Chapter 73: Volume 9 - CH 5

November 21st was a Sunday. Just as we had planned, today was the day of the double date. The time of day was 11:45am. We decided to meet up in front of a water fountain in the local park, and I was waiting for everybody else to arrive.

“Hello there, Jirou-kun. It’s only you so far?”

“Yeah…seems like it.”

The first one to come join me was Suzutsuki Kanade. She seemed to have put a lot of attention in her outfit, as she kept up her honorary, prim and proper rich lady looks. She looked like she hopped straight out of a movie.

“What’s wrong, are you lacking sleep?”

“Well…I just haven’t gotten much sleep lately.”

“You seemed close to falling asleep during school as well. Were you doing lewd stuff late at night with Usami-san?”

“No, it’s the absolute opposite.”

After Kureha ran away from home, it’s just me and Masamune in her home. Honestly speaking, it’s awkward. Extremely awkward, even. After all, we both suddenly had to be considerate of the other. However, once Kureha was gone, I realized the big change following that. First, I can’t get any sleep at night. And no, I don’t mean that in a weird way. It might be hard to imagine, but when living together with a girl, you’re just nervous, nothing more. I’ve even been sleeping during classes to get some much needed rest.

Any normal guy would probably lose to his desires, and assault the girl in question, but that’s not the case either. After all, I have my gynophobia. If I do anything of that sort, I’ll just get a nosebleed, and pass out. That’s why, over this past week, I’ve been living an awfully awkward lifestyle with Masamune. How do I say this, it feels like we became boy and girl again, instead of just a family. We’ve both become conscious of each other.

“Hm, that’s good at least. I heard about Kureha running away from home, so I was worried.”

“You sure have guts saying that. You were the one causing all of this.”

“I mean, it was fun, right?” She showed a mischievous smile.

That’s right, she even came barge into Masamune’s apartment to ‘have fun’. Well, with more people around, it was at least less awkward. Though, I was still having trouble talking with Konoe.

“More importantly, where is Usami-san. Did you not come together with her?”

“Oh yeah, she said something along the lines of ‘It’s a date, so let’s meet up at the location’.”

“Fufu, that’s awfully cute of her. She probably wants to make this feel like a date.”

“Probably…Oh yeah, there is one thing I wanted to ask.”

“What is it?”

“A month ago, at your own place…You said that there was a particular reason why Masamune is your mortal enemy, right?”

I remember Suzutsuki telling me. Ever since then, I didn’t have much time to actually ask, but this is a good chance. If I figure out the reason why, I can maybe fix their relationship.

“…Fine, I’ll tell you.” Suzutsuki nonchalantly responded, and continued. “The reason why Usami-san is my mortal enemy—I don’t know.”

“…What?” I answered, dumbfounded.

Suzutsuki continued with a heavy tone.

“As I said, I don’t know. At the very least, what I felt at the residence, this reason why I couldn’t deal with Usami-san. I knew that it wasn’t solely because she could see through my lies.”

“……”

It wasn’t solely because she could see through her lies? What does that mean? So, why is she bad at dealing with Masamune then?

“O-Oh yeah, what about Konoe?”

The atmosphere suddenly felt a bit too heavy for my taste, so I decided to switch the topic. Since Suzutsuki herself doesn’t know, there’s no way I would be able to figure it out.

“My, I’m a cute girl myself, you know? I said that we should arrive at the meeting spot at different times.”

“‘Zat so…”

We planned to meet up at 12pm. I was awfully early, so the two of us ended up alone together. But, this is just fine.

“Hey, Suzutsuki, can I ask one more thing?”

“Yes, what is it?” She responded with composure overflowing from her voice.

I didn’t hesitate much, and threw my question at her.

“Why…did you lie about dating Konoe?”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Your nonsense is taking things too far. It’s calmed down a bit now, but half the school was in chaos, remember? Also, you must have realized that Masamune and I aren’t actually dating, right?”

That’s right, at first I thought she just made that up to counter the fact that Masamune and I are dating, but that’s not like her at all. It’s more than just playing around. She’s completely lost it.

“Fufufu…” However, Suzutsuki showed a teasing smile. “What are you saying? I wasn’t lying or anything.”

“Eh?”

“Basically, Subaru and I are actually lovers.”

“…But, Konoe is a girl…”

“Didn’t I tell you beforehand? She is my first love, gender doesn’t matter.”

“……”

Hearing those words, I shuddered. It has to be nonsense again. It must be. I may not be on the level of Masamune, but I won’t be deceived by her lies again.

“…However.” Suzutsuki spoke up with a somewhat provocative tone. “Are you fine with that?”

“…What do you mean?”

“The fact that Subaru and I became lovers. Let me be honest with you. If you don’t do anything right now, I will steal her from you.”

“Steal…Konoe doesn’t belong to me.”

Indeed, I was rejected after all. That’s why, Suzutsuki may do whatever.

“…Jirou-kun.” She spoke, sounding somewhat sad. “Are you really fine with this? After all, don’t you…towards Subaru—”

There, someone interrupted her words.

“My lady!” It was a familiar alto voice.

Turning around, I spotted Konoe jogging towards us. Naturally, she was in her crossdressing style. She wore black pants with a tight shirt, and a necktie. It looked casual, but still gave off butler vibes.

“Good morning, my lady.”

“My, good morning, Subaru.” Suzutsuki gave Konoe a close look.

“Eh!? Y-Young lady!?” Konoe screamed in shock.

That made sense. After all—Suzutsuki suddenly clung to Konoe, like she was embracing her. I was shocked all the same. She wrapped her hands around her butler, speaking with a gentle tone.

“You look wonderful today.”

“…Eh?”

“Did you end up late because you were pouring a lot of effort into your appearance like this?”

“Urk…I-I’m sorry.”

“Fufu, it’s fine. I love how earnest you get when it comes to me.”

“…Ah! M-M-My lady! What are you…!?”

“What, you ask…I simply want to see even more cuteness from my butler…No, my lover.”

“B-But, in such a place…!”

“Isn’t it fine? Showing off a bit won’t hurt, especially towards Jirou-kun.” Suzutsuki said, and glanced over at me.

Master and butler, they brought their faces closer reaching the distance of a kiss, almost like they were actual lovers…

“…!”

The hell is this? My head is going crazy because of this nonsensical situation. In all probability, Konoe and Suzutsuki aren’t actually dating. That being said, they were embracing each other, like actual lovers, like they wanted to show off to me. At the same time, this scenery left me restless.

“What are you two doing?” A voice spoke up from behind me.

Standing there was Usami Masamune. She must have put a lot of attention into her appearance, as she gave off a more stylish feeling than usual. She wore higher heels than usual, with charming boots. I don’t know if it’s on purpose, but her skirt feels shorter than usual as well…It’s not my fault for looking, okay, I’m a healthy high school student, yup.

“Oh my, good day, Usami-san. You’re quite late.”

“It’s now just the time when we agreed to meet up, you know. Also, Suzutsuki Kanade, why are you clinging to Subaru-sama like that?”

“We’re dating, so that much is normal, right?”

“That doesn’t mean you can just cuddle like that in public…”

“Are you jealous?”

“Wha…why would I be!?”

“I mean, you can’t do that with Jirou-kun, right? He still has his gynophobia after all.”

“…Hmpf.” Masamune seemed angry in the face of what seemed like a provocation coming from Suzutsuki, and bit her lip.

…Eh? Masamune-san? Why are you suddenly approaching me…? Waaaaah! Don’t cling to my arm like that, you nasty rabbit!

“See, we’re just fine.”

“Hm, aren’t you two close. But, are you okay, Jirou-kun?”

“Totally. The two of us have worked on his treatment over the past month, so he’s completely fine.”

“Despite that, Jirou-kun’s face has gone quite pale, you know?”

“T-That’s not the case! Right, stupid chicken!?”

“Y-Yeah…”

While barely responding to the question, I tried my hardest to suppress my gynophobia symptoms. Surely, thanks to the treatment I’ve been getting, I can deal with this a lot better, but…because Masamune was pressing herself on me so aggressively, I could feel two soft mounds on my elbooooooooow nevermind! It’s activating! My nosebleed is…!

“Fufu, now that everyone is here, how about we head out on our date?” Suzutsuki smiled, and moved away from Konoe.

Seeing that, Masamune also let go of me. T-That was dangerous, I almost colored the ground here in blood red.

“So, where should we go first?”

“…Suzutsuki Kanade. You brought up the idea of a double date, and didn’t even come up with a plan?”

“At times like these, a man is supposed to be taking the lead. So, Subaru, where would you like to go?”

“Me!?”

Dear Butler-kun was bewildered after suddenly being appointed as the leader. Following that, she went ‘U-Um…’ in confusion. I don’t blame her, that’s just how Suzutsuki ticks. The biggest problem is just that Konoe is a girl, not a boy.

“…Jirou.” Konoe looked over at me, like she was begging for help.

Wha, she’s passing me the ball right before the goal? I mean, I’m the only guy on her team right now, so it makes sense. That being said, talking about date locations is tough to say the least. After all, I was rejected by her. Honestly, just by talking to her, I feel depressed. Since we’re supposed to be having fun, I want to avoid that.

“…Alright, let’s grab a bite somewhere.”

“Jirou-kun, do you have a place in mind? Since this is a date, I won’t accept any conventional location, okay?”

“T-That’s right, as the boy, you need to take the proper lead.”

Oddly enough, a rich lady and a commoner got together to say that. I feel like satisfying them both will be pretty difficult…

“It’s fine, I looked into it.”

Honestly speaking, I expected this kind of development. There was a high chance that Suzutsuki asked for the men to take the lead, and Konoe surely wouldn’t be able to supply. It’s not just that I was receiving treatment for my gynophobia since this April, I also developed a strong sense of danger.

“I see, then let’s depart.” Suzutsuki spoke with a calm tone, and held hands with Konoe.

Konoe seemed a bit bewildered at that, shrieking ‘M-My lady!?’, but didn’t try to put her hands away. Hm, that’s Konoe and Suzutsuki for you, they’re beauties in both genders. They look like a great couple. Though, it surely is just all made-up nonsense.

“…Stupid chicken…We two also…”

“Y-Yeah, you’re right.”

I heard a flustered voice coming from Masamune next to me, to which we both held hands ourselves…Yeah, if it’s just some light hand-holding, then I can get by without my gynophobia activating. Today, we’re supposed to be playing lovers. I know it’s just a lie, but I want Masamune to enjoy herself. As thanks for letting me stay over at her place. So, I need to play a good boyfriend. I don’t know what Suzutsuki is plotting, but…

“Jirou-kun, you best be escorting us properly.” Suzutsuki must have felt my anxiety, as she showed an enjoyable grin.

…I know. This isn’t just any double date. Suzutsuki’s intentions, Masamune who is hung up on November, and Suzutsuki’s relationship with Konoe. We’re all gathered here, so I want to clear up all the problems right now. If not…I feel like I’ll just go crazy.

“Then, let’s go.”

While suppressing my gynophobia symptoms, I guided the other three—Konoe, Suzutsuki, and Masamune. Two fake couples on a double date, this is just crazy, but there was no other choice but to make it a success.

×

That being said, I never actually went on a date with a girl. Just as a secret, but I actually spent the past week asking friends of mine about popular date spots, but all I got back was stuff like ‘Go die in a fire, normie!’ and other insults. One even attempted to punch me. That being the case, relying on my friends ended up in failure, and I was forced to come up with a plan myself. Or rather than that, I just looked up online. Thanks to the wonderful world wide web, I could use the knowledge of millions of other people to my aid. And at the end of my thinking, I thought the best idea was to eat something.

“S-Stupid chicken…T-T-This place is…”

We took a bus from a bus stop near the park, and after fifteen minutes, we reached a certain restaurant that was right down the large main street. Seeing the billboard, Masamune was practically unable to hold back her excitement.

‘Rabbit Cafe – Rabbit Plus’

That was the name of the place. The outside looked quite fancy, and it basically looked like a place no man alone would enter. However, as this was a date, it should be fine. More than anything…

“Stupid chicken! Let’s go inside!”

“I know, I know, you don’t need to rush like that.”

“I-I’m not rushing or anything! But…but…!”

“You really love rabbits, huh? You were so enticed by the rabbit at Suzutsuki’s place as well.”

“Wha…!” Masamune seemed to be embarrassed having pointed that out, to which she blushed furiously.

That’s right, I chose this place because I knew it would make her happy—A rabbit cafe. Judging from what I could find online, there’s actually a space where you can interact with the rabbits, and another space that acts as a normal cafe. Lots of the inside and cooking is rabbit-themed. It’s pretty much the rabbit version of those popular cat cafes. Since she’s technically my girlfriend right now, I want to take her to places she’d love to see.

“Hmm, that’s a pretty adorable place you chose, Jirou-kun.” Suzutsuki said, with somewhat of a double meaning. “But, you matched it up with your girlfriend’s taste, so you’re a commendable boyfriend.”

“Don’t worry, I didn’t just consider Masamune’s taste.”

“?” Suzutsuki looked confused, but the second she looked next to her, she seemed to agree.

“M-My lady! Look! There’s so many rabbits!”

“…Yes, you’re right, Subaru.” Suzutsuki responded, sounding somewhat exhausted.

That’s right, Konoe is a crossdressing girl, who absolutely adores cute stuff. I figured that she would like this sort of thing.

“Welcome.”

Upon entering, a female employee wearing the cafe’s uniform welcomed us. The inside was decorated in an almost oppressive rabbit theme. Table cloth, clock, wallpaper, plush toys…and many more. There seems to be a rabbit raising space in the back. It’s about what I found online.

“For now, let’s go eat something.”

We could play with the rabbits first, but for that you’d need to wash your hands, which is a bit of a chore, so eating comes first.

“Y-Yeah, you’re right…” Masamune nodded, seeming hesitant.

Her gaze was glued to the small rabbit space in the back. Hmmm, she keeps saying that she doesn’t like rabbits, but she sure seems to like them despite that. The four of us sat down at an open table, and looking at the menu, it’s a rabbit bargain. Of course, not to actually eat them, it’s more like every dish is rabbit themed. Especially with carrots.

“Subaru, since this is a date, I was hoping you could maybe treat me today.”

“Understood, my lady.”

The master and servant exchanged these words. Hm, they immediately got into a date atmosphere, huh. Well, I guess it’s normal that a boy would be paying on a date like this…Although I really would like to object.

“Masamune, I’m paying today.”

“Eh? R-Really?”

“Yeah, don’t worry.”

I actually sold some games and manga of mine, so I have a bit of money at my disposal. Since she’s poor beyond belief, I figured I should treat her.

“O-Okay…Um, stupid chicken…”

“Hm?”

“W-Well…thanks…”

“……”

…Oh lord. Masamune being bashful as she’s thanking me is unbearably cute. Calm down. The date just started, I can’t receive damage this early.

“Um…I guess we should order then.”

This establishment basically asks you to pay money in order to be inside, so we ordered food first. Konoe and Suzutsuki went with pasta carbonara. Masamune and I both took the omurice with a bunny head drawn on it using ketchup. Honestly speaking, it was pretty embarrassing to order that as a man, but since Konoe and Suzutsuki went with the same menu, I just went with the same dish as Masamune. Ahh, this smile from the employee hurts even more…

It didn’t take long for the employee to bring our food. Hmmm, I feel like the price is pretty high despite there not being much food. I mean, maybe it’s just together with the ambience and taste. In front of me, I looked down at the plate, and the omurice. I scooped up a bite, and carried it to my mouth……Yeah, the taste is just normal as well. Or maybe I was just spoiled by Masamune’s cooking. She’s pretty good after all. However, it’s perfect enough to enjoy a bit of talking. This is a date after all. That’s why focusing on a conversation is…

“That was delicious.”

“So fast!?”

Looking at my side, Masamune had already finished the omurice. No no no, why are you gushing it down like that?

“Now, stupid chicken, let’s go check out the bunnies.”

“H-Hold on, I know that this is a comparatively small omurice, but I still have…”

“Hmpf, can’t be helped then, I’ll feed you.”

“Eh? Y-You don’t need to, that’s just embarrassing…Mgh!?”

I could barely finish my words, when Masamune scooped up some of my omurice, stuffing it into my mouth. Gaaaaaah, shouldn’t you be doing some template ‘Open wide~’ while on a date!? This is more like torture!

“Mgh…guh…!”

“Come on, eat some more.”

“Blegh…I-I’ll eat it, okay! I will eat it, so at least let me eat it on my own!”

At this rate, I’ll be killed. Fear and terror filled me up, as the omurice lessened. I can’t even taste it anymore. Also, why does she still insist on feeding me? Eventually, I finished all the omurice, and forced out a painful ‘T-Thanks for the food’.

“Let’s go, stupid chicken.”

“H-Hey, hold on a second!”

Masamune forcefully pulled me along, taking me to the rabbit space. By the way, Suzutsuki and Konoe are still eating. However, Konoe seemed to be a bit bothered at us leaving early, probably because she wanted to see the rabbits quickly as well. However, since Suzutsuki was taking her time, Konoe was bound down.

“Waaah…”

We opened the door to the rabbit space, to which Masamune let out a voice of admiration. It possessed a space of around 16m2. The floor was full of cute pink carpet, with several rabbit cages standing at the walls. I see, so you choose the rabbit you’d like to play with, and take it out.

“Ah, hello.”

Upon us entering, the person who must have been responsible for this space, a young woman, greeted us.Since she looked like a university student, she may be working here part-time. As she sat on the ground, she had a brown rabbit on her lap. Masamune spotted that rabbit, and stopped moving altogether, like she fell in love at first glance.

“Would you like to touch it?”

“Can I!?”

“Masamune, that’s the kind of establishment this is.”

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“I…I knew that! But…are you sure…Before, a rabbit disliked me, so…”

“Ah, Pyonkichi?”

That’s the rabbit that managed to invade the Suzutsuki Residence a while back. We managed to capture it, but Pyonkichi (name from Konoe) was pretty scared of Masamune.

“It’s fine, this one is very calm even with people around.”

“R-Really?” Carefully, almost afraid, Masamune accepted the rabbit from the employee.

She faintly embraced it in her arms. Just as the employee said, the animal didn’t panic or try to escape, simply staying calm.

“S-Stupid chicken! Look! It’s so docile!”

“Yeah, I’m watching.”

“Not to mention…it’s so fluffy, and squishy…Kyaaaa~!” Masamune screamed in joy, rubbing her cheek against the rabbit.

Despite that, the rabbit showed no reaction. Rather than being used to humans, isn’t he just sleepy? His eyes look like he’s about to fall asleep any moment.

“Then, I will step outside. If I can be of service in any way, please press this button. Also, if there is another rabbit you’d like to play with, just take them out of the cages.” The employee said, and closed the door behind her.

She left fairly quickly, but maybe she was just trying to be considerate? After all, Masamune and I technically are a couple right now.

“…Ehehehe.” Masamune’s expression practically melted away, as she put the rabbit in her hands on her lap, gently caressing it.

As expected, it didn’t take long for the rabbit to fall asleep. I knew it, he was just exhausted. Then again, that’s the best possible scenario for Masamune, who’s evidently nervous.

“Ah, this is amazing. Stupid chicken, he’s asleep!”

“Yeah, must have been tired after all.”

“Eh? Really? Then, maybe we should get it some medicine?”

“Stop that! I was joking. Surely, he’s just used to people, like the employee said!”

“Urk…Yeah, you’re right. But, I never really got the chance to touch a rabbit like this…”

“Huh, that’s pretty unexpected. You seem like the type of person who’d go to a pet shop just to see some rabbits.”

Maybe they’d even let her touch them, you know.

“Ugh…I did go there before, but…all of them just ran away from me…”

“……”

I remember now. Pyonkichi was terrified because there was something behind Masamune that one time. Basically…Sakamoto-san, huh. Judging from what Kureha told us, that ghost should have passed on by now, so she’s not possessed anymore. That’s why she might be able to finally touch a rabbit like this. Well, that’s only if Sakamoto-san actually exists…But.

“Such a sleepy head, even though I’m giving him lots of love right now.” Masamune happily caressed the rabbits back.

…Well, whatever. Whatever the reason may be, she now gets to enjoy having a rabbit around.

“…Stupid chicken.”

There, Masamune looked up at me, while carefully keeping the rabbit on her lap.

“Um…thanks for today.”

“W-What? Where did that come from?”

“I mean, you came up with this plan for my sake, right? That’s why I thought I should at least thank you…So…thanks…” Masamune blushed bashfully.

…Crap, she’s so cute. Also, I feel like this is the first time I’ve ever seen her this honest. Just as Schrö-senpai said, living together with me and Kureha over this past month made her open up more, I guess. Before, she was unable to put faith in others. When we first met, Masamune was cold, distant, and blocked off anybody who dared to approach her—always alone. But, now it’s different.

—I want to change.

Those were the words Masamune said, back during the school festival. Ever since then, she’s been working hard to get along with people. Thinking about it, the fact that she called us her family must have required a lot of courage, even if it’s us who she knew. She’s even been participating in the handicrafts club a lot more from what I heard.

She did change. She’s able to talk with Subaru-sama, showing that she’s improved from being always alone. And, that’s all thanks to her hard work.

“…Ah.”

“Hm? What’s wrong, stupid chicken?”

That’s right, thinking about that…why did she agree to the double date today? Even if she wanted to have fun like this, she and Suzutsuki are mortal enemies. No wait, she accepted to be Suzutsuki’s servant fairly easily despite that…

“Listen…” I asked…I decided to ask her. “Why did you agree to the double date today?”

“Eh? I mean…I wanted to have a bit of fun…”

“No, you and Suzutsuki are…not on the greatest of terms, right? I was just a bit curious.”

“……” Masamune grew silent.

After this brief silence passed.

“…Stupid chicken.” She slowly spoke up. “I kept quiet about this until now, but…Will you listen to me without freaking out?”

“……”

Ba-dump, I felt my heart skip a beat. I don’t know why, but I had a horrible feeling about this. Almost like whatever she was about to tell me would completely destroy the good atmosphere we kept going. But…

“…Alright. You can tell me.” I responded with as calm of a voice as possible.

…That’s right, I need to be of help in any way. That’s what Schrö-senpai said. She told me to take care of her. We’ve lived together for the past month after all, like a real family.

“Thanks The thing is…” Masamune spoke with a tone that seemed oddly hopeful. “…I wanted us to be friends.” She declared.

“…Eh?” I was left baffled, my mind completely blank.

Stop stop stop. She wanted to be friends…

“That’s right. I always…always wanted to be friends with Suzutsuki Kanade. That’s why I said yes today. I figured that maybe…I would be able to find a chance to get along with her…”

“……” I swallowed my breath.

What is this about? She wants to be friends with Suzutsuki? How? Why? Aren’t you…mortal enemies…

“……”

No…mortal enemy? Who was it that always used this term? It was Suzutsuki Kanade. She always treated Masamune like her enemy. But…what about Masamune? I seriously doubt I’m misremembering, but…Masamune never called Suzutsuki her mortal enemy, right? If so, then I must have had some horrible misunderstanding. I assumed that their feelings were mutual, but…Masamune was different. She never once treated Suzutsuki like her enemy. I just had the impression that they were both on bad terms.

But…that wasn’t the case. Masamune actually…

“—Why?” I asked. “Why did you want to get along with Suzutsuki? You always fight whenever you meet, right?”

“Urk…that’s just because I’m bad at dealing with people. Not to mention that she’s my rival when it comes to exams, so I just…”

“Well…I get where you’re coming from, but still.”

Masamune really is bad at dealing with people. She still shows that kind of cold attitude towards me and Kureha. That being said…

“…Yeah, I get what you’re saying. Why would I want to be friends with Suzutsuki Kanade, who dislikes me this much?”

“……!”

…That’s right. That’s the only thing I don’t understand. Normally, you wouldn’t try to be friends with someone who dislikes you that much. Especially Masamune, who never tries to get along with people.

“…Fine, I’ll tell you. I wanted you to hear about it yourself.”

“Me?”

When I asked that, Masamune calmly nodded. And then, she slowly opened her mouth—

“Stop, Usami-san.”

There, the door opened, and a dignified voice called out to us, with a glimmer of tension inside of it. The rabbit on Masamune’s lap must have woken up because of that, as he ran into the corner of the room.

“Quite the interesting conversation you’re having right now. Won’t you let me join in?”

“S-Suzutsuki…!”

She showed a cold expression, as she looked at the two of us. Her usual smile–was nowhere to be found.

×

“Suzutsuki…Since when…”

“Since Usami-san said that she wanted to be friends with me. I opened up the door a small bit, and listened in on your conversation.” She then turned towards Konoe. “Subaru, wait at the table. This is an order.” She said, and closed the door.

Konoe was probably right behind Suzutsuki. However, she couldn’t go against her master, and stepped down. It’s all so that she could talk with Masamune…

“Now, tell me, Usami-san.” Suzutsuki opened her mouth. “Why…did you want to be friends with me? Honestly speaking, I can’t deal with you. And, you should be aware of this, right?”

“…!”

“However, you still want to be friends with me. Why? That’s not something you would normally do. Especially knowing how you can be.”

“T-That’s…”

“Tell me, Usami-san.” Suzutsuki pressured Masamune even further.

“…!” Masamune swallowed her breath.

Silence. Once that silence passed…

“Because…” Masamune opened her mouth.

She went and opened her mouth, telling us the reason why she would want to be friends with Suzutsuki.

“We’re the same.”

“…What do you mean by that?” Suzutsuki returned an honest question.

Judging from her expression, she really did not know what Masamune was referring to.

“You mean to tell me that we are similar?”

“…That’s exactly it, Suzutsuki Kanade. On a fundamental basis, the two of us are similar. At the very least, that’s how I see things.”

“Fundamental basis?”

“…Yep. I’m saying that we both…”

—Are unable to trust others.

That’s what Masamune said, with a tone like she was in pain.

“When we went to the sea together, I felt like I saw your true personality for the first time. You always act like an honor student at school, right?”

“Correct. So?”

“Why?”

“…Because that’s much more convenient for me? It might sound nasty to phrase it that way, but when I act like a perfect human being, everybody’s evaluation of me rises.”

“…Hmm, so you keep telling yourself that. But, I think it’s different.”

“…What do you mean?”

“…Are you really asking me that? You’re not some perfect human being, nor do you want to be one. You just…are afraid of having other people see who you truly are.”

“…!” Hearing those words, Suzutsuki audibly swallowed her breath.

“I told you, right? The two of us are the same. We can’t trust people, can’t put their faith in them. That’s why you always act like an honor student. If they figured out who you truly are, they might distance themselves. That’s—the doubts you have.”

“Y-You’re wrong, I just…”

“Then, why are you acting like an honor student at school? You’re afraid of people rejecting you if you show your true face, right? But in the end, you just don’t have any friends that make you think ‘I might be fine showing them my true face’…right?”

“That’s…”

“…That’s why I wanted to be friends with you. I just couldn’t help but feel sympathy for you. Just like I didn’t let people get too close to me, you created a fake self. It’s the exact opposite of what I’ve done, and yet…”

“……!”

“But…that’s exactly why I wanted us to be friends…because I want to save you! I want you to be with me, who always was alone at school!” Masamune declared, as she started tearing up.

“………!”

Yeah, what she’s saying may be true. At school, Suzutsuki has been acting as the perfect honor student. But in the end…she’s just deceiving the people around her…Why would there be any need to do that? That’s…because she can’t trust other people?

‘…I don’t know.’

Right before the date, this is what Suzutsuki said. She herself didn’t know why she saw Masamune as her mortal enemy. But, now it all makes sense—Hate for people like herself. Just as Masamune felt sympathy for Suzutsuki, she probably saw herself somewhere in Masamune, and came to hate her.

“……!”

Rather than them being mortal enemies, they were similar, and fellow minds. They acted like polar opposites, but deep down, they’re the same. That’s why Masamune wanted to be friends with Suzutsuki. Thinking about it, during the school festival, she also said ‘I always wanted to be friends with Subaru-sama’. The reason for that was because Subaru-sama was always alone back then, and Masamune now wished to be friends with Suzutsuki—

“—That’s not true!”

A sudden scream rang out. Surprisingly enough, it came from Suzutsuki herself, using an aggressive voice you wouldn’t expect from her. Honestly, this might be the first time I’ve seen her this devoid of control.

“Usami-san. As you said, the reason I put on the facade of being an honor student is because I can’t trust the people around me. However…you’re wrong. Even if I can’t trust the people around me…I’m not alone…because…”

‘Because I actually have friends I can be honest with!’. Maybe that’s what she wanted to scream. However, mid-way through her own words, Suzutsuki suddenly grew quiet. And then, she looked over at me, like she was asking for help.

“……”

That’s right, Konoe and I are Suzutsuki’s friends. We know how she really is, and we’re people she can always be honest with. Of course, there’s Kureha and Ichigo-san, as well as her other servants, but none of them are as close to her as Konoe and I. Of course, a big part of it is that she had to hide the fact of Konoe being a girl, so he had to deceive the people around her. That’s why the only true friends she had were Konoe and me. However…

“…!”

Now, it’s different. Both Konoe and I kept my confession and rejection a secret to her. She believed in us, but we kept it a secret from her. We stopped being honest with her. If so, then—

“—I’m going home for the day.”

Without any warning whatsoever, Suzutsuki suddenly turned around, like she was trying to run away, and opened the door leading to the cafe space.

“My lady? Did something happen?”

Through the open door, I could see Konoe’s expression for a second, but Suzutsuki immediately closed the door behind her.

“…Damn it!”

Immediately after, I took a step forward in order to chase after her…This is bad. Recently, Suzutsuki’s been way too unstable. I just knew that leaving her alone right now would be bad. That’s why I tried to run out of the room, but…

“Wait!”

Immediately after, Masamune clung to my back, stopping me. It reminded me of the time when Kureha ran away from home, she also clung to me back then. However…

“Sorry, Masamune. I’ll be back with Suzutsuki.”

“J-Just wait! If you’re chasing after Suzutsuki Kanade, then I also…”

“It’s fine. You can’t run with these shoes, right?”

“Urk…” Masamune bit her lip.

I actually just made up that reason. I don’t know why, but it felt like things would only get worse if Suzutsuki and Masamune ran into each other again. Of course, I understand Masamune’s feelings, she simply wants to save Suzutsuki. However, Suzutsuki felt like she was seen through people, and couldn’t stand it.

“You wait here!”

“N-No! Stupid chi—”

I forcefully brushed away Masamune, and ran out, away from the animal space. Through that, I ran into the employee from before.

“D-Did something happen?” She asked me, seeming slightly flustered.

So that I wouldn’t scare her, I calmly explained.

“I’m sorry, did you see where the black-haired girl that was with us ran off to?”

“Eh…That customer just left…”

“Thank you very much!” I cut off the conversation, and ran.

That damn Suzutsuki, did she actually go home? Even after I ran outside, and tried to call Suzutsuki’s phone, I’m not getting through. Did she turn off her phone even? I observed our surroundings. Since this cafe was close to the main street, and because today was a weekend day, lots of people were walking past me…Not good, I can’t search for her here. I guess I should go back to the flat we live in. Suzutsuki said she’d go ‘home’, so the chances of her being there are high. If so, then I should go there immediately—

“Jirou!”

There, I heard a familiar alto voice, coming from Konoe Subaru. Across the street, coming from the bus stop I just thought of, was Suzutsuki Kanade’s butler.

“Konoe! Where’s Suzutsuki!?”

“S-Sorry, she ran off somewhere…” Konoe was gasping for air as she ran towards me, answering with a somewhat dejected tone.

“Somewhere…Why aren’t you with her? You’re her butler, right?”

“Urk…Well, she said ‘I want to be alone for a while, so don’t follow me. This is an order’, so…”

“……”

Makes sense. Konoe can’t go against such an order. And yet, she still kept quiet when it came to rejecting me…

“Not to mention…not to mention…!”

“What? What happened?”

She spoke with a voice like she was about to break in tears, explaining.

“She added the following. ‘If you ignore this order, I’ll fire you as my butler’, she said.”

“Did she really say that!?”

“It…it’s the truth! That’s why…I didn’t know what to do…That was the first time Kana-chan said something to me…”

“……”

This is bad. Suzutsuki is far more unstable than I thought. No matter how much she wanted to be alone, threatening to fire Konoe was definitely taking things too far. She should know how obsessed Konoe is with her work.

“Calm down, Konoe.”

In order to make her relax, I tried to speak with as calm of a tone as possible.

“You came from the bus stop just now, but where did Suzutsuki go?”

“…Sorry, I tried asking her, but she only said ‘Leave me alone’…”

“Then, she’s probably not gone home.”

Damn it, she probably guessed that I’d be chasing her, and hid her destination. If so, then there’s a big chance I won’t meet her even if I went home to the flat…!

“Konoe, let’s look for Suzutsuki.”

“Eh? B-But…Kana-chan might fire me…!”

“It’s fine. If you find her, contact me. As long as I go to meet her, there’s no problem, right?”

“Urk…Yeah, okay.” Konoe wiped her tears away, and nodded.

It was a rather dirty method, but that was the best I could come up with in order to make Konoe calm down.

“Konoe, you look at the places you think she might be. I’ll check the path you came from,” I said, and ran down the street.

Please, be somewhere close, Suzutsuki.

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