriend?"
What a classic situation!
This situation usually happened in stories when it was necessary to attend a party or some event with a date, or when refusing to find a marriage partner found by pushy parents, whereas the current situation was...
"Does this have to do with your ex-girlfriend?"
"That’s right!" Chiaki grinned widely. "I want to make her jealous by taking a super-hot boyfriend along with me!"
Seiji was rendered speechless upon hearing her words.
‘Ok, somebody explain to me—what’s going on with this scenario!? Director, there’s something wrong with the script again!’
"Can I interview you, as you’re a les... er, bisexual girl? Just what exactly impels you to take a boyfriend and make her jealous!?"
Seiji could only comment forcefully on this situation without holding back at how strange it all seemed.
"I don’t know either, but she said that she’s bringing her boyfriend to our reunion, so I’m taking one with me as well." Chiaki’s grin remained, but there was a steely glint in her eyes.
"So she did it first... Hey! Don’t refer to boyfriends like they’re items!"
"Is there much of a difference?"
"There’s someone with a malfunctioning brain here!!"
"There’s someone with a malfunctioning brain here!!"
After a period of awkward silence.
"Alright, I understand what’s going on now." Seiji sighed in exasperation. "She invited you to a meeting, but she said that she’s bringing along her boyfriend, and that you could also bring your boyfriend if you wanted... Something like that?"
"Yep."
Chiaki retracted her arms as she finally let the grin drop from her face, revealing a complex expression.
"I really do want to see her again, but her doing this... I don’t care if it’s real or if she has a fake boyfriend as well; either way, it’s definitely upsetting. That’s why I need a splendid boyfriend to act as my own shield and sword. Perhaps she didn’t intend to hurt my feelings, but there’s no doubt that it will definitely hurt me, so I’m going to hurt her back!"
Chiaki even repeated the word "hurt" three times in a single sentence. It was quite obvious to see how she viewed the invitation.
"Are you certain that she’ll be upset at this like you are?"
"I don’t know, but I’m going to do it regardless."
Chiaki’s expression was now devoid of any traces of mirth; even the usual relaxed air about her had disappeared. She was being completely serious.
Such an expression made Seiji imagine Chiaki shouting, "Come at me!! Let’s just hurt each other’s feelings some more!!" in a fictitious scenario.
How messy.
Well, it was definitely a plan befitting of Chiaki’s style.
‘Going to a meeting by herself, trying to bear the pain in her heart while smiling, and greeting her ex-girlfriend who now has a new boyfriend... Such a garbage scenario wasn’t suitable for her personality at all; she’d never be able to do that.’
As he thought this, Seiji smiled to himself and stood up straight instead of leaning against the wall.
"Okay, I’ll do it. Even though I’m not sure if I’ll properly become a good item for your usage, go ahead and use me as you wish!"
The tall and handsome boy saying such a juicy sentence with laughter in his tone—this alone would cause many a girl’s heartbeat to quicken.
Mika’s face reddened as she listened to their conversation.
Even Chiaki’s cheeks were tinged with a hint of red.
"Er... Yes, I will." The tomboy averted her gaze slightly as she couldn’t bear to look at the shining sun.
‘You’ll definitely become an excellent shield and sword for me, Seiji. You’re just that handsome!’ Chiaki thought as silence fell for a few seconds.
"When will you be meeting her? And where?" Seiji asked for the specific details.
"I haven’t discussed it yet... I’ll reply to her later and come to an agreement about when and where to meet."
"Oh, I’ll be waiting for you to contact me about the details then."
"Okay... Let me know when you have free time. That way I can arrange a time convenient for you."
"Apart from school and work, I’m usually free. As for my work schedule this week..." Seiji informed Chiaki of his schedule.
Chiaki nodded after noting down the information.
"Got it... I’ll call her tonight and arrange a time to meet. Now, before we go to her meeting, we need to prepare some things."
"Prepare?" Seiji blinked in surprise.
Chiaki chuckled.
"Before we head to the battlefield, we should make sure our equipment’s top-notch."
‘Don’t say it like we’re heading to a real battle...’
Seiji couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud, though. Perhaps to Chiaki, this was indeed a true battle—emotionally speaking, at least.
"How do we need to equip ourselves?"
"Our clothes and appearance!" Chiaki became more spirited and energized upon saying this. "We’re going to appear our best in front of them! That’s why, Seigo, you need to go shopping with me.
We’re going to buy a matching set of couples’ clothing that’ll brilliantly enhance your handsomeness and my beauty!"
The ferocity in her words was almost tangible.
"Oh..." Seiji couldn’t resist her fervor. "But... I don’t have much money..."
"I’ll pay for the costs!" Chiaki bluntly stated before she shifted her gaze to her best friend who was still looking on: "Mika, come with us—tell us your objective opinion!"
"Oh..." Mika also fell victim to Chiaki’s fervor and could only respond in a stupor.
"This is my specialty, heh heh. Allow me to show you guys my true ability as the ace of the drama club!"
"Oh..." Mika also fell victim to Chiaki’s fervor and could only respond in a stupor.
"This is my specialty, heh heh. Allow me to show you guys my true ability as the ace of the drama club!"
Chiaki focused her attention outside the window with a sparkle in her eyes. It seemed almost as if she was shining brightly.
*Clap clap clap.* Seiji couldn’t help but clap for her in support.
*Clap clap clap.* Mika followed up with another round of applause.
The two of them felt like as if the tomboy in front of them was currently putting her all into performing on a stage.
...
Later that evening.
Seiji received a call from Chiaki.
"The battle will occur on Sunday at 8:30 pm. The location will be the White Snow Coffee Cafe in Silver Valley."
"Silver Valley... I’ve never been to such a high-class area."
"We’ll go scout the place out on Saturday night, and we’ll also buy some clothes there!"
"The clothing there must be quite expensive."
"Don’t worry, I’ll pay. I’m actually quite well off, you know~ If you’re willing, I could even give you an allowance!"
"Nah."
"Don’t reject me so quickly—at least hesitate a little!"
"It’ll be bad if I do hesitate!" Seiji retorted decisively.
He heard Chiaki’s laughter on the other end of the cell phone.
"I’m really looking forward to picking clothes together with you... Alright, let’s leave it at that; I still need to let Mika know as well."
"Ah, okay." Seiji prepared to hang up.
"Don’t you want to know how I persuaded Mika to let you be my boyfriend without her objecting?" Chiaki suddenly asked him an unexpected question.
"I’m just a fake boyfriend."
"Even if it’s fake, a girl will mind."
Chiaki was laying on a luxurious canopy bed while talking to Seiji. She was playing with a cute plush cat doll while chatting lightheartedly on her cell phone.
"I used my deep friendship, intimate hugs, gentle wording, as well as passionate lips to..."
"Stop! I don’t need any special sex chat services over the phone!"
Chiaki’s laughter increased in volume.
"What’s the matter, Seiji? Nobody else could hear anything!"
"Oh, right... the hell! Do you want me to look at the two of you with a strange look in my eyes in the future!?"
"Sure, if it pleases you."
"That’s not what you’re supposed to say!!"
Chiaki could vividly imagine Seiji forcefully retorting towards his cell phone—that was just how familiar and clear the scene was to her.
Speaking with him was never tiresome. Even though she knew that it was time to hang up, she felt a little sad about having to go.
"Anyways, that’s enough about this topic. Hurry up and let Mika know the time and place. I have something else to do, so I’m hanging up."
Ahh, he escaped!
Chiaki pouted as she heard the cell phone’s beeping after Seiji had hung up.
‘I wonder if he’s noticed the subtle changes in my heart...’ Chiaki thought to herself. ‘Well, even I don’t even know what’s going on with myself...’
While hugging the round, cute cat plushie, she rolled around on her bed while staring intently at the picture on her cell phone’s screensaver with something glittering in her eyes.
Her cell phone’s background picture was a selfie taken together with Seiji and Mika.
In that picture, the handsome boy was in the middle of the two beauties while showing off that gentle, sun-like smile of his which exuded a radiant aura.
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