kscans

Chapter 413 - The Little Meddler

"Ah, geez, a flower in each hand. Honestly, now."

Deciding it was about time to go bother my 'friend,' I discreetly peeked at the second floor from the shadow of the stairs, only to see that.

It wasn't unrelated to the fact that she was called my 'nemesis,' but it was one thing to see the 'Princess,' whom I hadn't actively engaged with much before, acting that way.

But even Nia, whom I'd known for a while, was directing an expression I'd never seen before towards that 'one person.' The small shadow observing them was at a loss for what kind of face to make.

Not that there was anything I could do but cheer them on.

"Peeking."

"No ulterior motives, so it's fine."

Replying to my partner's voice from behind without surprise, the unabashed girl let her gaze wander here and there.

"It's kind of funny, isn't it? It looks like a dramatic love triangle, but visually, it's just a bunch of girls."

While making some off-the-cuff remark, her attention was on her 'partners.' That is, the one involved in the drama, and the one who wasn't... If anything, her focus was more on the latter.

—Does she need someone to check in on her?

As usual, I considered meddling, but couldn't come up with an answer. That's because that pair is just too good at suppressing their true feelings.

More accurately, it's not that they're good at it, but that they're completely 'used to it.'

Furthermore, they seem to have multiple, contradictory true feelings that somehow exist without conflict.

There's a certain position that allows you to lend a hand precisely because you keep your distance and don't get too close. But with those two, I think stepping in is exactly what's needed.

Therefore, this probably isn't my turn to act.

"Man, what a pain... I just wish he'd take responsibility for all of them already."

"...All of them?"

"Yep. He should just use his power to shut the world up."

Whether that's actually possible is another matter. But at the very least, it wouldn't be surprising if the young lady of the 'White' family, the 'Princess,' had that kind of power.

"That's a bit, immoral."

"You think? If it makes them happy, I don't think it's any of the peanut gallery's business—well, that was just a joke, of course."

It was pretty obvious anyway. Our gazes met with those quiet garnet eyes, which weren't blaming me in the slightest, and I took that as my cue to pull my head back.

My friend, who was busy wringing the neck of her crush, seemed like she'd be occupied for a while longer. Showing up now would just make me a nuisance, so I'll postpone my plans.

—And so.

"Hey, I'm baaack!!!"

"W-Whaaat?!"

Using the momentum from running down the stairs, I pounced on the golden-haired girl who had been trying so hard not to pay attention. For now, if there's nothing I can do...

"Alrighty then, Sora-chan, it's about time you joined me!"

"J-Joined you... for what?! H-Hey, where are we—!"

...I'll help distract her by stirring up some commotion.

"So! Any songs you know or like? Even if you don't remember the lyrics, we can just wing it with enough enthusiasm!"

"What do you mean 'so'— Ah, hey, no, I don't want to...! I can't do that, I'm sorry, it's impossible!!!"

As Sora put up a desperate struggle while I dragged her towards the 'stage' where the guys were currently belting out songs, I glanced 'upstairs.'

Sure enough, my eyes met with a certain someone who had looked over after hearing his partner's screams—I stuck my tongue out at him, and the little meddler sent a mental message: 'Hurry up and come save her, you idiot.'

---

And so begins the protagonist's heartfelt idol medley.