Chapter 762 - The Penalty Game
—And so, without needing to elaborate, it was a truly terrible game.
In the end, I was the undisputed loser.
Or rather, having my human rights bought out—an injustice that prompted an infinite stream of "what kind of rule is that?" from me—I had essentially lost my standing as a player. The only thing a true loser like me could do was swallow my pathetic complaints.
In other words,
"Well... getting lunch is no big deal."
I fully intended to dutifully accept the 'penalty game' Shoko had mentioned.
And so, after a fierce battle that lasted over an hour, I was given a mission that seemed rather lenient for a group of college students who, one might assume, would be all about chaotic destruction. I promptly headed outside, but...
"—Well, you know, with Hinata-chan here and all, I figured a super harsh, no-mercy penalty game would be educationally questionable."
"As her partner, I appreciate your consideration."
For some reason... not that I didn't know why.
It seemed Ashiwara Shoko, who had proposed the penalty game in the first place, had intended to come along regardless of whether she avoided last place, creating a rare pairing of just the two of us.
It's funny. She has this way of showing a sudden sense of earnestness, or charm, in the little things. It's probably why she's liked by such a wide range of people.
Perhaps that's to be expected from the girl who is apparently, by far, the most popular among the women in our group. In the six months since starting university, she's apparently received countless advances from multiple guys—whether that's true or not—
"Hm? What's up?"
"You have a piece of hair sticking up on the top of your head."
"Oh my god, a maiden's crisis!"
Well, I have no doubt it's true. If she's like this with everyone, it's no wonder she's popular. The guys who've fallen for her probably have a tough time.
"How do I look?"
"Looks fine to me."
It might be prejudice to say it doesn't match her cheerful, playful character, but her long, lustrous black hair, fit for a young lady from a good family, was shining today as well.
She's a beauty. I can easily see why she's turning the heads of the men passing by.
Overall, she's the most 'university girl' like of our group—and it's precisely because that side of her is so prominent that it's strange how I can't read her inner thoughts... and,
"Hm? What is it?"
A moment ago, I was observing her, but this time I sensed her observing me, not just for a moment, but for a while. I turned my gaze back to her.
Shoko didn't flinch, even when our eyes met squarely. Without any hesitation, she stared at my face as I tilted my head. Ziiii—..................and then.
"I've been thiiiiiiiiiiinking..."
"That's a long pause. What is it?"
"Nozomin, that little beauty mark you have under your eye is kinda hot."
"What are you even saying???"
She spouted some nonsense, I couldn't tell if it was a joke or what, and laughed her usual lighthearted laugh.
"Anyway, those glasses are seriously amazing. Like, for real, not a single person seems to notice who you are. It's like magic, it's hilarious."
And, as usual, the conversation didn't just change, it rocketed off in a new direction. Fickle, or something like that... anyway,
"Heehee, I knooow. I'm keeping my voice down, see?"
Since this was a top-secret matter, I glanced sideways and put a finger to my lips. She returned a mischievous smile and mimicked the gesture.
It's really... —I mean, really.
"You're in high spirits, Shoko-san. Did something good happen?"
Ever since the trip started, or rather, since she invited us, which would be after the Triangle Duo, she seems to have been in a better mood than usual. I'm sure I'm not imagining it.
"Hmm? I'm in the middle of a great thing right now, aren't I? A trip with not just friends, but 'comrades'? That's a huge event that every university student in the world dreams of."
"That's true. Are you a fan of traveling in general?"
"Nah, I don't really do overnight trips much. I'm a good girl who helps with chores, you know, so I have stuff to do around the house."
And just like that, as we strolled through the hot springs town looking for a place to eat, a new piece of information I didn't know dropped in a casual tone that fit the mood.
In response to that, the words that naturally came out of my mouth were.
"..................Are we not being a burden?"
Not just about this trip, but about her working as part of the support team for me, the Acrobat. I've caused them a lot of trouble.
I couldn't help but ask... but Shoko laughed off my concern.
"Don't underestimate the stamina of a nineteen-year-old girl, okay? On that front, the fun overwhelmingly outweighs everything else. If anything, it's mentally and physically rejuvenating, so no problem!"
"I see... —Oh, wait."
Being told there was nothing to worry about brought a sense of relief, but that too was swept away by a sudden new piece of information... or rather, a complete surprise that came out of nowhere.
"Hey, when did you have a birthday?"
"Hm? Oh."
If my memory served me right, when we first met, everyone except Toshiki, who was born in early April, was eighteen. Which means,
"Last month. I was born on August twenty-second."
Well, that explained it.
"You should've told me, we would've celebrated... wait, could it be—"
"Nah, nah, it's not like that. I wouldn't leave you guys out."
Considering the one-in-a-million chance I'd been excluded, I gave her a sidelong glance, and Shoko gave a wry, exasperated smile and waved her hand.
"You say you would've, but it's embarrassing to announce your own birthday, isn't it? Isn't it fine to wait until we've known each other for a full year and learn these things naturally?"
"That's an uncharacteristically calm and reserved thing for you to say, Shoko-san..."
"Hey, Nozomin, what's that supposed to mean?"
When I replied with an intentionally rude comment, she shot back with her usual energy, which I was secretly relieved about—now, whether she was aware of it or not.
It's fine to wait until after a full year... The fact that she had casually said something that implied she believed, without a doubt, that our relationship would continue for a long, long time.
Of course, I didn't show any reaction. Naturally.
"This is a good chance, so you should tell me yours, Nozomin. Since you're saying that, it must not have happened yet, right?"
"Ah, well, yeah. Mine's next year, but—"
Because confirming something like that among friends would be so embarrassing, I could clearly see a future where we both died of cringe.
In the middle of something great. Right now, she's in the middle of something great, apparently. No deep meaning, but it's cute.
On another note, Shoko-chan's birthday is August 22nd. Toshiki-kun's is April 10th. The two childhood friend girls have theirs a little later.