Gamers!

Volume 12, Chapter 3 – Konoha Hoshinomori and First Love Fan Disc

Translator: your_pingas

“Well, …can we start talking about what we need to now?”

“Nope.”

“I see. …Uh, well, I have a very important topic related to love-“

“Save your energy to find the hentai game instead of chit-chatting, senpai.”

“Sigh, sure. I’m very sorry.”

Konoha-san rejected my suggestion ruthlessly. I can only start working again in silence.

We are in Hekiyou’s student council room right now. I squatted down on the floor covered in a blue mat. There’s a box filled with mold in front of me. I opened it and searched for everything inside while holding my breath due to the dust.

Also, the box I just opened right now is filled with books called <Student Council’s Discretion>. It should be impossible for a hentai game to be under these books. However, Konoha-san said this.

“At this point, even a micro SD card can fit in there!”

So, just in case, I had to take every single <Student Council’s Discretion> out and flip the pages. After that-

“Ah, senpai. Please take off the cover too.”

“…Alright.”

I followed her instructions and checked the inside after taking off the cover. …Of course, there’s nothing inside. Yep, I carefully slipped the cover back and checked the next one.

“…………”

It takes around 10 seconds to check one book. I took a look at the inside of the box. There are nearly a hundred s inside. In other words, I’ll have to spend a thousand seconds- more than 15 minutes to check it patiently. At the same time, there are tens of boxes I haven’t checked yet.

I raised my head and looked at the clock on the wall. It’s almost 6 PM. I arrived here at 4:30. So, it’s been nearly one hour and a half.

I gulped and made up my mind. Here goes the unusual suggestion for a passerby loner.

“…Uh, Konoha-san? It would be the best to find more people-“

However, Konoha-san didn’t even stop after hearing that. She hmphed and answered.

“Ho, this is a newbie in a relationship. Sigh.”

“A newbie in a relationship.”

It’s quite a refreshingly new word for a loner. Konoha-san continued.

“Listen, senpai. I’m different from you. I’m not a person that had to be photoshopped away in a class photo because he’s disgusting, okay?”

“Who do you think I am? It’s not that bad, …right. …I think.”

Being unable to retort back confidently at a mean comment. I’m pathetic.

In contrast, Konoha-san puffed up her chest and continued. “From this perspective.”

“I’m standing at the top of Hekiyou, the super beautiful student council president that everyone yearns for, Konoha Hoshinomori?”

“Huh? Well, so, unlike me, there should be a lot of people willing to help you-“

“Senpai is too na?ve. It’s more like it’s exactly because I’m a person like this-“

She paused for a moment. Then, she looked weirdly throbbed as she continued.

“-How can I say an incredibly shameless request that is, ‘Let’s search for the <Legendary Hentai Game> together!’ to others!?”

Konoha-san looked like she’s about to cry. Indeed, I can understand what she said. However…

“But isn’t this strange? You just asked me to come here without hesitation.”

“Of course. It’s because senpai isn’t like others to me at all.”

“Eh…?”

After hearing that, I suddenly remembered her confession last month. My face can’t help but flare up.

Konoha-san looked at me with her watery eyes. She licked her lips erotically and continued.

“It’s because senpai is-“

I held my breath.

Don’t tell me she’s going to sincerely confess-

“Senpai is my- friend for orgasm.”

“Yeah, hentai game friends, right! Can you please don’t lewd your words!?”

“I guess ‘hentai game friends’ are close…”

“Ugh…!”

I regret complaining. So, I cleared my throat and continued.

“W-Well, let’s forget about that first. If that’s the case, why don’t you just not say you’re finding hentai games? A lot of people will help you if you just say things like the past memory discs of the student council…”

“Ha, that’s why you’re a character that gets 3 lines of explanation only.”

“Hey, you’re talking to the guy that received your honmei chocolate a month ago. Don’t tell me that’s my illusion?”

“I’m speechless at how shallow senpai is. Listen, let say I recruited help, and we did find the legendary hentai game. What would happen if the cover of the disc is <Chikan Humiliation NTR Collection>?”

“…I bet the mood would’ve died.”

“Right? I’ll be treated like garbage in the worst-case scenario. You’re severely underestimating how repulsive non-otakus can be against hentai games.”

“I know how repulsive they can be already.”

It’s like your aunt who doesn’t understand why people love indoor activities. Not as extreme as Aguri-san, but you get the idea. However, that’s definitely not weird. In fact, it’s a very normal opinion.

Konoha-san nodded and continued.

“So, we have to carry out the mission in secret. Only sex-driven people like senpai and I can do it.”

“Yeah, hentai game partners. Please stop lewding it. I have a girlfriend.”

“I mean, you’re already out the moment you decided to search for hentai games with another school’s beautiful girl.”

“Tck…!”

She got me again. That’s why I can’t deal with smart perverts…!

However, even so, I still planned to retort and glared at Konoha-san.

“I-In the end, I’m not here to find hentai games. Instead, I’m here to give you a present and answer for the White Day-“

“Oi, don’t just use your mouth, senpai. Your hips should move more.”

“Hands! I’m just flipping books. I don’t need to use my waist!”

“Ah, if you’re being so violent, I…I’ll break.”

“I feel like you’re trying to stir up some misunderstandings again!? Do you think that someone can hear our conversation outside the student council room!?”

“Ah, side note, I told onee-chan to pick us up today.”

“Screw this little sister!”

I hastily stood up and opened the door. No one is there. I poked my head outside and checked left and right. The gloomy corridor is silent.

Konoha-san continued casually, “Ah, come to think of it, I haven’t called her yet.”

I sighed in relief and closed the door. For some reason, she smiled at me like a little devil.

“Hoho, what senpai just did feels super evil. It’s like we’re really cheating.”

“We’re not. By the way, why can I sincerely feel how scary is it if people saw me cheating? Isn’t this a bit unreasonable?”

“Well, with this rare opportunity, do you want to cheat for real?”

Konoha-san said that as she put her fingers on her chest’s ribbon.

I sighed and started searching for the hentai game again before answering calmly.

“Don’t move your mouth. Use your hands, Konoha-san.”

“Ara ara, hoho, senpai loves hands more than the mouth?”

“Alright, alright, that’s enough teasing for one day.”

“…Tck, I feel like senpai isn’t turned on at all today. How boring.”

It’s because I’m not turned on at all. Konoha-san pouted in dissatisfaction. Even so, I remained in my chores silently without looking at her. Konoha-san also returned to her work reluctantly.

“…………”

The two of us are working quietly in the Hekiyou Student Council room.

…It’s not that I’m mad at Konoha-san.

It’s more like it’s the opposite.

Just for today, Konoha-san is the most important girl to me. …That’s why I don’t know how to deal with her method of playing dumb by sexually harassing me.

After all, there’s one thing I have to do today.

I’m here to give her, Konoha Hoshinomori-

-A brutal rejection.

*

It’s already spring break soon. I only got to hang out with Konoha-san a week after White Day, which is today.

I fulfilled my promise by coming to the student council room. However, just like what you can see, I still don’t have the chance to talk about that. In other words, the answer to her confession.

Moreover, I was dragged into Konoha-san’s search for the slumbering hentai game in this student council room. It’s not even certain whether it really exists.

“…………”

I invested my search effort in silence as I observed Konoha-san in secret. It looked like she’s glancing at me too. Our eyes met each other. I felt that this was a good chance and prepared to talk about the White Day present. However, as if she was on purpose, Konoha-san looked away and spoke in a high-pitched voice.

“Ah, I’ll look into the files on the shelf too.”

“Eh? Uh, sure.”

Konoha-san stood up before even finishing her sentence. She turned around and started checking. I stared at her beautiful figure. …It looks like my suspicions are confirmed. I’m not overthinking it.

Recently, she’s clearly avoiding my answer.

Come to think of it, this went all for the entire week. Of course, I wasn’t aware of it on White Day. I just felt that she’s considerate to not ask for this on White Day. That’s why I appreciated her.

However, after the second day, no matter how many times I asked her, she kept saying that she’s busy. This is already far out of the limit of being considerate. She’s avoiding me on purpose.

However, from my perspective, I don’t want to drag this on. The present for White Day and the important answer are both on the line. That’s why I kept the pressure on despite my inability to communicate with people.

Today, Konoha-san finally surrendered and promised to meet me in the student council room. Also, I can’t help but do a V-pose after the promise was made. Tendou-san saw that and cried out.

“Hey, hey, hey! Showing your brightest smile when you chase after another girl’s tail in front of your girl, is that what you should do!? Amano-kun!?”

She said that with teary eyes. It took a long time for me to convince her too. …Ahem, anyway, let’s put this aside for now.

Anyway, I finally acquired the chance. I’ll definitely hand her the present in my school bag and the answer today. However, the person in question…

“H-Ha! I-Is it possible for them to have uploaded the data on the cloud instead of the SD card!? If that’s the case, perhaps there’s an URL or QR code hidden somewhere here. So, I have to check every page of the documents too…!”

…Her mind is still filled with that legendary hentai game. She’s literally like a student cleaning her room right before the final exam. There’s no need to do that now. However, the girl just keeps trying to delay my answer.

This can’t continue. …I bet she understands it too. However, I can’t brush over that, no matter what.

It’s because both of us know that-

-Our relationship will be “reject/being rejected” after today.

I started going out with Tendou-san around a week ago. Everyone knows that, especially Konoha-san. There’s no way for her to not know that when she’s Chiaki’s little sister.

So, in this sense, my answer feels especially “heavy” for her, unlike Chiaki.

In the end, no one knew my feelings before I confessed them to Chiaki on that day. Of course, not even Tendou-san knew it.

Therefore, I bet Chiaki came with a slight sense of hope. Of course, I don’t think she’s hoping to be saved. I didn’t save her.

That’s the same for Tendou-san too. Just like Chiaki, she met me on White Day without knowing anything until I answered. Her chest must’ve been filled with expectation and worry.

Honestly, I felt the same too. I didn’t know how much I would hurt Chiaki. Will Tendou-san really accept my feelings this time? Even the future my answer leads to was uncertain. My chest was filled with insecurity. However, I stepped forward with that slight sense of hope.

However, she- Konoha Hoshinomori, is completely different.

Konoha-san…came here today knowing full well that it’s hopeless.

Even I know how cruel that is.

That’s why it’s incredibly painful for me to say it out loud. To be honest, I thought about just escaping from this place.

No one can benefit from this, no matter what.

However, even so, even so…

I can’t just void her confession.

“…Very well.”

I made up my mind after enduring the bitterness. I raised my head and told Konoha-san my answer to her confession-

“By the way, does senpai like chikan doujins?”

“You seriously interrupted me because of something like that?”

-She ruined the mood the moment I wanted to say it. …Sigh, I can’t talk about our relationship with that. It can’t be helped. I played along with her as I continued searching.

“As I’ve said before, I don’t have weird fetishes like that.”

“Alright, alright. But, I do know why senpai chose Tendou-senpai, okay?”

“Eh?”

Suddenly, Konoha-san drove the conversation in the direction of love direction. That weird fetish thing is over, right? Well, who cares. I appreciated it, anyway.

I straightened my back and listened to her. Konoha-san continued with a strange look.

The reason why senpai chose Tendou-senpai is that-“

So, she stared at me with her painfully shaking eyes and said,

“-you’re into blonde hair girls, right?”

“No!”

It looks like the fetish thing isn’t over yet.

I protested to Konoha-san.

“Can you not conclude the first love in my life as weird fetishes!?”

“But, once I thought about senpai and Tendou-senpai’s story starting with <Golden Memories>, I can’t help but-“

“That does look like a perfect ending! But I’m not into it! In the end, I don’t even have anything for blonde girls!”

“But guys always choose blonde girls if they can choose between that and wakame, right?”

“What’s wrong with a guy that chooses his love based on hair!? It’s not related to blonde hair!”

“But, if that’s the case, it’s really not that convincing for you to choose Tendou-senpai.”

“Why!? Why is Tendou-san’s attractiveness concentrated on her blonde hair!? Let me say this ahead. I’ll always love Tendou-san, no matter what color her hair is!”

“Even if it's a rainbow?”

“Ugh, I-I can’t answer that because it affects personalities too! Anyway, I love Tendou-san because she’s Tendou-san! I want to be with her forever!”

“…Hmph.”

“Ah.”

Konoha-san reacted coldly. I realized I screwed up. …Even though I came here to reject her, it’s not right to keep showing my girlfriend off in front of someone that has feelings for me.

“…………”

The room is enveloped in suffocating silence once again. Although the current mood is gradually shifting to the answer, this is a mess to deal with. It’s like adding even more score to a match that has already been won.

Anyway, I shouldn’t reject her by showing off my girlfriend.

I planned to change the mood.

“Well, by the way, what does Konoha-san think the legendary hentai game looks like?”

“Eh? Ah, hmm, well…”

Perhaps she understood what I’m trying to do. Konoha-san followed enthusiastically.

“…Uh, I feel like it should be an unpublished alpha from a famous developer. I mean, I do look forward to it.”

“Ah, that’s nice! I would be super interested if it really exists!”

The hot gaming topic made me can’t contain my excitement. Konoha-san seems to be in the mood as well. She smiled and said, “Right!”

“I became a fan of an author that has written light s before! Uh, his series is…”

Konoha-san said that as she searched for that person online and handed the phone to me. I stopped and took the phone. The screen brightened my eyes. “Ah!”

“I love this guy’s s too! How should I put it? The monologue of the heroine is incredibly upsetting. Also, the MC helps to power this feeling as well! Although he’s not a hot-head, the made it clear why the heroine fell in love with the MC!”

“Yeah, that’s right, senpai! I’ve played a lot of god-tier hentai games! However, if only one hentai game plot writer can exist in this world, I’ll definitely choose him! This is how much I love him!”

“I can understand! It’s a sense of relief from the author’s experience and trust!”

“Desu desu- ah.”

“Ah.”

Maybe it’s because Konoha-san’s too excited. She spoke her onee-chan’s mantra. We looked at each other and laughed.

“Aha, perhaps this is the first time I can feel that Konoha-san’s really Chiaki’s little sister.”

“Ha, I feel the same way. But this mantra really represents the excitement when we’re talking about our hobbies.”

“I guess so. Chiaki’s words are unexpectedly good at infecting others.”

“Yeah- ah, no, desu desu.”

“Oi, you don’t need to repeat it. Well, I guess that’s our limit. We can’t say it out naturally at times like this.”

“…Da-ne da-ne.”

“That variation isn’t cute at all, senpai.”

“Tck. It’s really hard. Indeed, <Chiaki’s Path> is very deep…”

Konoha-san sincerely smiled for the first time today. I can’t help but smile after her too. So, after a while, the subtle nervousness surrounding us disappeared completely.

I handed Konoha-san her phone back. She gently smiled and continued.

“Perhaps senpai wouldn’t believe it because you know me. Actually, I wasn’t addicted to hentai because of the sex part.”

“Yeah, I know. Hmm, most people aren’t like that. In this generation, there are much better sources if you just want the sex part.”

“Yeah, so, if you’re asking me which part of hentai I love, …I guess it’s because it lifted all restrictions, including the erotic descriptions. As a source of art and entertainment, it’s truly free. …It’s literally like onee-chan’s games.”

“Eh?”

I didn’t expect to hear Chiaki’s name.

Konoha-san continued with a bitter smile.

“I know, right? But, despite my looks, I’ve actually always yearned for onee-chan.”

“…I see. Well, it’s a bit surprising, but I can understand. I do respect Chiaki from the bottom of my heart. It’s hard to find a girl like her, after all.”

“…Will you transfer those feelings to the little sister instead?”

“No, it’s just a simple fact. Chiaki’s really amazing, and I love her games the most.”

“Alright, alright, I know. Senpai always makes me choke whenever I talk to you.”

Konoha-san shrugged helplessly before smiling again.

“But, I’m the same too. I’ve always admired my onee-chan. …That’s why I feel strongly inferior. I always think that why don’t I have the things she has?”

“The thing?”

“Uh, how should I say it? Hmm, for example, when she’s making games-“

“It’s okay. You don’t have to say it. I get it, very much…”

“Senpai…”

Konoha-san’s eyes grew watery. I continued to her warmly.

“Desu desu, indeed, Konoha-san admires Chiaki as much as I do.”

“Yeah…”

“Right? You want Chiaki’s-“

I clenched my fist and yelled loudly.

“-ability to make a plastic bag into an RPG protagonist!”

“I don’t need that, okay!?”

Konoha-san immediately denied it. I blinked my eyes in confusion. She continued dumbfoundedly.

“T-That’s why I can’t deal with strange fanatic creator fans like you…!”

“Eh? Well, even though I’m her no.1 fan. …But, Konoha-san, that’s a protagonist made of plastic bags? A strange mindset like this should be admired by everyone, not just fans, right?”

“I don’t. In the end, I didn’t even play onee-chan’s game.”

“What…? Please play that masterpiece, <Plastic Life>! Every time I thought about how the plastic bags ended up, …ah, I’m about to cry.”

“What’s wrong with a plastic bag making people cry? …Ah, don’t tell me it reincarnates into new plastic products after getting thrown into the recycle bin?”

“Huh!? H-How did you know that…!? Y-You two are really sisters…”

“Anyway, that game has a lot of excellent parts except the ending. Whether it’s the BGM beatboxed by the author or the insanely harsh setting or the fact that he can’t take any hits because he’s a plastic bag. Also, the final boss is the US army. …It’s an explosively NOBE game! Phew, that’s amazing!”

“Senpai, senpai, I’m sorry to interrupt you. But we were talking about my feelings for onee-chan, right? Did you remember that?”

Konoha-san answered me dumbfoundedly. I answered naturally.

“Think about it. Normally, you would want those feelings to the point that your hand comes out of your throat, right?”

“I don’t need those feelings to the point that I’m throwing them up. It’s not like that. The one thing that I can’t ever match my onee-chan is-“

“Ah, I know! Chest, your chest!”

“How impolite! I got big breasts too! Even though onee-chan’s really bigger!”

“It’s not your chest? If that’s the case, …I feel like there’s nothing of Chiaki for Konoha-san to admire…”

“S-Senpai’s just insulted someone subconsciously. My onee-chan has a lot of good points too.”

“Of course, I know. But, Konoha-san isn’t far from Chiaki’s league at all.”

“!”

“Yes, Konoha-san is just as good as Chiaki. I think you’re the same as Chiaki, if not better.”

“S-Senpai…! When you’re this sincere, I can’t-“

“Except your chest.”

“-say anything. Did you choose the wrong lines because you’re too lonely? This is what an amateur virgin that treats hentai games as textbooks looks like…”

“You’re just as mean when it comes to choosing lines, okay!?”

Our eyes ignited as we looked at each other. However, after a few seconds, we felt exhausted and sighed before returning to our work.

So, Konoha-san checked the shelf again as she sighed.

“Forget about my ability difference with onee-chan first. Anyway, I’m always envious of something that only onee-chan has.”

“Uh, any examples?”

After my question, Konoha-san paused for a moment and answered.

“Her ability to fall in love with anything. Her ability to concentrate on anything. Talents, art skills- things like that, I guess.”

“Ah, I can understand that too.”

Chiaki and I are often treated as the same person. However, when it comes to creativity, I always feel that Chiaki’s incredibly charming…to the point that my chest hurts.

Konoha-san continued.

“To put it simply, it means that I have to change myself into something of myself, right? If that’s the case, it’s just ordinary trouble you can find everywhere. However, I’m painfully aware of it. …It’s because I was really just a…boring elite student in the past.”

Konoha-san laughed a bit self-depreciatingly. For some reason, I felt pissed and answered her with a stern face.

“It’s not boring to be an elite student at all. Hardworking, intelligent, these are all points that should be praised. At least, I don’t think that’s boring at all. So, I wholeheartedly approve of Konoha-san in the past.”

Just as I’m saying that calmly, Konoha-san’s face is slowly flaring up.

“S-Senpai…! Sheesh, what’s with this manliness? I’m falling for you again-“

After seeing her look, I raised my fist and yelled, “So, that’s why Konoha-san should-“

“-apologize to all of Japan’s elite students and yourself in the past! Kneel down!”

“-No! That’s why I don’t like this twisted part of you, senpai!”

Konoha-san looked incredibly depressed. However, I ignored her and pressed on.

“A delinquent can actually get popular because he feeds stray dogs sometimes! Eat shit! Hmph!”

“I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before! Calm down, senpai! You’re going off-topic!”

“R-Right, we were talking about Konoha-san. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, I was fine until senpai approved of me in the past.”

“Ah, right. Indeed, what I mean is that instead of the current fallen Konoha-san, I like the elite student Konoha-san better!”

“This is not my expected conclusion at all! What!? You really want me to completely regret falling in love with you!?”

“So, please wake up, Konoha-san! Find your true self back!”

“Don’t tell me you just denied my current existence!? It’s not like I’m being possessed by some evil spirits!”

After Konoha-san calmed down, I stopped joking and smiled cheerfully before saying my sincere conclusion.

“Well, Konoha-san’s actually an elite student too. That’s why I really love you.”

“Eh…?”

“Ah, well, the ‘I love you’ as in-“

“Hoho, you can’t change your mind, senpai.”

Konoha-san put her index finger on my lips and showed a mischievous smile. I pressed my chest.

“B-But I can’t do something that hurts Tendou-san…”

Konoha-san looked clearly depressed after hearing that.

“…Sigh, you’re not even giving a girl that you’ll hurt a lot of chances to explain, senpai.”

“Ugh…!? B-But, this is what a sincere boyfriend should explain- no, but if you’re asking me whether I’m giving room to explain…!”

I wrapped my hands around my head as I became lost in thought. Then, Konoha-san started laughing and said something she mentioned countless times today,

“Senpai, you’re always being yourself.”

“I feel like you’re always saying that to me. What does that mean-“

“It means I really love you.”

“…………”

Konoha-san changed her usual flippant attitude and looked at me directly. Her expression made me tremble as my face flared up. …After that, an even deeper sense of guilt tormented me.

“Sheesh, I have Tendou-san already. I shouldn’t feel embarrassed…!”

“You’re not a monk, right? It’s more like even Tendou-san will be scared if you remain emotionless during that confession.”

“Well, I can say you saved me there- no, why would I be saved by anyone aside from Tendou-san!? Ah, sheesh!”

I said that as I kept slamming my head on the blue mat. Konoha-san showed her usual amused smile.

After my self-imposed punishment and Konoha-san’s laughs ended, we returned to our positions. Both of us searched for a while longer. Then, I stretched my back and said to Konoha-san.

“Konoha-san. Let’s switch positions. I’ll search on the shelf instead.”

“Ah, sure. I’m getting a bit tired too. Okay, let’s switch.”

We said that and exchanged our search area. Konoha-san started checking the books behind her. I started searching the shelf- no, instead, I checked the shelves and cupboards that Konoha-san cleaned first.

“Hmm? Senpai?”

Konoha-san looked at me suspiciously. I checked the disc-like data shelves as I answered.

“Ah, well, don’t mind it. It’s just my inner gamer doing things. This is how I solve puzzle games.”

“Ha, …well, I guess a normal person like me can’t imagine searching so detailedly like an idiot.”

“Hey, are you looking down on me? I know how you feel, but I’m trying my best to help you, okay?”

“Hehe, I really love senpai.”

“The value of love is entering a free-fall. …Uh, hey.”

“Hmm?”

I can’t help but voice out. Konoha-san stopped what she’s doing and looked at me. I waved at her, and she dashed next to me. After that, I pointed at the inside of the shelf- the corner of the bottom.

“What are you doing…?”

Konoha-san tried her best to bend down and looked at where I pointed.

At the next moment, she screamed out and got really close to me and asked! Our noses were nearly touching.

“S-S-S-S-Senpai! What!? What is that!?”

To that question, I scratched the back of my head embarrassedly and answered.

“Uh, …I think that’s a mark for something like a key.”

“Yes! It is! You’re amazing, …you’re amazing, senpai! I didn’t notice that at all! Amazing! Amazing!”

Konoha-san grabbed my hands and jumped up and down innocently. …Seeing that face, I-

“Eh, ah, uh. T-Thanks…”

For some reason, I felt way more embarrassed than when she’s seducing me.

I cleared my throat and withdrew my hand.

“But, by the way, there’s actually such an obvious key mark here…”

I said that as I checked that place again. There’s a clear mark there that practically says, “This is part of the puzzle!” …Hmm.

Konoha-san couldn’t contain her excitement as she dragged my arm.

“Hey, hey, senpai! This must be related to the legendary hentai game, right!?”

“Hmm, well, I agree, …but this escape game plot is quite unexpected.”

“Hmm? This is related to a game?”

Konoha-san is confused with my opinion. I nodded and answered.

“It’s like one of those Flash or mobile escape games. You click on the screen to find the key or the password. In the end, a door or a chest will be opened. …Konoha-san hasn’t played them before?”

“…Hmm, I did play one where you open a young girl’s legs in the end.”

“Hmm, that’s an escape game in another meaning too- one where you escape reality. It’s completely different, okay? I was asking whether you play puzzle or maze-exploring games that unlock the treasure.”

“I did play games that unlock a girl’s shirt and let you explore her body.”

“Fine, I’ll stop asking then. You won’t play anything else unless it’s a hentai game.”

I paused for a moment and started explaining again.

“Anyway, this clear key mark on the shelf is just like an escape game.”

“Eh…? Well, I haven’t played those games before, so that association wouldn’t come to me at all. Let’s search the bottom of the shelf…”

“Ah, that’s not really associated with a specific game. It’s more like games in general. The person that has hidden the legendary hentai game must love other games too.”

“Well, I don’t think so. …Ah, but I think he calls himself Key JC Cape.”

“Key.”

“Ah, I see. It’s the key! Senpai, we can almost be certain at this point, right!? Let’s search the shelf. ..Ah, I can finally reveal the truth of the legendary hentai game!”

“Hey, uh…”

I wanted to interrupt with an explanation, but Konoha-san can’t be stopped anymore.

She reached her hand into the shelf and pressed the key mark. Then, the bottom part snapped and flipped outside. …It looks like there are two bottom boards on this shelf.

“Ohohohoho…!”

Konoha-san, whose eyes are filled with lust, put her hand onto the board. Then, as if her saliva is about to drip out of her mouth, she grabbed it in excitement.

“Now, …it’s the opposite!”

“…………”

So, the disguised board was pulled out. Then, what’s below-

“-Uh, ah, eh?”

“…………”

-It’s something expected for an escape gamer lover like me. In other words-

“It’s a key…instead of the game itself?”

“…Yeah.”

…Konoha-san took out the small key under the board and froze. I looked at her and sighed.

“Konoha-san, if this is really like an escape game, you can’t get that legendary hentai game this easily.”

“Eh, what does that mean?”

“That's what I meant. You won’t fight with the final boss right away, right? The same goes for escape games like this. It won’t just give you what you want at the start. In other words…”

“This is just level 1…?”

“Yes.”

Konoha-san sighed in disappointment after hearing my explanation. However, after a while, she immediately cheered up and turned to me again. “…Very well.”

“H-Hey, I’m sorry for keeping you this late, but…”

She hesitated to say that. …I answered with a smile.

“No need to say sorry, Konoha-san.”

“Eh?”

“Do you think I’ll leave a game that looks pretty fun and go home?”

“…Senpai.”

“It’s more like I’ll stay here even if Konoha-san went home.”

“Thanks.”

Konoha-san thanked me sincerely. I can’t help but look away from her and cover my embarrassment with a joke.

“Haha, it’s a dream of a lonely boy to be thanked by beautiful girls for liking his own games.”

“Ah, if that’s the case, I don’t mind it if you hug me right now.”

“Yeah, but that turns into an erotic dream!”

“Ah, I’ll make sure to send the video to onee-chan and Tendou-senpai.”

“It ends up being a nightmare!”

“…Hoho.”

“…Ha.”

Our usual routine made us laugh again.

Anyway, the student council room returned to its usual silence. …Konoha-san put her hands on her waist and announced like a student council president.

“Well, let’s begin…the battle between the former student council and us!”

*

In conclusion, we didn’t spend a lot of time on this puzzle.

Come to think of it, the only reason why Konoha-san didn’t make much progress is that there are too few hints. That Key JC Cape guy must be an idiot. I don’t know whether he’s treating the legendary hentai game like it’s Tokugawa’s Treasure. However, a game without any hints is unplayable.”

That’s why Konoha-san didn’t achieve any result for an entire year in the student council.

However, that’s why things are much easier once the first step is made.

Konoha-san’s already a pretty smart girl. Not only can she solve the puzzles with ease, for some reason, even the questions involving hentai game-specific knowledge are also nothing to her.

There’s only one place where she can get stuck. That’s the part where associations with games are needed, just like the key mark at the start. However, that can be solved by me. Although I’m not an expert, strangely, this puzzle wasn’t really asking for your depth of knowledge. It’s more like, “Do you really love games?”

That’s why there are hints after you check a place that you’ll only do so in games. There are even puzzles that use secret cheat codes. It’s definitely not something profoundly deep. It’s like the person is just asking, “You should know the answer if you love games, right?” I was thoroughly enjoying it. It’s more like I really want to befriend whoever came up with these questions.

However, strangely, it’s hard to imagine that dumb Key JC Cape guy will include many game references. However, Konoha-san answered.

“I bet he asked his friends to help.”

She convinced herself with that. To me, I don’t feel like he’ll drag someone into a dumb prank like this. We’re talking about hiding a hentai game, after all. However, I guess his BFF can be stupid enough to tag along.

Anyway, Konoha-san and I banded together and solved the puzzles one by one.

So, …it’s been 40 minutes since we discovered that key.

“It looks like…this is the last one, Konoha-san.”

“Yeah, senpai.”

We looked at the locked chest on the table and held our breaths.

Konoha-san read the note on the chest aloud once again.

“<The legendary hentai game is slumbering in this box that all of you are looking for.> …That’s what it says.”

“Isn’t this weird? All of you? It’s like he already expected multiple people to search for it.”

“Yeah, but I guess he really guessed it. Think about it, there are not that many people that love hentai games and play on consoles at the same time.”

“Yeah, I just saw one question that only hardcore and old-school hentai game fans would know. However, the next question revolves around Mario Party. If multiple people are making the questions, I guess there would be more than one challenger.”

“…Multiple people will find the hentai game in the student council room when a group hides them.”

“Stop it. That literally makes us on the same level of weirdness as Key JC Cape.”

“Uh, I think that’s the case…”

Konoha-san smiled bitterly, yet she looked excited as well. Aside from that, even I can understand what she’s feeling.

It’s because if having friends that can solve an utterly stupid puzzle like this isn’t called happiness, what is?

Konoha-san looked at the chest and mumbled.

“I can never play this game with everyone in the student council, not even onee-chan.”

“Well, …I’m the same. I can’t even play it with Uehara-kun, not to mention Tendou-san.”

“Yeah, now I understand. The person hiding this game doesn’t want to just leave the legendary hentai game behind. Instead, he also wants his kouhai to enjoy the process. That’s why he left this incredibly stupid yet specially…exciting game behind.”

“I guess so. In fact, I’m enjoying it.”

“Same, senpai.”

Looking at the final chest, both of us smiled and-

“I’m glad to have met senpai.”

“Same, Konoha-san.”

-We said things that don’t resemble a scene where someone’s about to be rejected.

After a while, Konoha-san turned to the chest.

“Well, the final question would be opening this lock! …That’s what I want to say, senpai. What do you think?”

“Honestly, I have no idea.”

“Yeah.”

We sighed at the same time.

Yeah, this is the final challenge – the lock. We can see that it requires 8 letters to open. However, we have zero clues about these 8 letters.

“Hmm.”

Konoha-san read that note again. But, she didn’t see any clues no matter how she tried.

I also played with the lock. Of course, there’s no way. It seems that there’s nothing we can use to open it too. It would be better if this is a 3-number lock. It’s 8 letters this time. We can’t try our luck or brute force it.

“E-R-O-G-A-M-E, …no. Adult game, …no, there are 9 letters.”

“Key JC Cape doesn’t work as well. However, from my memories, no hint links to the password from the puzzles.”

“Yeah. Hmm, …but we’re here already. It’s impossible to have no hints at all. Puzzles like this often reuse elements from the previous ones. It’s more aesthetically beautiful.”

“No, senpai, I’m sorry. This Key JC Cape guy has absolutely no aesthetic at all.”

“Right, he didn’t give us any hint at the start, after all.”

“We can only try the words we can think of now…”

“Yeah.”

I agreed. Konoha-san slowly put her hand on the lock and started trying the combinations.

“Well, anyway, let’s start with words I can think of-“

“Yeah.”

“-Fellatio.”

“You’re following ‘anyway’ with that word!?”

“Ah, it’s not right. Hmm, the next one, …of course, anal sex.”

“Of course, my ass!”

“Ah, it’s 7 letters, after all. Well, let’s try missionary.”

“The word count isn’t even right!”

“Sorry, I just want senpai to hear lewd words just then.”

“What did you just confess to me!?”

“Well, senpai, please say the positions you like.”

“Why does it have to be positions!? By the way, I don’t understand that either!”

“Eh? Hmm, how about you just say any words with 5 letters, senpai?”

“Eh, 5 letters? There are 8 letters, though? Why 5 letters?”

“Hiya, I’m thinking just adding ‘sex’ after the word senpai said.”

“That’s terrible! Can you not stain some of the 5-letter words that I actually love!?”

“Ah, there are 5 letters in Mario. You love those games, right?”

“Can you please stop adding ‘sex’ behind it like it’s <Mario Kart> or <Mario Tennis>!? That’s terrible!”

“Hmm, come to think of it, Karen-“

“Konoha-sama?”

I glared at her furiously. Konoha-san immediately backed down.

Konoha-san withdrew her hand from the lock. She stretched her back and mumbled.

“But, there’s no way to solve this aside from that. There are too few clues.”

“Well, I guess that’s true.”

“An 8-letter lewd word, an 8-letter lewd word…”

Konoha-san started looking for something that’s guaranteed to not have results on her phone. I can’t help but question.

“In the end, is the answer really a lewd word?”

“Ha? We’re talking about the legendary hentai game here.”

“I agree. However, there were no clearly lewd words from past questions, right?”

“Ah, indeed. Anyway, Key JC Cape is really a cowardly virgin.” ????n????????ea????. ????????????

I feel bad for him. A kouhai high school girl just agreed that he’s a virgin.

I cleared my throat and continued.

“Let’s forget whether he’s a virgin or not. Anyway, consider him as a person who chooses his words seriously, unlike a certain unrestricted 18+ student council president.”

“That’s impolite. The furthest I’ll go is saying, “I want a concentrated dose of 69 with senpai!” I’m a high school girl, after all!”

“Yeah, I know you’re screwed the moment you say things like that. Hey, let’s forget about the perverted high school girl first. Key JC Cape shouldn’t be like you.”

“Indeed, even though there are hentai game references in the questions, there’s no direct lewd words.”

“Right? Although this person’s probably weird, he may have hesitated when the guy helping him is here. I don’t think he was bold enough to use those words.”s

“A helper, …ah, the person that really matches senpai.”

“Yeah, that person should be responsible for half of the puzzles. So, if this person helped with the final challenge too, the answer shouldn’t be an erotic word. If anything, it should be-“

At this point, Konoha-san suddenly realized it and said the conclusion.

“It should be a word that appears in both hentai and console games!”

“That’s it!”

Our eyes were sparkling from the progress. However, this excitement didn’t last long.

Konoha-san slightly dropped her shoulders and complained.

“Sigh, there are even more console game words than lewd words, right?”

“Yeah…”

There are still a lot of options, even after all the eliminations. However, there’s already no hint left.

“All that remaining is brute-forcing it.”

Konoha-san took the box and mumbled a bit annoyedly. As for me, I can only answer her, “Yeah, maybe…”

The silence enveloped the room. Only the ticking clock can be heard.

Konoha-san twisted the lock aimlessly. Then, …as if she’s suddenly reminded of this, she asked.

“-Am I going to be rejected by senpai?”

“!”

I can’t help but straighten my back due to nervousness. However, Konoha-san remained emotionless. She twisted the lock and continued calmly.

“Senpai should feel it too, right? …Honestly, this was dragged on for too long.”

“Well…”

Well, she’s indeed dragging it. Konoha-san and I aren’t benefiting from it. Our relationship is just hurting and being hurt. There’s no hope. But…

“…I have to be responsible.”

“Yeah, I thought so. Senpai is this type of person.”

“…………”

She wasn’t praising me, I think. I lowered my head silently. Konoha-san tried to comfort me, “Ah, I’m not blaming you.”

“Senpai is incredibly correct as a guy and as a person. It’s more like that’s why I fell in love with senpai.”

“…Thank you.”

“No problem. …Yeah, so I understand it too. This is something I must experience, no matter how pointless and meaningless it is. I get it. …It has to end, whether it causes me pain or not.”

“…Yes.”

The gloomy room sank into silence.

Konoha-san started playing with the lock again. She wanted to change the mood and continued with a bright tone.

“It’s exactly because of these painful days that makes me want to see the proof of progress even more.”

“Ah, that’s why you’re here to find the legendary hentai game.”

“Yeah, it’s a dumb idea from me, right? Uh, ‘Game Over’ isn’t right either. I thought that was a good one.”

Konoha-san seems to be thinking of the gaming word as she’s chatting with me. Indeed, Game Over is a pretty good word. Regrettably, it’s not correct.

She bitterly smiled and mumbled depressedly.

“Yeah, that’s the limit for an ordinary girl like me.”

“Y-You’re saying that again.”

“It’s nothing. This is just the unfortunate truth. I can’t understand what geniuses are thinking. …That’s why I can’t even step on the final stage of love.”

“What!? Hey, I wasn’t thinking of Konoha-san separate from Tendou-san and Chiaki-“

“Yeah, that’s what senpai thinks. But, objectively, I’m far inferior to Tendou-senpai and onee-chan."

“That’s not-“

I can retort a billion times to such self-abasing words. However, it’s not the others. Konoha-san herself showed an expression that said she doesn’t need temporary comfort. I swallowed the words.

Konoha-san smiled at my look.

“Ahaha, I still really love senpai.”

“…………”

This is the first time I’ve heard such bitter love.

Konoha-san looked away and continued.

“Although we met because of hentai games, I will still end up falling for senpai, even if you’re not a hentai game lover.”

“Konoha-san, …thank you. Honestly, I’m about to cry from happiness.”

“Yeah, I can’t deal with the loneliness from this sincere reaction.”

“That’s mean.”

We chuckled at the same time. Even so, the depressing mood didn’t improve at all.

I think that this is the only chance. So, I reached my hand into my school bag.

“Anyway, let’s forget the rejection for now. There’s still something else. I want to give you a present for White Day…”

“Really? That’s great. Ah, but…”

“Hmm? What? You don’t want to get a present from someone who’s about to reject you-“

“No, I’m thinking sex toys really reflect your sexual fetishes.”

“Why would you think that my present is a sex toy!?”

“Eh? Isn’t it because senpai always considers the person before sending gifts? If that’s the case, the only option for me is sex toys.”

“That singular-choice question is so pathetic. Konoha-san, …it’s almost time for us to consider our relationship and characters.”

“Ah, is the rejection event already happening?”

“No, not yet. I’m saying that this is a much more important thing to do.”

“Ah, forget that. Please let me try that sex toy.”

“I said it’s not a sex toy!”

How many times did she make me say “sex toys” in the past couple of seconds? Talking about sex toys while searching for hentai games in a closed room with a beautiful girl, perhaps this is really worse than normal cheating. Am I just overthinking this? I’m very sorry, Tendou-san.

I cleared my throat and took the game wrapped in gifting paper out.

Konoha-san looked clearly dissatisfied.

“Isn’t it just a game if you can’t use it for sexual purposes?”

“Yeah, it’s just a game, after all.”

“Hey, but at least I know senpai touched this.”

“Thank you for your sexual harassment. I feel refreshed now.”

“Well, well, let’s look at the glow of the box first…”

“This is the first time I’ve seen someone opening a game because of that.”

Just as I was sighing dumbfoundedly, Konoha-san unwrapped the package delicately. Although she’s pretty unrestricted, she has a soft side like this. I can’t help but smile.

“Sheesh, I can’t believe you’re giving me a game as a present. Should I say this feels like you too much…?”

Although she complained, Konoha-san didn’t look upset at all. Instead, she opened the package excitedly.

“…Eh?”

Konoha-san’s hands stopped-

-Then, all of her vulgar words disappeared. Her unique and beautiful eyes violently shook for the first time in history.

Konoha Hoshinomori

“<Rainbow Court>…”

I didn’t expect senpai to give me a dating sim as the White Day present.

The cover is a beautiful girl with big eyes that should be pretty popular with otakus. As White Day presents, this choice is far from ideal to the point you shouldn’t do it.

H-However-

“W-Well, I’m sorry! I wasn’t joking, okay!? Ah, so, well, uh, …I’ll say this ahead first. I have another present! It’s a dessert!”

Senpai seemed to have misunderstood my shocked reaction. He hastily handed me another small paper bag. I saw that there’s a baked dessert that looks expensive inside. It’s indeed the brand I like. It seems like I said it a while ago casually, and he remembered it with his heart. That only is already enough of a present for me. However…

“…………”

Once I snapped out of it, I’m looking at the <Rainbow Court> package again.

Of course, this game- is what made me love this person in the first place, after all. Well, even senpai doesn’t know this either.

I’m staring at the dating sim. Yeah, senpai definitely thinks that I’m mad. He scratched his cheeks awkwardly and explained.

“H-Hey, Konoha-san? This is, uh, …a game that I recommend.”

“…………”

“U-Uh, of course, I hesitated until the last moment, alright!? Even I know how terrible it is to give a dating sim as a White Day present!”

“If that’s the case, why…”

I unwrapped the package completely and stared at the cover of <Rainbow Court>. I asked with an emotionless tone.

“Why did you give me this today?”

“Uh, that’s because…”

Senpai took a deep breath and answered incredibly sincerely.

“It’s because it represents my feelings to Konoha-san the most.”

“…………”

“So, it’s fine even if you don’t like this feeling of mine. However, please try this game out. I bet you’ll love it-“

Senpai tried his best to explain. …Looking at him, I chuckled and answered.

“It’s okay, senpai. Don’t say I’ll love it. … I had already played it a long time ago."

“Eh!?”

Senpai’s face went pale in shock. He freaked out and asked.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, it’s true.”

“It’s impossible. …My present sucks.”

Senpai dropped his shoulder depressedly. Just as I wanted to comfort him, senpai leaned forward and asked.

“B-But, why? This isn’t even a hentai game, right? I thought Konoha-san wouldn’t like it.”

“Ah, well, yeah. It’s indeed not a game I’ll choose. However-“

“However?”

I showed a mischievous smile and answered.

“This game was recommended by someone important to me.”

“Eh!? Ah, I-I see. …It’s good that the person is important to you.”

I don’t know whether I imagined it or not, but Amano-senpai felt deflated. I really love this side of senpai. …So, that’s why I didn’t say that important person is him.

(It’s confirmed that I’ll be rejected. At least let me enjoy something like this.)

I rolled my tongue and stroked the surface of the box gently. At the same time, I remembered what happened back then.

(…It’s because I saw senpai recommending this game to his friend. That’s why I can’t get this person off my head.)

That was the most important moment in Konoha Hoshinomori’s life.

With his recommendation, I felt that all of my efforts weren’t for nothing.

From that day on, what he said has already been repeated in my mind countless times.

Whether it’s when I’m not confident in myself, under a slump, or exhausted.

Senpai’s words always give me strength, and every time I do that, I can’t help but fall in love with senpai even more.

Then, unconsciously, this feeling sublimed into something called love.

I know he’s going to reject me. I’ve already made up my mind, even if it’s incredibly tormenting and painful-

(I thought I’m prepared.)

That’s why I decided to give onee-chan a push during Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Although I was in pain, I didn’t regret it- that was supposed to be the case.

However, when the end of my love is really in sight, my kneecaps can’t stop trembling.

…Perhaps I can withstand this excruciating pain a bit longer if senpai chose onee-chan? I can feel a sense of achievement after helping her out, right?

…At this point, that has turned into an incredibly strange feeling too.

It’s because no matter which girl senpai chose, the fact that I lost my first love won’t change at all.

-In other words, I lost. I lost him already.

There’s already no future where senpai and I can stay together.

-I’m thoroughly terrified of such a simple yet incredibly brutal fact.

However, this is the only thing that I don’t want to know from senpai.

It’s because this person, …this stupidly gentle and observant boy, must feel as much pain if not more from my tears.

That’s why I have to be a good girl that wishes senpai good luck with a smile.

That’s the coolest and best thing Konoha Hoshinomori can do.

I know it. …I understand all of it. Isn’t that true?

No matter what, I’m the student council president of Hekiyou, a pure pervert girl, alright?

As the side girl that was rejected, shouldn’t I already know the best way to withdraw?

…I know it already. …But, for some reason, right now, I don’t want to act like such a cool girl at all.

However, it’s okay. I can just buy some time to calm down. I thought about that as I dragged senpai’s invitation for a week. I avoided him to buy time. However-

-It’s just like what you can see.

At this moment, I still really, really love senpai- I’m insanely in love with him.

“Sheesh, what is this feeling…!?”

My heart is thoroughly messed up. I can’t help but tap the box of <Rainbow Court> forcefully.

“A-Ahhh…”

After seeing my attitude, senpai finally confirmed that he messed up his present. His face turned pale. …However, I don’t have the time to comfort him now.

Why… is love always so imperfect in reality?

Why can’t everyone just have a perfect ending like dating sims?

The main heroine for senpai, the protagonist, was already confirmed ages ago. If that’s the case, an extra side girl like me should just bless him. Then, I gradually reduce my on-screen time and fade into the background. That would make everyone happy. However, why-

-Why am I still falling in love with him more and more?

I’m terrible. After all, even when I completely understood that he’ll reject me today, I’m still- in love with him.

Senpai helped me to find the legendary hentai game.

Senpai solved the puzzles and experienced all of the emotions with me.

Senpai is supposed to live happily ever after with Tendou-senpai now. Yet, he’s still spending time to face me sincerely.

Finally, senpai drew the full stop with <Rainbow Court>.

Seriously, please spare me. It’s like watching the rating of the sold-out hentai game skyrocketing on Amazon.

Giving up something after knowing that you can’t acquire it is the norm. However, people always desire something even more after learning that they can’t get it. Regrettably, this is how I feel about senpai.

“…Konoha-san?”

Perhaps it’s because I was silent for too long. Senpai asked worriedly.

My consciousness immediately returned. I managed to answer, “Oh, I’m fine.” However, I’m anything but fine. It’s because I didn’t reach any answers at all.

Senpai looked relieved after hearing that. Yet, he immediately turned serious and cleared his throat. The boy repeated it again.

“So, my answer is-“

“No, please wait-“

Senpai is still trying to draw a full stop to this love. After realizing that, I hastily grabbed something in front of me and answered.

“-T-This! I-I think I solved it already!”

“Eh?”

I put my hand on the chest – the one that contains the legendary hentai game. To that, even senpai, who’s trying to be truthful to his girlfriend, can’t ignore it. He stopped and followed up.

“I-Is that true, Konoha-san?”

“Y-Yes, it’s true.”

I nodded repeatedly. …Honestly, I’m lying. I just made it up because I really don’t want this to end yet.

Of course, the innocent senpai won’t suspect me. His eyes brightened up and urged me.

“Well, please enter the answer! C’mon!”

“Y-You’re saying that you want to enter me! Senpai is such a beast-“

“Hey, stop messing around. Seriously.”

“Ugh, senpai is already resistant to lewd jokes…”

I sighed helplessly and started playing with the key. Senpai looked at me with sparkling eyes.

…………

(…W-What should I do? Actually, nothing even came up in my mind.)

An 8-letter word isn’t something that easy to think of. Also, I’ve already tried a lot of words. At least I can’t think of one that can interrupt senpai.

I twisted the lock casually. Senpai finally raised his suspicion.

“Konoha-san, …did you really get it?”

“Ugh…”

Even senpai started to notice my strange look. His undoubted eyes turned into confusion and suspicion. I answered casually.

“A-An impatient boy isn’t popular these days, okay?”

I’m not trying to be popular. Forget that. What’s the answer?”

“I’ll tell you after I solve it.”

“I ask you because I don’t think you solved it.”

“…………”

I started playing with the lock again. If you take a closer look, I’m just randomly sequencing the letters out. …Senpai finally can’t take it anymore.

“Listen, Konoha-san. …It’s time for you to hear what I’ll say.”

I answered him with a painful expression. Senpai continued with the same face.

“…I really want to drag this as well. …No, I don’t want to do this if it’s impossible as well. However, both of us will get hurt. No one will be happy.”

“………….”

“However, even so, …I still think this is something worthy of doing.”

“Senpai…”

Senpai looked like he’s about to break into tears. Even I’m ashamed of myself.

Why did I push him this far? I’m such a terrible girl. Unlike the cool girls who withdraw that I like, even though my fate is sealed, I’m still struggling. …This is…embarrassing.

…………

I stopped playing with the lock and gave senpai a bitter smile.

“Y-You can’t be helped, senpai. W-Well, I’ll hear what you’ll say then.”

“Konoha-san…”

I know that my voice is trembling. It’s really embarrassing. However, …I’ll really break down if I don’t try my best to hold myself together.

After hearing my answer, senpai made up his mind and stood up.

Then, while I’m still sitting with my hands on the chest, -senpai bowed down deeply. Then, he finally said something that I’ve tried to avoid for so long.

“Konoha-san. Right now, …right now, I have a girl that I sincerely love.”

“…Yes.”

“I really, really love that girl. …So, I’ll never do something that disappoints or hurts her.”

“…Yes.”

“So, even though I know this is very selfish and ignorant of your feelings, I still have to say it.”

“…Yes.”

“I, Keita Amano, can’t go out with Konoha Hoshinomori.”

“…Yes.”

I lowered my head and bit my lips tightly. …What is this? I should’ve known this ending already, …and I’ve prepared for it countless times-

-But my chest is in unbelievable pain.

“Ugh, …ah...”

“…………”

I voiced my sadness out. No, keep it together. I have to smile. My brain is forcing that on me. …However, my body and heart aren’t listening.

Even I didn’t expect I would crave for senpai this much.

I thought I can just put down this feeling of mine quickly after the defeat. I thought I could let go.

…But that’s not true.

At this point, all I can do is feel regret. Why did I help someone’s love instead? Why didn’t I just express my love wholeheartedly like onee-chan?

Then, I finally understood – the reason why I kept avoiding the end of my love. Did I find the thing that onee-chan accepted easily that hard to take in?

Yes, I…I must be still…

“Konoha-san, …well…”

Senpai looked sincerely worried when he saw my trembling shoulders. He asked me gently.

“…I’m not saying that our friendship ends here. …Hey, if you’re okay with it, of course, and only if you’re alright with it…”

Senpai paused for a moment and scratched his face. He continued trying to save me.

“I would be very happy…if we can continue being ‘friends’ afterward.”

“…Senpai.”

At this point, I raised my head and looked at senpai.

I can see…my most beloved senpai showing his usual warm expression.

(Yes.)

At the moment that I saw his face and heard his words-

I finally acquired “two” answers.

To prove one of them, I immediately- put my hands on the lock.

“Konoha-san?”

Senpai was confused by my sudden action. I ignored him and pressed on. At the next moment-

<Click!>

-The lock was opened.

“Eh-“

Senpai fell speechless after seeing that. …After a moment of pause, he screamed.

“EHHHHHH!? W-Why!? How did you do that!? Answer! What’s the answer!? I can’t see it when you’re blocking it-“

Senpai threw a barrage of questions. However,