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shiningwonderland · 11 months

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Syo Kurusu (Repeat)

Translator: Terry (twitter: turtlemudge) Proofreader: Raz (twitter: agnadance) Editor: Noemi (twitter: dreaminbeyond), Snail (twitter: herbert_snail)

May — May Alla Caccia

It is now May. Today is the day of the annual sports festival.

Tomochika Shibuya: Let’s do our best today, Haruka!!

This person is Tomochika Shibuya-san. We’re in different classes, but she’s my friend and roommate.

I’ve never had someone I could remotely call a friend before, but Tomo-chan made friends with me the day we met.

Haruka Nanami: Yeah! Oh...Tomo-chan, where’s your P.E. uniform?

Tomochika Shibuya: Oh, this? It’s the outfit for the cheering competition that comes before the other matches. I’m leading the dance.

We’re wearing casual outfits and dancing with pom-poms.

Haruka Nanami: I see…. Do your best, okay?

Tomochika Shibuya: Leave it to me! Anyway, how about you? What are you doing?

Haruka Nanami: Uh... well, I run slow, so...

Select the phrase!

... I’m in the tuna-of-war…. (+0 Love +5 Music)

Tomochika Shibuya: Oh, so you’re in that…. Well, it could be a rumor, so I don’t know if it’s true or not, but….

They say it’s a mysterious game where you have to pull a Pacific bluefin tuna once around the track….

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? That actually sounds kind of delicious.

Tomochika Shibuya: … That’s true. I can see how you could think that. Well, do your best.

Haruka Nanami: Yeah!!

... I’m in the ball-throwing game…. (+0 Love +5 Music)

Tomochika Shibuya: Oh, so you’re in that…. Well, it could be a rumor, so I don’t know if it’s true or not, but….

They say that last year the principal said something confusing like, “Balls are round. Y’know what else is round? CATS!”

Apparently it was a game where each team had to carry a basket into the mountains behind the school and look for a cat named “Ball.” Searching back there took half a day, apparently.

Haruka Nanami: I like cats, though.

Tomochika Shibuya: Is that so? Then I’m sure it’ll be fine. Well, good luck!!

Haruka Nanami: Yeah!!

... I’m jumping rope… (+0 Love +5 Music)

Tomochika Shibuya: I’ve heard that the jump rope goes along with a word game. Apparently, people have to jump in one by one while saying a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word.

And there’s no passing, either. Using your body and mind at the same time seems difficult.

Haruka Nanami: Eek... I’m bound to trip on the rope immediately....

Tomochika Shibuya: ….

Well, do your best. I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines.

Haruka Nanami: Okay. Thank you.

Syo Kurusu: Haruka, this spot open?

Syo-kun, with his excellent motor skills, has really been looking forward to the sports festival. For the entire last week or so, he’s been muttering, “Can it hurry up and get here already?”

And now it’s finally being held today. Syo-kun looks like he’s having a great time.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, of course.

Syo Kurusu: It’s Tokiya’s turn next, right?

Haruka Nanami: Umm….

I take out the sports festival program to check, when….

Syo-kun brings his head close to take a look.

Syo Kurusu: Hm? Hundred-meter marathon? If it’s a hundred meters, how is it a marathon?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, there’s an explanation underneath. Um, “In this event, competitors do a low crawl for one hundred meters along a track.

Before starting, competitors must drink a mouthful of oolong tea, and make it to the finish line without spitting it out.

Furthermore, in addition to the course, hitmen prepared by the school will appear to make the competitors laugh.

Please endure this ordeal safely and achieve your goal.”

... That’s what it says, anyway.

Syo Kurusu: That’s Shining for you, making a school based on his whims…. Just because it’s called a sports festival, it doesn’t mean we can take it lightly.

Select the phrase!

You’re right. (+30 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: It’s just one exciting day after another.

Syo Kurusu: “Exciting”...? Are you being serious right now?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. There are so many fun things.

Syo Kurusu: Hah. You’re funny.

Saying this, Syo-kun chuckles. His face is so cute that just looking at it makes me start smiling, too.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you very much.

Syo Kurusu: Dummyyy. I’m not complimenting you. Take that!

Saying this, Syo-kun pokes my forehead with his index finger.

Haruka Nanami: Ouch!

Sounds like fun. (+0 Love +5 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Seriously?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I think it’s fitting for a legendary idol to think of something so unique. I can’t help but admire it.

Syo Kurusu: You’re pretty unique too, aren’t you?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. Thank you very much.

Syo Kurusu: That wasn’t a compliment….

It really is amazing. (+0 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: It’s the principal’s work, all right. He’s something special. This is incredibly fascinating.

Syo Kurusu: No, actually, you being fascinated is the amazing thing.

And so, the hundred-meter marathon begins.

Everyone seems to be having a hard time keeping the oolong tea in their mouths while doing the low crawl, and competitors start failing one after another.

Haruka Nanami: Look, Prince!

Syo Kurusu: What?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, no... not you, Syo-kun. Look, over there, in the truck, can you see that tall man? He’s a special guest lecturer for the composing course and the girls call him….

Female Student A: Kyaaa, Prince~~!! Look this way~

Female Student B: Ohmigosh, he’s waving at us…. Ahhh, his smile is just too amazing.

Haruka Nanami: He’s called the Prince of Composition and he’s very popular.

It appears that the Prince is somehow participating in the event as a hitman.

Syo Kurusu: … A prince, huh… ? He really seems popular with the ladies, but…. Is he really on a prince’s level...?

Haruka Nanami: The Prince is really, really cool and can compose the most wonderful songs.

Also, he’s a lyricist, and he can write the sweetest, most heartbreaking words for love songs.

Maybe he’ll write a love song for you too one day, Syo-kun.

Syo Kurusu: I… like your songs more….

Haruka Nanami: Hm? Syo-kun, did you say something?

Syo Kurusu: … No, not really.

Haruka Nanami: When you get bigger, you might even become a wonderful prince like that. Heehee. I’m looking forward to it.

Syo Kurusu: That… isn’t really what I’m aiming for….

… So then, are you saying he’s the kind of guy you like?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I admire him as a composer. I hope to create songs as good as his one day. Even his lessons were very easy to understand.

Syo Kurusu: … That’s not what I meant….

Haruka Nanami: Hm?

Syo Kurusu: … It’s nothing. But, is that right…? … A composer you admire, huh….

Haruka Nanami: The Prince is very mindful of his singers, and values them highly. He thinks of them constantly when he’s composing.

I mean, I want to be like that, too. I want you… your songs to shine brighter than anything, Syo-kun. I’ll try my best to write good songs for you.

Syo Kurusu: I-is that so…? You know, I really like your melodies. They’re—they make me feel calm somehow….

They’re bursting with this upbeat energy…. I don’t know if it’s a good match or what, but my body feels really comfortable when I dance to them. You have good taste, you know.

Haruka Nanami: I—I’m not that good at all!!

Syo Kurusu: Don’t sell yourself short!! I’m saying it, so it’s absolutely true! Have more confidence in yourself…!

Syo-kun drops his hand onto my head and ruffles my hair.

Somehow, hearing Syo-kun say all that is very reassuring. It makes me think that for him, I can do anything.

Haruka Nanami: I’ll work hard…. I want to debut with you, Syo-kun…. If I’m going to debut, I want it to be with you.

Syo Kurusu: Of course! We’ll definitely debut together! It’s a promise!

Syo-kun gives me a fist bump.

Haruka Nanami: Okay.

Syo Kurusu: A man’s word is his bond. I’ll keep this promise if it kills me!

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I’ll do my very best!

As I speak, I meet Syo-kun’s gaze, and we laugh together.

Heehee.

And then, from the track, the sound of laughter—and the sound of someone spitting out their oolong tea—could be heard.

Syo Kurusu: … Wow, that person is something else. He’s made most of the girls spit out their tea just by whispering in their ears. I wonder what the heck he said…. … Oh, but it doesn’t look like it’s working on Tokiya.

Haruka Nanami: I wonder if his princely techniques only work on high school girls?

Syo Kurusu: Looks like. Doesn’t look like he’s getting to Ittoki, either.

Haruka Nanami: Ittoki-kun…?

Syo Kurusu: Oh, right, you wouldn’t know him, huh? He’s Tokiya’s roommate, but he’s in A class. We hit it off during soccer in P.E. class, and now some afternoons we play together on the school grounds.

He’s a pretty good guy. I’ll introduce you sometime.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you very much.

Syo Kurusu: Oh! … Hey, looks like all the students except Tokiya and Ittoki are out, huh.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, you’re right…. Ichinose-san, Please do your beeeest!

Shining Saotome:HA-HA-HAA~~!!

I’M amazing, even when NAKED!

Suddenly, the principal appears in front of Ichinose-san and Ittoki-kun. And then….

His form, with the suit torn away, is incredibly superb.

Shining Saotome: TA-DAAAAA!!

On that abundantly large chest, the words “MAN OF JAPAN” are written in magic marker.

Tokiya Ichinose: Pbbth!

Otoya Ittoki: Pbthack! Cough, cough! N-no one could withstand something like this!! Hack, cough!

Ichinose-san and Ittoki-kun both spit out their oolong tea at the same time.

Shining Saotome: Ha ha haa~~ You both faillll!

Your training is not yet enouuuughhh to withstand my MUSCLES!

Syo Kurusu: Whoa…. That has to be foul play….

Select the phrase!

He’s so cool. (+5 Love +10 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Huh…? Seriously? That’s really the type of guy you’re into?

Haruka Nanami: The principal is amazing at everything he does. He’s so cool! And he seems very strong, as well.

Syo Kurusu: … Well, sure he is, but…. If it were just strength, I’m just as….

He’s very manly. (+5 Love +10 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Well, he did write “MAN OF JAPAN” on his chest and everything….

If we’re talking manliness, then sure, I guess he is, but…. That’s separate from whether he’s cool or anything, right?

Haruka Nanami: Do you think so? I think he’s cool, though….

Syo Kurusu: Really…? That’s quite a type you’ve got, huh.

Haruka Nanami: ???

Amazing.... (+0 Love +10 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Amazing, huh….

I guess he’s a weirdo who’s transcended everything normal.

Syo Kurusu: Next is Ren, right…? Yeah, he was saying he was going to be in the mock cavalry battle. All right, let’s cheer him on!!

Haruka Nanami: Apparently Jinguji-san will be the one riding on top of three people supporting him. He was saying he has confidence in horse riding.

He said something about being able to break even the most unmanageable mare to his hand…. Impressive, isn’t it?

Syo Kurusu: “Mare”... ? I think he was talking about something else….

Haruka Nanami: Something else…?

I tilt my head to one side, confused, and Syo-kun pats me on the shoulder.

Syo Kurusu: No, you don’t need to know. Just forget about it.

Saying this, Syo-kun nods to himself, looking thoughtful.

???

What was that all about?

With the sounding of a conch shell, the match begins. From different sides of the field come the sounds of…. Galloping?

Syo Kurusu: W-what!? What’s going on?!

Haruka Nanami: Ah! They’re horses. But there’s so many!!!

Hoofbeats ring out as dozens of students riding horses gather in the center of the sports field.

It seems like they entered through the school gates, but where on earth did everyone get a horse to ride on…?

Oh, but now that I think about it…. The principal has said before that there are animals kept as performers by the school….

Syo Kurusu: Wow…. When they said “cavalry,” then…. They really were horses…? But then, where did that many come from…?

Shining Saotome: Ha-ha-HA~. These are no ordinary horseees.

These are descendants of real war horses of the Sengoku period, a line of stock raised in Japan from time immemoriaaalll!

Haruka Nanami: … Now that he’s said that, it really does seem to be true. They don’t appear to be as tall as thoroughbreds.

This really does look like a battle. Umm, Jinguji-san’s camp’s banner says… “Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain.”

Another one says “Honor”...?

Shining Saotome: HA-HA-HAA~. This is the Battle of Kawanakajimaaaa!

Haruka Nanami: The Battle of Kawanakajima…. Umm, let me see.... When Shingen Takeda of Kai Province conquered the northern Shinano Province, the forces under attack retreated to Echigo Province.

There, they appealed to Kenshin Uesugi for aid, and in 1553, Shingen and Kenshin clashed at Shinano, Kawanakajima.

Up till 1564, they fought five times in that field. Today, Shingen and Kenshin are regarded as worthy opponents, and are called “The Tiger of Kai” and “The Dragon of Echigo.”

So I suppose that this time, Jinguji-san is Shingen Takeda fighting against Kenshin Uesugi?

Syo Kurusu: You… know a lot about this.

Syo-kun stares at me, wide-eyed.

Haruka Nanami: Um… I like studying…. Because… I can do it… even if I’m by myself.

Syo Kurusu: … That’s too dark!!

Syo-kun takes me firmly by the shoulders.

Syo Kurusu: You… you can’t possibly…. I can’t imagine it, but…! Have you never had friends before?

Haruka Nanami: No, I haven’t… not a single friend, through middle school….

Syo Kurusu: Seriously!? That’s too sad….

Syo-kun takes his hand away for a moment to wipe his eyes, and then grabs my shoulders tightly again.

Syo Kurusu: You’re my servant, but…. No, BECAUSE you’re my servant, I’m making this an order! From this day forward, I order you to be my friend!

Got it? You’ll never be alone again. Ren and Tokiya are your friends, too!!

That’s why… that is…. Never say something that sad again. Understood?!

Haruka Nanami: … Okay. Thank you very much. I’m very happy… that you said that….

No one has ever said that to me so seriously before. I’m so happy, and I feel a little bit like I might start crying.

Syo Kurusu: … Dummy! Don’t cry….

Haruka Nanami: I won’t…! Really, thank you so much!!

Saying this, I wipe away the tears that have gathered in the corners of my eyes.

Syo Kurusu: As… as long as you understand. … You understand, right?

Oh, hey! Looks like Ren’s battle has started.

Ren Jinguji: Heh, it’s time for a fight. Masato Hijirikawa!! Today, it seems we’ll be able to settle things.

Masato Hijirikawa: … I am not fond of fighting, but…. If attacked, there is no way left but to fight. Come! I will beat you at your own game.

Syo Kurusu: Hey, doesn’t it seem like Ren’s gotten perfectly into character? Hijirikawa’s getting surprisingly into it, too.

Haruka Nanami: Idols really need strong acting skills, so those two must be throwing themselves into their training day after day.

Syo Kurusu: … You think so? Well, those two seem to be taking this seriously, but…. Somehow, they don’t seem all that different from normal.

Haruka Nanami: Do they normally fight like that? Jinguji-san and, um, Hijirikawa-sama, right? The one in the role of Uesugi Kenshin….

Syo Kurusu: Oh, you’ve heard of the Hijirikawa conglomerate, right? That giant organization. He’s the heir to that.

Maybe it’s because Ren has ties to their rival company, Jinguji Group, but Ren’s aaaallways picking fights with him.

Haruka Nanami: I see, so they’re destined to be rivals.

Perhaps because the theme is the Battle of Kawanakajima, an hour passes without the match being decided. It ends with a tie.

Ren Jinguji: Hmph. A tie, is it…? But next time I will surely win!

Masato Hijirikawa: Come back whenever you like. I will defeat you.

It seems that as this time was a draw, the war between these two will continue.

Syo Kurusu: Alright! My turn’s next.

The moment after Syo-kun yells this...

Ryuya Hyuga: Alright, let’s get started, yeah? Everybody, on your marks! Ryuya Hyuga: Get set. Ready, Go! Rodriguez: Rrooooawrr!! Rodriguez: Grrrrrrrr!!! Rodriguez: Grrraaaaah!! Rodriguez: Rwowrrr~~! ♪ Rodriguez: Graowl!! Rodriguez: Whimper. Haaaaaah!! Ryuya Hyuga: This is sudden, but we’re going to have a pop quiz today! You’ll be fine, it’s not that hard.

Natsuki Shinomiya: SYO-CHAAAAN!!

… someone comes running at Syo-kun hard enough to raise a cloud of dust behind them.

Syo Kurusu: Geh!! Natsuki!!

Syo panics and tries to dash off, but….

The person chases after him and embraces him as hard as they can.

Crunch!

The moment he’s embraced, there’s a worrying crack from Syo-kun’s back that I definitely shouldn’t have been able to hear.

Syo Kurusu: Gah!!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Syo-chan, Syo-chan! I heard that you’re also going to be in the obstacle course?

I’m in that, too. It’s sad to have to fight against my dear friend.

Syo Kurusu: I-it hurts….

Because he’s being held by a tall person, Syo-kun’s feet are no longer on the ground....

But it seems the one holding him doesn’t realize this at all.

Natsuki Shinomiya: But you know... Ringo-sensei told me that best friends have to fight each other at times.

So, Syo-chan, please don’t hold back, not even against me. Please compete with all your might. Okay?

Syo Kurusu: You’re the one who needs to hold back! Get your hands off me right nowwww!

Syo-kun’s legs flail uselessly in midair.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Oh, sorry!

The person opens their arms instantly and Syo-kun thumps back onto his feet.

Syo Kurusu: Hack, cough! Aaah, I thought I was gonna die, getting bear-hugged with that much brute force….

So you’re saying you think I’d stoop so low as to take it easy on you, just because we’re competing in the same event? You’d better be ready to get your ass handed to you instead!

Syo-kun raises his fists and gets into a fighting stance.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Is that how it is…? I see. You’re right. Syo-chan is always serious when it comes to battles.

Syo Kurusu: That’s right!! As long as you get it!

Haruka Nanami: Um… who is this person…?

Natsuki Shinomiya: I’m Natsuki Shinomiya, from A Class. I’m roommates with Syo-chan in the dorms~

Shinomiya-san, then. He seems like a very kind person….

He’s slender and tall, and his slightly curly, milk-tea-colored hair looks fluffy.

The gaze coming through his glasses is gentle and kind. Overall, he gives off a very warm impression.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, um, I’m Haruka Nanami. I’m Syo-kun’s servant.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Oh, is that so…? I’m also Syo-chan’s servant, you know. Right? Your Highness? ♪

Saying this, Natsuki-san grins cheerfully.

Syo Kurusu: Is it my imagination, or are you making fun of me…?

Tokiya Ichinose: … Syo, you’re almost up.

Syo Kurusu: Whoops. Hey, Natsuki, let’s get going!!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Okay!

Syo-kun seems to be having a lot of fun, somehow.

Those two are roommates, so I’m sure they get along well. Friendship between boys seems so nice.

Hyuga-sensei walks onto the race track and cocks the starting gun.

BANG!

The competitors break into a run the moment the starting gun fires.

The first obstacle in the course is a set of monkey bars. Using only their arms, competitors have to cross over a ten-meter pool of mud without falling in.

It seems that the pit is at least two meters deep, so if they fall even once, their lives could be in danger....

Therefore, everyone is crossing them desperately.

Syo Kurusu: Yah! Hah! Hah!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hup-hup….

The two of them are moving quite well, and they steadily pull ahead of the students from the other classes.

If things continue like this, it seems like Syo-kun and Shinomiya-san will be the only two fighting to be first.

After that, there’s a balance beam, but the beam is surrounded by a tunnel of fire, so it looks as if they don’t cross it quickly, they’ll catch fire.

Syo Kurusu: Hot! Hot! My hair, it’s catching fire…. Gaaaaaah!

Syo-kun crosses the balance beam with incredible speed. Shinomiya-san, on the other hand….

Natsuki Shinomiya: Aah, it’s warm here....

Looking absolutely unperturbed, he crosses the balance beam slowly… and yet, he and Syo-kun leave their balance beams at the same moment.

The next obstacle is not a bread-grabbing contest, but instead a crab-grabbing contest.

Lively, energetic-looking crabs are hanging over the track, waiting for the competitors to grab them in their mouths….

The risk of their pincers catching their lips seems very high.

Syo Kurusu: Ow! Don’t pinch there! Ow! Ow ow ow ow ow!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Wow, so cute….

Cute? I guess crabs can be cute to look at….

I wonder if Shinomiya-san likes small animals? That’s rather charming.

Finally, for the last challenge, the competitors have to pick a scrap of paper from ones scattered on the track, find someone with the trait written on it, and run a three-legged race with that person to the finish line.

Syo-kun picks up a piece of paper, looks it over, frowns at it for a moment, and then comes running toward me.

Syo Kurusu: Haruka. Come on. Let’s go to the finish line together.

Syo-kun reaches out and offers me his hand.

Haruka Nanami: … Okay.

I wonder what was written on the paper that Syo-kun chose?

“Partner,” maybe? Or “composer”? I’d like to ask him later.

Syo-kun removes the headband from his head and uses it to tie our legs tightly together.

Syo Kurusu: Okay, let’s go. Are you ready?

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

Syo-kun holds tightly onto my arm. I can feel his shoulder against mine. It’s more solid than it looks. It reminds me that Syo-kun is definitely a fit young man.

Even while we’re running in a three-legged race, Syo-kun’s being very careful with me as he leads us forward.

The two of us reach the track, and then….

Natsuki Shinomiya: There, there, who’s a good boy…?

Haruka Nanami: A-a lion!?

Shinomiya-san has a lion with him.

Possibly startled by my voice, the lion suddenly starts to go wild.

Syo Kurusu: Geez! Where did you even get something like that!? Or wait, what was even written on your paper?!?

Shocked, Syo-kun fiercely demands a response from Shinomiya-kun.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hm? It had “kitten” written on it, of course. See, isn’t he cute? What a sweetie~

Syo Kurusu: No matter how you look at it, even you can’t think that’s a kitten! How bad are your eyes?!?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah!!

The cord tying Shinomiya-san’s leg to the lion’s suddenly snaps, and the lion comes bounding towards us.

Syo Kurusu: Haruka! Get down!!!

Syo-kun immediately gets in front of me, protecting me from the lion.

Haruka Nanami: Eh…? S-Syo-kun, be careful….

Syo Kurusu: Shut up. I’ll absolutely protect you!! So, don’t worry about me!!

Haruka Nanami: … Syo-kun….

The back that I’ve only thought of as small up till now suddenly seems so big and strong.

Syo Kurusu: Ugh. You—!

The lion bares his fangs at Syo-kun, threatening him.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Syo-chan, you shouldn’t act so aggressive…. You need to speak to him more gently.

Syo Kurusu: How can I?!? I wouldn’t have time for that, he’d eat me!

Haruka Nanami: S-Syo-kun, no. You can’t win against a lion bare-handed! You have to run!

Syo Kurusu: Shut up! If I run, what’s going to happen to you? I’ll be fine, just let me keep you safe!!

The lion lunges at Syo-kun!

Syo Kurusu: Guh!!

Haruka Nanami: Eeeeeek!!

In that moment…

Shining Saotome: Hmm~. What’s wrong, Rodriguez? You’re not allowed to leave your room by yourself, are you? Goodness, what a naughty widdle boy.

Mmmwah~~!

… the principal pins Rodriguez down and kisses him.

Like a tame housecat, the lion immediately calms down, and the principal begins to snuggle with him.

Natsuki Shinomiya: His name is Rodriguez-chan.

Shining Saotome: HA HA HAA~~ He is my pet, as well as animal talent for Shining Agency.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Haha. Isn’t he cute?

As he says this, Shinomiya-san comes closer to Rodriguez. In that moment….

Smack.

Rodriguez reaches out and lightly bats Shinomiya-san’s cheek.

When he does…

Kachink.

… Shinomiya-san’s glasses are knocked off and fall to the ground.

RRRRRRRRRRUMBLE!

A dark, evil aura begins rising from Shinomiya-san’s body and into the air.

Dark clouds cover the sky as thunder booms.

An evil presence strong enough that even the lion can feel it envelops the school grounds.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? Shinomiya-san’s eyes... suddenly seem so different.

His gaze overflows with hatred for everything in the world….

He seems completely different from the gentle person he was before.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hah!

Shinomiya-san’s fist strikes the ground at his feet.

In that instant, the earth trembles. The school shakes as cracks open up across the school grounds.

Female Student A: Eeeek!

Male Student A: What the heck? What’s going on!?

Shining Saotome: That’s no good—at this rate the earth will be destroyed!

The principal shouts, lunges at the glasses, and at the speed of light, places them back on Shinomiya-san’s face.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah… what? Why is the ground all broken up?

Syo Kurusu: Now’s our chance, Haruka. Let’s run!

Haruka Nanami: O-okay…. Um, b-but, Shinomiya-san….

What on earth….

Syo Kurusu: Don’t worry about it, just come on!!

While Shinomiya-san is still distracted, we run quickly towards the finish line, winning first place.

Syo Kurusu: We did it! Exactly what I expected from my servant! Good job!!

Syo-kun hugs me tightly in celebration.

Haruka Nanami: I’m glad.

There probably isn’t any special meaning behind it, and he just hugged me because he’s happy, but it does fluster me a little.

Syo Kurusu: Oh…. Sorry….

Syo-kun lets go of me in an instant. I can only see a small part of the side of his face, but it looks like he’s gone a little pink.

Haruka Nanami: It’s fine….

Fwip.

A small piece of paper slips out of Syo-kun’s jersey pocket and falls to the ground. Written on it are the words “pretty girl.”

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun, is this…?

When I pick it up to give it back to him, Syo-kun turns bright red and snatches it away from me in a flash.

Syo Kurusu: Did… did you read it?

Haruka Nanami: The message? It had “pretty girl” written on it.

Syo Kurusu: D-don’t misunderstand! It’s not that I think you’re especially cute or anything like that!!

L-look, “girl” just means a female student, right? S-so, any girl would have been fine. It’s a coincidence that I chose you, okay? Just a coincidence.

D-don’t overthink it!!

Haruka Nanami: ??? What are you saying…?

Syo Kurusu: … It’s fine if you don’t get what I’m saying too, I guess.

Haruka Nanami: More importantly, you need to get that looked at.

Now that I’m looking closely, I can see the small line of blood running down Syo-kun’s arm.

It’s probably from before, when he was fighting the lion. I think it scratched him.

Syo Kurusu: It’s no big deal. It’ll heal on its own with a lick.

Select the phrase!

But if you get tetanus or something… (+25 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: … I’m sure it would hurt a great deal. I don’t want you to go through that experience….

Syo Kurusu: Aaaah, geez!! Don’t make that face!!

I get it. If you’re going to treat it or whatever, just do it.

Syo-kun makes a slightly troubled face and blushes.

Haruka Nanami: Okay.

That’s no good. (+15 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: If you leave it like that, it will get infected!

I take Syo-kun’s hand and start walking him to our classroom.

Syo Kurusu: You’re… pushier than I would’ve thought…. But… fine….

Please let me treat it. (+5 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: You shouldn’t just leave it like that. Let me treat it, I beg of you.

Syo Kurusu: Well, if you insist….

There are a lot of injured people in the nurse’s office, so Syo-kun and I return to our classroom.

I take some disinfectant and a band-aid out of the classroom’s first-aid kit, and bandage Syo-kun’s arm.

Haruka Nanami: … This might sting a little.

Syo Kurusu: … Ouch….

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry….

Syo Kurusu: Don’t worry about it. It just stung a little bit, that’s all. Quit apologizing for every little thing.

Haruka Nanami: That’s not it…. If I hadn’t been with you before, Syo-kun, you would have been about to run away from the lion….

You were injured because I was a burden on you….

Syo Kurusu: This is just a scratch. I’m just… glad that you’re safe….

Syo-kun pats my head. His hand is so warm….

Haruka Nanami: Th… thank you….

Syo Kurusu: Uhh, that is…! If, if you’re not here, I won’t have any of your songs. You’re my partner, I need you….

M-men are supposed to protect women…. So my body just moved on its own, I guess…. And…. It’s a prince’s duty to protect his servant! So!! Don’t worry about it!! Understood?

Syo-kun grins.

Haruka Nanami: Understood!!

What a wonderful prince. I’ll keep doing my best as his servant from now on.

We’ll debut together.

After the sports festival, we walk together toward the dorms.

Haruka Nanami: Today was fun, wasn’t it? Everyone was very lively, and you were amazing too, Syo-kun. I’m bad at sports, so I’m jealous. Have you always had great motor skills?

Syo Kurusu: Yeah.

When I ask, Syo-kun answers shortly and lightly presses one hand to the left side of his chest.

Haruka Nanami: Your Highness…?

Something about him seems strange. It makes me wonder what’s wrong….

Plip, plip....

Haruka Nanami: Huh? Rain?

It starts raining.

Fwoosh.

And then, in a moment, it turns into a downpour.

Syo Kurusu: Come on, don’t just stand there! Let’s go!!

Haruka Nanami: O-okay!!

I’m a little worried about how Syo-kun looked before, but there’s no time to think about it. We make a run for it to the dorms.

Haruka Nanami: Well, see you tomorrow.

Syo Kurusu: Yeah!!

We part ways, and when I’m almost to the dorms…

Cat: Meow~ meow~

… I hear a cat’s plaintive cries.

Haruka Nanami: Ah!

A kitten is huddled under the hedge in front of the dorms, shivering.

Haruka Nanami: It’s, it’s okay…. I’ll help you….

I pick up the kitten and hold it in my arms, hurrying to my room.

Haruka Nanami: I’m home~ … Oh. Looks like Tomo-chan isn’t home yet.

We go into my room and I gently wipe the kitten down with a towel.

Cat: Meow~ meow~

Haruka Nanami: Are you cold? Or are you hungry? But all I have right now is….

I offer the kitten my leftover melon bread from this morning.

Cat: Meoww~

The cat meows happily and begins eating the melon bread ravenously.

Haruka Nanami: I didn’t know cats could eat melon bread…. Well, regardless, have I seen this little one before...? Oh!! You’re the one from the entrance ceremony!!

That’s right, on the day of the entrance ceremony, this is the cat who’d gotten stuck in a high place and couldn’t get down.

Haruka Nanami: Right….That’s where I know you from…. I bet we were meant to meet again. Hey, can I give you a name?

Cat: Meowww.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you. Let’s see then….

Select the phrase!

Prince. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun’s a prince, so…. Maybe… Prince…?

When he hears the word “Prince,” the kitten looks a little sad.

Haruka Nanami: Oh…. But, that might be a little embarrassing… huh? Well, then how about something like Kuppuru?

Kuppuru. (+15 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Would Kuppuru work?

I ask the kitten, my heart pounding.

Cat-emon. (+0 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: … That’s actually a little difficult to say. Hmm, let’s see…. Oh! Kuppuru…. Would Kuppuru work?

Cat: Mew!!

Haruka Nanami: Pleasure to meet you, Kuppuru.

And now I’ve made a new friend.

I have a feeling that my school life will be getting more and more fun.

Mini Game

This is a simple paper test. There are many basic questions in here, so you can definitely solve them.

Well, this is just to test your knowledge. Just choose the answer for each of the multiple-choice questions.

Regular studying is useful for something like this. Be sure to build a habit of immediately looking up any music terms you take an interest in.

So, time to begin!

S Rank

Syo Kurusu: … You’re really smart, huh.

I’m a little jealous, but…. Actually, I’m glad I can rely on you.

When he looks at my answer sheet, Syo-kun smiles happily.

He’s… he’s counting on me!

I’m so happy.

I’ll need to keep studying hard to meet his expectations.

Chapter End

#syo repeat #syo kurusu #utapri

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