Soshite Shoujo wa Akujo no Karada o Te ni Ireru Chapter 23

"Please go out with me!"

"Umm… I'm sorry, I can't."

I wonder how many times I had done this exchange.

The week after the sports festival. While I was attending cla.s.s as usual, during break time I was called out to by a boy I didn't know.  He was standing on a staircase landing which was in a corridor that not many people pa.s.sed by. Though the locations are different, what they all had to say was the same.

"Having seen Shinozuka at the sports festival, I thought you were wonderful! If it's alright with you, would you please go out with me?"

As for this whole "Please go out with me?" thing, it's not the same as "Shall we go somewhere?"  I've already understood that much. That makes me all the more sad.

"I'm sorry, I can't."

"Is there someone else you like?"

"Ichinose-senpai…"

"…I see."

Although almost everyone would understand when I said I liked Ichinose-senpai, from time to time there would be someone who didn't know anything about that…

"That's alright, how about we give it a try-out?  Ya' don't have to overthink it, let's just take it slowly, 'kay?"

This guy was the same guy who was teasing Tanaka-kun at the sports festival.  I also don't know the meaning behind him saying 'Let's just take it slowly.'  After all, I get the feeling that the emotions that come from liking someone, aren't something that should be taken so lightly.

"I'm sorry, I just can't."

"…Tch, what the h.e.l.l? You used to be such a b.i.t.c.h* before, and now, after all this time, you're puttin' on airs? Look at you being all fickle now, you weren't expectin' a serious confession or something were you?"

Ehh, who was!?

The boy spit in the hallway, before he took off elsewhere.

If you weren't going to be serious about it, then why even bother asking me? I let out a great sigh, and returned to my cla.s.s, while the kids in cla.s.s were all restlessly awaiting me.

"So, What did he say? It was a confession after all, wasn't it?

"You're amazing~, Being confessed to all the time since the sports festival. How many does this one make it?"

At break time, the girls gathered to gossip. Previously, it was the case that I had to accept only being able watch these circles from afar, but now the number of chances to greet and even join in have increased greatly.

"Somehow I feel bad for you."

"E~, being confessed to is fine. Might even find someone good enough to go out with."

"That's a bit…"

"Dummy~. Since Shinozuka-san likes Ichinose-senpai, she doesn't have any reason to go out with anyone else, right~."

I'm a bit ashamed to say that the rumor that I like Ichinose-senpai has already spread far and wide in the school. Because I have various things I have to take care of regarding next year's sports festival, I absolutely have to go to the student council's room today… I wonder what kind of face I should show to Ichinose-senpai?

"Are you still alive, Tanaka?"

"… …Even without my memories, I still love Ichinose senpai"

"My eyes are dead"

"Ahー… … Hang in there for now. I will be rooting for you (-ze)"

Sudo-sensei entered a very noisy cla.s.sroom, tapped the blackboard in order to get attention.

"We would be entering test week from thursday this week. Club activities are suspended, it also includes people working as a part-time worker at a part-time job."

At that moment, everyone in made a voice of disappointment.

"Aa~, it is already test time. I was practicing for the sports festival and not studying at all."

"Even without practice, I'll never do something like studyin'"

"I heard that the scope of the English subject would be wider this time."

"English is something like a universal language, I think."

Everyone seems to dislike the test. Since is my first time taking tests, I'm full of motivation. Studying for the tests, I wonder how everybody will study for the tests?

"How does everyone study usually?"

"Study for a test? Well, for example you would normally look at the textbook and write notes about what is going to be on the scope of the test."

"After that you would buy textbooks."

"I wonder if I can copy notes from a smart person."

I see. Usually, the key is taking notes on your notebook while in cla.s.s. As I opened my notebook and reviewed it,

"Would you all like to study after school next time?"

My ears twitched. I wonder if I am included in that everyone. I hope that I am included.

"That actually sounds good! Tanaka-kun would come too right?"

"E……aah, un."

Recently Tanaka-kun does not have much energy. Even if I asked for a reason, he would only reply with a vague answer. Am I not dependable enough?

"Its decided then. Let's study immediately after cla.s.ses on Thursday. Are you fine on that day Shinozuka-san?"

"Eh! Yes, Yes, It's ok"

Alright. I unexpectedly made a guts pose in my mind.

Everybody seems to be having a lot of fun at a study group and so on. It might be better to study for the study group. I want to teach as well, not just be taught throughout.

Then it was after school. Uuu… I will see Ichinose-senpai. I want to meet him but I do not want to meet him; a complicated feeling.

I tottered with my shoulders dropped while climbing the stairs, ahead I saw Mikoshiba-kun's back.

"Mikoshiba-kun"

"Hmm? Aah Shinozuka. Are you going to the student council room now?"

"That's right. If you would like, do you mind going together?" (TLN: O: no no no not shipping these 2)

I understand when walking side by side with Mikoshiba-kun, he is tall. My height is around his shoulder's height. I do not know how many centimeters tall Aika-chan is, but it should be absolutely high.

Which reminds me, I have something to ask Mikoshiba-kun.

"When Mikoshiba-kun was a freshman, were you on the same cla.s.s as me?"

"Aah"

"What kind of child was I when I was a freshman?"

Immediately, Mikoshiba-kun's foot stopped. I felt a sense of tension in the eyes that is looking down at me.

"Why, do you wanna hear about that?"

"I want to know what kind of person I was before. And, there was also children who told me that we were friends during the Sports Festival. I also want to know about those people."

"Sports festival……the 4 person group huh"

Eh. Somehow the tone of voice dropped a little. Originally Mikoshiba-kun's voice is low, but it went even lower. It's very cool and throbbing, I wonder why…… cold sweat ran through my back.

"She did not have a relationship to which she can call a friend."

"Eh?"

His brow wrinkled up, his facial expression darkened.It feels pained, and yet feels sad as well.

"Do you really want to know? You would not be troubled if you did not know particularly, if it is the you right now."

From the expression of Mikoshiba-kun, I feel that he does not have good things to say about my past. It certainly is fun everyday, I would not be troubled by it even if I did not know. You can build relationships with people. However…..

"I want to know."

"… …I see."

He sighed deeply, now that his bangs are not in the way, the shadow on his expression lifted,

"Because we are already close, let's talk after the work at the student council."

"Thank you very much!"

"Subsequently I got hungry, I want to eat a gyudon." (TLN: Gyudon/Beef Bowl: )

"Gyudon!? With pleasure!"

More broth please.

The senpais have already gathered in the student council room. Uu, it is hard to look at the face of Ichinose-senpai

"Yo popular girl. How does it feel to be popular?"

"Keisuke"

Sakaki-senpai is laughing happily while fanning a fan, Ichinose-senpai looked at me. My heart cannot calm down.

"Good work. I would like you to tell me if there is a plan for improvement next year. There are questionnaires here written with the requests and complaints of the students."

Huh, the reaction is different from what I thought. I thought that there would be more troubled faces, but it feels like it did not bother them as much. Maybe I cared too much. Although I am relieved that it did not become awkward, I am somewhat lonely.

"Eto, 『I wanted to be able to do a handshake meeting and memorial shots with Ichinose-senpai. Next year I would like it to be with Mikoshiba-senpai』…… Eeto, how's that Mikoshiba-kun."

"I will not do it. Next."

"『I want to take a commemorative photo with Mamiya-senpai. Next year I will ask Shinozuka.』……Although I don't mind."

""Rejected. Next""

All the contents that are written in the questionnaire are similar, there are not many things written that are practical. However, because there were several suggestions for new compet.i.tions, I have gathered up what I thought would be good to insert into next year's programme proposals.

It was settled for the time being, I looked back when I heard the sound of the door opening roughly, Chiba-kun was standing and was in a bad mood.

"You are late, Shin."

"……I cannot believe that person."

"Ha?"

Sakaki-senpai's words did not seem to be heard, he took a seat while complaining.

"Shin, what's wrong?"

"It does not matter what happened! That person suddenly threw rubbish from the rubbish bin!"

"Who would do such a thing?"

Throwing rubbish from the rubbish bin. There is no need to doubt but, it is sad that I can only think of one person would do such a thing.

"It's Nishijima Suzune! I was just approaching to say my greetings, suddenly a garbage can came swinging towards me. I cannot believe it!"

"Ahaha, you did it now, Suzune-chan. Plenty of conducts that does not disappoint expectations"

"It is not a laughing matter. For the sake of throwing trash and leaving behind the results of throwing trash, running away without apologizing, unluckily it was discovered by a teacher and I was asked if there were any ill will plus cleaning up the aftermath."

Wow…it can be said to be a disaster.

Because I spat out, Chiba-kun regained calmness. After that I occasionally remembered it and clicked my tongue while completing the job, today's student council work is over. Since the tests began, it seems that the student council is also suspended until the end of the test.

"Well let's go"

"Yes"

After I went back to the cla.s.sroom to take the bag, I met with Mikoshiba-kun at the entrance, we continued straight to the gyudon shop.

It is on the road opposite the usual direction of the school, it tickles my explorer heart.

Hehh, there is such a shop on this path. Florists, stylish cafes and so on, there are so many shops that I have not seen yet. Let's come here and explore next time on a rest day.

I entered into the gyudon national chain store, looking at the accustomed Mikoshiba-kun while asking for a gyudon.

"More broth please!"

"Certainly"

The gyudon appeared in a few minutes. It's fast, it surprised me.

"Itadakimasu!"

"Thanks for the meal"

(TLN: O_O Wow)

"Eeeeh!?"

Eh? Eh? Just now, hasn't it just been delivered?

In the bowl of Mikoshiba-kun, a single drop of rice can't be found, it was eaten beautifully.

O, ofu……there is a limit even if you eat it quickly. Truly the King of Beasts. He is also a king in regards to eating. Thus Mikoshiba orders a second helping. Eat it slowly this time. He is hungry, I bet. Un…… let's leave it at that.

"You do not want to eat?"

I was so impressed with the way Mikoshiba-kun is eating, that I forgot to eat my gyudon. The heck.

"Itadakimasu….Nnn, delicious!"

The beef of the gyudon is soft and there is also the sweetness of the onion, it has an outstanding chemistry with the rice! I was lucky to be born as a j.a.panese.

"Fu, Shinozuka always eat skillfully."

"Fuaai?"

"Haha. So, what do you want to ask?"

That's right. I did not just come just to eat gyudon. To make me forget the purpose, such a terrible gyudon.

"Aika around the first grade…… no, what kind of person was I?"

"Let's see. I thought you were a flashy fellow at first from the entrance, you didn't speak much at first. As soon as I entered the student council, I was a helper at the student council, but I was annoyed when you came and kept asking to meet with Ichinose."

"I am sorry."

Aika-chan is really aggressive. Just like the children from the 4 person group. I guess they were on good terms because they are similar.

"However, unlike the other guys, I think it was amazing that you were acting independently. You should have turned that motivation into a club activity."

"Club activities? Maybe Mikoshiba-kun, do you know what kind of club I am doing?"

"You are the manager of the Kendo club. Because Ichinose entered the kendo club."

What. Ichinose-senpai was from the kendo club. I would like to see Ichinose-senpai in a dougi (TLN: dougi). No no, now that I know, I will have go to the library first thing tomorrow, I will borrow a book about kendo and study it.

"Huh?" But "was" that means….

"Right at the beginning there was trouble with a third year senpai, I heard that he was forced to leave. He was then prohibited from doing club activities."

I hang my head disappointingly. Afterall he made great pains in the club activities. Forced to leave, I wonder what happened.

"Do you want to do club activities? I will say it now, you should do it if you want to do it. It is good to train your body."

"Is it ok to join now!?"

"Aa"

It's a G.o.dsend. Although I am giving it, it does not mean that I would not do club activities. I wonder what club activities is good, as I thought I would like to be in the athletic club since I like to move my body. The same track club as Mayu-chan may be good.

"Shinozuka's impression was an arrogant, selfish and noisy person, but my impression changed greatly after that one case."

"Huh?"

I finished eating the gyudon, I took a breather with tea. Mikoshiba-kun's also had about another 3 servings of gyudon. Since when.

"Shinozuka who came to hang out with the 4 man group, got more and more restive. The woman approached Ichinose and is indiscriminately hara.s.sing and insulting others to prevent people from coming closer, she confronted Mamiya-senpai face to face, what she did only seemed to incite antipathy from her surroundings."

It is just somewhat……

Why do the people around you keep a distance, I think I understand.

"When I warned her to stop hara.s.sing Mamiya-senpai, Shinozuka said"

"Hara.s.sment? However I, I just said not to hang around Ichinose-senpai."

"That should not be. In fact, Mamiya-senpai personal property disappeared, the hara.s.sment extended to her s...o...b..x, the damage was done. Everyone saw you doing it, some people testified."

"Testify…..even though there is no evidence, do not just brand people as perpetrators just by hearing it."

"There was definitely no evidence. You say that it should examined, I examined Shinozuka's bag, desk and locker but nothing turned up. I thought it was hidden somewhere, then a voice was heard from another cla.s.sroom. It belonged to the 4 person group."

I listened to Mikoshiba's words silently. We talked with a too serious expression, it feels like I could not interject.

"I heard their words from the cla.s.sroom, I was shocked. It seems that Shinozuka was also the same, her leisurely face hardened, and I could not move from that place."

"Hey, who will you target next?"

"Matsubara of A cla.s.s? That fellow was able to get a boyfriend recently even at her condition."

"Aa~, that person huh. Suddenly shortening the skirt and putting on make-up, its so disgusting, that pig."

"Well then it's decided. All responsibility will be held as usual."

""""By Aika""""

"Eh…..wait a minute. That."

They thrust all the things that they did to Aika?

As if knowing what I want to say, Mikoshiba-kun nods and looks straight at me. I am afraid to hear the continuation, with my feet trembling, and my voice did not come out beyond that.

"I tried to immediately entered the cla.s.sroom to ask, Shinozuka stopped it, we left the spot so that they would not notice."

I was charged with false accusations, why!

"Friendship between women is like this. I don't care what is being said of me, so they can just do what they want on their own. "

"There is no excuse left! Do you feel nothi-"

"A bug who only sneaks in the shadow of people, I will not lose."

"At that moment, a drop of tear flowed……I can't forget."

Translator and Editor’s Corner:

Hey, I’m Nohma, the new and for now only oditor on this blog. This is my first time doing this kind of work, so don’t be too harsh with me.