Chapter 28 The Counterattack. February 19, 2022 The next day, Monday.Unlike before, ToUko-senpai and I were at a coffee shop in Ochanomizu.Of course, we were there to discuss our future plans.By the way, it seems that Kamokura and Karen are having an encounter again today.Karen’s probably seeing Kamokura more than she’s seeing me right now.I see her once a week, but she seems to see Kamokura once or twice a week.Well, that’s the thing. If I find out they’re in the middle of an affair. I can talk to Touko-senpai with peace of mind.“I found out the dates they are going on the trip.”When she sat down, she brought her face close to mine and said in a hushed voice.“I know the dates of their trip. It looks like they’re going out for two days and one night.”“That’s during the school festival, isn’t it?”I knew that would probably be the case.There would be no classes for a week before and after this, so she could go out and have fun without any worries.“But how can you two go on a trip together when your club is going to hold a booth stall? I’m sure everyone in the circle will be talking about it.” “Tetsuya is already in his third year. There are many third-year students who don’t come to the school festival. If it’s just for two days, it wouldn’t be so unnatural for Karen to say she’s not feeling well.”“I Understand” “So here’s the important part. I’ve already told Tetsuya that it’s okay for him to go on the trip. So Karen should be contacting you soon. You may travel.” And say it gently. Don’t ever say anything that could be considered blameworthy. And of course, don’t say anything suspicious.” “It’s all right. I understand.”“So the day before my trip, I’d say, ‘You can’t go on a trip! I’ll say, ‘No! And then Tetsuya would probably cancel the trip.”…… Hmmm… ……“Then I’m sure Karen will contact you after she gets cancelled. “Then I think Karen will contact you and say, ‘My trip was cancelled because my friend canceled.” “Would she call me so soon after her fling was cancelled?”When I voiced my doubts, Toko answered confidently.“My guess is that she’ ll contact you seven out to three. She wants you to hear her frustration and she’s angry with Tetsuya. Karen will be very frustrated that Tetsuya didn’t make her a priority. She will want to hear the voice of her boyfriend, who always puts her first, to reassure her and to comfort her.”…… I’m being very naive. ……“If Karen contacts you, please be gentle and comfort her. If it’s just a message, you can call her and say something nice. That way, she will think, ‘After all, Isshiki-kun is the one who will think of me first when the time comes.”“I’m kind of a convenient guy, aren’t I?”“It can’t be helped. If Karen is having an affair, it means that she either loves the person she is having an affair with more than you do, or that she needs to be loved by more than one man at all times.”When I fell silent, Toko continued on.“But that’s okay, as long as Karen-san thinks that Isshiki-kun is the best! It will give her an absolute sense of security that no matter what happens, she can return to Isshiki-kun.”“Absolute peace of mind?”“Yes. And what if at the last moment, it all falls apart?”I see, the “last stronghold” and “lifeline” will disappear.That would be quite a shock, wouldn’t it?“Okay? But for now, you need to concentrate on making Karen-san fall in love with you. You have to be her guardian.”…… guardian, really? ……If Touko-senpai is right about this, I’ll seriously despise Karen from the bottom of my heart.I suddenly noticed that Touko-senpai was staring at me.She looked like she wanted to say something.I was like, “What? I was silent for a while, and then she finally opened her mouth.“Next is ……, your turn …….”“It’s my turn ……?” Did I say anything about a strategy?” You promised me. My reward: …….”Oh, you’re talking about that?I couldn’t make the connection right away because we were talking about Kamokura and his plan to retaliate against Karen.But …… there’s no satisfactory way to talk about it.
“Oh, yes. It’s about a pretty girl, right?” Touko-senpai shook her head in a kokun manner.…… Now, where to start: ……After all, in a case like this. I think it’s more sensitive to say “the inner workings of a woman.“That’s right. Of course, A “Gentle” Women.”Touko-senpai looks at me without saying a word.“Also, you have your own identity, or you have a strong core.”After all, Touko-senpai is looking at me without saying a word.“But I thought it would be nice if you spoiled me once in a while. It’s a kind of tsundere or kuudere.”Touko-senpai is still looking at me, not saying anything.“Ladylike and all that.”I’m kind of afraid of silence.“After all, a homely woman is soothing, isn’t it?”Oh no, I’m running out of things to say.“Oh, and one important condition: no cheating.” “That’s obvious.”Touko-senpai said in a whisper.I can’t think of anything else.The only other thing I can think of is something to do with appearance or looks.But it’s better than not saying anything at all, right?“It’s always better to look beautiful, isn’t it?”The temperature of Touko-senpai’s gaze seems to have dropped: ……“Also, I think having large breasts is something that men admire.”Touko-senpai folded her arms to hide her chest.Oh no, was this a landmine?“Your hairstyle might also leave a lasting impression. Like blonde twintails. ……” Touko-senpai is looking at me with fierce eyes.Her gaze is now sub-zero. “…… Are you stupid?”Touko-senpai said in a whisper.“Huh?”Could it be that I’ve made a complete mistake?Touko-senpai let out a deep sigh.“That’ s enough. It seems like there’s no point in asking any more questions.” I had to be silent.That’s not good.I might have been scorned by Touko-senpai for this.But if I was made to say anything more, the only thing left to say was what Ishida had said.
“There’s no reference to ‘kind,’ ‘self-possessed,’ or ‘ladylike. And then you start talking about ‘beauty’ and ‘breasts’. And to top it all off, “blonde twin-tailed hair”? You didn’t understand anything about what I wanted to know, did you?”I nodded and let the words wash over me.No, but it can’t be helped.The definition of “cute” varies from person to person.The same gesture may be cute when done by one person, but annoying when done by another.“I thought you would understand what I was trying to say and give me an appropriate opinion. Well, it looks like I was wrong in my expectations.”As expected, I was annoyed at the way she said that.I thought about it very hard in my own way.But I felt that my current idea of a “cute girl” was all tied to Touko-senpai.That’s why I only mentioned the elements that an average boy would consider “cute”. ……I can’t believe I’m being called this.But I can’t just back down like this either.“Wait a minute. I haven’t been able to talk about the ‘conditions of a pretty girl’ with my own mouth.”Touko-senpai looked at me again.“Can you give me another chance? I will tell you in my own words the ‘conditions of a pretty girl’ that I have thought of in my own mind. If Touko-senpai is not satisfied with my answer, then I have no choice.”Touko-senpai was still silent.“Please. Just let me try one more time.”I asked quietly, but seriously.She stared at me for a while, then unfolded her arms and said, “Okay.“Okay. I’ll give you another chance to report back. I think I rushed things this time, too. Think about it again, in your own way.”“I understand. Thank you very much.”I put my determination into those words.Although Touko-senpai won’t say it, I feel that whether or not she is satisfied with this answer will be the ‘condition for whether or not I will be the one to spend the night with her at the end on X-Day. If that’s the case, I have to give the right answer to this question, no matter what.