Chapter Text
I bring the cup to my lips. So refreshing. So familiar.
Why wouldn’t it be? It's the water I drink at home. They say water holds memories, and I feel my introvertedness in every drop. I’ve experienced most of my life at home. It’s not like it was scary outside, but where else?...
I hold up my new light novel triumphantly. …where else would I find a place so far from trouble?
It’s been mostly the same story all my life, and I was fine with that. A background character like me has their role, even if I’ve been dragged into shenanigans so much recently. I think I can say no light novel could furrow my brow so much; so much at every day for the past year. However…The friends I’ve made are so much larger-than-life; living as though they’re heroines in a rom-com. Falling in love, getting in drama, seeking resolution, getting rejected…
Granted the fact that most of them have “lost”, they’ve shone so brightly after that it dazzles NPCs like me. That stuff’s just not for my type of character.
That means I didn’t lose to you, Yanami-san.
As I lay down, I once again bask in the familiarity of my room, but my chest feels heavy…
I look around—every nook and corner looks the same, but so different. I’ll take my mind off it with a read.
Laying on my bed, I open “Suddenly I’m a Hot Mama’s Passenger Prince?!”. This isn’t my usual read. Whatever, perhaps I just wanted something different.
…
Well, I guess that first volume wasn’t bad, but I feel dissatisfied with something.
With increasing futility, I flip the pages to reset myself. Why am I so off?
Zoning out, I accidentally let go of the book, making it land on my face and bounce off the side of the bed. What a streak, I’ve been thinking to myself so much—too much. Just consume the damn book.
I turn to pick it up, but my eyes fall on my desk, topped by a single, unassuming notebook. I'm doing it again.
I stand up and place the fallen novel on my shelves; walking over to sit at my desk. I take a deep breath…and open the notebook to a specific page. Inside was the paper I was troubling myself with— the cause of my current predilection. I read it, over and over, almost expecting to find a different language or meaning from it, but all I can do is to read it as it is.
“The person you like”
She had been so brazen yet sweet in her actions. She had made it so clear, just so I could understand her feelings. I’ve been flustered before, but this was a girl earnest in her actions. A million questions fill my head, with every single answer seeming daunting. This isn’t meant for people like me.
I was expecting a life of being… there, another low quality image in the background of someone’s anime. Now the most steadfast girl I know is dragging me into her spotlight. It all leaves me so flustered, but I could do nothing but just go along with her advances. I find it really hard to do that to a cute girl. I better get some good karma for my iron will.
Apparently not, as my friends are now mad at me for a bunch of stuff that is, of course, untrue.
“Sneaking ahead”?
“Enemy of women”?
“Cheater”?!
They’re at least acting normal.
Still, it's all too much on a weekend night. Better to sleep it off before it makes me denser than I apparently am.
Wednesday afternoon. The students are eager to escape their rambling teacher. With one exception…Me. Please just keep talking sensei!…
She growls, “...DAMN ALL OF THESE MEN! Tsk, just forget it! You’re all dismissed!” *Thud*
Now?! She picks today of all days to make her rants short? I stand up and pack my stuff. I’ve never thought I’d want more of that—I like her headache more than what comes next.
Sigh. It’s still my responsibility to come in. I slinked with the mob exiting the hallways, not using it to avoid anyone. Nope.
I quickly find my way to the clubroom, closing the door behind me.
I take stock as I sit down; I see Komari in the far corner, her face buried in a light novel. How peaceful.
I expect Yanami & Yakishio soon. Then, I notice Shiratama, beaming that damned smile.
“Prez! We’re alone in the room right now, I hope you’re bold enough to follow through…”
“Tsk!”. From peace to pissed. Standard. Now I just have to prep—
The door busts open, revealing a healthy-looking ghost; she looked ghastly at least.
“There you are! Nukumizu! Mind explaining what that little stunt was!?” Lock in.
“Whatever are you talking about, Yanami-san?” Yeah, I just made this harder for myself.
Yanami bellows towards me, “You know damn well— That vice-encumbent was all up on you yesterday! Actually, the day before that, and the days before!”. She makes her way in and sits with a scoff.
After her work, Tiara has come to the club nearly everyday since her confession from almost a week back, with thinner and thinner excuses from me and her.
Komari glares at me, I fill in her line in my head. Die.
“L-look, Yanami-san, it’s not what you think it is. I mean, it's natural that an endorser interacts with their beneficiary, right?”
“It’s not about the election! Actually, it’s just another thing on top of that!”. She forcefully pulls out a bag of chips from her bag.
“Nukumizu-kun, I've always been so generously looking away, but-” She continues to rant through her mouthful.
I tune her out. I need a strategy. I’ll patiently wait until I can offer her more food, then-.
*knock, knock*
Perfect, a distraction so I can shift gears.
“Come in!”
The door opens- ”Tiara-san! What-You’re done with council work?” The timing! She might be a true heroine!
“...Nu-Nukumizu-san. Are you busy? I just wanted to your help this weekend.”
“Sure? Purely official stuff guys, I’ll ask for club favors if I can”. I didn’t even want to make sense. I swiftly walked out the clubroom. My back feels cold.
At least the hallways are quiet now.
“What is it, Tiara-san?”
“As I said…umm, are you… free this weekend?”
“Hm, I don’t know yet, honestly.”
“Oh, well, can you let me know? I was looking to buy a new light novel for me to read this weekend and I…wanted your opinion and expertise, Nukumizu-san.”
…that doesn’t sound like a bad idea on its own. I actually wanted to get the 2nd volume of “Suddenly I’m a Hot Mama’s Passenger Prince?!”. Not totally opposed to hanging out with a girl either.
“That sounds great, Tiara-san. I actually wanted to get something myself.”
“That’s perfect! Would you like to share about it by then?”
“...uh hold on”. Stupid! Why would I let her know about the type of novels I read? “Let me consult the club about possible plans. Our meeting isn’t done yet.”
“Okay, I’ll be going then. Keep me updated, Nukumizu-san.”
“I will, see you.”
Whatever happens, I still need to get them to relax. I re-enter the clubroom, expecting a furious Yanami.
She’s happily chatting with Yakishio-senpai? What? How’d she-oh, the windows are open.
“Nukkun! Perfect! Do you guys wanna come by Grandma’s again?”
“Nukumizu-kun! Lemon-chan just invited us to swim this weekend!”
“This weekend?...”
“It’s a beautiful river, Nukkun! It’s a bit inside a forest near us, but that spot is so amazing and filled with beetles!”. Convincing.
“Swimming?!”, said Tiara as she slams the door open and closes it harder. Why were you still outside?
“Such proclivities aren’t allowed—not for men and women together!”
Oh wait, I would be able to see them again in their…breezier outfits. That’s a fact, what a fact…but would I rather be around a bunch of mad girls or a girl who likes me being around?
…
“...sorry, Yakishio-san, I just made some plans this weekend”. With my response, Tiara’s mood improves visibly.
“Oh, are you gonna let her command you like that, Nu-kumizu-kun?”, as Yanami crumples her 3rd bag of chips. From you?
“Don’t worry, senpai. I give Prez full permission to ogle”. I know you're serious.
“You’re just scared, Nukkun! I bet you can’t beat my breaststroke!”. Awful words there, Yakishio-san. I definitely haven't seen you bare, what shed?
“Tia- Basori-san, they’re just messing around. Anyways, you guys are free to go together. There are no club activities this weekend after all. Right, vice prez?”
“Y-yeah, o-other than the weekly w-write-up, I suppose that’s r-right”.
Yakishio, Yanami & Shiratama are visibly disappointed.
“Ehem…”. The blue-haired girl raises her hand.
She proclaims, “As the club consultant, I strongly support the idea for an inspirational, countryside club retreat!”
Yakishio, catching on, “I second that emotion!”. It works I guess.
“This way, you won’t just settle for pictures, Prez.”
“Wh-what?!”. Tiara stammers, “Y-yo-you can’t j- Nukumizu-san wouldn’t— would you?!”. Don’t defend me if you’re going to doubt me, woman.
“L-let’s not get ahead of ourselves; we make the executive decisions”, I gesture to Komari.
“D-don’t make me a-an escape. B-but he has a point, y-you all need to s-submit your works this Sunday.”
Yanami whispers something to Komari. She’s gesturing towards me, then Tiara, then back to me again.
Komari sighs, “...a-as long as you all can submit it. I won’t d-disagree nor agree. Nukumizu h-has to make this decision o-on his own.” No! What did Yanami conjure to get this betrayal?!
I regain my bearings, “Ehem, we can’t just slack, everyone. Let’s just focus our club on writing”, in my most presidential voice.
A disembodied, booming voice fills the room. “You’re the one slacking, Nukumizu-kun!”. A goddess?!
The door rattles.
“Nukumizu-kun, the door’s stuck, kindly help me open it.”, Hokobaru-senpai mutters through the door. Why didn’t she enter first?
We spent an awkward minute sliding open the door.
—She flips her hair after for good measure.
Tiara pleads, “President! Can you believe it, this club is thinking of swimming. Mixed! Immoral! Unprofessional! Uncouth!”
“Swimming? Good! You know, Basori-kun, after I trained that boy, he’s been gaining some muscle. It’s sad to see it decline”. Ouch. The hurt must’ve reflected on my face--
“Don’t fret! Swimming is a great alternative, I’ll hone your body once more.”
“President…together…swimming...body. Th-th-that doesn’t sound so bad.” That was not me; I won’t disagree nor agree with Tiara, though.
Yakishio, half-listening, exclaims, “Woah, you guys wanna come too?! You’re all free!”
“W-well, s-since it's the President’s training, I’ll have to w-watch over all of you to ensure safety as you work yourselves tired!”. You are thinking of no safety at work here.
Yakishio turns to the former president, “Great! I’ll teach you all the greatness of beetles!”
“This works. I will tell you of their marks on history myself, Yakishio-kun”. Actually, this may spark Yakishio’s interest in studying.
“Basori-kun, come with me. I’ll have to explain this excursion to the rest of the council.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Hokobaru-senpai trots away, followed by Tiara shakily swaying through the exit.
The clubroom has a moment of silence…
“Hehe, I guess it’s settled then, Nukumizu-kun”
The longest, loudest sigh leaves my mouth.
“...whatever. It’s a club trip”
“Yay!”, the choir sings.
With those cheers, the girls now start their routine smalltalk, about the trip and whatnot. Who’s the president here? No, really. Let me act like it for a bit. I gesture at Komari to come closer.
In a whisper, I said, “Are you okay with that? You said you’re neutral, but do you think this is good for the club?”
“I-it’s fine, I just wanted to r-read but, it seems th-they’ll be having fun”. I admire her thoughtfulness
“If you say so, Komari-san. Man, I wish more girls were like you”. She’s not overbearing nor irresponsible.
“U-una?!” Oh no.
“Oh sorry, did I-”
“N-no. It's fine, but-”
Komari pauses, looking away…
She tugs on my sleeve, “...can we do fireworks together?” Hm? Oh, she must be worried after she got her face close to one last year.
“I think it’s safe if we light them away from our body, Komari-san.”
She looks at me like I just threw up blood.
“D-die!”
Of course. Give me back my praise.