kscans

Chapter 762 - The Penalty Game

—In short, it was an objectively terrible game.

And as a result, I spectacularly claimed last place all by myself.

Or rather, thanks to the lawless rule that had my human rights bought out—a rule that made me want to scream 'What kind of rule is that?!' an infinite number of times—I lost my standing as a player entirely. As the true loser, the only thing I could do was swallow my pathetic, bitter complaints.

Which is to say...

"Well... fetching lunch is no big deal, I guess."

I fully intended to dutifully carry out the 'penalty game' Shoko had mentioned.

And so, after a fierce battle lasting over an hour, I was tasked with a mission that seemed rather tame for a group of college students who, in my biased view, are known for being all-out and destructive in many ways. I promptly headed outside, but...

"—Nyah, well, with So... I mean, Hinata-chan around, I figured a super-harsh, no-mercy penalty game wouldn't be a good influence on her, y'know?"

"As your partner, I deeply appreciate your consideration."

For some reason... not that I didn't know why, but...

Apparently, Shoko Ashiwara, as the one who'd proposed the penalty in the first place, had intended to come along regardless of whether she avoided last place. And so, the two of us set out together—a rare combination.

I don't know. She has this way of showing a sudden sense of integrity, or perhaps charm, in these little moments. It's probably why she's so well-liked by a wide range of people, regardless of their type.

I suppose it's to be expected from the one who is (supposedly) by far the most popular with the guys among the girls in our group. In the six months since we started college, it seems she's already received countless advances from multiple guys—whether that information is true or not—

"Hm? What's up?"

"The hair on the top of your head is sticking up a bit."

"Seriously?! A maiden's crisis!"

Well, I guess there's no need to doubt it. If this is how she is with everyone, it's no wonder she's popular. The guys who've fallen for her must have it tough.

"How's thiiis?"

"Looks good, I think."

It might be prejudice to say it's unlike her cheerful, clownish character, but her long, glossy black hair, fit for a proper young lady, was sparkling today as well.

She's beautiful. I could completely understand why she was catching the eyes of the men we passed on the street.

Overall, she's the most 'college girl' of all the girls in our group—and it's precisely because that side of her is so prominent that I find it strange I can never read what's on her mind... and then...

"Hm? What is it?"

Before, it was me observing her for a moment, but this time, I felt her gaze on me, not just for a moment, but for a while. I turned to look at her again.

Shoko didn't flinch, even when our eyes met squarely. Without any hesitation, she just kept staring at my face as I tilted my head. "Jiiii—........"

"I've beeeen thiiiiiiiiiiiiinking..."

"That's a long wind-up. What is it?"

"Nozomin, that mole under your eye is kinda hot."

"What are you talking about???"

She spouted some nonsense—I couldn't tell if it was a joke or what—and laughed with her usual cheerful energy.

"Anyway, those glasses are seriously insane, huh? Like, for real, not a single person is even noticing. It's so magical it's hilarious."

And, as usual, her train of thought didn't just change, it rocketed off in a new direction. So flighty, or... well, anyway.

"Hee hee, I knooow. See? I'm whispering."

Since this was a top-secret matter, I glanced to the side and put a finger to my lips. She returned a mischievous grin and mimicked the gesture.

It's like...—really, it's just...

"You're in high spirits, Shoko-san. Did something good happen?"

It wasn't just since the trip started, but more like since she invited us. Ever since the Triangle Duo ended, she's seemed to be in an even better mood than usual, and I doubt I'm imagining it.

"Hmm? I'm in the middle of something great right now, aren't I? Going on a trip with not just friends, but 'allies'? That's a huge event every college student in the world dreams of."

"That's true. Are you a big fan of traveling in general?"

"Nah, I don't really do overnight trips much. I'm one of those girls who helps out with chores, so I've got stuff to do around the house and all."

And just like that, as we strolled through the hot spring town looking for a decent place to eat, she dropped a piece of new information in a casual tone that matched the relaxed atmosphere.

In response, the only thing that could come out of my mouth was, naturally...

"................Am I... not being a burden on you?"

I wasn't just talking about this trip, but about her work as part of my, the 'Acrobat's,' support team. I know I've caused her a lot of trouble.

I had to ask... but Shoko just laughed off my concern.

"Don't you underestimate a nineteen-year-old girl's stamina! When it comes to that stuff, the fun overwhelmingly wins out. If anything, it's so restorative for my mind and body that there's no problem at all!"

"Is that so...—Wait, huh?"

I was momentarily relieved to be told so clearly that there was nothing to worry about, but that relief was swept away by another sudden piece of new information... or rather, a complete surprise that left me with a question mark.

"Hey, when the hell did you have a birthday?"

"Huh? Oh, uh..."

If my memory serves me right, when we first met, everyone except Toshiki, who was born in early April, was eighteen. Which means...

"Last month. My birthday's August twenty-second."

Well, that explained it.

"You should've said something, we would've celebrated... wait, could it be that—"

"Nah, nah, it's not like that. I wouldn't leave you out."

When I gave her a sidelong glance, considering the one-in-a-million chance I'd been snubbed, Shoko just gave an exasperated smile and waved her hand dismissively.

"You say I should've said something, but it's embarrassing to bring it up yourself, you know? Isn't it fine to wait until we've known each other for a full year and find things out 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 intentionally offered a rude observation, she shot back with her usual energy, and I felt a secret sense of relief—I wonder if she's aware of it or not.

That by saying it's fine to wait until a full year has passed... she was offhandedly expressing her unwavering belief and hope that our relationship would continue for a long, long time.

Of course, I didn't show any reaction. That's a given.

"This is a good chance, so tell me yours too, Nozomin. Since you're asking, it hasn't happened yet, right?"

"Ah, well, yeah. Mine's not until next year, but—"

Because I could easily see a future where friends asking each other that kind of thing would cause us both to die of embarrassment.

---

She's in the middle of something great. Right now she's in the middle of something great, apparently. No deep meaning, but she's cute.

On another note, Shoko-chan's birthday is August 22nd. Toshiki-kun's is April 10th. The two childhood friend girls' birthdays are a little later.