Nana Shiraishi

Argh...

Why haven't you played a tile yet? Are you feeling troubled because you drew something good and can't decide what to keep?

...I think I see little figures dancing on the table.

Umm... Did you eat any mushrooms before we started playing...?

No, I'm just feeling a little muddle-headed because I didn't get enough sleep last night.

As I look at the Half Flush consisting of Man tiles in my hand, my tired mind reels with confusion, and I can't decide which tile to play.

(whisper) If I want to give myself as many options as possible later... should I play this one?

Nana-senpai, are you there?!

The loud shout behind me makes me startle with surprise, and the tile in my hand clatters as it drops onto the table. I instantly realize that I have played the wrong tile when I am shocked to my senses.

Ah, forget it. I can't take back the tile anyway, so I'll pretend nothing happened...

So this is where you are, Nana-senpai!

Ai, what brings you here? Junior, this is one of my juniors at school.

Hi.

So you're that famous "junior" Nana always tells us about. Let's get along with each other.

Ai grabs my hand and shakes it up and down vigorously with such enthusiasm that my arm starts to hurt.

Did you come here to ask me for some help?

You're as astute as ever, but I'm not in a hurry. We can chat after you finish your game. I'll sit here on the side.

...She's quite similar to you.

Hehe, do you mean she's as passionate as me?

Well...

Comment honestly

She really is quite enthusiastic, and she can hit it off right away with anyone, just like you.

I get the feeling that you're making a dig at me. Whatever, please take that as a compliment.

But even if you are praising me, I'll still take your tile. Ron! It's a Pinfu worth one Han.

Just like that, my turn as the dealer was ended by an insignificant one-Han hand. But judging from Nana Shiraishi's hand and taking into account that this is only the fourth turn, she could have ignored my 3 Man and waited to complete a Mixed Triple Sequence with a 4, 5, and 6 to assemble a better hand.

It might actually be a good thing to have my turn as the dealer cut short safely by dealing into a low-Han hand. Thank you for sparing me.

Hehe, I'm glad you understand.

She's reckless like you.

Reckless?! You're starting to sound less and less cute.

In that case, I won't win this game with your 3 Man because that would be too RECKLESS, right?

Oh? You're not taking my tile to win the game even though I just made a dig at you? Thank you for sparing me.

This is what I've been waiting for! Tsumo with a high-Han Haneman!

I thanked her too early... So she didn't call Ron with my 3 Man because she's been waiting for a Mixed Triple Sequence with a 4, 5, and 6...?

She even specially changed the Janto of the Terminals tile. She did all that extra work just to assemble an All Simples with one more Han, making her hand as big as possible to get back at me for making a dig at her.

It hurts so badly to lose by a Haneman as the dealer...

After the Hanchan game ends, the dojo owner stops me and Nana Shiraishi apologetically right after we leave our seats.

Excuse me, the table over there is missing a mahjong partner. I was going to play, but something happened at the last minute, and I need to go out for a while.

Can one of you watch the cashier for me while the other person takes my place at the table? There are no other regulars here right now. Please help me.

Sure, in that case... Nana, you can watch the cashier and chat with your junior while I go play mahjong.

Are you sure you'll be okay? You were yawning the whole time while drawing tiles in the fourth South round.

I think I'll be fine... I'll just behave myself and play defensively until she returns. I'll consider it to be my victory if I don't deal into someone's big hand.

Doesn't Ai have something to discuss with you? It won't be good to keep her waiting for too long.

Nana, why don't you play? Your friend can barely keep their eyes open. I can wait a little longer.

Nana Shiraishi pats my shoulder after hearing Ai's words.

Since Ai said that, you should go get some rest. I'm sorry, Ai, just wait a little longer for me.

Thank you so much. I'll come back as soon as possible.

After the proprietress leaves, I sit down in front of the cashier and chat perfunctorily with Ai to prevent myself from dozing off.

Ai tells me that Nana Shiraishi has been taking care of her since she was in junior high school, and that Nana Shiraishi was just as warm-hearted back then as she is now.

She helps everyone and is trusted by everyone. Don't you think she's really cool?!

Um, er...

I want to be as cool as her! That's why I took the entrance test to go to Asaha High School... I-I'm sorry, I think I've gotten a little too excited.

That's alright. It does sound pretty cool to be someone who is needed by others.

I knew we would be on the same channel since we're both Nana-senpai's juniors! Junior... oh wait, only senpai calls you that. What should I call you?

{var:player_nickname}.

{var:player_nickname}, if you're worried that you'll doze off, why don't we play a friendly match of mahjong on our mobile phones?

Haha... if I wanted to play mahjong for that purpose, I should have just gone to the mahjong table earlier.

Why don't I watch you play ranked matches instead? Think of it as a "What to discard?" session, and it'll also wake me up.

Considering that we haven't managed to find something interesting to talk about yet, this proposal is far more appropriate than awkward small talk. Without saying much, Ai opens the game and starts matching with opponents.

...Huh? Instead of checking out her hand after starting the match, she is looking at the information of her opponents one by one.

Are you confirming the playing style of your opponents?

Not really. It's not like I'll be able to do anything with that information even if I know their playing style. I just want to check how many points they have... Aha, this person's rank point is looking dangerous...

Their points... Someone close to dropping a tier might start to play more aggressively. Maybe she is devising some strategy based on this.

I'm sorry! The line was really long at the bank, which wasted a lot of time. Thanks for waiting so long.

No problem. The cashier's all yours.

Haha, I'll waive your playing fee next time.

Thanks! Ai...

I wanted to tell Ai to come watch Nana Shiraishi's game with me, but I decided against it because I could see that her game was also about to end.

Ai is currently leading by 13,000 points over the second-place player. Her opponent who is in fourth place just called Riichi. As a non-dealer player, she just needs to focus on defense to secure the top position.

However, the moment I look away from the screen, Ai seems to have played a risky tile for some reason! After the gorgeous winning animation plays on the screen, the opponent reveals their hand - apparently, Ai dealt into their Baiman.

Oh... I made a mistake. I was going to play the tile next to it.

What a shame. She probably wouldn't have made a mistake if she broke up her North Triplets. Maybe she was worried that her other opponents would attack, so she wanted to get rid of the tiles she played in the previous turns.

It's a pity, but now the opponent won't drop a tier, so this counts as my good deed for the day.

I'm back. My dear juniors, are you two getting along well?

Yeah, we are. Enjoy your chat. I'll be on my way now.

Wait, can you stay and listen to what I have to say too?

Me?

It's like this. A nearby mall will be holding a recreational mahjong competition during the weekend, and my classmates and I are thinking of participating in it as a team, but we're missing two people.

Ah, I understand now. You want me to help out and bring junior here with me along the way, right?

What? Do I have to go too?

Exactly! Nana-senpai tells me that you're always at mahjong dojos, so you must be good at playing mahjong, right?

Whether I'm good at mahjong or not is one thing. Why do you two make it sound like I'm an unemployed hobo who just plays mahjong all day long...

...Isn't that true though?

Are you asking me that seriously?

Suddenly, I find myself missing the title Kutsuji gave me. What was it again? "The famous guardian of Mahjong Soul Shrine's priestess, the best friend of students of Asaha High School, a core non-staff member of Soul..." Well, it's a little long, so I'll leave out the rest.

Don't mind the details. Well, are you free on the weekend? Playing mahjong with your senpai is a great opportunity to celebrate youth.

Thank you for not agreeing directly on my behalf, or else it'll really look like I always have nothing to do. But I am free on both days this weekend, so can you tell me the time and place?

After telling me the time and place where we'll be meeting up, Ai leaves the mahjong dojo in a hurry to tell her classmates the good news that they now have enough members.

How she can't stay still for even a second is really similar to you.

Haha, it's a good thing to be energetic! I'll see you later then. Remember to rest properly so you won't be muddle-headed like today.

You don't need to worry about me. I'll see you on the competition day.

Nana Shiraishi still doesn't understand me well enough. I always try my best in mahjong competitions.

The sky is blue with no clouds in sight on the day of the competition. My only complaint is that it just rained last night, soaking all the shared bicycles in front of my house. At least it's still early, which means I should be able to get to the mall in time even if I walk there.

By the time I arrive leisurely at the agreed place, I see that Nana Shiraishi is already waiting for me there.

Morning! You're early today.

Morning. You still arrived before me though.

Hehe, it's way too early for you to arrive earlier than me.

Stop! Is that a play on the word "early"? By the way, did you walk here or run here?

I ran here. The air is so fresh that it's a shame to not move around.

That's what I thought too. In that case, I didn't lose to you since I walked here.

Feeling competitive, are we? Well, that's a good mentality for the competition. Yes, this is very energetic of you!

Come on. It's a good day today. Let's win the competition!

You're that confident?

Hehe, I passed by Miss Kaavi's fortune-telling stall today, and she said my luck is unstoppable today and everything will go smoothly for me.

Er... she actually said something nice. If she is telling my fortune, she'll probably say that a calamity involving women is in store for me, and then she'll try to sell me a suspicious amulet.

A suspicious amulet? Doesn't Miss Kaavi always say that destiny can't be changed? Why would she sell you that type of thing?

She said it's a new business she started last month and offered me her "destiny support" services because I'm her regular customer. Didn't she give you the same offer?

Nope, at least she didn't make any such offer the last seven times she told my fortune.

...So she's only trying to scam me, huh?!

It's almost time. Let's go in so Ai and the others don't wait too long.

What? They're already here?

Yes.

It isn't often that I leave home so early. Why must I lose so thoroughly...?

Our team was blessed with luck as foretold by Kaavi, and we had a significant lead over the other teams in terms of points by the end of the second round. If we keep up this momentum, maybe we really can win the competition!

It doesn't take long before the competition progresses to the semi-final lieutenant match of the top eight teams. Nana Shiraishi, our team captain, has gone out with one of our team members to buy bento boxes before the next match. Meanwhile, I, the vice-captain, am watching a game live on the TV on the wall with another team member in the lounge.

I start frowning as I watch...

I win!

On the screen, the little boy who moves after Ai takes the scoring sticks from Ai cheerfully. This is already the third time she has dealt into his hand.

She believed her Suji was safe and dealt in the first time, and she dealt into an Ippatsu the second time when calling chase Riichi. Just now, she played a risky tile even though she could play a safe tile.

Originally, the little boy's team was coming last, but they've now climbed back up to third place. It's only the first south round, so it's possible that they might even manage to climb up to second place by the end of this Hanchan...

After checking the scores of each team, I originally thought Ai was making mistakes consecutively because she had gotten complacent after knowing we were leading in the total points.

But when I saw her deliberately let go of the boy's deal-in while defending properly against the Riichi calls of the other two players, her actions gave me an unpleasant thought... Could Ai be playing unfairly?

Ask others about what they think

...It's too early to come to that conclusion.

The team that's currently in second place at our table are members of the St. Tina's Girls' School Mahjong Club, and Ai seems to be deliberately trying to lower their points. If Ai wants to knock out a more troublesome opponent in advance and let a weaker team advance at the same time... I guess that's a reasonable tactic to win the competition, right?

What conclusion?

Oh... Nana, when did you get back?

I just got back and happened to see you frowning while deep in thought. What's up?

...I'm thinking about where we should go to have a good meal if we win today.

It might not be good to count your chickens before they hatch.

Didn't you tell me that our luck is unstoppable today...?

Forget it. I haven't known Ai for that long, and it isn't polite to make malicious guesses about others.

On this day, our luck manages to carry us until the very end, and we win the competition.

After the competition, Ai and her classmates want to go shopping, so Nana Shiraishi and I decide to go to Éternité to try a new coffee blend.

(sobbing) I don't wanna accept...

Hmm? Isn't that...

Before leaving the mall, I see our semi-final's opponent standing next to a fountain nearby. The girl wiping her tears among them is the Jyanshi who moved before Ai, the player Ai was targeting earlier.

Although I didn't play against her, I subconsciously avert my gaze from her.

...Although this is a recreational competition, the feeling of losing isn't nice. It's normal to feel uncomfortable when you see other people crying at times like this.

But we won fairly, so you don't need to pretend that you didn't see her. Isn't it the responsibility of the winner to face up to the tears of the loser?

Fairly...

After hearing Nana Shiraishi say this, I recall my earlier suspicion about Ai's unfair playing, which gives me mixed feelings...

Oh, you're frowning again. What are you thinking about?

Don't tell me you're thinking about dinner again this time. The same trick won't work on me twice!

I'll tell you then, but it's just a guess.

I tell Nana Shiraishi about Ai's strange behavior in the semi-finals. Of course, I also remind her there's a possible tactical reason for her actions.

After a moment of silence, Nana Shiraishi says "I understand" and ends the topic, then we go to the café as planned...

Mmm, the new blend is nice. The intense caffeine hit gives me a sleepless night and... the feeling of being listless on the next day.

I accidentally encounter Ai while shopping a few days later and raise my hand to greet her. However, she makes an unhappy expression when she sees me.

No one asked you to meddle in my affairs...

She says this when we walk past each other. A little concerned, I call Nana Shiraishi, who tells me she had asked Ai whether she wasn't playing fairly after watching the recording of the match. Apparently they had a dispute over this.

So she really did go easy on the little boy. Although it's not right for her to do something like that... I'm still sorry about making things unpleasant between you two.

Nonsense. Whatever her reason, she should play matches fairly, so you don't need to apologize to me.

But if you feel bad about it, I don't mind if you treat me to dinner to make up for it.

We'll do that. Where are y...

Before I can finish my sentence, a finger pokes my face stealthily.

I turn around and see Nana Shiraishi smiling at me.

It's not right for me to make such a judgment since I haven't known Ai for very long. I should ask someone who knows her better first.

Excuse me, can you tell me whether Ai has the habit of managing the number of points her opponents have in a mahjong game?

Managing the number of points others have? Hahaha, that's impossible. She isn't that skilled.

She's usually quite careless. Sometimes, she inexplicably deals into her opponent's good hand at the last minute when she's leading and playing well, just like what she did earlier. It shouldn't happen no matter how you look at it.

At the last minute...

Her words remind me of the mistake Ai made at the end of the fourth South round last time... Was that really a coincidence?

I'm back! Hmm? What's with that big frown on your face?

Discuss this matter with Nana Shiraishi

...Ai made a mistake just now, so I'm thinking that we'll need to get as many points as we can later.

A mistake? Oh, you're right. She dealt into her opponents' hands a few times...

I'll pretend nothing has happened until I find out what's going on. After this Hanchan ends, I'll find a reason to go outside and ask Ai about this before she returns to the lounge.

I'll apologize if it's just a misunderstanding. That will be better than mulling over it in my mind and letting it affect my performance in the next game.

...There they are.

Soon after I walk outside, I can see Ai and the little boy who moved after her in the game walking towards me, talking and laughing the whole time.

You're really amazing! Thank you for giving me so many points. I need to show off to the others later! But there are still two more matches to go. Will we really make it to the finals?

Don't worry about that. I'll find a way to help you advance so you can get the set of toys you want.

...An ugly scene plays out in front of me. I now have conclusive evidence that Ai has been going easy on the little boy.

Ai notices me looking at them after she says goodbye to the little boy and waves at me with a big smile on her face.

{var:player_nickname}, did you come here to get me? There's something I need to discuss with you.

If you want me to go easy on our opponents, then I refuse.

Ai's smile becomes awkward, probably because she can sense something wrong with my expression.

Ha-Haha... Hear me out first. It wasn't easy for those kids to make it to the top eight, and they just want the toy that's awarded as the prize. We're way ahead of them in terms of points, so I'm just helping them advance by dealing in a few times.

It's difficult for everyone to make it to the top eight. They should use their own strength to advance.

Don't be so serious. It's just a recreational competition that the mall has organized for advertising purposes. The staff will also be troubled if these children cry after missing out on the prize, right?

A recreational match is still a match, and I take all matches seriously. I won't help you do this.

Tsk... You're such a cheapskate. We're leading by a lot anyway, so what's wrong with helping those who are weaker than us?

I'm happy to be an honest cheapskate, and if receiving someone's help means that they will arbitrarily label me as a weakling, I wouldn't want them to help me. That's what I think anyway.

I'm an outsider, which is why you probably haven't mentioned this to me, but have you discussed this with your other teammates, especially your Nana-senpai whom you admire, in advance?

You don't need to worry about that. They'll definitely agree to help me. Someone as warm-hearted as Nana-senpai will definitely agree with what I'm doing.

So that means you haven't mentioned it to them...

Just give it a rest! Nana-senpai and I have been friends since junior high school, so I don't need you questioning our rapport! She'll definitely agree with me!

Oh? This sounds like a lively discussion. What are you talking about?

Oh, you're here, Nana-senpai.

I've come outside to get you two because you're taking so long. Go and eat something now. It'll be a pity if the hot bento box gets cold.

Ai and I stop arguing when we see Nana Shiraishi walk towards us, then Ai returns to the lounge first calmly. After watching her leave, Nana Shiraishi pats me on the back.

You're skilled enough to get those points back easily, so just forget about the mistakes Ai made earlier.

I don't know about that. I could have terrible luck later on.

It's not cute to say depressing things at this time, so listen up! You can do it if I say you can do it! Let's go and have a good meal before you dominate everyone at the mahjong table.

Since Nana Shiraishi mistakenly thinks that I've come to talk to Ai because of the deal-ins, I'll let her think that for now because I don't want to talk about people behind their backs.

...But the main reason I don't want to say anything is because I'm not confident about whether Nana Shiraishi agrees with Ai or not. Like Ai said, she has known Nana Shiraishi for a longer time than me...

It's time for the battle between the vice-captains. From the finals onwards, the seating position of the players of participating teams is fixed in each round. That's why the player who moves before me is also from the St. Tina's Girls' School Mahjong Club, and the player who moves after me is a teammate of the little boy who asked Ai for help.

Good! I got it! With six Ura Doras, that's a total of...

You can stop counting. It's a Baiman...

The player who moves before me has a painful expression on her face because the player who moves before her called chase Riichi, and she was unlucky enough to deal into their big hand.

Meanwhile, the player who moves after me is grinning widely because their team is now in second place after this win.

If Ai hadn't deliberately given them points to even out the point gap between the other three teams, the players from St. Tina's Girls' School might not need to play catch-up so desperately right now.

Tsumo, first repeat, 1,400, 2,700.

Did you make a mistake? I thought you have a two-way wait. Where did the 40 Fu come from?

No, this 4, 5, 6, 6 Man counts as a 4, 5, 6 Mentsu, and the last 6 Man counts as a single-wait Tenpai.

Although I feel bad for the team of the player who moves before me because of the situation they are in due to non-match factors, I will still collect the number of points I'm due. At the same time, I won't target the little boy's team. I'll treat my opponents equally.

(whisper) If I'm biased towards either side, then I don't really have the right to question Ai's actions...

Thanks for the hard work guys! Leave the rest to me.

After Nana Shiraishi leaves, Ai looks at me proudly with her legs crossed and smiles.

I just told Nana-senpai what I want to do, hehe, and she said she'll support me!

She really said that?

Before she walked off, Nana-senpai said, "I understand. Don't worry, I'll try my best!" In that case, I can just leave everything to her.

She'll try her best, huh...

...Well, I think Ai was acting a little strangely in the previous game.

I'll feel bad if I keep everything to myself and try to guess her reasons, so I decide to just tell Nana Shiraishi my suspicions.

Okay, I'll ask her about this later.

Just like that? Don't you think I might be overthinking things?

Even if I'm your senior in life, I won't pretend to be better than you in mahjong-related matters. I trust your judgment.

Eat something first. The lieutenant battle is almost over, and you need to eat something to have the energy to play against others.

Ai happens to enter the room after I finish eating. I don't know when Nana Shiraishi will ask her about the thing we discussed earlier, so I tell her I need to use the toilet and leave the room because I feel a little embarrassed. After that, I wander around outside until it's time to start playing.

In the vice-captain battle, the team that moves before me deals into a Baiman by mistake. As a result, the team of children that moves after me ends up climbing to second place. I didn't earn too many points in this Hanchan, but I managed to defend our team's ranking by playing safely and steadily.

I see Nana Shiraishi walking towards me after I leave the mahjong room. She gets straight to the point and answers the question I'm most concerned about.

Well, I was thinking of a way to ask her about this, but she came to me herself and asked me to go easy on those children. She said she agreed to help them advance to the finals.

So she really wasn't playing fairly... What's her reason?

I feel a little stupid after asking this question. The reason isn't important anyway, because no reason is an excuse to play unfairly.

Ai said those children want the set of toys prize of the finals. She thinks that it's alright to go easy on them since we have so many points.

Well... What will you do then?

Ah, you're frowning again. Don't you worry, because I'll try my best.

If you want to act like a cute junior, you should leave all the difficult things to your senpai. Now be sensible and go to the lounge to cheer for me. Go now.

After speaking, Nana Shiraishi turns around and waves with her back to me before disappearing at the other end of the corridor.

I reach out and want to ask her what she means when she says she'll try her best, but I don't say anything in the end because I suddenly realize that I don't actually know Nana Shiraishi that well.

I'm not confident that she'll give me an answer I can accept...

Ah, you're back. That wasn't bad. It's a shame you left the room too early just then, so I wasn't able to ask you to coordinate with me. Has Nana-senpai told you about the situation?

Mmm.

I avoid Ai's eyes and sit in front of the screen. Nana Shiraishi also sits down at the mahjong table at the same time, and the game starts.

(whisper) She'll do her best, huh...

Riichi.

A good two-way wait Riichi in the third turn... There are so few clues in this turn that the other players can only play defensively.

After two turns, there are still no reliable clues based on Nana Shiraishi's discarded tiles. The person who moves before her wipes some sweat, hesitates for a while, then closes her eyes and plays a 7 Sou.

This player has made this reckless move because she wants to achieve something while she is still the dealer. What's more, she might even lose more points than she has earned from her wins so far if Nana Shiraishi manages to Tsumo a Mangan or Haneman. She decided to do this because she didn't really have a choice.

She mumbles something, probably a prayer that her tile won't deal into someone's hand. She slowly moves her trembling fingers away from her tile. At the same time, she glances at Nana Shiraishi with uncertainty. When she sees Nana Shiraishi looking at her with a smile, her face suddenly turns pale. It isn't until after Nana Shiraishi continues to draw tiles that she lets out a long sigh of relief...

Whoa... Nana-senpai is so mean. I wonder why she deliberately scared that person. I bet that person felt like she had dealt into her hand.

She's quite lucky that none of the extra tiles in her hand will deal into the other players' hands. But I think she's given up on winning now. The best outcome would be if she draws a deal-in tile and starts attacking, because then those little children will be able to advance!

(whisper) You're making it sound like the player who moves after Nana Shiraishi won't deal into someone's hand at all...

The player who moves after Nana seems to really want to win and completely ignores Nana Shiraishi's Riichi by playing one risky tile after another. At the same time, this player happens to have the deal-in tile of 5 Man in their hand, but they probably won't be playing it any time soon because they have 4, 5, 5, 6 Man in their hand.

After that, the player who moves before Nana plays two more risky tiles and gets rid of the unnecessary tiles in her hand. I can tell from the look in her eyes that she doesn't care anymore because she's got nothing to lose. Meanwhile, the player who moves after Nana keeps playing with fearless confidence, daring to play any tile just to win.

The player sitting opposite Nana, the only one defending normally, looks at the two players sitting on their left and right, then shakes their head and keeps defending. I bet this person is really confused by what's happening.

...Ah, she's started to Tenpai.

As if she is being rewarded for her bravery, the player who moves before Nana has started to Tenpai, and she also has a two-way wait Tenpai with a 5 and 8 Man, just like Nana Shiraishi. However, she didn't call Riichi. Maybe she is waiting for an even better hand to win more points.

Immediately after that, the player who moves after Nana also starts to Tenpai.

Riichi!

The player who moves after Nana throws a 5 Man tile, which makes a thud as it lands on the table. The player who moves before Nana seizes this opportunity and shouts "Ron" as she pushes down her tiles.

Ah, what a shame! But the hand is only worth three Han, so she's nowhere close to making up for her loss from the previous Baiman.

Ron.

Huh...?

The player who moves after Nana stares blankly at her as she reveals her hand. Ai, who is beside me, also makes a look of disbelief.

Wh-What's going on?

I'm sorry, but this is a double Ron. Let me see... Oh? I have two Ura Dora, which means this is a Haneman.

The player who moves after Nana loses three Han to the dealer and a Haneman to a non-dealer player. Factoring in the repeat counter, this player has lost all the points they won from the previous Baiman.

After that... no, since the very beginning, Nana Shiraishi has never had the intention to go easy on the child. She has just been playing mahjong like always in this captain battle.

After losing the previous assistance they received, the player who moves after Nana makes several mistakes in a row, giving the player who moves before Nana the chance to regain the advantage and ultimately turn the situation around to reach the finals.

Haha, so that's what she meant by trying her best. Nana acted the same as usual.

I don't understand... This shouldn't have happened...

How can Nana-senpai go back on her word?! This isn't what we agreed on!

When Nana Shiraishi returns to the lounge, Ai rushes up to her and starts to question her emotionally.

Huh? I told you I would try my best, right?

Didn't you understand what I was saying? I wanted you to...

Nana had no intention of helping you from the beginning. Do you really have to force her to say that out loud?

Don't interrupt me while I'm talking to my senpai, you outsider!

No, junior here is right. It's necessary to try one's best to win, so how can I go easy on others?

...I don't understand. This is just a recreational competition. Why do you have to take it so seriously? ...Even if you want to win, we have way more points than everyone, right?! You didn't need to win with that Haneman!

Those children just want that set of toys. Nana-senpai, you always go on about how you lend a helping hand to the weak, so why...

Wait a minute. I do like helping people, but I don't think I've said anything like I need to "lend a helping hand to the weak." I'm just an ordinary person, so I'll let real heroes say something that sounds so cool.

If they want that set of toys, I'm happy to give it to them after winning and advancing to the finals, but since we have this rare opportunity to play together at the same table, wouldn't it be a pity if we don't compete with our true skills and enjoy the game together?

...I don't think they enjoyed anything. It hasn't been easy for them to get so far. After seeing the chance to get to the finals, do you think they'll really be happy even if you give them that prize in the end?

It's normal for most people to feel a little unhappy after losing a match.

They might feel sad about not making it to the finals, but wouldn't this fuel their desire to become stronger? I would like to give them this prize to encourage them to do better next time instead of giving them a chance to enter the finals out of pity because I think they are weak.

No, that's not what I meant...

Haha, you don't need to get nervous. I know you don't mean that. What will really make me sad is if you think I helped you in the past because I was pitying you and that I'm an arrogant person who did that for self-satisfaction.

Kindness is important, but it's also equally important to take the competition seriously and respect your opponents, right? Okay, that's it for now. Let's prepare for the finals and give that set of toys to those children.

Oh wait, there's one more thing. Ai, you should apologize to {var:player_nickname}.

Huh?! Why do I have to apologize?

Don't be silly. Did you forget what you said? {var:player_nickname} is our teammate and a junior I approve of, not an outsider.

I know you were a little emotional earlier, but you should apologize for the rude things you've said.

What she said makes sense. Ai, maybe you should just apologize.

Since we're all on the same team for this competition, let's just shake hands and make peace.

Even you two aren't backing me up?! Geez... f-fine then!

Ai walks up to me with a sullen expression. She says she will apologize to me, but her eyes tell me that she is not convinced.

Umm... she doesn't need to apologize to me. Let's just forget about this since Nana said it's over.

No, that won't do. That's that, and this is this.

O-Okay then... (whisper) Just get it over and done with if you're going to apologize...

(whisper) Sigh... (loudly) I'M SORRY FOR BEING RUDE EARLIER!

Hmm-hmm, very good. That sounds very energetic!

It's so energetic that my eardrums are a little sore... Sigh, it really isn't necessary to apologize if you're so unhappy about it.

No, Nana-senpai said I have to apologize, so I have to do that. I also think that I was rude earlier, so I should apologize to you.

Then what's with that unhappy look on your face?

It's because... Nana-senpai said you're a junior she approves of. I... I was here first! I met her first, and I respect her the most, yet she has never said that I'm a junior she approves of. That isn't fair, right?!

You're more serious now than during the competition... Hey, don't pull my collar! Nana, this is your fault, so come here and diffuse the situation... Huh? Where is she?

She said she doesn't want to get in the way of your youthful exchange, so she has gone to talk to those children about giving them the prize after the competition.

Tsk... this woman has run away after sowing a disaster so casually!

As a result, I have to endure Ai's sad and resentful gaze and her disgruntled mumbling until the finals start...

Will you really give this to us?! Thank you, lady!

Hehe, let's play mahjong again next time.

Yeah! We'll definitely win next time!

After the finals, we exchanged the prize we received for winning the competition with the second runner-up's prize and gave the toy set to the team of children according to our agreement.

The two other members need to go, so the only people left here are me, Nana Shiraishi, and Ai.

...Those children are so happy, and they look at Nana-senpai like she's a hero.

I was worried that they would feel sad about not making it to the finals or even start to hate mahjong because of this. Was I overthinking the situation...?

What you were worrying about could have happened too, but even so, I think Nana would stay true to her decision and take all her opponents seriously.

Hmph... you win this time.

I win? What did I win?

I'm not happy to admit this, but I don't understand Nana-senpai well enough right now and couldn't make the same decision as her. That's why you win.

I feel a little complicated after hearing this. I also wondered whether Nana Shiraishi would support Ai earlier and doubted her. Do I really understand Nana Shiraishi better than Ai?

...Oh well, I don't want to keep thinking about something this depressing. At least I understand her better today than I did before. That's good enough for me.

Just so you know! I'll hear Nana-senpai say that I'm a junior she approves of one day. I won't give up! Anyway... I'm going to go now.

Aren't you going to wait for us?

No. I want to think carefully about how I should help others in the future...

Ai is already gone by the time Nana Shiraishi returns after chatting with the children. After I tell her why Ai left first, Nana Shiraishi places her hands behind her head and smiles.

She's so serious about this. In that case, let's not disturb her. Do you have any plans after this?

It's getting dark, so let's have dinner.

That's a great idea! It'll be even better if a certain sensible junior will treat their senpai who has worked hard all day to a cup of bubble tea first.

Ah, what a coincidence. There happens to be a sensible junior here.

Why are you just standing there then? Let's go.

A cup of sweet milk tea with lots of bubbles is the perfect cure for a tired body.

Oh, there's something I forgot to say to you.

Hmm?

You were really cool today, senpai.

Hehe, of course!

Some things always strike so fast and so suddenly, like a tornado of love...

Excuse me! Excuse me! Out of my way!!! Ouch...{var:Shake}

Another example of something like that is Nana Shiraishi, who has just hit me like a tornado sweeping over the coast.

Ouch, that hurts...

Junior? I'm so sorry! Are you okay? I'll help you up. Don't rush.

I think I hit your head. How badly does it hurt? Oh wait, at a time like this, the first thing I need to do is check whether you're still conscious... Look at me. How many fingers am I holding up?

One. You don't need to be so nervous. It hurts a little, but I'm not going to get a concussion from something like that.

Instead of asking me if my head hurts, I rather you show some concern for my bum. It fell onto the road, which is much harder than your head.

Phew... You should be okay since you can say such cheeky things. Hehe, so your bum is hurting? Let me take good care of it.

No, stop! I can't believe you really reached over to stroke it... Lady, please remember you're supposed to be a cute and pretty high school girl. Try not to grin like a creepy middle-aged man.

By the way, where are you off to in such a rush?

Oh... That's right, I need to run away quickly! Bye! I'll apologize to you with a cup of milk tea another day...

"Run away?" Does that mean Nana Shiraishi is hiding from someone? Her words arouse my curiosity.

Seeing how panicked she is, I decide to not get in her way and set aside my curiosity for now. I can always ask her for more details later.

I turn around and am about to continue shopping when another familiar figure appears in front of me. It's Yuzu holding the leash of a... umm, an Alaskan Malamute, charging toward me menacingly. If the Alaskan didn't have something in his mouth and a stupid look in his clear eyes, I would almost have mistaken him for a wolf.

G-Good morning, Yuzu.

Argh? It's you, {var:player_nickname}. Good morning! The Witch of Justice is busy right now and must take her leave!

Oh... Is everyone all busy today...? Hmm? Hold on...

Yuzu appears with a dog right after Nana Shiraishi disappears in a scene that looks like a police officer chasing after a suspect. Could Yuzu be chasing after Nana Shiraishi?

...I should catch up and ask them, or else I'll be so engrossed by this mystery that I won't be able to go shopping properly.

Fortunately, Yuzu didn't disappear like a gust of wind like Nana Shiraishi. After running a short distance, I see two big tails swaying up and down in front of me rhythmically, so I speed up and run all the way to Yuzu.

Yuzu, are you in such a hurry because you're chasing after Nana?

Argh?! How did you know?

Hehe, because I'm smart. But I'm not smart enough to guess why you're chasing her. Did she do something to make the Witch of Justice chase after her?

No, but I just want to help her overcome her weakness.

Her weakness?

A few days ago, when everyone was helping the vice president clean the playground...

Help out? Are you sure you're not punishing her?

A-Argh?! No way! Anyway, that was when everyone mentioned what they were scared of. I never expected the courageous Nana to be scared of dogs.

Some time ago, she tried to help me overcome my weakness. Although she was unsuccessful, her efforts greatly moved me, the Witch of Justice, and I wish to repay her.

You want to repay her with... er, this dog, right?

Argh... that's what I had in mind. My friend recently asked me to take care of this Alaskan, and I got the idea to get him to help Nana overcome her fear of dogs, so I asked her to go shopping with me to give her a chance to get close to it.

But Nana ran away after taking one look at the dog... so you started chasing after her with the dog?

{var:player_nickname}, your description sounds a little strange, but that's actually what happened, argh...

I understand now. Although I want to tell Yuzu that her desensitization therapy is a little too radical, I remember that Nana Shiraishi did something similar to Yuzu after receiving a request in her help request box, so I kind of feel like she is just reaping what she sowed.

But... even if you want her to play with a dog, it's a little scary to start with an Alaskan. Even I was scared when I saw you running over with him, let alone her.

Maybe you should try again with a smaller and more docile pet dog? The success rate of your desensitization therapy should be higher if you do that.

This Alaskan Malamute is a little large, but you're misunderstanding something, {var:player_nickname}. They are a very friendly dog breed. There's a big contrast between their personality and their appearance.

Friendly...?

...

Hey! Did he just glare at me? Did I make him angry...?

Argh, I already said that he's very friendly. You're so suspicious, {var:player_nickname}. If you don't trust me, why don't you stick your hand into his mouth? I guarantee he'll keep his mouth open just like that and won't bite you.

...Fine then. Now that I think about it, Ciri's Mojito has quite a good personality even though it also looks terrifying. Judging him by his appearance is a little... Oh right, what's his name?

Orio.

I'm sorry, Orio. It's rude of me to doubt you because of how you look.

As if Orio understood what I said, he tilts his head and looks at me with eyes shining with innocence. I think I'm finally starting to appreciate his cuteness.

Of course, I don't dare to stick my hand into his mouth. Humans are troublesome creatures because understanding something doesn't necessarily mean that they can overcome their fear of that thing.

(whisper) By the way, is that a hair tie in Orio's mouth? It looks familiar...

Argh, we slowed down because we were chatting. I don't know if we're still moving in the right direction.

Orio, are you sure she has gone this way?

Orio stops and sniffs the ground, then he starts growling indistinctly at the right side in front of us while wagging his tail anxiously for Yuzu to follow him quickly.

I need to keep chasing her. {var:player_nickname}, I'll talk to you another time if that's all you wanted to ask me.

Wait, I'll come with you.

Argh? Why?

Isn't it obvious? One Han City's Witch of Justice is trying hard to help someone overcome their weakness. As a good citizen of One Han City, of course I have to contribute to this act of justice!

This grandiose pretext is naturally an excuse. The reason I want to follow her is partly because I want to see how this situation will unfold and see what Nana Shiraishi, who always considers herself to be my senpai, is like when forced to confront an animal she is scared of.

Another reason is that I care about her and can't just sit back and watch Nana Shiraishi get chased around. If she gets cornered and faints, then at least I can carry her home.

Relying on Orio's sense of smell, Yuzu and I chase Nana Shiraishi through the streets and alleys. During this time, we also try to get information from people along the way to get a more accurate idea of Nana Shiraishi's whereabouts.

An older girl with yellow hair in a ponytail? I saw her. She's a good person!

My balloon was stuck in the tree earlier. When she saw me crying, she jumped up and fetched my balloon for me!

...She jumped all the way up?

Unless I'm mistaken, the nearest branch is still about three to four meters from the ground.

Argh?! Is Nana that good at jumping? She can get so high with one jump.

Don't take it seriously... To reach a height of four meters with one jump means that she must be the superwoman of Asaha High School or something. There's no way someone like that exists in our world.

...There shouldn't, right?

Little girl, where did that older girl go after she retrieved your balloon?

You don't believe me, so I won't tell you. Hmph!

...I'm sorry, but I have to pretend that I don't believe you to protect the real identity of the superwoman of Asaha High School. We must find her as soon as possible to resolve a dangerous crisis. Please help us!

S-So she really is a superwoman?! She ran that way. Go to her now!

Thank you for contributing to a just cause! Yuzu, let's go.

Argh... {var:player_nickname}, I can't believe you can lie to a little girl like that without blinking or feeling bad about it. All kids who do bad things before me shall be punished!

Waaaaait! Aren't we in a hurry?! Ouch...

A girl with yellow hair in a ponytail? Oh, you're probably asking about that person who just helped me!

That girl is amazing! I hit the railing by mistake, causing a delivery box to fly out and almost hit someone. Luckily, she's super quick. She just kicked the box and dunked it back into my basket.

Her movements were so precise too. The delivery box wasn't damaged at all, which means she must have controlled the strength really well. I'm almost certain that she practices martial arts! I've read a lot of fighting manga, so I can't be wrong about this!

Oh, wow. Yes, she's really amazing. What happened after that? Did you see where she went?

She was already far away in the distance by the time I turned around to thank her. I think she went that way. This must be what they mean when they say "move like the wind." As expected of someone who practices martial arts.

{var:player_nickname}, maybe the superwoman of Asaha High School really does exist.

I just made up a name randomly. How can someone like that really exist... Let's go. Since she's stopping to help people every now and then, we should be able to catch up to her soon.

A girl... with what in a ponytail?

With yellow hair. Old granny, have you seen her?

Oh, I remember now. She has yellow hair... A girl with yellow hair in a what?

...I'm sorry for disturbing you. By the way, why are you standing here with a look of confusion on your face? Are you in some kind of trouble?

Hehe... thank you for asking. It's nothing really. I just encountered something strange.

I was reading a street sign on the other side when I was suddenly swept here by a yellow whirlwind.

Argh? A yellow whirlwind... Is there a mage who isn't following the rules?!

My guess is that someone thought the old granny had difficulty walking and helped her cross the road.

Eh, now that you mention it, I do remember hearing a girl say: "Old granny, let me help you cross the road." Hehe... youngsters sure do move fast. I didn't even manage to get a good look at her face...

I see... I think I know who helped you cross the road. Let me take you back to the street sign.

After helping the old granny, we get Orio to keep searching for traces of Nana Shiraishi.

Woof...

Orio is starting to look tired, and we've been chasing Nana for a while now. Let's get some rest first.

You're right. Argh... Alaskans are a breed that has great stamina. I never expected that Orio would get tired before we can catch up to her.

Speaking of which, is she really trying to run away from us seriously...? How fast must she be running if she can leave us so far behind her even though she has been helping people all the way?!

She doesn't forget to take the time to help others even when she is running away. She is so enthusiastic that I want to praise her and complain about her at the same time. I don't think I'll ever meet someone who is as kind-hearted as Nana Shiraishi.

...I think we've rested for long enough. Let's continue now.

Maybe we should give up. Given her stamina, Orio might even collapse onto the ground in exhaustion before we catch up with her.

No, it's too early to give up. Orio also says he needs to see Nana about something important.

What important thing? Okay then, let's try again and see if we can catch up with her.

...By the way, if we keep going straight along this road, we'll arrive at Asaha High School. Could she be hiding in the school?

My guess is correct. Orio really does guide us all the way to Asaha High School. We walk through the school gates, pass by the playground, walk inside a school building, and finally stop in front of a door at the end of a corridor.

Arf!

Judging from how excited Orio is when looking back at us, I think Nana is behind this door.

She has nowhere to hide now that we're here. Let's go inside.

Don't open the door just yet. Do you think she'll hide somewhere with no way out? Here's a piece of friendly advice. You should take a look at where we are first.

Argh?! The s-student council's office...{var:Shake}

Although it's the weekend, Ren Kisaragi could be working overtime inside this room. I've encountered him here on the weekend before when I came to help out at the gardening club.

I remember... according to the rules of Asaha High School, pets aren't allowed on school grounds except under special circumstances, right?

Y-Yes, that's right, argh...

It's also possible that Ren Kisaragi isn't inside the room. Do you want to go inside and take a look?

D-Don't open the door. As a student, I must follow the school rules. I just forgot the rules by accident when I was so focused on chasing after Nana. I'm going to leave now. Let's go, Orio.

Yuzu tugs the leash, but Orio has no intention of leaving. He rubs himself against Yuzu's heels, then raises his head and shakes the hair tie in his mouth.

Argh? Ohh... so that's why. I understand now.

What did Orio say?

Orio wants to ask you to return this to Nana. This is why he has been chasing after Nana...

I enter the student council's office after Yuzu left and was still thinking about what I should say to Ren Kisaragi to explain why I've come here on the weekend. Fortunately, the only person here is Nana Shiraishi, who is shaking behind a desk.

Hi, senpai. Did you enjoy the chase?

Yuzu hasn't come inside...? Phew... you're so mean! Even if you don't help me escape, you don't have to hunt me down with Yuzu!

I came because I was worried about you, except you ran so quickly that we could never catch up with you. If I didn't stop her in time, Yuzu would already be in here, and you would be spending some quality time with that Alaskan.

Sigh... I'm just reaping what I sowed. I must have angered Yuzu when I stubbornly wanted to help her overcome her weakness.

Yuzu isn't so narrow-minded. She just wants to help you overcome your weakness, just like how you wanted to help her. Here, this is yours, right?

Eh? This is my spare hair tie. Where did you find this?

The Alaskan called Orio found it. In fact, he was chasing after you to return this to you.

I... I see. I thought he was chasing after me to deliberately tease me. I feel a little embarrassed now that I know I've misunderstood him...

Can you help me thank Yuzu and Orio? I would like to thank them personally, but I... sigh... I'm so useless...

Don't say that. A fear of dogs isn't something that can be resolved in a short time. I think it's already amazing that you want to thank an animal that you're so scared of.

What's more, in this era of convenience, you don't really have to be face-to-face with someone to thank them in person. At times like these, we really need to be grateful for the advancement of science and technology.

I pick up my phone and give Yuzu a video call, which she answers very quickly.

What's up, {var:player_nickname}?

I just returned the hair tie to Nana Shiraishi, and she wants to thank both you and Orio. Is Orio still with you?

He just ran off to play just now. I'll call him to come back now. Orio!

Arf!

Orio's energetic calls can be heard in the video. There is no fear on Nana Shiraishi's face when she sees Orio approaching the camera. It seems that her weakness of being afraid of dogs isn't impossible to overcome after all.

Thank you for bringing my hair tie to me, Orio.

Arf!

Yuzu, I'm sorry for wasting your efforts today. Thank you for trying to help me overcome my weakness, but... I don't think I can interact with dogs normally yet.

It's okay. If you're scared of something, then you're scared of something. But I won't give up! As long as I keep trying, you'll be able to overcome your weakness one day. Aren't you also trying to help me overcome my weakness? Argh! Let's do our best together!

O-Okay then...

Orio looks quite cute when I look at him through the screen. It must have been tough for him to chase after me the entire day...

Okay, I'll keep trying. Hopefully, I'll have the courage to stroke your head next time, Orio.

Arf, arf!

You have to keep your word. I'll be watching you from the side next time. If you want to run away, hehe... I'll do my best to stop you.

Huh? Shouldn't you be stepping forward to protect me if that happens? Sigh, you're so inconsiderate...

What happened? You look very nervous. Do you need my help?

Well... it's a little complicated, and I can't explain things clearly in a sentence or two.

Argh! There's our target!

What?! They're already here?!{var:Shake}

As soon as she hears Yuzu's voice behind me, Nana Shiraishi shudders and runs away. Sensing that there's something interesting going on between them, I quicken my pace and follow them.

What's the situation? What bad thing did you do to make Yuzu chase after you?

I didn't do anything! Also, I'm not running away from Yuzu - I'm running away from the dog with her!

It's just a dog. Is it necessary to be so nervous... Holy?!

After looking behind me, I see an Alaskan Malamute with something in his mouth dragging Yuzu along as he chases after us furiously. The pedestrians on both sides, frightened by the fierce momentum of the Alaskan, consciously move aside to get out of the way.

...Arf!

I take back what I just said! Who wouldn't run in this kind of situation?!

Exactly!

Huff... Huff... We finally managed to escape after running around for so long.

I'm sorry. It's my fault that you were chased around too.

There's no such thing. I followed you because I was curious. Since I've been on the run with you for so long today, can you tell me what's happened now?

It's like this. When I was chatting with Yuzu and some other people earlier, I mentioned that I'm afraid of dogs.

After that, Yuzu asked me to meet up with her today and specially brought a massive dog with her, saying that she wanted me to play with him to help me overcome my weakness with desensitization therapy.

Desensitization therapy... I understand the theory, but isn't it a little too exciting to make someone who's scared of dogs interact with an Alaskan Malamute right away...?

You're wrong about that. A person who's scared of dogs is scared of both large dogs and small dogs. That's why they are scared of dogs! People who are truly afraid of dogs are precisely that cowardly!

I don't understand how you can be so proud about being cowardly...

*sobs quietly*

Hmm? This sound... Is someone crying?

I think it's that little girl over there. Let's go ask her what's happened.

Are you okay? Why are you crying all alone here?

The balloon... I can't reach it... *sobs*

...Oh, look at that, Nana. I think she's talking about the balloon stuck among the branches.

Although we found the balloon, there's about a three-meter distance between the branches and us. It won't be easy to get the balloon down.

Good job! It's easy now that we know where it is. Don't cry, little girl. We'll help you get the balloon.

Junior, come and help me.

What are you going to do? You'll probably need to climb the tree to get it. Aren't you afraid that Yuzu will catch up to you?

Just relax. It's a lot easier than that. You just need to put your palms together so I can stand on them. After that, you can push me up when I step on them.

Really? Will that work...?

Get ready! Here I go!

Nana Shiraishi takes a few steps back to distance herself. After taking a deep breath, she sprints in front of me and makes a small jump. Meanwhile, I lift her feet with my hands like I'm performing a volleyball dig. Nana Shiraishi uses the extra force to jump up high and grab the balloon string by relying on her quick eyes and hands.

I've got it!

She really managed to get it?! This jumping ability... Is she the superwoman of Asaha High School or something...?

Here you go, little girl. Hold it tightly this time so it won't escape again.

Thanks! You're so amazing! You jumped so high just now!

Hehe, this is nothing.

Now that we've helped her, I think it's time for us to keep running.

Don't run off just yet. I don't think we can just keep running like this. Alaskans are famous for their good stamina. Are you sure you can beat him in a battle of endurance?

What's more, no matter how energetic you are, it's completely unnecessary to have a battle of endurance with him. After all, you won't get any rewards for winning, and you'll suffer if you lose. It doesn't sound like it's worth it no matter how I think about it.

You're right. And I've got some requests to take care of at school tomorrow. What should I do?

Let me see... Hmm?

There's a café not far from us on the left, and there's a sign that says "No Pets Allowed" at the door...

Should we hide in that café for now? It says that pets aren't allowed, so we can wait inside for Yuzu to leave, and then turn back and run in another direction.

Good idea! Let's go inside. Order anything you want to drink, my treat.

Soon after we enter the café, Yuzu passes by outside like I said she would, and she didn't notice that Nana Shiraishi and I were secretly observing her.

After successfully throwing Yuzu off our trail as planned, Nana Shiraishi receives a call and says that she needs to go home to help her younger brother with some homework. I have nothing to do, so I decided to go to Mahjong Soul Shrine to play with Ichihime to kill time. Halfway there, I run into Yuzu with the Alaskan again.

{var:player_nickname}, why are you all alone? Where's Nana?

She returned home first because she had something to do. You should try to help her overcome her fear another day.

Argh... fine then. Orio, it looks like I can only return that thing to Nana at school tomorrow.

The Alaskan called Orio seems to understand Yuzu's words. He lowers his ears and growls before placing the hair tie in his mouth onto Yuzu's hand.

So were you chasing after Nana to give this back to her?

Yes, Nana dropped this when she was running away, and Orio wanted to return it to her after picking it up.

Haha, such a good boy.

Orio turns to look at me just as I reach out to stroke his head, shocking me with his reaction speed.

It's alright. Just stroke his head if you want. He won't bite you. Even if you stick your fist in his mouth, he'll just keep his mouth open and won't do anything to you.

R-Really? But I don't have the courage to really stick my hand in his mouth...

Arf!...

Oh... He's surprisingly docile, completely unlike what his appearance suggests.

Yes, he just looks impressive. He's actually very well-behaved and is even a little simple-minded. He likes to rush up to everyone he sees and greet them.

Even if other dogs bark at him, he just thinks they are inviting him to play with them. Argh... fortunately, he's strong enough, or else others would bully him since he has such an innocent personality.

It's a shame that Nana ran away so quickly. If she knows how well-behaved Orio is, she'll probably be willing to play with Orio no matter how scared of dogs she is.

I'm not so sure about that. She proudly announced that she's cowardly enough to be scared of all dogs. But since Orio is so well-behaved, we really can try to get them to spend some time together... By the way, am I imagining things? Why do I feel like Orio isn't that happy?

Arf, arf...

You're quite astute. Orio is feeling a little down because he's really fond of Nana and says she feels like one of his kind, so he's sad that they couldn't play together this time.

She feels like one of his kind? What do you mean?

I'm not so sure either. I don't always understand what he says.

(whisper) ...Hmm? Hits it off with anyone right away... enthusiastic... doesn't get angry even if people have a bad attitude... energetic... runs really fast...

As I gently stroke Orio's head, the image of a certain person starts to overlap with Orio in my head...

Pfft! Hahaha...

Why are you laughing?

I just thought of something that makes me happy. I understand now. I think Orio is a good judge of character and is actually quite wise.

Argh? This is bad! {var:player_nickname} has managed to understand Orio before me!

Why do I get the feeling that you just insulted me... Think carefully. Don't you think Orio and a certain person are quite similar in how they can hit it off with anyone right away?

Now that you mention it... Oh, I understand now. No wonder Orio wants to play with Nana so much. If they are one of a kind, then Nana must be able to accept Orio. This is great! Now we have a chance to help her overcome her weakness!

I'm starting to see some hope now too. I'll try to help you convince Nana to spend some time with Orio later, but let's not disturb her again today.

Well, we still have some time... If you don't mind, Orio, do you want to play with me?

Arf?! Arf, arf!

Haha, he looks so happy once he heard that he can play with someone. Let's go to a playground.

I decided to cancel my original plans and play with this enthusiastic and good-natured dog until dark to make him feel better for not being able to play to his heart's content with Nana Shiraishi...

Arf!

Slow down! Yuzu, can you get him to run slower?!

That will be hard. Orio gets carried away once he starts running.

Orio is going to run wildly again. I don't know if my body can take more of this...

We'll hide in the café first and observe for a while. Once Yuzu passes by, we'll wait until she has left for a while before we turn back. We can use this method to mix things up and get Yuzu off our trail, but we can't guarantee that we won't run into her again later.

...I know! Shall we hide inside Asaha High School?

Would that work? Although the school rules do specify that pets aren't allowed on school grounds except under special circumstances, today's not a school day, so the security guards might not stop Yuzu even if she brings a dog into the school grounds.

Don't worry, I already thought of a good idea before suggesting this to you. Let's go. She really will catch up to us if we keep dilly-dallying.

...Granny, since you have trouble walking, you should get someone to accompany you when you leave home next time, or else it'll be very dangerous when you cross the road alone.

Hehe... thank you. You're such an enthusiastic girl.

But I didn't manage to read the street sign properly just then. Can you help me cross the road again? Thank you.

I-Is that so? I'm sorry! I'll help you cross the road now.

Hehe... The last time someone carried me on their back was when that old man was still young...

Sorry for keeping you waiting. Let's go! We're just two streets away from the school.

Okay, but we're wasting too much time helping others while we're running. Aren't you worried that they'll catch up to us?

I can't help it. I can't ignore anyone who needs help.

Yuzu hasn't caught up to us even though we keep stopping. I wonder if it's because we're lucky or because we're being rewarded for doing good deeds.

Hehe, I'm sure it's the latter!

Let's go. We'll arrive at the school after passing through this street.

Nana, are you inside? Come out.

I'm sorry, Ren Kisaragi asked us to help him out at school. Are you also here to help?

Argh?! The v-vice president is inside...? Oh no, I was so busy chasing them that I forgot this is the student council's office...

Arf!

Shush! O-Orio, you have to be quiet here. Let's go and play somewhere else.

Ren Kisaragi is asking if you brought a dog onto the school grounds.

N-N-No such thing! I'll get out of your way now!

Hehe, our vice president sure is intimidating.

First we run inside the student council's office, and then we scare Yuzu off by pretending the vice president is here. That sure is a good idea.

I told you I had a good idea.

It's best not to leave too soon. We'll wait until we're sure that Yuzu has left the school first. It just happens that we can see the school gates through this window here...

Nana Shiraishi and I chat for a while and wait until some time has passed after Yuzu leaves the school before we exit the student council's office and go home.

By the way, why are you afraid of dogs? Were you bitten by a dog or something?

How did you read my mind?! You're right. A dog bit me when I was little, and I've been scared of dogs ever since.

You can tell me that not all dogs will hurt people, and I also understand that, but...

I wasn't thinking that. As they say, "once bitten, twice shy." To make it worse, you were bitten when you were little. Children's mental endurance is inherently weaker, and traumatic events they experience tend to leave a big shadow in their hearts.

I can still remember the vicious eyes of the dog that bit me, but I remember that it wasn't hostile at all before it bit me...

Because of that, no matter how friendly a dog looks, I still can't bring myself to touch it. Sigh, I'm so useless.

Don't be so hard on yourself. If you're scared of something, then you're scared of something. Humans are such complicated beings. You don't need to force yourself to overcome this weakness. Just go with the flow.

...Hehe, I feel a lot better after hearing you say that.

Woof!

Wh-Where's that barking sound coming from?! Have Yuzu and that dog returned?!

Relax, that Alaskan's bark is much more intense. Look, several dogs are quarreling over there.

That was terrifying...

It's always a good thing to stay away from quarrels whether they are between humans or dogs... This is strange. Why are those two children standing next to the dogs?

Judging from the frightened expressions on their faces, they must have been scared by the quarrel between the dogs, so they are just standing there and don't dare to move rashly.

(whisper) Nana might recall some unpleasant memories if we stay here any longer, but we can't just leave these two children like this. What should I do...?

...Woof?

Oh... you threw the rock?

Hmm-hmm...

Woof! Woof, woof, woof!

L-Let's run! They're coming here! Little children, you should run away too!

Thank you!

We didn't manage to catch a break after escaping from the Alaskan because now we're being chased by some street dogs.

Aren't you afraid of dogs? Why did you draw their attention?!

I acted without thinking when I noticed that those two children were scared. Anyway, stop talking and focus on running!

Woof, woof, woof!!!

I can tell from the sound that they don't come in peace. Sigh... I rather be chased by that Alaskan!

Huff... Huff... Huff... For how much longer... are they going to keep chasing us...

Nana Shiraishi's breathing is becoming more and more rapid. I presume she has been consuming more stamina than usual because of the nervous state she has been in today. What's more, she has been running from Yuzu and the Alaskan all day already, so she should almost be exhausted no matter how fit she is.

Nana, do you have the stamina to climb a tree? You can climb up a tree while I draw them away!

No... I-I'm out of energy. I can't run anymore!

D-Don't stop! Oh no, I need to think of something fast...

Arf!

In our moment of despair, a muscular figure stands between Nana Shiraishi and the street dogs - it's the Alaskan that was with Yuzu! After seeing this huge beast suddenly jump out in front of them, the street dogs decisively stop, none of them daring to step forward rashly. They just stare at the Alaskan and growl uneasily at him.

Woof... Woof...

...Arf! Arf, arf!

Woof... grrr...

They all run away with their tails between their legs... Phew, if they get all aggressive, then we would be outnumbered and in for a tough fight no matter how fierce this Alaskan is. Fortunately, they were wise enough to leave.

Orio-- Ah? {var:player_nickname}, Nana, why are you here?

We accidentally disturbed a pack of street dogs on our way home. Fortunately, this Alaskan appears in the nick of time, or I don't know what would've happened to us.

No wonder Orio ran off so excitedly when we were passing by the park. So he smelled your scent and came over here.

Is Orio the name of this Alaskan? Thanks a lot, Orio. Your keen sense of smell saved us.

Arf...

After seeing the street dogs run away, the Alaskan made a disappointed cry for some reason. After that, he picks something up from the ground and walks toward Nana Shiraishi.

I-It's coming over to me! Junior, stop him for me!!!

The Alaskan stops in front of Nana Shiraishi and starts shaking his head softly instead of getting closer to her.

...Yuzu, does Orio have some business with Nana?

How did you know? Yes, Orio has been chasing after Nana to return the thing in his mouth to her.

The thing in his mouth... Eh? Isn't this my spare hair tie?

You dropped it when you were running away. Orio has been chasing after you to return this to you.

I... I see...

Probably because he can sense that Nana Shiraishi doesn't dare to get close to him, Orio places the hair tie on the floor like a gentleman. Nana Shiraishi thinks quietly for a moment after picking up the hair tie before finally looking at Orio with a blush on her face.

I'm sorry, I thought you were chasing after me to tease me. Thank you for bringing this back to me, and... thank you for protecting me.

Junior, can you stroke his head for me? I want to do it myself, but I'm still too scared...

That's alright. Let me do the honors. It's already a big improvement that you were able to thank him face-to-face instead of turning and running away in fear.

You did an excellent job. Thank you for your hard work today, Orio.

Arf, arf.

Let me convey your thanks to Orio...

...Arf, arf.

Argh? It's a misunderstanding?

What did Orio say?

Nana said Orio protected her, but Orio doesn't seem to understand why Nana said that.

Eh... Did I not express myself clearly?

I've been listening to your conversation for a while now. Since you're confused, let me translate for you, woof.

Wanjirou, what brings you here?

When I was taking a walk, I saw several young dogs crying and howling about a "chimera" in the park. I was curious, so I walked over here to take a look, woof.

In the end, there's no chimera here. It's just this Alaskan bro. Young dogs are so ignorant, woof.

I'm not going to make a fuss over why they know what "chimera" is but can't recognize an Alaskan. Can you tell us what Orio said?

That's easy, woof. Brother, what did you mean when you said they have a misunderstanding, woof?

Arf, arf, arf, arf... arf!

Woof, so that's it. Let me tell you exactly what this brother said, woof.

"So those street dogs were making trouble for you just now? I'm so surprised. I thought you were playing, so I came here to ask you to let me join in. No wonder they ran away so quickly," woof.

So that's why he didn't think he was protecting Nana Shiraishi just now... Wait a minute. How did he say so many things with just a few barks?!

You humans don't need to know so much about the dog language. Anyway, that's what happened, woof.

...Hahaha, he looks so bold, but he's actually this simple-minded?

Argh, Alaskan Malamutes are a breed with a stark contrast in appearance and temperament. Orio is even more simple-minded than others of his kind. He would think people are playing with him even if they are scolding him. Fortunately, he's quite big and strong, so others don't dare to mess with him.

Don't worry, Nana. Orio can hit it off with anyone, likes to run around, and is usually very docile. If you play with him more, you'll definitely be able to overcome your fear of dogs.

That's what I thought too. Okay, it's not really possible right now, but I'll try my best to accept him and get along with this big friend of ours.

Arf, arf!

He says you feel like one of his kind and wants to get along with you, woof.

One of his kind... What's that supposed to mean?

One of his kind... Pfft!

Enthusiastic, hits it off with people, loves to run... Orio managed to notice these similarities after just meeting her once, which means he has a keen sense of smell and also has a keen intuition.

Nana Shiraishi looks at us laughing out loud with confusion, then she tilts her head and closes her eyes to think deeply for a moment. When she opens her eyes again, she makes an expression of sudden understanding. The next thing I know, I feel a sharp pain coming from my arm.

S-Stop! Everyone is laughing, so why are you only twisting my arm?!

It's because you're laughing the loudest! You're not allowed to laugh! Arghhh! I told you already that you're not allowed to laugh...

...Ah! You're here!

Just as I'm about to have a nice nap today, Nana Shiraishi suddenly calls me and says she has something to discuss with me. She sounds a little anxious on the phone, so I fight my sleepiness and go to the café where we agreed to meet.

Do you need me to help you with anything urgently?

Well... what do you think about me?

Why are you suddenly asking me that? Is it for some kind of survey assignment?

No, it's not that. Just answer my question first.

Let me think... You're carefree, can hit it off with anyone right away, and love to help others. As a whole, you're a nice person, but sometimes you move before you think, which makes you a little reckless.

Oh, and you're afraid of dogs.

Umm... you don't have to mention my weakness. Now comment on things other than my personality, such as my appearance.

Well, you definitely look cute.

Ohhh! H-How cute would you say I look?!

Do you think I look cute enough that it wouldn't be weird if I'm dating someone?!

Please control your emotions, my friend... With your looks, it wouldn't be difficult for you to find a boyfriend.

Hehe! So you also think that too.

Please also control your expressions. You're starting to look really proud even though I barely praised you.

You're exaggerating things. Oh, anyway... umm, would you be willing to go on a date with me?

Oh, so you want to ask me to play with you. You could have just asked me directly instead of being so indirect about it.

I'm not asking you to go out and play with me. I'm asking you out on a date... the type of date that couples go on!

The type of date... that couples go on?

My first reaction after hearing this abrupt invitation is that this is a prank Nana Shiraishi is playing on me. I look around but don't see anyone taking photos discreetly. Nana Shiraishi, on the other hand, starts to blush shyly, so I start to believe that she's being serious about this.

In that case, I will...

I guess I can...

You seem kinda reluctant... but this is great! I knew you would say yes.

Don't get so happy so soon. Since you're asking me out on a date so suddenly, can you tell me what's happened? I won't believe you if you tell me this is just a whim.

Umm... you're usually quite slow, so why are you so astute today?

Tell me now, or I'm going to change my mind.

No, no, no! Don't do that! I'll tell you now. It's like this. When I was chatting with my classmates a few days ago...

I understand what you're saying, but I'm going to turn you down!

Eh... Eh?!!! Don't you want to go on a date with me, your cute, sexy, and charming senpai?

Where did that part about being sexy and charming come from...? This request is too sudden, even if it's coming from my cute, sexy, and charming senpai. There's no way I can agree to it just like that.

Th-Then what will it take for you to say yes?

You need to tell me what's happened at the very least. I won't believe you if you tell me this is just a whim.

Fine then... It's like this. When I was chatting with my classmates a few days ago...

Nana, are you really not going to go sing karaoke with us next weekend? For once, that new handsome member of the basketball team will be coming, and I heard that he likes lively, sporty girls. It would be such a shame if you missed this opportunity!

I-I'll pass. I'm busy next weekend, Jill, enjoy yourself with the others.

Sigh, you always make an excuse to run away whenever I want to introduce some guys to you. You won't be young forever, Nana. Why aren't you interested in falling in love with anyone?

Look at how full my daily schedule is, and I even help sports clubs on the weekends every now and then. I don't have any time to fall in love. In fact, I might as well say that my lover is this school!

Don't try to change the subject. I'm serious here. As they say, the time you have for love is like water in a sponge - you will have it while you squeeze. Even if you aren't thinking of dating anyone right now, it wouldn't hurt to get to know more guys. But you don't seem to have any intention of doing that at all. Don't tell me...

Is it possible that you're in a secret relationship and won't join our gatherings because your boyfriend won't let you?

What on earth are you saying? I really am just too busy.

Hmm... you're probably right. If you really are in a relationship, there's no way I, the president of the love committee, wouldn't have noticed.

Since when did such an organization exist? Have you registered it with the vice president yet...?

Hehe, it's possible that you really haven't noticed, Jill. I often see Nana hanging out with someone I don't know recently, and that person doesn't look like a student of our school.

Now that you mention it... A few days ago, I saw Nana holding hands with someone I don't know while they were being chased through the streets by Yuzu and an Alaskan. Is it possible that we're talking about the same person?

Y-You were mistaken. We weren't holding hands...

Ah! Could this person be the junior that Nana is always talking about?

What?! That's not...

I see... So even my love radar malfunctions sometimes. I'm really impressed, Nana. You managed to hide everything so well. Come on, who is this person? How did you meet? When did you start dating?!

I-It's not what you think...

The more you try to explain, the more it sounds like you're trying to cover things up, which means you're admitting that it's true. We're all smart people here, so it won't look good if you keep trying to hide it from us, Nana.

I'm going on a date with my boyfriend this weekend, so why don't you join us with your boyfriend? I want to see the person you're so infatuated with that you're completely uninterested in the handsome guys I've tried to introduce to you. It's settled then!

W-Wait! Jill, let me explain!

Okay, I understand everything now. If it's just a misunderstanding, then why didn't you explain things clearly at that time instead of making someone like me pretend to be your boyfriend?

You have a point... but I have a reason for doing this.

Jill is always trying to help me find a boyfriend, and she's so enthusiastic about it. I've rejected her so many times that I'm starting to feel bad about it. Since she already misunderstood, I think this is an opportunity to make her really think that I'm in a relationship, and then she'll stop trying to introduce guys to me.

I see, you kinda make some sense.

I remember seeing it mentioned in the news that some people deliberately pay others to pretend to be their lover and return home with them to avoid being pressured into marriage by their elders and to have some peace and quiet. Nana Shiraishi wants to do something similar to deal with her overly enthusiastic classmate.

Please! I can only ask you, my most trustworthy junior, to help me with this. Please help me!

...Fine then. I'll do my best to help you, but you'll need to deal with the mess if they see through our act.

Everything will be alright as long as you're willing to help me! Thanks a lot! This meal is on me, so order whatever you want to eat or drink... oh, umm, m-maybe you can go easy on me because my pocket money is running a little low recently...

It's just a small favor, so you don't have to make such a big deal out of it. Let's plan what we'll do on the date before the weekend, or else it'll be embarrassing if they see through our act immediately.

Seeing Nana Shiraishi beg me so pitifully to help her, as her "most trustworthy junior," I can't really just ignore her plea.

It's also true that the rumors that made her classmates think she was in a relationship are also related to me in some way.

On the day of our date, I deliberately get up earlier than usual to make myself look more presentable and arrive at the agreed meeting place early. After playing with the little stray cat by the road for a while, I see Nana Shiraishi walking over with a bag on her back.

Eh? This sure is rare. You're actually here before me.

Aren't we going on a date today? I shouldn't make you wait for me.

Hehe, good initiative. I hope you haven't been waiting for too long though. Don't tell me... Did you look forward to today's date so much that you set up a tent somewhere nearby and slept here?

No way! I only left home about half an hour early. So? Are you feeling confident about today's date?

Relax! I've made a lot of preparations for today. We can definitely pull it off!

Pull what off?

Eek... G-Good morning, Jill. When did you guys get here?

When you were shouting loudly with a lot of momentum about being able to pull something off.

Oh no... our date plan has fallen through before we've even started.

Nana, don't tell me you...

Wh-What are you trying to say...?

In addition to the double date, have you also made other arrangements, such as secret and private plans for tonight? Ehehe, I'm right, aren't I?

A-Ahahaha... so that's what you mean. What I meant was that I wanted to enjoy today's date. That's all, so please don't make random guesses or make such a sleazy grin, Jill.

Okay, okay. I'll stop teasing you. Anyway, so is this the one I've heard so much about?

Nice to meet you, I'm {var:player_nickname}.

Whoa, what a formal greeting. You don't need to be so reserved. Just call me Jill like Nana. The person next to me is my boyfriend, of course.

What's his name? You're Jill, so don't tell me he's called Jack.

Huh? Are you telepathic or something? How did know that my name is Jack?

...That's really his name?!

Okay, we're done with the introductions. Let's go to the cinema like we planned.

Let's go, {var:player_nickname}.

...Oh, okay.

Why did you look at me so sluggishly just then? Were you thinking about something?

(whisper) I'm so used to hearing you call me your junior that it took me a moment to realize you were talking to me.

(whisper) I see. Then should I call you something else to make it more obvious that I'm talking to you like "darling" or something?

(whisper) Urgh... Hearing that is making the hairs on the back of my hands stand up.

(whisper) Hehe, are you serious? I don't believe you, darling...

(whisper) If you're going to do this, then two can play this game.

Huh?!

Nana Shiraishi jumps away from me quickly like a frightened cat the moment I hold her hand, catching the attention of Jill, who is walking in front of us. She turns around and squints at Nana Shiraishi with confusion.

Hmm? What is it, Nana?

Nothing, maybe my hand was a little cold today, so I gave her a fright when I held her hand.

Y-Yes, why is your hand so cold? I bet you haven't been exercising properly recently. Give me your hands so I can rub them and warm them up for you.

Okay... (whisper) Calm down. Isn't it normal for couples to hold hands? Don't make a fuss over it.

Aha... (whisper) You're right... but aren't you also blushing right now?

(whisper) I'm blushing because of something else...

After all, she only said she would rub my hands, not that she would hold them and breathe on them to warm them up like what's happening right now.

Nana, are there any other movies you wanna watch? If there aren't any, we'll watch "A Romantic Holiday" like we planned.

Let's watch that. I have some discount vouchers, so I'll buy the tickets.

(whisper) I just took a look at this and saw that it's a chick flick. So you like this type of movie?

(whisper) To be honest, I'm not that interested, but isn't this the right type of movie to watch on a date?

...Eh? A new Masked Hero movie is playing here?! Oh, it's a test screening. No wonder I didn't know about it.

I remember that you love Masked Hero, Nana. Didn't you also show off your villain-fighting skills on the stage of a hero show when you were little?

Hehe, that was the first time I fought against the villains. It's such a pity that I can't fight the villains on the stage anymore now even if I watch a hero show.

Nana, have you got the tickets?

Oh, sorry about that. It'll just be a little longer.

Didn't you want to watch the Masked Hero movie?

I'll come back and watch it with my little brother later. After all, that little kid loves the masked heroes too. It's just such a shame because you can get a special full-color poster if you watch it today.

I see...

It's a little strange for a couple to watch a live-action hero movie like Masked Hero on a date. Like what Nana Shiraishi said, the right movie to watch at a time like this is a chick flick, so we'll watch "A Romantic Holiday" together as planned...

Hmm.. Mmm...

That was close. I almost yawned out loud. This movie's pace is so slow that I'm getting sleepy.

Zzz... Zzz...

...Geez, Nana Shiraishi has beaten me to it and fallen asleep at some point. I can even hear the faint sound of her breathing while asleep. Seeing that she is sleeping so soundly, I pinch the back of her hand gently.

Ouch, that hurts...

Seeing that Nana Shiraishi is now awake and about to say something, I quickly place my finger against her lips to remind her to stay quiet. After that, I grab my phone, make it as dim as it can get, and write a text message for her.

(Text Message) You shouldn't really fall asleep even if the movie is really boring! They might realize something if we get so bored that we fall asleep instead of enjoying the romantic atmosphere.

Nana Shiraishi gets what I mean. She turns so that her back is facing Jill, then she also makes her phone as dim as it can get like me.

(Text Message) Oh no! I fell asleep just then. What should I do?!

(Text Message) Jill seems to be very focused on watching the movie, so she probably didn't notice that you fell asleep. The important thing is that you can't fall asleep again now!

(Text Message) Got it! Just like being stranded on a snowy mountain - you'll be a goner if you fall asleep!

(Text Message) Well, I couldn't go as far as to say that you'll be a goner...

(Text Message) Tsk, tsk, tsk. You don't understand. That's the mindset we need to survive until the end in today's challenge of pretending to be a couple!

(Text Message) I hope a certain someone who has already fallen asleep once will be able to remember this then.

(Text Message) I just let down my guard in a momentary lapse of concentration! Don't worry, I won't fall asleep again!

(Text Message) ...But if, if I accidentally fall asleep again, please don't leave me alone.

(Text Message) Then you better pray that I'll still be awake if that happens.

It doesn't take long before this "what if" situation happens. In just five minutes, I start to hear a familiar breathing sound next to me again...

...(whisper) I'm going to pinch you now.

Ouch!

Judging from how I need to pinch her every five minutes to keep her awake, I don't think I need to worry about falling asleep myself.

Hey, why do you always drool everywhere whenever we watch a romance movie together? And you don't respond either when I ask you to pass me a tissue.

Yaaaawn... This movie is too boring. I think it's already great that I could stay awake for the first five minutes of it.

I'm impressed with your patience, {var:player_nickname}. You actually managed to watch the whole thing without falling asleep. You have my respect.

I-It was okay. The movie does have a slow pace, but the story is quite well-written.

By the way, I'm surprised that you didn't fall asleep, Nana. You're always the first the fall asleep whenever we watch romance movies.

Well, I'm watching it with a special person today. Isn't that right, {var:player_nickname}?

Ouch... Ah, yes, yes, you're right...

This one pinch from Nana Shiraishi probably hurts more than all the pinches I gave her combined, but I can only endure the pain because she would have been able to sleep peacefully without any feelings of anxiety or pain if we noticed that Jack had fallen asleep sooner.

...I'm sorry, Jill, but I'm more interested in another movie. Can we watch that one instead while you watch this romance movie?

Eh? Th-That's not good, right? We agreed to watch the same movie together.

That's okay. {var:player_nickname}, which one do you want to watch?

I want to watch the new Masked Hero movie. I'm a diehard fan of this series.

I remember that Nana loves Masked Hero too. Bird of a flock fly together, huh? We'll watch the movies separately then.

I also want to watch the Masked Hero movie.

You get over here now! You better stay awake throughout the movie too. You'll be in trouble if you don't hand me a tissue when I'm crying!

And so, the two couples entered separate cinema rooms after having their tickets checked...

Junior, is this really okay? Even if we both like Masked Hero, wouldn't it be strange if a couple watches a live-action hero movie together? Are you sure Jill won't get suspicious?

There's nothing to worry about. A date is about doing something we both like to do or want to do, right? Think about it, if we're both not interested in that romance movie, or even fall asleep, then Jill would feel even more suspicious.

You have a point.

Also, don't forget to call me by my name during this time. I'm afraid you'll start calling me junior again after we finish the movie by habit.

Oh, right...

Although I try to comfort Nana Shiraishi by telling her not to overthink things, she still looks uneasy and keeps looking at the doors of the cinema room from time to time after sitting down. Fortunately, she is soon broken out of this uneasy state as the big screen lights up and she quickly focuses on the movie.

You want me to retreat? Never! I'm here to protect the children's dreams! Final Judgment Form!

{var:player_nickname}, look! That's the ultimate form of the hero in this movie. It looks so cool, right?!

Yes, it is very cool. The seats are shaking really strongly, so you better be careful in case you fall off it.

As the story reaches its climax, Nana Shiraishi and the children around her get more and more excited. They cheer for the masked hero on the screen, giving the cinema room a lively atmosphere. The special seats designed for this 4D movie shake more and more violently as the battles get more and more intense, and I even start to wonder if I'm riding a roller coaster.

Ouch... my back hurts...

Let me make a correction. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster and getting a full-body massage at the same time. The seat shakes and vibrates from time to time, and the vibrations make me feel like I'm one of the villains on the screen getting beaten up and rolling on the floor...

The movie was great, and I got the full-color poster. I'm super satisfied now!

Hahaha, I'm glad that you're happy.

We're also finished over here. Hmm? {var:player_nickname}, why do you look a little tired?

I'm alright. I just feel a little too relaxed after getting a full-body massage.

You got to sit on massage chairs in your movie? That's so nice! We should have watched the Masked Hero movie too. Our one was so boring that I fell asleep. I would've slept more comfortably if we had massage chairs too.

How dare you even mention that?!

Umm... be careful. Your elbow is just a few centimeters away from my kidney...

It's almost time to have lunch. Is there anything you want to eat? I'll search for a suitable restaurant nearby.

You don't have to worry about that. I've got lunch sorted. Ta-da! I brought bento boxes.

Eh? You brought bento boxes?

It's an iron rule of shojo manga to prepare bento boxes when going out on a date!

Wow! You brought bento boxes for our date. That's so traditional. This doesn't even happen often in shojo manga now.

Eh, r-really?

That's right. But this is great. It looks like I asked the right person to go on a double date with us today. Ta-da, I also brought bento boxes! Nana, welcome to our big family of girls who go on dates the traditional way.

...Wow... Long live tradition! Jill!

Oh... you just found another companion. Are you really so happy that you're crying?

Ah, I'm starving. Don't just show me the food. Let's sit down and eat it.

I remember there's a nice park around here. Let's sit there and eat.

After arriving at the park and sitting down, I open the bento box Nana Shiraishi prepared for me and am impressed by what I see inside it.

Ohh?! The presentation is amazing, and it looks so delicious.

{var:player_nickname}, why are you acting like it's the first time you've seen Nana's bento boxes? Doesn't she usually make them for you? I remember that she always makes them for her little brother.

Well... she's always so busy, so I haven't been asking her to make them for me because I don't want her to work so hard. What's more, her bento boxes feel nicer and more delicious when I only get to eat them when we're on a date.

Oh? Are you saying that it isn't delicious if you eat it all the time?

I didn't say that. Let me try it first.

Hold on, don't be so impatient.

Umm... Nana, what are you...

I don't bring a bento box for you every day, so of course, I want to feed you the first bite. Come on, open your mouth. Ah...

I see! So you brought bento boxes because you wanted to act all lovey-dovey. We won't get in your way then. Jack and I will go over there, so you can be as lovey-dovey as you want.

...(whisper) I-Is it necessary to go so far...?

(whisper) Of course! Isn't this the classic development in shojo manga? Quickly, my arm is getting sore.

O-Okay then... Ah...

Now that's a good boy. So why did you hesitate for so long? Is it because you're embarrassed about me feeding you in front of others?

More or less...

Hehe, you're finally starting to get embarrassed too. {var:player_nickname}, you've been acting the same as usual so far today, so I feel like I've lost because I'm the only one who has been getting nervous because of this date.

Is it necessary to be competitive over something like this...? Anyway, just feed me already. If I keep my mouth open for any longer, it'll get as sore as your arm. Ah...

Sure, here it comes, hehe...

...

A meatball slides smoothly across the left side of my face, leaving a trail of sauce behind.

S-Sorry, my hand slipped. Hehe...

...I hope the sauce mark on the right side of my face will be symmetrical with my left cheek.

Th-This is strange. Let me try again...

Stop, stop, stop! If you keep feeding me, my face will become a messy canvas before any food even gets in my mouth. Why are your hands shaking so badly? Could it be... are you also feeling embarrassed about feeding me?

Hahaha, there's no such thing! I'm just a little nervous because I've never fed anyone before.

You look quite sweaty, my friend.

Stop talking for now because you're distracting me. Phew... (whisper) Calm down, Nana Shiraishi. You can do something as simple as feeding someone. You don't need to get nervous or feel embarrassed...

Ah... (whisper) My lower jaw is starting to get sore.

...Now!

Huh?!

I finally managed to get my first bite of the food. It sure wasn't easy.

F-Forget it. I can eat it myself.

Oh? It's not such a big deal even if I feed you. That's so not cute. So why did you hesitate for so long? Is it because you're embarrassed about me feeding you in front of others?

More or less...

Hehe, you're finally starting to get embarrassed too. {var:player_nickname}, you've been acting the same as usual so far today, so I feel like I've lost because I'm the only one who has been getting nervous because of this date.

You're being competitive about something strange again... but I'm really embarrassed about you feeding me, so I surrender. Now let me have a good taste of your cooking.

What should I try first... I know, I'll try this meatball.

Nom, nom, nom... Urgh?! Water, water...

{var:player_nickname}, did you choke on something?! Here, drink some water.

Glug... Relax, I didn't choke on anything. This meatball is so spicy.

Oops, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you that the food I make is a little spicy.

A little spicy?

Everyone's constitution is different, and Nana Shiraishi and I should have quite a different idea of what we consider as being "a little spicy." I fan my tongue, which is still tingling painfully, and don't have the courage to keep eating the meatballs for now, so I reach out for the vegetables next to me with my chopsticks.

Nom, nom, nom... Eh, this familiar nose-scrunching feeling is from mustard?

Yes, my mother says that kale is only nice when it's drizzled with a mixture of soy sauce and mustard.

Which means the yellow thing on this fried pork cutlet is also... yes, it's also yellow mustard. Ahem, sorry, but can you pass me the water again...

I look at the bento box and realize that every food item in it, including the dessert, is spicy in its own way. Even the tender white rice tastes faintly of pickled peppers, which makes me completely speechless for a while. Hmm... can a spicy dessert still be called a dessert...?

...Nana, do you love eating spicy things?

That's right. Me and my whole family like eating spicy foods, but the food I've made today is a little mild because I'm worried that you can't eat food that's too spicy.

Mild... Can I try a bite of yours?

I suspect that Nana Shiraishi prepared my bento box as a prank, but after tasting hers, I have to honestly admit that I'm just too weak to enjoy the delicious bento box in front of me, which she regards as being mildly flavored.

Jill, you make such delicious food. What will I do if I get spoiled by your cooking?

While I'm drinking water to relieve the spiciness, I hear Jack praising Jill's cooking behind me, so I turn to look enviously at the delicacies they are eating.

After that, an incredible scene enters my eyes.

It's so delicious... I can't stop eating. You need to make less food next time, or else I'll get fat and won't look handsome anymore.

Oh, you always know what to say. Eat as much as you like.

Before I even start to comment on the indescribable food that is releasing purple bubbles in the bento box, I want to say that food shouldn't make you look livid and pop your eyes out no matter how delicious it is, right?!

But even so, the happy smile on Jack's face at this moment is genuine. This... I guess this is the power of love.

When I turn my gaze away from that chaotic yet sweet scene and look back at the bento box in my hand, I can't help but imagine Nana Shiraishi bustling about while she prepared these bento boxes. Under her gentle smile that melts into the sunshine, I feel ashamed of my earlier cowardice.

(whisper) It's just a little spicy. It's not a big deal. Nana worked hard to prepare this, so I must eat everything...

...Hmm? {var:player_nickname}, your forehead is covered in sweat. Is the food too spicy for you?

No way! This is mildly seasoned, so it isn't spicy at all. I'll be okay. Sweating is good for the body.

Mmm-mmm, delicious! You're so thoughtful, you know? It's been getting colder recently, so it's a perfect time to eat spicy food. *coughs*

A-Are you okay?

I'm okay... The food is just too delicious, haha... so I ended up eating too quickly. I'll be okay after drinking some water.

Are you sure you're okay? Your face is completely red now. You don't need to force yourself to eat everything if it's too spicy for you.

No!

Keep eating! Don't stop! These tears I'm shedding after eating this food are proof of my happiness! What I have in my hands isn't just a simple bento box. It represents love! LOVE! What I need to respond to this love is... the courage to rise to the occasion and take the bull by the horns!

(whisper) Don't be scared. No matter how spicy it is, at least... at least it shouldn't kill me!

When I stand up with swollen lips to clean the bento box, Jack also stands up with a pale face. His eyes seem a little dilated, but he is still smiling happily.

Yo... my friend, have you finished your bento box...?

Of course... I ate everything...

My friend, you deserve this.

Jack gives me a thumbs up, and I smile back at him in response. Life sure is amazing. After eating one meal, the man in front of me and I suddenly appreciate each other like old friends. As I support his trembling body, I hope that I won't need to call an ambulance later...

After having lunch and passing the test of love with my and Jack's lives on the line, the four of us stroll around while we think about where to go next.

(whisper) Nana, it would be best to go to sing karaoke or something. If we walk around on the streets for too long, there's a high chance that we'll meet an acquaintance and get found out.

(whisper) You're right. Let's do that.

Jill, shall we go to sing karaoke?

Okay, but I just saw a fortune-telling stall and want to have my fortune told first.

...I have a bad feeling about this.

Welcome.

Is there only one fortune-telling stall in One Han City?!

(whisper) Wh-What should we do?! Will Kaavi expose us?

(whisper) D-Don't panic yet. She doesn't know that we're pretending to be a couple, so let's just not ask her to tell our fortunes...

Hello, we want to ask you about our love fortune. Nana, would you also like to have your fortune told too?

N-No, I'll be fine...

That won't do. The future is so unpredictable. The more you know in advance, the more you can do to protect your relationship! We're here anyway, so let's both have our fortunes told.

A couple...

...

...

Kaavi looks at Nana Shiraishi and me, making us both feel frightened under her gaze. Fortunately, she doesn't really say anything. Instead, she lowers her head and fiddles with the tarot cards on the table as she starts telling Jill's fortune.

...The Lovers is upright, which means that your romance will become more intimate. This is a good sign.

You drew The Lovers card when asking about your love fortune. You've got good luck, Jill.

How can you call it luck when it's destiny. It's your turn now, Nana.

Okay...

After seeing Nana Shiraishi and I sit down, Kaavi puts away the tarot cards and places a crystal ball in the center of the table.

Why aren't you using tarot cards this time?

It's important to use the right fortune-telling method for each person to reveal the right answer that destiny has in store for them. Please wait quietly for your fortune to be told.

...Oh, this is interesting.

Wh-What can you see?

I can sense the rapport and intimacy that you two share... I can see your present, but I can't see a shred of your future because a layer of fog is obscuring my vision. It's been a while since destiny has eluded me like this.

Does this mean that Nana's relationship won't go well? Can you try to tell their fortune again?

It's rude to forcefully tear off the veil of fate, but... I can take some steps to actively approach it.

...What advice can you give us?

This is an amulet my master gave to me, and I've kept it at home for a long time now, but I suddenly thought of taking it with me today for some reason. Now that I think about it, maybe it wants to find a more suitable owner for itself.

Okay, I'll buy it. How much does it cost?

Its price will be determined by the one who is hungry for answers.

After all that, it turns out that what she wants is money... Since Kaavi didn't expose us right away, I paid her some hush money, which was about double what I paid her for an amulet the last time.

Hehe... nice doing business with you.

Huh? Sorry, I need to take a phone call.

Hello... Huh? Right now? Sorry, I don't think I can come right now...

What is it?

Please wait a moment... My friend in the swimming club said they need one more person for their training match and asked if I can help out... It doesn't matter though. I'll get them to ask someone else.

You should go since they are waiting for you.

But aren't we on a date? It's not good to just leave you here like this.

Just go, or else you'll keep worrying about whether they managed to find anyone and won't enjoy yourself anyway. We'll continue our date another day.

I guess you're right... I'll listen to you then. I'm sorry, Jill! I need to go to school right now. I'll buy you a drink another day.

Just go. It's not like you haven't suddenly left us while we're out before.

Even if she is helping others out, it's still kinda insensitive of her to leave halfway through a date. Aren't you angry at all?

It's alright. I'm already used to it. She has such an enthusiastic personality, and that's also what makes her so likable.

Wow, that's so thoughtful. Although it's good to be considerate of your girlfriend, {var:player_nickname}, you don't have to be so understanding all the time.

Haha, then would it be better if I acted jealous?

A lover who gets jealous is cuter. By the way, if you don't chase after her and cheer for her, all that effort you two put into pretending to be a couple today would be in vain.

...

She knows? This is bad. I wonder what gave it away. What should I do now...?

...How did you find out?

Oh? You're not going to try to explain?

Since you brought this up, I'm sure you've noticed something that doesn't add up. There's no point trying to say anything otherwise now.

Well, instead of saying that I noticed anything, it's more like Nana just sucks at acting. She was so embarrassed that her ears were completely red when you held her hand at the beginning. If you really are dating, there's no way she would get that embarrassed, right?

Okay then... but is that the only thing that gave us away?

{var:player_nickname}, you acted really natural, but you also gave it away when we were having lunch. Even a classmate like me knows that Nana makes really spicy food, so if you really are her boyfriend, you wouldn't have been taken by surprise by her spicy food.

But this act wouldn't have been possible if she didn't bring you with her today. To be honest, you've done really well already. If you had left and gone to school with her just then, I might have thought that you two had just started dating and ignored the things that seemed strange to me.

While it's true that couples don't need to go everywhere together, there's no reason why you wouldn't leave with her in this situation. I mean, you wouldn't be intentionally staying here to be our third wheel, right?

...Sigh, I got careless. I guess it is indeed unnatural to let your own girlfriend leave alone while you stay with another couple. What's worse is that I just met you today, so it's even weirder for me to stay here.

Why didn't you expose us earlier if you noticed that we were just pretending?

Because it's amusing, of course. Hahaha, it's really fun to see you and Nana rushing around trying to trick us.

Oh... by the way, it's kinda of my fault that you had to spend so much on that amulet. Let me pay for half of it.

No, you don't need to. Think of it as my just deserts for trying to trick you.

Let's just walk around randomly for a little longer and then go to pick Nana up from the school together later. Even if you're just pretending to be a couple, it's still true that you're on a date, and it would be too sad for your girlfriend to have to go home all alone at this time.

You're right. I'll take this advice from a real couple to heart.

Let's go then. By the way, why haven't you said anything this entire time, Jack? Why are you in a daze?

...{var:player_nickname}, so you and Nana aren't really dating?!

...

...He's a slow idiot. Just ignore him.

He actually admitted he was tricked by me, which made my efforts seem somewhat worthwhile. I really want to cry now.

My friend, you deserve this.

...Hmm? Jill, why have you come?

I came especially with your guy to pick you up. Shouldn't you run up and give your boyfriend a big hug?

O-Of course I'm happy, but I don't think it's necessary to hug him...

Jill, you can stop teasing her now. Nana, we don't need to pretend anymore.

Eh... I'm sorry, Jill! I didn't mean to trick you. I did this because...

You don't need to apologize to me. We had lots of fun today, didn't we? As for your reason for doing this, {var:player_nickname} already told me when we were on our way here.

I'm sorry, Nana. I'll stop introducing guys to you.

Really?

You should have just told me directly if I was making you feel uncomfortable. Or did you think I would get angry at you? If I knew you already had someone so nice as a potential boyfriend, I wouldn't have tried so hard to introduce you to guys.

Are you talking about {var:player_nickname}?

Huh?!

Who else? Think about it. Most people would get angry if their date left them during a date, let alone support their willful desire to help others.

I think {var:player_nickname} is quite a nice person. You two should just start dating for real.

J-Junior, don't listen to what Jill is saying. She's just joking!

Whether I'm joking or not depends on how things develop between you two. Well, we'll be off now. You two can take your time and have a good chat.

...Oh, by the way, Nana, have you already thought of an explanation?

An explanation? Don't you already know the truth?

I do, but what about everyone else? One Han City is both big and small. Are you really that confident... that we were not seen by anyone we know today?

What should we do?! When we were dating, Hana, Ransei, Eliisa, and... in short, a lot of people saw us holding hands while walking around! When I was cleaning the playground, they gathered around me and kept asking me about it. What should I say to them?!{var:Shake}

Hahaha... this is such a coincidence. I'm also trying to think of my response to a bunch of text messages filled with question marks...

As we speak, my phone vibrates again on the table, and I have even less courage to reply to the message when I see that the sender is Ren Kisaragi...

Pretending to be a couple... Nana and me? I'm sorry, I don't understand what you're saying.

I didn't say I wouldn't go and cheer for her. I was just about to go.

Really? Then why didn't you leave with her just now?

I stayed behind to buy her some sports drinks and other things.

You're more considerate than I expected. In that case, give Nana my regards.

I leave quickly in case I give anything else away and sigh in relief under my breath after making sure that Jack and Jill are no longer behind me. Jill's sudden probe really gave me a fright just now.

I wonder what gave us away... Is it because I didn't leave with Nana? That would make sense. If I really am going out with Nana, it is a little weird to let her go to school alone while I stay and hang out with two people I barely know.

Oh, there she is.

They are resting at halftime when I arrive at the school with water and protein bars. At this moment, Nana Shiraishi is sitting next to the pool and wiping herself with a towel.

How did it go today?

Eh?! J-Junior, why are you here?

I've come to cheer for you.

Nana, who is this?

He's even brought water and food. This enthusiasm... He can't be here just to cheer for you, right?

Junior... Oh, I know! Isn't this the person who Nana is always talking about?

Don't listen to them! I'm not always talking about... Hmm?! Hmm!!!

Nana, please stay quiet until we finish asking all our questions. I've got her under control. Ask the questions now!

Hello, how did you and Nana meet?

Let's get directly to the point. What's your relationship with Nana?

What's my relationship with her? She's my senpai, and I'm her junior.

Is that all?

You... stop a-asking all these random questions!

...Nana loves to help people, and she takes care of many of her juniors. I'm one of them.

But I think I'm more special than the others because she once said that I'm her "most trustworthy junior."

She's also my most trustworthy and important senpai.

J-Junior...

Are you happy with this answer?

Your most important senpai...

Yes! This answer leaves a lot to the imagination. I'm happy with it!

I'll get out of your way now.

Hey! Don't leave so quickly! Come back! Our relationship isn't what you think...

They are all very far away now, so you can stop shouting. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?

Thanks... but you shouldn't humor them. You don't have to tell them anything.

They are going to let their imagination run wild even if I don't say anything. I just gave them an answer they can accept so they will stop disturbing your rest.

We're the only people who need to know what relationship we have. Also, I meant what I said. They can interpret my words however they like.

I guess you're right... By the way, you didn't come here just to cheer for me, right? Did Jill say something?

She started suspecting that we aren't really going out because I didn't leave with you, so I rushed over here.

But I think this isn't the only thing that made her suspect us. You should start thinking of what you should say to her.

Well... if all else fails, I can just apologize to her and admit that I was lying to her...

I'm sorry. I left without thinking too much about it and let you clean up after me.

It's not the first time you've acted this recklessly, so I'm already used to it.

You don't have to put it so bluntly... Now that I think about it, someone like me is no good in a relationship. Who would like a girlfriend who would abandon them at the drop of a hat to help someone else?

It's a good thing that we aren't really dating, or else even someone with a good temper like you would get angry at me.

I can't say for sure. When you like someone, you're usually attracted by their strengths, and isn't your love of helping others part of your charm? I think that if I fall in love with you, I'll definitely be prepared to accept this willful part of you.

Junior... Well, you know that I'm quite reckless sometimes. Don't you think it's troublesome to get involved in all sorts of weird things by someone like me?

Of course it's troublesome. My legs were sore for days after Orio chased us around.

I-I'm sorry... I should have massaged your legs for longer if I knew you would be sore for so long...

Although it's troublesome, it's also really fun. If life wasn't so fulfilling and meaningful with you, do you think I would accompany you everywhere?

So wipe that sad look off your face now. It's not like you at all to keep worrying about this and that.

Hmm... Hehe, now that I think about it, I still have hope...

What hope?

N-Nothing! I mean... umm... if Jill asks us out on another double date, you'll be willing to help me out again, right?

Again... Umm, yes.

I can't help it since this troublesome senpai is my most important senpai. I have to keep my word, right?