Is the Gal from Class D an Indoor Person? (Kei Karuizawa)
It was 1:00 PM in the latter half of summer vacation. I usually leave the house at this time to hang out with someone, but today, I was taking it easy at home, waiting for a "certain person." Soon enough, the doorbell rang.
"Coming!"
I opened the dorm door, and there stood Kei Karuizawa. She was the person I was waiting for.
"Oh, hey, Saitou-kun."
"You didn't have to come. Well, just come on in."
It was the middle of the day during summer vacation. You never know when someone from the neighboring rooms might come out and see us. It would be inconvenient for both of us, so I invited her inside.
"Thanks for having me."
"Come on in."
"Hmm. Your room is pretty clean."
Well, I'm kind of a minimalist to begin with. The amount of stuff I have increased quite a bit after I got some guidance from Arisu, though.
"Are you surprised?"
"No, not at all. It'd be more surprising if it were messy."
"Really? I mean, it's definitely cleaner than Ike-kun's or Sudou-kun's rooms."
Honestly, those two's rooms are too messy. There's no way they could invite a girl over.
"You're comparing me to the wrong people... Anyway, here."
Karuizawa handed me a fancy paper bag.
"This is cheesecake from a new cafe that just opened. It's a thank you gift for last time."
"Oh! I haven't been there yet. Thanks!"
The people I usually hang out with don't really go to cafes. The only one who's sensitive to that kind of thing, Arisu, doesn't really eat out much, either.
"Have you eaten, Karuizawa?"
"Hmm, not yet."
Perfect. It's time to show off my skills.
"Then why don't you stay for lunch? We can have that cake for dessert. Do you want coffee or tea?"
"Huh... Okay, coffee."
"Got it."
---------
I heard that good cooks are popular.
"Is tomato okay?"
"Yeah... You didn't have to do this. I'm the one who came to say thank you."
"It's fine, it's fine. You might as well relax while you're here. Here's the coffee. Sugar and milk?"
"I'll take one of each."
"Got it. Just a little more time."
"Alright! Fresh tomato and bacon peperoncino."
"Wow, it looks like it's from a restaurant."
"I can guarantee it tastes as good as it looks. Here, let's eat."
"Okay. Itadakimasu... Mm! It's delicious!"
"And for dessert, we have that cheesecake you brought."
"...I didn't know you were this good at cooking."
"I heard that being a good cook makes you popular."
"Ugh, how devious."
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The kind of guy who cries at movies.
"What should we do now? We can't go outside."
"Huh, I was planning to go home soon."
"Oh, come on. You don't have any plans after this, do you?"
"Well, I don't... But is there anything we can do with just the two of us?"
"You're naive, Karuizawa. The classic choice is to watch a movie."
"Whoa, it's fine to watch, but... aren't you too close?"
"Well, since the room is made for two people, it can't be helped. You don't like it?"
"...No, it's not that I don't like it. But I do have a boyfriend."
"It's fine as long as he doesn't find out."
"...That's what people say when they're cheating."
"It's amazing how you can watch movies with a subscription service. We didn't have anything like this back then."
"That sounds so old."
"Huh?"
"...Just kidding. Don't look so shocked, you're making me feel bad."
"Yeah, right. I was so worried."
"...Ahhh. That was a great movie."
"So you're the type of guy who cries at movies."
"I just can't help but get emotional with these kinds of movies. ...It's a little embarrassing."
"Well, I guess that helped me out a little."
"You say some cool things, Karuizawa."
"Hehe, I know, right?"
---------
It's so nice to know there will be a next time.
"We ended up watching three movies."
As the last movie ended, Karuizawa stretched and spoke. I get it, you get tired staying in the same position.
"I know. And it's already dark outside."
It was 8:00 PM. We had spent the entire day inside, but it was still a fun day.
"I'm going home."
"Okay. Be careful on your way back."
"I'm just taking the elevator, you know?"
Karuizawa laughed as she put on her shoes, as if she found our conversation amusing. Just as she was about to grab the doorknob, she muttered something quietly.
"...Thank you."
"Hm?"
I couldn't hear her, so I asked her to repeat it. Karuizawa turned around with a blushing face, raising her voice a little.
"I said!... Thank you. For last time, and for today, too. I had so much fun. I feel like I laughed from the bottom of my heart."
"Haha. What's that supposed to mean?"
"D-Don't laugh!"
Karuizawa looked adorably angry, her face red. The problems surrounding her probably weren't completely resolved. My relationship with her, and even her relationship with Yousuke-kun, were both mixed with lies that couldn't be told to anyone.
"Well, see you again, Karuizawa."
"! ...Yeah! Thanks for today!"
---------
However, there was nothing fake about her words when she said, "I laughed from the bottom of my heart."
---------
Let's Find a New Hobby! (Kiyotaka Ayanokouji)
"...I'm bored."
In the summer room, with only the sound of the air conditioner humming, Kiyotaka suddenly broke the silence with a whisper. ...He's right, Kiyotaka doesn't really have a hobby to kill time with. He doesn't buy new books, probably because he's short on cash, and he doesn't play mobile games. ...Actually, he's here.
"I don't think you should say that in someone else's room."
"...You're right. What should we do? Want to play chess again?"
"No way. It'll just kill the whole day like last time."
I played for about four hours straight, and the next day, my body ached everywhere.
"That's because you were the one who kept asking for one more match."
"No, you're not 'a little good.' You're literally good enough to make a living off of it."
I tried to go easy on him, giving him the first move and being gentle, but he just crushed me.
"...I guess we never finished the game. We should set a time limit next time."
"Yeah."
Hmm... I guess he wouldn't have been able to develop a hobby living in that kind of environment... Okay, this is a classic for high school guys. I grabbed the remote control and lowered the projector screen.
"Are we watching a movie?"
"That's a good idea, too... Oh, there it is."
I took out "a certain something" from the storage box next to the sofa and tossed it to Kiyotaka, who was looking at me curiously.
"Whoa. Is this a... controller?"
"Do you have any experience with games?"
"Almost none. Ike invited me to play a mobile game, but I got bored of it right away."
Nice. He doesn't know the fun of games, so it'll be fun to teach him. When I turned on the controller, the game console automatically turned on and the sound and screen were projected onto the screen.
"Pretty cool, right? I bought an expensive projector and screen."
"...This must cost close to 100,000 points in total. How did you buy it?"
"Don't ask me something you already know the answer to."
Thanks, Arisu.
"...I see. So, what are we playing?"
"For two players, a horror game... is not a good idea."
He wouldn't get scared no matter what horror game he played. So...
"It's gotta be Earth Defen〇e Force. If you press the button in the middle, it'll automatically connect, so when it does, select the 2P option."
"What kind of game is this?"
"Well, as the name suggests, it's a game where you destroy giant monsters attacking Earth with high-tech weapons. You can also control robots like Gan〇am and fly around."
"I see."
Oh, he seems a little excited. That's because flying and giant robots are a universal dream for guys.
"Okay, let's start. I'll get some snacks and drinks, so you can do the tutorial."
"Understood."
---------
Be careful with the difficulty level.
"...This is easy."
"You're talking big. Not even the HARD difficulty is a problem, huh? Oh, you got a good weapon. That one's strong."
"This one?"
"Yeah, that's it. So, want to try the hardest difficulty?"
"Let's do it."
"Whoa! Kiyotaka, you're gonna die! You take damage if you shoot your teammates!"
"Really? Oh..."
"Gaaaaah! Don't shoot a rocket launcher at me, you idiot!"
"...Does your personality change when you play games?"
"This is how you should be when you play with another guy! Hey, it's coming your way, Kiyotaka!"
---------
An unexpected side?
"...? Why is my HP so low?... Hey, you've been secretly shooting me this whole time, haven't you!"
"That's for earlier! Take that... Aaaah! C4!? Why C4!?"
"I equipped it for a time like this."
"You're too prepared even when you're playing a game!?"
"And you're too loud."
"...Yeah, you're right. Maybe that's why they tell me 'Don't play games'..."
"Don't suddenly get so serious."
---------
A man who doesn't change.
"...That was fun."
"You can play it online, too, so why don't you buy it? With the points you get next month and the points from the exam, I think you can barely afford it."
"What about my food money? I don't want a wild vegetable meal."
"Well... Oh! Hey, you can ask Sakura-san or— "I'll tell Sakayanagi about what you're doing with Horikita." "...My bad."
"Seriously..."
---------
Competitive x FPS = Dangerous.
"Next time, let's invite Suzune and play AP〇X. There are exactly three of us."
As we took a break from the game, I suggested this to Kiyotaka. I was worried if he'd know what I was talking about, but it seemed he at least knew the name since Ike and the others played it.
"I don't think Horikita would get into it."
"She might get hooked once she tries it. She's so competitive. Plus... wouldn't it be kind of funny to see Suzune playing a game with a headset and a controller?"
Even if she lost and got teased, she wouldn't hit the desk, but her hands would probably tremble. Just imagining it is so good.
"...You have a point. Maybe I'll invite her sometime."
It was a casual suggestion, but we underestimated her. We underestimated her stoicism that wouldn't allow her to lose.
---------
And a few months later, I would be forced to stay up late every night playing with a Suzune who was completely hooked, but that's a story for another time.
---------
An Innocent Beauty Is a Good Thing (Suzune Horikita)
"Let's go to a haunted house!"
...That's sudden.
"Well, apparently there's an event at Keyaki Mall. Half of summer vacation is over, but I thought we hadn't hung out yet."
I heard a sigh of exasperation through the phone.
When are you planning to go?
Even though she said that, she agreed so quickly that I think she's a little too much of a tsundere. But she's cute, so it's fine.
"Weekends during summer vacation are probably crowded with club activities and stuff... How about in three days?"
Three days from now... a Friday. Send me the exact time later.
"Okay. I'll contact you later then! Good night, Suzune-chan."
Yes. Good night... Tsugumi-kun.
After that exchange, I hung up the phone. Even so... yeah. The way she said my first name at the end was so impactful. The fact that she's not used to it shows she has real talent.
---------
Three days later, in the afternoon, I was on my way to our meeting spot. ...Whoa, her hair's different from usual... Is that Suzune?
"Oh! Good morning, Suzune-chan. You're early."
I arrived about 10 minutes before the meeting time, but she seemed to have arrived even earlier. When I called out to her, she flinched and turned around to look at me.
"Good morning, Tsugumi-kun. Well then... shall we go?"
"Oh..."
Her appearance was so shocking in a good way that I couldn't help but let out a gasp of admiration. Seeing me, Suzune looked at me with an uneasy expression.
"...Did I look strange? I studied a lot of things..."
"No, the opposite. You look amazing."
I was at a loss for words, but that's how much Suzune stood out in the crowd. First off, as I mentioned, her hair was different. Her usual long, slightly braided hair on the side was now in a half-up bun, which completely changed her usual serious impression into a soft, refined one.
"....Um, I'm embarrassed if you keep staring..."
What really enhanced her look was her outfit: white wide-leg pants and a beige T-shirt. Not being overly dressed up was also a plus for a student. Judging from her clothes, it seemed like she had hurriedly put this outfit together in the last three days. It was definitely the right choice to give her plenty of time.
"You look amazing. You're a genius, seriously."
"D-Do you think so? I'm glad to hear that..."
Horikita was fidgeting with her shoulder bag as she spoke. She's being so devious, this girl.
"Hey, what about me? Does my outfit suit me?"
I thought Suzune wouldn't like a too-casual outfit, so I didn't wear anything oversized and didn't wear a necklace... But this simple look might be a good thing.
"...It suits you. It's a different impression from your usual self."
She probably meant a different impression from my usual "playboy" image, but with our current outfits, I think I look more serious from an outside perspective.
"That's my line. You wear these kinds of clothes, Suzune-chan."
"I just wanted to look a little different from usual, for a time like this."
She's probably never been on a date before, so I'm excited for today.
"Alright! Let's go then."
"Yes."
With that, we started walking together. You should remember that the reason I didn't hold her hand here was for later.
"Have you ever been to a haunted house?"
"No, I haven't. I've never had anything to do with that kind of thing. I didn't have anyone to go with, either."
"Oh, I see. Are you okay with scary stuff? I'm pretty good with it."
"I'm fine. Besides, it's silly to be afraid of something unscientific like ghosts."
Suzune said this with a slightly grumpy look. She probably thought I was treating her like a child.
"I see. Then it should be easy for you."
"Of course."
But this haunted house, because it's an event here, has a pretty high target age. I'm looking forward to seeing how she'll react.
---------
Be careful with the difficulty level (Part 2).
"There are three levels: 'easy,' 'normal,' and 'super scary.' Which one do you want to do?"
"...Normal should be fine for now."
"What, you're chickening out after what you just said? I'm fine with 'super scary.'"
"You said that. I won't help you if you can't walk anymore."
"Oh, no. I'll try my best to keep up with you then."
"Waaaahhh!"
"Eek!? T-Tsugumi-kun... Wait!?"
"Whoa, are you okay? It's dark, so be careful not to trip."
"Why are you so calm!? 'Aaahhh!' hiccup!?"
"Hahaha. You're too scared, Suzune-chan. Want to hold my hand?"
"...Yes."
"Oh, we're three-quarters of the way there! Let's go!"
"Huh...?"
"Oh, how much is left?"
"Halfway! Come on, Suzune-chan."
"Still half!?... Ugh."
"Are you scared?"
"No, I'm not!"
"This is the last area... Huh, Suzune-chan?"
"Just, just wait a second."
"Did you get too scared to walk?"
"..."
"Can't be helped. Here, I'll carry you."
"...Thank you."
---------
A devious beauty is also a good thing.
"Okay, it's the end, Suzune-chan. Are you okay?"
I ended up carrying her on my back for the entire last area. I even felt like the ghosts were giving us a warm look.
"...I'm not crying."
"I didn't say you were... There's a resting spot over there, so let's take a break until you calm down."
She had such a good reaction that I bullied her a little too much. I need to reflect on that. I sat her down on a bench that was perfectly placed for a break. Suzune wasn't crying, but her eyes were red.
"Oh, my. Want to use a handkerchief?"
"...Did you know?"
"Huh? Know what?"
She took the handkerchief without a word and glared at me, her shoulders still shaking.
"That I would end up like this!"
"No, I really didn't think you'd be this scared. Seriously."
"Hmph. You were perfectly fine, so you're in no place to say that."
She seemed to have calmed down a bit, as her sharp tone returned. But when she glares at me with those teary eyes, all I can think is how cute she is.
"Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean any harm."
"I don't know about that..."
Then, Suzune stood up and held out her right hand.
"I'll forgive you if you escort me for the rest of the day. ...I was looking forward to this."
"Haha... Okay. Your wish is my command."
She probably meant for me to hold her hand, too. She was so flustered just a moment ago... This is how people grow up, I guess.
---------
With such a profound thought, my date with Suzune came to a successful end.
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