kscans

Chapter 711 - Time for Two

Escaping the dream, I return to reality.

It was a process I'd repeated countless times over the past half-year, so I was more than used to it by now. I no longer suffered from the disconnect between the physical performance of my body over there in the virtual world and my body here in reality.

Thus,

"—Oof…"

—the reason I let out a deathly groan and collapsed onto my bed the moment I stepped out of the mechanical ark was simply due to pure mental exhaustion.

It was a little past 12:30 PM. We had finished our thirty-minute slot as the first group of the day, and my Eastern Faction comrades and I had been temporarily released for a break. We were free until the main program resumed at 2:00 PM.

All I really had to do was eat lunch. The Blonde Samurai was dragging me to get noodles… Unfortunately, there was no soba, so it was a choice between ramen, udon, or somen.

"Nngh…"

Letting out a groan like the death cry of some mysterious creature, I peeled my body off the bed, which was generating a gravitational pull far stronger than any mere gravity, and got to my feet.

In any case, this place was dangerous. While I didn't think I'd be mentally exhausted enough to just doze off, the thought of the potential hell that would ensue made it better to stay away.

As I left my room,

—Man, what should we do? To compete with that hilarious Istia comedy routine, we're outnumbered in both cast and talent. I don't think we stand a chance.

You can't lose in spirit, Gin-san! Let's get fired up! C'mon Maru, Tora-san, what are you doing being so calm? Get your energy up, c'mon, c'mon!

So loud…

Alright, alright, you're too close.

I quickly looked up some 'entertainment' and hit play. The lively chatter of the live broadcast began to flow from my smartphone.

It was currently the Northern Faction's turn. As expected from their lineup, the voice of the boisterous martial arts instructor made me smile involuntarily… even as the thought that I had been doing that just a moment ago made my stomach ache.

In any case, it was time to refuel. I slipped my phone into my pocket—and in that instant,

An incoming call tone, accompanied by a faint vibration in my hand, interrupted the audio of 'Nortalia Radio'… only to cut off after just two seconds.

Wondering what that was, I checked the screen.

"Oh…?"

It was a somewhat unexpected name.

I waited ten, then twenty seconds, but my phone showed no sign of ringing again. However, considering who the caller was, neglecting to call back and check was not an option.

So, with some trepidation, I called back—

—Yes, hello.

"Ah, hello. Is something the matter?"

N-no, wai—geez…!

She answered on the second ring, her voice that of a calm, mature woman. And behind her words, I could hear the cute, flustered voice of a girl.

Tilting my head in confusion, the first speaker—Natsume Itsuki, the maid who had called me—seemed to have easily dealt with her master, who was apparently rampaging nearby.

I apologize for bothering you when you must be tired from your duties. I know I am intruding on your precious break time, but may I have a moment?

"Yes…? Oh, no, it's totally fine. All I have to do is eat lunch, anyway."

And so, the words were spun so serenely.

I couldn't guess what she wanted, but from her demeanor, I could tell it wasn't anything so serious that I would need to refuse. I readily agreed.

Thank you very much. In that case—

And with that, Itsuki-san offered her thanks, and then,

Please, you two, take your time.

Wha—ah, wai—…

Unless I was mistaken, one presence vanished from the other end of the line. At the same time, I somehow sensed that the person I was speaking to had changed.

Ten seconds of silence later,

—…U-uhm, Haru…?

"Yes, this is Haru."

As my partner Sora's voice hit my eardrums from the speaker, I replied, aware that my cheeks were unavoidably softening… I know it's a bit much, but it can't be helped.

After all, I'm not the only one who has been completely charmed by that angel.

"What's up, Sora? Is Itsuki-san playing tricks again?"

Ah, haha… yes, something like that… A-ah, I'm so sorry! You must be busy. You have to be back at the venue at two, so your time is…

"Don't worry about it. I was just going to grab a quick lunch and then I'd have been free anyway."

Her words were similar to what the maid had said, but the kindness, consideration, and overall gentle atmosphere in her voice were completely different.

Compared to the tyrannical Itsuki-san, who must have boldly made her move and then vanished without a trace, the comforting presence she provided in a flash melted my cheeks—

Although, in that maid's case, it's highly likely she calculated things that far and did it on purpose, so it's safe to assume it was deliberate. A terrifying maid indeed.

Putting that aside,

"So, what's wrong?"

Wh-what… uhm… well…

On the other end of the line. Itsuki-san's pranks were a common occurrence, but when I asked for the reason she had gone through with it so unhesitatingly… as expected, the girl faltered, her words catching in her throat.

And that's why I couldn't resist a bit of mischief myself.

"Oh, what's this, a quiz? In that case, I wouldn't mind taking a guess…"

N-no, it's n—it's nothing! It's nothing, so please don't—

"Knowing you, Sora-san, you probably just got lonely, right? Hmm? Your partner is out there making a scene on some crazy big stage, and you started thinking, 'Wow, he seems so far away,' and got all antsy, which Itsuki-san saw right through—"

I told you to stop…!

With the confidence that I was allowed to, I boldly laid her heart bare.

"You managed to intercept her once, but you couldn't stop my second attempt, huh? No, actually, the fact that you blocked that maid even once is amazing. You did great, Sora-san."

Ah, are you teasing me…? You are, aren't you…?! That's it, I'm done with you, Haru! Please have a nice, long rest and do your best this afternoon as well…!

And just like that.

Even as she pouted, she didn't forget her consideration for me. This truly angelic partner of mine was hitting me with a level of cuteness that was almost incomprehensible.

"Sora-san."

What is it?! I'm hanging up—

"Actually, do you have time?"

Huh?

"I'll log in in about ten minutes and be on the sofa at home, our usual spot."

What?! E-eh, wha—

"I'd appreciate it if you could join me to kill some time. See ya."

It wasn't that I was imitating the maid, but I too decided to be a tyrant for the sake of my angel and unilaterally ended the call. Well, in this case, it was less for Sora's sake and more because,

"Well… looks like it's cup ramen for me."

—I myself had felt that she was 'far away,' and this was for my own sake, no one else's.