Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ.
Thank you for your consideration, guys!

---

Yurukyara or yuru-chara are mascot characters of sorts, and like, different prefectures have their own mascots and stuff.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuru-chara

Also, I use the term ‘tiny’ to describe a girl, but it could very well (and probably does) refer to her posture and bearing as well (and not just her physique).

---

Lately in my science and social science cram classes, I’ve spotted this girl I’ve really got my eye on.
She’s a tiny and docile looking girl, and she occasionally sits next to me you see, and so one day I spotted a certain keychain on her bag that I just couldn’t take my eyes off of.

A “Tarow the Taro” plush toy keychain!

“Tarow the Taro” is just as you’d expect, a taro yuruchara mascot character.
He’s a mascot created for a town that produces taros, but even if he’s a yuruchara (relaxed/lenient character), what’s really too yurui(relaxed/lenient) is the quality of his conception!
He looks exactly like a taro with eyes, a nose and a mouth stuck on. And what’s more, his face is pathetic looking. His eyebrows slant downwards pitifully, after all.
Perhaps the person(mascot?) himself is painfully aware of how pathetic his looks and popularity are, because during yuruchara events, he always stays in a small corner to avoid getting in the way of the stars.
He’s a complete extra.

And as for me, I actually really love this weird little yuruchara!

He kinda makes you wonder if they couldn’t do a little more for him.
At festivals, he’s overwhelmed by the star yurucharas, and has really little presence.
But because of the occasion, he wears a little tie to make himself a bit more presentable, and you’re just left with this odd sense of melancholy.

The first time I saw him, I thought, ‘Whoa, definitely not popular. He’s so plain, and his face isn’t even cute.’ but after seeing him a few times I started feeling sorry for him, and before long I was starting to think that maybe his lazily created face was kind of cute too.
Even though he was a mascot character created to revitalise the town, he doesn’t have any self-assertion at all.
‘But that timidity and cowardliness, I totally get it too. I have a Tarow in me as well! If I don’t cheer for him, who will!’
Or so I thought as maternal instincts started firing up inside me.

And that’s who Tarow the Taro is. And a girl with his goods hanging from her bag is sitting right besides me.
I wanna be friends!

It’s not often that you’d find a girl who likes such a plain and inconspicuous yuruchara.
I wanna talk to my heart’s content about Tarow.
Or rather, I had no idea they even made Tarow merchandise!

But I haven’t been able to find a good way of becoming friends with her.
If I suddenly went “Please become my friend.” I’d seem way too suspicious.
How are you supposed to break the ice again?
At school, it’s always people around me that approach me first, so I’ve never had to make the first move.
Uwah~ Just how useless am I.
Anyway, I’ll just speak to her casually.
Right! Think back to Akizawa-kun’s friendliness. First is the greeting…

But even if I had decided that I wanted to call out to her, Tiny-san didn’t show any signs of looking my way at all.
It’s like the mood is some kind of wall around her.
No, no, this is where you need courage!

“Umm, your bag…”

“Eh-!?”

The girl turned my way, looking at me tensely.

“Ah-, it was getting in your way, wasn’t it. Sorry, I’ll move it right now!”

“No, ummm…”

“I’m really sorry!”

She hastily moved the bag with the keychain to the other side of her desk, and distanced her body a little while she was at it.
Doesn’t she seem kinda, scared of me?
Could it be that I’m actually scary?
This time she really has created a total wall of rejection, so I couldn’t find the courage to speak to her anymore.
Ehhhh~!? Why!?

But I won’t give up.
Each time, I sat next to her again, or sometimes even closer, and I desperately tried to give off an ‘I’m not scary at all, you know~?’ aura, and whenever our eyes met I gave my best smile.
Maybe she noticed that I was totally staring at her, but she almost never looked at me herself.

Aren’t I like, totally the same as Stalker Kaburagi right now?

*imouto*

*imouto*

“Hmmm…”

I stared at myself in the mirror.

“Hmmmmm…”

“Reika, what are you moaning about in front of the mirror for?”

While I was thinking by myself in the living room, Oniisama came along.
Perfect timing. I’ll try asking Oniisama.

“Oniisama, do I have a scary face?”

“Hah?”

My face isn’t that mean looking, right?
It’s true that I don’t think I have a particularly approachable face either.
Well, I think I look like I don’t have many openings.

Because of Okaasama’s taste, my hair is curled neatly, and everything I wear is brand-name clothing.
Since it’s all children’s wear, the moment I grow a little all this clothing will just go to waste, but well, as the young lady of the Kisshouin family, I don’t suppose wearing fast fashion would do.
Since I have so many clothes, maybe I’ve never worn the same thing to cram school before.

So it was that after all, huh?
My lack of openings might be the reason people are scared of me.
Or rather, is it because I have intensity?
It’d be nice if it wasn’t because I have a mean-looking face, wouldn’t it…
My eyes aren’t sharp-looking, right?

“Who told you that you had a scary face?”

“No, nothing like that happened.”

I looked at Oniisama’s face.
Maybe Oniisama’s inner-self projected from his face or something, because although it wasn’t too sweet-looking, you could feel the kindness from it.
Whenever I talk to Oniisama, the corners of his mouth curve up a little, and I think that’s part of why he feels so easy to get along with.

“So it’s not just eyes. The mouth is important too.”

I looked at the mirror and smiled.
Yeah. Suspicious-looking.

“I don’t think your face is particularly scary. Although you standing here changing expressions in the mirror is. Anyway, why are you so worried all of a sudden?”

“…There is a girl I would like to get along with, but I get the feeling that she is frightened of me.”

“Hmm~ Is this a girl from school?”

“No, a girl from cram school. I have been trying my best to appear friendly, but the more I try, the more frightened she becomes. I wonder why. Is it because my appearance truly is scary?”

“What kind of girl is she? Depending on what she’s like, your approach should change, right?”

What type?

“Docile, and somewhat ‘small’. But cute like a small animal.”

“Quite different from the girls normally around you, isn’t she. In that case, if you’re too assertive about it, it’s true that she might get scared, huh. How about thinking about if you were in her position?”

If I was in her position?
That girl isn’t plain, but she seems the docile type, so she probably wouldn’t be in the centre of her class.
I get the feeling that the old me would’ve gotten along with her without a problem.
I wasn’t docile, but I had friends like her around me.
In that case, could the old me have become friends with a girl like Kisshouin Reika…?
…No way, huh.
I mean, I doubt our conversation would mesh, and it’d probably get troublesome if an intense ojousama like Reika got angry at me.
Aahh, I guess it’s true that if I didn’t want to become friends with her but Reika continued to forcefully approach me, it would be kind of scary.
Just like how I’m afraid when Stalker Kaburagi approaches me to make me a spy, huh?
But I never went and ambushed her, did I~

“If I cut my hair and wore cheaper clothing, I wonder if she would be less vigilant.”

“I don’t think our parents would ever let you though.”

Yeah~
Okaasama wants me to act like an ojousama from a proper family.
I’m sure she has her own ideas of what I should be like.
But her taste… like this curled hair for example, her taste is pretty classical, huh?
Could it be that she really wants me to become like the Rococo Queen?

“Then whatever should I do?”

“Let’s see. I guess there isn’t any other way except diligently have her understand you, huh? Because you’re an honest, and good girl.”

Oniisama!!

“I understand! I shall do my best!”

“Yeah. You really are honest, aren’t you.”

For the first time in a while, Oniisama rubbed my head.
My mood is on the rise.

I’m impatient to talk to her about Tarow the Taro, but just like Oniisama said, it might be better if I slowly get closer to her.
I’ll learn from Kaburagi’s bad example, and try my very best!

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ.
Thank you for your consideration, guys!

---

よいっしょ（yoissho）
(int, vs)(expression of) effort of strain; Yo-heave-ho!

---

“YOISSHOOOOO!”

Lately I’ve been getting the feeling that I’m getting a little chubby, so I decided to exercise each night.
It’s a routine of push-ups, sit-ups, and squats.
And at present, I’m currently tackling a 50-continuous-squats challenge.

“YOISHOOOOOO!”

It’s pretty tough.
I folded my arms behind my head and tried following the diagram, but my legs started shaking in no time.
But this is all a matter of spirit.
Just a little more.

“YOISHOOOOOO!”

You can’t become beautiful overnight.
It’s important that you build up your hard work every day.
Now then, just three more!

“YOISHOOOOOO!”

*imouto*

Phew, I sure worked up a sweat.
I got out of the bath just a while ago, but I’ll probably have a quick shower now too.
Just as I left my room, I bumped into Oniisama.

“Oh my, whatever is the matter, Oniisama?”

For some reason his expression seemed perplexed.

“Well, I think I heard some weird sounds just now.”

“Sounds?”

I didn’t hear a thing though.
Ha-! Could it be a thief? It can’t be a ghost, right?

“Is this house haunted by a ghost?”

Oh gosh, so scary. Even though I’m terrible with ghost stories!

“What should we do, Oniisama? I wanted to go take a shower too. I hear that ghosts always appear in bathrooms.”

Even in horror films, it’s always in the shower room that serial killers attack.
What do I do. Should I just bear with it and go without a shower tonight?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve never heard about a ghost in this house after all. Just relax and have your shower.”

“But~”

“I think the weird sounds were just my imagination. Sorry for scaring you.”

“Truly? If you say so, then I shall believe you.”

“Mn.”

Oniisama gave me a reassuring smile, so I’ll trust him for now.

But maybe Oniisama is tired from all the exam preparation.
His complexion seemed a bit pale.
As his cute little sister, would it be better if I made a midnight snack for him?
I’ve never done any cooking outside of home ec class at school though.
Well, I suppose things like this are more about the feelings of the cook. I’m sure Oniisama will be delighted.
And as for midnight snacks, they’re generally onigiri or ramen?
No, no, that’s too ill-matched with this family.
But something too heavy at night is, you know~?
Should I challenge myself to make zousui rice soup?

Yeah, tomorrow I’ll make sure to talk to our maid about it.

As you’d expect, I was still pretty scared, so I slept with the light on that night.
There weren’t any strange sounds.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

We go on excursions every May. This year we’re going to an animal farm.
Before I left, Okaasama warned me to properly cover myself with and reapply sunscreen as she handed it over.
As for the farm, we’re going to be experiencing things like milking cows, or riding a horse, or rafting.

When we arrived, it was a place filled with nature, and the air was clean and fresh!
I found myself taking in large breaths of it.
Occasionally there was the stink of poop though.
When it came to the milking, the sheltered Ojousamas were afraid of the cow’s size, but I excitedly went first.

UOHHHH~ It’s warm!

When I finished, they even said stuff like “Reika-sama is so daring and brave.” and praised me. It’s fun, you know?
There were also goats and sheep and rabbits, and was really peaceful.
I decided I was going to try out every bit of it.

R-, Rabbits are so cute. I wanna keep one!

The rabbits are tempting me with their round eyes, and I seriously wanna take them home with me.

While I fed the carefree goats with feed, I heard cheers from afar.
Wondering what was happening, I looked over to see the dashing figures of Kaburagi and Enjou on horseback.

Perhaps they had experience because both of them were bold and undaunted.
They truly looked like princes on white horses. (The horses weren’t white though.)
The girls made a huge fuss.
It seemed like a number of other students had horseback experience as well, but unfortunately they were completely overshadowed.

“Kaburagi-sama, so dreamy…”

“Like a real prince.”

“Kyaa! Enjou-sama looked this way!”

There were even girls waving at them.
Of course they didn’t wave back though.
Even so, seeing these new sides of them, all the fan girls were in really good moods.
Even the normally poker-faced Kaburagi would occasionally talk to the horse with a smile.
To my great shame, even I felt my heart skip a beat when I saw that.
No good, no good. Animal Magic, how fearsome.

Because everybody spent the morning frolicking with the animals, when meat was brought out for lunch, everybody had difficult expressions.
The cold milk that we squeezed was yummy though.

After that, we spent the afternoon rafting and hiking, and thanks to moving about the whole day, everybody was fast asleep on the bus back.
Because of the spray from the river, my trademark curls are a little frazzled.

I can’t get up anymore…
I just pray that I don’t drool.

*imouto*

*imouto*

But still, that Kaburagi kid and Enjou sure looked cool on horseback.
I’ve also had some experience sitting on a horse as it was pulled along, but I’ll bet riding by yourself like that is much more fun.
When I asked, I found out that Oniisama used to learn horseback riding as well.
Because he’s in the kyudo club, apparently he also did horseback archery.
What the heck! I had no idea!
Even though I’d definitely love to see his gallant horseback archery!

As I was thinking how great it’d be if I could learn too, I tried asking Okaasama, but she said that it would be terrible if girls hurt themselves, and refused.
Hm~mm, what a shame.
I’ve even heard that horse riding was good for dieting.

 

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<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ.
Thank you for your consideration, guys!

---

Spring came, and I entered Year 5.
In 5th Grade, our classes change around.
Perhaps my desperate prayers worked because I avoided the Kaburagi-Enjou duo again.
My own luckiness terrifies me.
Given that we change class two times, I thought that I would end up in one of their classes at least once. There are only four classes each time after all.
But despite that, I won with a powerful draw!
Aahh, with this, I’ll be able to spend my time peacefully until I graduate from primary.

*imouto*

Now that I was in Year 5, the number of my underclassmen continued to grow, and the number of Enjou and Kaburagi fans grew as well.
As for the girls in our grade, my two followers glare at the younger girls and say stuff like “I would really appreciate it if younger students knew their place, and stopped acting so friendly with Kaburagi-sama and Enjou-sama.”.
Not only that, girls in the same classes as those two had their guards particularly high. Even when some brave underclassman gains the courage to stand outside their class to watch, those girls never let them close. Truly an impenetrable defence.
When I watch all those girls, I start to want to scream ‘Don’t be fooled by their appearances!’.

*imouto*

*imouto*

Fukioka-san started attending cram school.
Even though Akizawa-kun was supposed to have fully explained things, as I thought, she still hadn’t cleared all her misgivings about me.
The girl her self is from an all-girl’s school, so I suppose it can’t be helped that she worries about Akizawa-kun going to a co-ed. It would be better if he was at least in an all-boy’s school, huh?

“Sakurako. Kisshouin-san is the one that suggested you come to cram school, okay? Get along with her.”

“…Good afternoon. Um, thank you for inviting me.”

While quietly holding onto Akizawa-kun’s sleeve, she greeted me.
Mmmmmn. A Japanese-style bishoujo. And with a cuteness that makes you want to protect her, I see.

“Thank you for coming. Isn’t it wonderful that you can spend more time with your beloved Akizawa-kun?”

“Eh-?”

“Hey-, Kisshouin-san!”

Fujioka-san flushed red at my words, but Akizawa-kun flew into a panic.

Give it up already, Akizawa-kun. Being a kind person like you, it’s already impossible for you to escape from her.
If your cute Childhood Friend-chan starts crying in front of you, I doubt you’d be able to leave her.
To begin with, as a fellow girl, it seems to be as though the types that boys like to protect are actually the most stubborn and firm ones, aren’t they.
Although almost none of the boys ever realise it, huh?
Just how many times in my old life had I been used and betrayed by those types…?
No, it’s not like I’m saying Fukioka-san is like that, okay?

*imouto*

*imouto*

Ever since that first greeting on the first day, Akizawa-kun and Fukioka-san have been sitting together, and I’ve been by myself.
Being the kind person that he is, Akizawa-kun invited me to sit with them, but Fukioka-san looked unhappy about that, so I decided to pass on it. I don’t have a hobby of interfering with other people’s romances, okay?
And so, for the first time in a while, I went to the convenience store.
There were new sweets out, so I bought them to try. And while I was at it, I wanted the taste of the plebs, so I bought a nattou roll as well.
Quite a good haul.

It was about time to head back to class, so I had decided to go to the bathroom when I suddenly heard the sounds of girls gossipping.

“Drill Hair got her boyfriend stolen by the new girl, didn’t she?”

“Yeah, yeah. She got dumped, and now she’s all alone.”

“The poor thing~ Isn’t it tough to go to the same class as your ex and his new girlfriend?”

“Right?”

“She’s probably too proud to quit.”

“Well yeah, Drill Hair looks like the proud type.”

“She’s a Zui’ran kid after all~ And she’s even got drill hair, so.”

*imouto*

──What the!?

It looks like that’s how everybody else interpreted what happened.
What completely off-base accusations.

And what’s more, they actually all call me ‘Drill Hair’…?
‘Drill Hair’… At least call me Rococo or Antoinette or something.
Doesn’t ‘drill hair'(JP: vertical roll) sound like the name of some sort of bread?
Uwahh, I’m getting depressed.
I’m not a proud type, you know? I do have drill hair though…

If we’re talking about the Kisshouin Reika in the manga, then she absolutely wouldn’t allow such a rumour, but I don’t have any of the courage needed to march up to them and complain, so I just walked right past the bathroom and went back to class.
When I got home, I binged in stress.

*imouto*

*imouto*

There’s one other thing I should mention about cram school.
Up until now, I’ve only been attending classes for Japanese and maths.
But my grades in science and social studies are starting to become dangerous, so this year I’m attending those classes for cram school as well.
The truth is, I’ve actually been suspicious about these last few years of science and social studies.
When I’m in class, the content makes me wonder if I really actually did this stuff in primary school. Well, of course I probably did. I guess I just totally forgot.
Basically the only thing I remember about science in primary was playing around with magnets and iron sand. Even Orion is basically the only constellation I remember.

Useless…

As for social studies, the merging of cities and towns has been really intense, and the names that come up are all places I’ve never heard of. I don’t know much about the regional specialties of Japan either. Far from it, I don’t even know what prefectures are in the San’in region.
I have nooo idea about the names of rivers. I can’ttt remember the names of fields.
I have no advantage at all over the other kids.

I’ve completely lost all academic advantage from my previous life…

Useless… Old Me, you’re useless!
It’s because you did nothing but relax with sweets everyday as you giggled to yourself reading shoujo manga, you brain-rotten idiot!
Even though you remember all this useless stuff, you forgot everything you learnt at school!
If that brain of yours is only going to remember fujoshi crap like how Tokugawa Iemitsu was a h＊mo, then just have some dignity and forget everything to begin with!

So far I’ve somehow managed by studying by myself and getting Oniisama to tutor me, but the classes are getting harder, and Oniisama is busy with his own studies, which is why I decided to go to cram school for those subjects too.
In my new science and social studies classes, there were a few boys from Zui’ran. But none of them spoke to me like Akizawa-kun did.
Although they seem to be glancing my way for some reason.
Hmph. I bet they’re afraid of my drill hair.

Thinking about it like this, Akizawa-kun was pretty precious.
I only realise it now that I’ve lost him. How blessed I was to have him.
That feels nostalgic to me now.

I’ve been feeling a little sentimental these days.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

Her final line is written in a style that Japanese diary entries often end with.

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<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

The next week at cram school, I asked Akizawa-kun about how Fukioka-san was after that.

“Mmmm, for some reason she seemed awfully conscious of you.”

“I thought so.”

In her position, I’d be interrogating him to the end.

“I think she had some weird misunderstanding about you.”

“A weird misunderstanding? Specifically?”

“She kept asking if I liked you, or if you liked me instead. Ah-! Of course, I denied it, okay!? Because I definitely don’t think that you like me in that way! Sorry if I made you feel bad.”

“No, it is fine.”

I’m not angry. It’s quite often that that’s how it is, after all.

“It looks like Fukioka-san likes you, Akizawa-kun.”

I decided to say it with conviction.

“Ueeeh-!? What the heck are you saying so suddenly. Eh? Eh?”

“Now now, calm down. Well? How about it? Have you noticed her feelings?”

“Feelings? I mean, we’re like siblings…”

“What on earth are you doing saying such tepid things. The fact that Fukioka-san is in love with you is as clear as day. Well, how about it? Are you saying that you have not noticed her feelings?”

Akizawa-kun went silent.

“Even if you fall silent, you shall not escape me.”

“Uu… Aren’t you acting a little differently than usual? Aahh, as for Sakurako liking me, I’m not really sure. I know that she’s fond of me, but it might just be as childhood friends, right? Ah, but in kindergarten she said… Umm, she said that she wanted to marry me, so,”

Cliche.

“And so since then, she has been giving you Valentines chocolate each year. After all, you two are always visiting each other’s homes, correct?”

“Eh-, you could tell?”

“Of course I could tell.”

I’ve seen through it all.

“I suppose that given that your families are close as well, since little, they have been saying things such as ‘It’d be great if these two got married, huh~’ or ‘I wonder if Sakurako-chan would be willing to join our family as a bride~’ ‘My! Please do take her.’ as well?”

“How come you know!? That’s exactly right.”

Of course, of course.

“I can see your future, Akizawa-kun.”

“Eh-, what the heck?”

“In the future, if you marry anybody other than Fukioka-san, the relationship between your Okaasama and your wife will be strained.”

“How come?”

“Your Okaasama has been thinking all these years that it would be good if you married Fukioka-san, whom she dotes on. And Fukioka-san desires this as well. But then, if you brought along some other woman, naturally they would feel unpleased. If Fukioka-san cried in secret, things would be terrible. Your Okaasama would hate your wife.”

“Mum wouldn’t…”

In my past life, on the Thursday night drama I watched, it was terrifying when the guy married a woman his mother didn’t like.

“And so, Akizawa-kun, you must be prepared to choose.”

“Prepared?”

Akizawa-kun turned a little pale.

“In the case that you choose to accept Fukioka-san’s feelings, you must be prepared to eventually marry her someday. At the end of the day, you two are family friends. If the two of you break up midway, things will become extremely awkward. If in the case that you choose not to accept her feelings, then it would be better to say so as soon as possible. If you continue to drag this out, one day…”

“One day?”

“One day it will be a bloodbath.”

Since the teacher arrived, class began.
Akizawa-kun was pale and couldn’t concentrate on class, but I said what I needed to, so I was feeling refreshed now.

It’s definitely not because I’m jealous of his cliched protagonist position, and felt like bullying him a little.

*imouto*

*imouto*

Since then, for some reason Akizawa-kun started consulting me about Fukioka-san.

When they were in kindergarten, his childhood friend Fukioka Sakurako failed the Zui’ran entrance on purpose, and decided to commute to a Catholic-style ojousama school.
Since their families lived nearby, they’ve been close since they were born, and it was the same even in kindergarten, so she wanted to go to the same school as Akizawa-kun, but because Fukioka-san’s okaasama is an alumni of Yurinomiya Girls School, she wanted her daughter to go to the same school no matter what, and so Fukioka-san tearfully gave up on Zui’ran.
But lately, that Fukioka-san has been talking about wanting to join Zui’ran again.
Nine cases out of ten, it’s because of me.
When I met her the other day I thought that she was a graceful and proper Japanese-styled beauty, but when it comes to romance, she seems to be the reckless type.
A female mini-Kaburagi, I guess?

“What am I supposed to do.”

“Let us see…”

Honestly speaking, I have absolutely no experience outside of reading shoujo manga in my past life.
I’m not the type of person who should be giving out romantic advice to others.
Now then, what to do.

“For now, Fukioka-san’s greatest worry would be myself, correct? In that case, what if Fukioka-san attended this cram school as well? After all, the two of us rarely interact at school.”

To be honest, this seems like it’d be even more bothersome, so I actually don’t want her coming here.
But it’s for Akizawa-kun’s sake. Can’t be helped.
So well, I guess if she sees for herself that ‘I’m not a rival, you know~ I’m just a normal friend to him, you know~’ then it’s all good.

*imouto*

Akizawa-kun immediately suggested this to Fukioka-san, and apparently she would be attending come Spring, when we enter 5th grade.
And to Akizawa-kun who hadn’t quite made up his mind, the fact that her Valentines chocolate was even grander this year, was a little scary to him.

As for me, I guess as usual, I was just pulling the noose around my own neck.

 

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<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

A stalking-horse character is, in romance stories, the rival used to urge the main characters into a relationship. Or into a deeper relationship. Basically they had no chance to begin with, and were only introduced into the story to push the main couple along. Like um, what was his name? The werewolf dude from Twilight. He had a team, and… Was it Team… Jacob?

Also, sliding dogeza at 5s

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An ojousama has her own ojousama’s circle of acquaintances.

Myself included, an ojousama has lots of different lessons to go to. And those lessons often have showcases or recitals.
Honestly speaking, I can’t imagine that anybody outside of family would want to watch a bunch of kids dance or perform. But with just family alone, the seats wouldn’t fill up and it wouldn’t look very good, so those in high society often go to each other’s events, which also serve as chances to socialise.
And so, today I went to a violin recital because of that.

Okaasama came with me to the recital, and apparently she hadn’t given up on her dreams of me learning the violin yet, because she asked me stuff like ‘How about you use this opportunity to start learning yourself?’.
No thank you.
At my mother’s strong insistence, I went to a trial classroom once, but the finger that held down the string hurt. There was so much friction that it felt like my fingerprint would burn off. That day I decided that I was a bit too squishy for violin.
Likewise, at my mother’s recommendation, I tried the flute as well, but I still have nightmares about my last life when during the recorder recital I could only blow this pathetic and ridiculous ‘puupiiii~‘ sound from beginning to end and ruined it for everyone, so I’ve got a bit of a trauma about wind instruments now.
When everybody returned to class afterwards and yelled “Who the hell made that sound!?” and began searching for the culprit, I was seriously terrified.
I joined in and made this ‘Ehh~ I don’t know either~’ face, but inside, my heart was pounding. The fact that the kids who sat next to me were tightlipped was the only reason I barely escaped my death.
So when it comes to music, please just give me a break, and let me stay with just piano.

*imouto*

When the recital was over, we headed out to the lobby to hand out bouquets.
While I was waiting, I looked about randomly and spotted somebody surprising.

“Akizawa-kun?”

Just like us, Akizawa-kun was standing there a little distance away with a bouquet in hand.
I told Okaasama that I had a friend here, so I left her and headed over to him.

“Akizawa-kun? Whatever are you doing in a place like this?”

“Eh-, Kisshouin-san!?”

When he turned around, Akizawa-kun was shocked to see me too.

“Why are you here, Kisshouin-san? Umm, today my childhood friend was in the recital, so I came to watch, but what about you?”

“Something similar as well. A friend was performing.”

While we were talking, Okaasama, and a person who seemed to be Akizawa-kun’s okaasama came over.

“Reika-san, who might this gentleman be?”

“Ah-, Okaasama. This is Akizawa-kun. He is in my grade in Zui’ran, and we attend the same cram school, you know.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Akizawa Takumi.”

When Okaasama found out that he was a student at Zui’ran, she smiled happily.
I greeted Akizawa-kun’s okaasama as well.
While our mothers were exchanging greetings, we went back to our own conversation from before.

“By ‘childhood friend’, do you perhaps mean the one that gave you chocolates on Valentines?’

“Ah, that’s the one. To think you’d remember that. She lives in my neighbourhood, so our families have been close since we were little. She’s in the same grade as us, but she’s like a little sister to me.”

“A little sister?”

“Yeah, since we were small she’s always been following me around, and we went to the same kindergarten. When we had to go to different schools, she started bawling. It was terrible, you know. For today too, she told me that I absolutely had to come.”

Akizawa-kun, you…

At that moment, the performers and their families started to enter the lobby.

“Takumi!”

A Japanese-styled beauty with long black hair called out his name, as she trotted over to him.

“Ahh, Sakurako, good job! Your performance was great.”

Akizawa-kun met her with a smile.
When the girl heard his praise, she smiled happily with a flushed face, but the moment she saw me standing next to him, her expression turned bewildered.

“Takumi, who’s this person?”

“Ahh, this is Kisshouin-san. She’s in my cohort at Zui’ran, and we’re in the same class for cram school. Our classes at school are different though.”

‘Right?’ he asked me with an innocent smile.
Seeing that, Childhood Friend-chan started to look sullen.

“And this is the childhood friend I mentioned, Fukioka Sakurako.”

“I am Kisshouin Reika. It is a pleasure.”

“…Fukioka Sakurako.”

Her face clearly says that she isn’t happy to see me.
Aahh, this settles it.

“Takumi, it can’t be that you came with her, right?”

“Nuh uh. Apparently Kisshouin-san’s friend was in the recital as well. We met by chance a little while ago. Right, Kisshouin-san?”

Once again, he smiled at me, at which point Fukioka-san’s expression grew more and more severe.
Ah-, she’s glaring.

“I never heard about any of your friends being female, Takumi. Even though when you talk about them, only male names come up…”

“Really? Well, we basically only ever talk at cram school, so,”

“Are you… close?”

“Ehh~ I wonder about that. We don’t hate each other, right?”

“Eh-? Y-, Yes. That is true.”

Fukioka-san looked sadly at Akizawa-kun.

*imouto*

Oh my god.
I made light of this guy. Even though I thought he was just a loveless, normal primary schooler like me…
To think that he was holding the hidden trump card of all romantic cliches, ‘a sizzling love with a childhood friend’!!
Akizawa-kun who I thought was my comrade in no-romances was actually in a completely different realm to me to begin with.
I should have realised the moment he mentioned the yearly chocolates from her. It wasn’t courtesy chocolates, nor was it friendship chocolates, it was the real damn thing chocolates.
To think that I grouped myself together with a guy who had such a powerful romance card. I want to apologise to Akizawa-kun with a sliding dogeza now.

Apparently Akizawa-kun had no idea why Fukioka-san was upset, and carelessly asked “What’s wrong?”.
Cliche. It’s so cliche. The “romantically slow childhood friend” cliche.
Akizawa-kun, it feels like you’re so far away now…

To Fukioka-san, Akizawa-kun is the childhood friend that she loves, and who has always been by her side, so I guess that makes me the suddenly-appearing villainess rival character.
Even though Kimidol’s protagonist hasn’t even appeared yet, why the heck do I have to be the stalking horse in some random other place?
A sordid love triangle even in primary school? No thank you.

My ojousama companions who invited me appeared in the lobby, so I gratefully used them to retreat.

“Okaasama, Emiri-sama is here. We must hand her the flowers.”

“My, so she has. Well then, Akizawa-sama, I look forward to our next meeting. Well then, please excuse us. We shall be leaving first.”

“Please excuse us, and gokigen’yoh, Akizawa-kun, Fukioka-san.”

“See you at cram school, Kisshouin-san.”

“…Gokigen’yoh.”

I could feel Fukioka-san’s gaze stabbing painfully into my back.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

When I left the venue later, it was snowing.
No wonder I felt so cold.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

I return from Ze Tian Ji and A Mistaken Marriage Match with more Reika.

Just a note, but strictly speaking, if you’re being polite in Japanese, you refer to a person’s siblings etc. by honorific terms,
e.g. oneesan, imouto-san, otousan, otouto-san etc.

---

The day of the school’s founding anniversary was met with clear blue skies. Perfect for a day at the amusement park.
Being surrounded by three people who each sparkled in their own way, my mood was as good as it gets.

I wanted to get on as many rides as possible, so we arrived just before it opened.
The first rides were naturally the famous rollercoasters. You have to get on the most popular ones before the place gets packed, right?
Apparently some rich kids will hire somebody to stand in line for them, but we lined up ourselves.
Getting somebody to line up for you feels kind of unfair, and it would make all the other visitors unhappy, right?
It was tiring standing there the whole time, but if you spend the time chatting, it’s fun too, isn’t it!

Both the middle schoolers and high schoolers at Zui’ran share the same Pivoine, so although they weren’t particularly close, apparently the three of them had spoken a few times before.
Aira-sama was happily listening to Imari-sama talk about high school.
Thank goodness. Since she didn’t know them very well, I was worried about whether Aira-sama would be bored.
If she’s having fun, then I’m happy too.

The other guests lined up occasionally glance our way.
Aahh, I see. They can’t help themselves because these three are so sparkly, right? I know how they feel.
The three being looked at didn’t seem to enjoy it very much. Please just think of it as providing entertainment for everybody else bored in the line, and allow it.
Having a look around, I found that it was mostly groups of friends, but there was the occasional couple too.
From an objective point of view, do we look kind of like a double date?
When Imari-sama and Aira-sama stand next to each other, they look like an attractive couple. Mn mn.
Then what about Oniisama?
A pitiful person who had no girl to bring to the double date, and so brought along his little sister instead?
Oh no! My Oniisama looks like a hopeless case to people!?
My Oniisama is really popular too, okay!? On Valentines Day he got heaps of chocolates too!
He’s not some sad case who has nobody to invite but his sister, okay!

“Reika, are you thinking about something weird again?”

Oniisama looked my way suspiciously.
What on earth could you be speaking of?

I got on the ride together with Aira-sama.
I mean, it’s common sense that the escort for the Rococo Queen has to be a knight, right!
Imari-sama seemed to have complicated feelings about riding together with a guy, but this is natural.
Also, I need to protect Aira-sama from Imari-sama’s charm!
Hm? Am I being a third wheel?

After having a try at all of the rollercoasters, it was about time to head to the less extreme rides, or so I was thinking when shockingly Imari-sama bought us churros!
Food tasting!
I’ve always wanted to go food tasting!

Happy! Yummy!
Tasting foods from stalls and the like would normally be absolutely forbidden as the young lady of the Kisshouin family.
But it’s okay today! Amazing! I’m so glad I came!
Thanks for buying this, Imari-sama.
As expected of a lady killer who understands what a girl wants! An enemy of womankind! It feels like I might accidentally fall for him.

Aahh, I’m so happy. As I was walking about, nomming with a smile, a group of girls called out to Oniisama and Imari-sama.
Apparently they were high school girls from Zui’ran. Since it’s Zui’ran’s founding anniversary, they probably came to play just like us.

“To think that we would meet Momozono-sama and Kisshouin-sama here at the park!”

“Honestly, Imari-sama, you’re here even though you turned us down when we invited you.”

“You know, I saw Kisshouin-sama when I went to watch the match at the kyudo dojo. He was sooo wonderful.”

“My! I saw it too.”

Amazing. It’s like watching fans who have spotted an idol.
They’re making such a big deal of it.
Aira-sama and I were quietly eating our churros a distance away, while watching to see how things played out.
Could it be that one of these girls was one of the ones who gave Oniisama a Valentines chocolate?
Including courtesy chocolates, each year Oniisama brings back 20~30 of them.
Ah, there are girls whose hearts are captured by Oniisama among them as well.

Alright. Sister-in-law Switch, ON!

“Momozono-sama, Kisshouin-sama, is it just the two of you today?”

“No way. We’re here with Takateru’s imouto-chan and her senpai.”

“His, imouto-sama?”

You notice now, after all this time?

“Gokigen’yoh. I am Kisshouin Takateru’s younger sister, Reika.”

“I’m a second year in the middle school, Minazuki Aira. Please take care of us, Senpais.”

I probably don’t look too great with a churro in one hand, but I greeted them with a smile.

“Goodness! Kisshouin-sama’s imouto-sama!? It is a pleasure to meet you!”

They each began to introduce themselves too.
But although they smiled at me just fine since I was Oniisama’s sister and a primary schooler, the looks they gave Aira-sama were a little harsh.
Did they recognise her as a rival?
But Aira-sama’s enemies are my enemies!
My Sister-in-Law Radar is beeping, you know.
Besides, Aira-sama was introduced as my senpai, so aren’t their judging gazes pretty rude? Well, being a beauty with a dignified bearing, it looks like they’re faltering a little though.
It’s wonderful how Aira-sama isn’t perturbed by anything.
Oh? There are also a few oneesamas who are blushing at Aira-sama. So these are my rivals!?

“Heyy, Momozono-sama, isn’t it fine if you come hang with us a little?”

“Well, I mean we did meet up here after all. Right, Momozono-sama? Kisshouin-sama?”

“Kisshouin-sama really is kind, spending a holiday on an outing with his sister.”

“Kisshouin-sama, have you eaten? Should it please you, we would very much like you to join us.”

“Imari-sama.”

*imouto*

“Sorry, but,”

Oniisama gave a gentle smile,

“I promised that I would spend the day with my sister and her friend Aira-san. I apologise, but could we perhaps do this some other time?”

“Eh-, but…”

“I don’t want my sister to hate me for neglecting her. Sorry about this.”

said Oniisama, with a troubled smile.
It seems that when they saw his face, they couldn’t say anything forceful anymore.

“I don’t want Imouto-chan to hate me either~ Sorry. Cya tomorrow at school.”

“…I understand. It is a shame, though.”

Imari-sama took advantage of Oniisama’s response. I don’t doubt Oniisama’s love for me, but didn’t Imari-sama totally use me as an excuse?
Well, since he treated me to churros, I’ll forgive him I guess.
I thought that the girls might secretly follow us anyway, but it looks like they properly observed etiquette.
And so we went back to enjoying the amusement park.

*imouto*

*imouto*

Since there was a middle schooler and primary schooler in our group, we decided to head back home before it got too dark.
We each had our own cars coming to pick us up, so we said our goodbyes right there.
Oniisama and I both got onto our Kisshouin family’s car.

“Reika, since we’re already outside, do you want to eat out?”

“EHHH!?”

Dinner with just Oniisama!
I definitely wanna go!

“I do!”

“Mn. Then is there anything you want to eat?”

Something I want to eat?
Hm~mm. Since we may as well, I want to eat something simple and plebby. My tongue is starving for the taste of commoner food.
Since it’s Oniisama, he might let me.
Curry rice, pork fried with ginger, grilled fish set meal, ramen…

“Omurice!”

The omurice of a good set-meal shop is yummy.
I’ve had the Kisshouin chef make it a few times, but a normal shop’s omurice is just different, you know?

“Omurice, huh. Got it.”

And then the place I was taken to was the Marunouchi commercial district, and a high class restaurant with a nightview far from anything you’d see in a set-meal shop.
The place was dark, with a weak spot-light for each table, so it was crazy atmospheric.
Huh? This is kind of different from what I was thinking.
The price next to the omurice on the menu was something unimaginable for a former commoner like myself.
S-, So expensive… Even though this was supposed to be a commoner dish.
When they brought in the omurice, the golden egg and demi-glace sauce glittered in the spot lighting. I unconsciously wanted to use honorifics with it.
The flavour was absolutely not plebeian, but it tasted incredible, so I guess this is fine too.

“Speaking of which, you and Imari-sama were quite popular today, weren’t you.”

When I said that, Oniisama looked a little unhappy.

“Leaving you aside, Oniisama, would Imari-sama not have preferred playing with those girls over children like Aira-sama and I?”

“…It’s because Imari has a girlfriend.”

“EEEH!?”

That’s the first I’ve heard of it!

“This is the first time I have heard of it!”

“Well that’s because I didn’t say.”

“Then all the more reason. Would it not have been better to spend the holiday with his girlfriend instead?”

“She goes to a different school, so.”

Oh my god!
To think that Imari-sama had a girlfriend! But well, given how cool and kind he is, it’s not really that surprising I guess.
Aira-sama seemed to be getting along with Imari-sama today, but she definitely hasn’t fallen for him, right?

On the car home, I immediately texted Aira-sama to thank her for today.
And while I was at it, before she could say anything, I made sure to write, “Just now Oniisama told me that Imari-sama has a girlfriend. I was so shocked! I wonder what kind of person she is. Ah, please keep this as a secret between just the two of us, okay? Aira-sama”.
I don’t think it would happen, but if on the off chance that Aira-sama fell for Imari-sama and she confessed to me “The truth is I love Imari-sama” or something, I’d be really troubled.
I love Aira-sama, so I’d hate for things to become awkward between us more than anything.

The reply that came later said, “I heard about this from Imari-sama today, you know? I heard about how their relationship began as well, but would you like to know?” so it turns out I was just totally worrying for nothing.
What the heck am I even doing.

＊いもうと＊

＊いもうと＊

---

“Set-Meal Shop”
Basically a restaurant that specialises in set meals. In most Shokugeki no Souma translations, it’s translated as ‘Special-of-the-Day Shop’ but considering what it is, I decided to go with what I did.

“Marunouchi”

What PIN spot lighting looks like。

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

After I retired from spying, I had almost no contact with those two, and spent my days in peace.
The fact that I was turned into a gopher wasn’t revealed either, and I managed to escape the downfall in hierarchy that I had dreaded.
Actually far from it, there’s this misunderstanding now that “Reika-sama is close enough to that Kaburagi-sama that he would personally rely on her” and I’m even the target off some weird envy.
No, no, we’re not close, I said.
Since then, we’ve almost never spoken, so please don’t look at me with those expectant eyes.

*imouto*

As for Aira-sama, since then we’ve continued to message each other once in a while. What an extravagant mail buddy!
Aside from advice with studying and talks about her middle school life, she also tells me about how Kaburagi and Yurie-sama are doing.

It was also though Aira-sama that I heard about the success of the letter strategy.
With a letter written with all of Kaburagi’s heart, and a cute bouquet arriving every day, Yurie-sama folded pretty  quickly.
Apparently Aira-sama didn’t get to actually read it, but the envelope and writing paper that Yurie-sama showed here were all different varieties, and had cute flowers and animals drawn on them.
It looks like he properly followed my advice.
Since letters about how lonely he was and how hard it was by himself came every day on that cute kind of paper, given that Yurie-sama thought of him as a cute little brother to begin with, apparently her maternal instincts and guilt shook her resolve.

Persuasion by sob story, huh. I’m sure it was Enjou’s idea.

Cunningly, he even wrote about how he wanted to dance with her at this year’s summer party and got a promise from her.
As expected of Enjou. Turning even bad luck into opportunity.

And truly, when it came to the summer party, maybe he was hiding his shyness because his face looked unhappy and he was all red and stuff, but he really did end up dancing with Yurie-sama.
Could it be that he saw my waltz with Oniisama and longed for the same thing?
That he hoped that he could do it one day as well?
Even now, Kaburagi is a little shorter than Yurie-sama, but the difference in their height has shrunk since my dance with Oniisama, so maybe he’s been biding his time.
As for the waltz itself, even if he’s like that he’s still Kaburagi, so he lead Yurie-sama even though he’s just a little primary schooler.
All the Ojousamas were entranced by it.
I just wanted to snort, and chewed on some roast beef instead.

Also, apparently he really did reflect, because Kaburagi’s stalker attitude calmed down as well.
It seems like he’s training himself each day to become more suitable for the older Yurie.
At school, he’s got the same cool poker face as usual, and the girls all squeal and make a fuss, but now that I know his true face, I can’t help but want to tell somebody.
But if I did that, it’d set me straight on the path to destruction, so when I get home I sink my face into my pillow and scream “HE’S ACTUALLY AN IDIOT YOU KNOWWWW!” “AND HE’S ALSO A STALKER YOU KNOWWWW!” “DON’T BE FOOLEDDDD!” to relieve my stress.

*imouto*

And so as days like that passed, one day I suddenly received an email from my (in my mind, at least) mail buddy Aira-sama, inviting me to go out during the school anniversary.

A DATE WITH A KNIGHT!!

Of course I’ll go! No matter what, I’ll go!
Aahh, oh my goodness!
The role of princess is always played by her best friend  Yurie-sama, but for just today I’ll get to be the princess that she protects!?

The maid helped me curl my hair into the usual hairstyle that my mother likes.
She even added a ribbon to the back of my head, and I looked like a fake Rococo Queen. [←Mary Antoinette]
But with this Fake Rococo Queen Hair, isn’t it kind of like that manga I read in my past life? The one about the French revolution, with the beautiful cross dressing female knight, and the tragic queen that she protected?
UKYAAAAAAH!

When I quickly went to brag to Oniisama about my outing with Aira-sama, he said that it was dangerous for just two girls, so he and his friend Imari-sama would be coming along as well.

Aahh, oh my goodness!
Not just Aira-sama, but Oniisama and Imari-sama as well!
Aira-sama in my right and, Imari-sama in my left, and Oniisama at my back! Hah-!? Could this be that situation that’s all the rage in shoujo manga? The so-called reverse harem situation!?
Aahh, my spring has finally…

Momozono Imari-sama has been Oniisama’s friend since primary, and is a splendid person that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few times.
The truth is, Imari-sama is actually the one who gave me the idea for the small bouquets.
When Imari-sama comes over to play, he always gives me (his friend’s little sister) a small and cute bouquet, and a few sweets and the like.
As for the sweets, they’re things like honey in a beautiful jar, or a box of assorted flower-shaped chocolates; just things that a girl would very likely appreciate.
Even though he shouldn’t have any sisters, at 11th grade he’s already splendid at dealing with girls, and really seems like the type that trouble will follow.
But he always gives me lots of stuff.
Of course, I do like Imari-sama who’s both kind and somewhat dangerous, you know? Women prefer men with a little danger over a plainly kind and no-risk guy. That’s why I think that in the future, Imari-sama will become an enemy of womankind, and honestly I’m quite looking forw-, …quite worried about him.

Anyway, Imari-sama is a different kind of ikemen to Oniisama.
It’s the same with Enjou and Kaburagi too, but why do hot guys always seem to be friends with other hot guys?
Speaking of which, I wonder who Akizawa-kun is good friends with…
………………
…I think I’d better stop playing innocent while thinking about these no-good ideas.
I mean, Akizawa-kun has big round eyes, and is cute in his own way too, isn’t he.
I love your friendly face, Akizawa-kun!

*imouto*

When I asked Aira-sama whether it was okay for the two of them to come, she happily agreed.
The place we’re going is the most popular amusement park in Japan.
I wonder if everybody will be willing to wear animal-ear headbands with me.
Oniisama seems like he’d definitely hate it.
We’re going on a weekday, but it’ll probably be really packed, huhh… I’d better eat and sleep well so I’m in peak condition for the day.
Just a little bit longer until my bewitching reverse-harem date!

*imouto*

*imouto*

By the way, according to my Aira-sama Intelligence, Kaburagi and Yurie-sama’s school anniversary date (at least that’s what he thinks of it) went splendidly without a hitch.
They went to a museum.
I wouldn’t expect any less.

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

Just as expected, the moment that the hour-long class ended, people began to swarm around my desk.

“What on earth was that, Reika-sama!?”

The first shot was fired by my classmate since year 1 and Follower #1, Serika-chan.

“You’ve never told us that you were close to Kaburagi-sama, you know?”

This too was a classmate since first grade, Follower #2, Kikuno-chan.
Amongst all my followers, these two are the ones known as the closest to me, and at times like these, they’re the first to speak up.

“Please calm down, everybody. Kaburagi-sama and I are not particularly close.”

“But for Kaburagi-sama to go out of his way to meet with a girl is,”

“The truth is, I have been entrusted with a certain matter, and we were simply discussing it, all right?”

“A certain matter? What kind of matter?”

“That is, something I do not have the right to talk about…”

At that moment, a sudden chorus of squeals came from around the door to our classroom.

“Kisshouin-san, are you in?”

“ENJOU-SAMAAA!”

The girls around me began kicking up a fuss about him.

What the heck is this guy here for…

“Ah, there you are, Kisshouin-san. About our conversation with Masaya from earlier, when you’re finished with lunch, come to the Pivoine salon, okay?”

That line just caused a bigger fuss.
Aahh, my days of peace are…

“U-, Umm, Enjou-sama? Is it true that Reika-sama has been entrusted something by Kaburagi-sama?”

“Aah, mn. That’s right.”

Again with the squeals and cheers.

“What is it that she’s been entrusted with?”

“Sorry, but I can’t really say. If you girls pry too much, Masaya will get angry, you know? Won’t that be bad? Kisshouin-san is keeping quiet too, see?”

“Indeed.”

“See you later then,” smiled Enjou, before leaving the classroom.
Although the girls were still excited from Enjou’s sudden visit, his mention that Kaburagi Masaya would get angry at their prying stopped them from doing anything more, even though they would have happily hounded me otherwise.

Did that guy come to visit me during our short period-break just to tell me to come to the salon?
Hm~mm. Could it be that he knew that people would hound me about my relationship with Kaburagi, and came here to cover for me?
Hmm, is he really nice enough to do that?
But in the manga, he always casually covered for the protagonist, didn’t he. I guess that means he has it in him.

Hmmmmm…

Well, either way it’s fine.
With this, perhaps even the girls who heard me become a gopher will keep quiet too.
To begin with, those guys began all this, so covering for me this much is a given!

*imouto*

*imouto*

At lunch break, I was too afraid of what might happen if I didn’t go, so although I was reluctant from the depths of my heart, I headed to the salon.

Emperor was sitting cockily on his special seat as usual.
Isn’t he pretty energetic compared to last week?
Even though it would have been great if he just stayed a husk like that…

“Too slow!”

Honestly, I’m just not going to comment anymore…

“Kisshouin-san, how about you sit down for now?”

“Enjou-sama, thank you very much for following up earlier.”

Hearing my words, Enjou replied with a smile.
Hm~mm, so that really was his aim.
Not that I’m really grateful though.

“Oi, what are you guys on about?”

“Nothing. More importantly, aren’t we here to discuss what you’re gunna do?”

“Oh yeah! What do I do to convince Yurie that I’ve reflected?”

You’re seriously relying on others for this?

“How about you start with what you think, Masaya?”

“I think that in order to convey my feelings to Yurie, I should visit her each day to apologise!”

A STALKER’S IDEA!!
This guy hasn’t reflected at all, has he?

“Masaya, I think that would have the opposite effect.”

“WHY!?”

He’s so stupid that it’s almost refreshing.

“Then what do you think I should do!?”

“Don’t contact her at all until it all dies down, and then quietly wait for forgiveness.”

“VETOED!”

Well, it’s true that Stalker-kun here wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“Alright then. Spy! What do you think?”

Honestly, please just stop with that name already.

“Kaburagi-sama, my name is Kisshouin Reika. Please desist with the ‘spy’.”

It would be the absolute worst if he called me that in public.

“That’s right, Masaya. She’s helping you with advice, so at least use her name properly.”

“Hmph.”

He suuure has a crappy attitude.
Well, I already know he was this type of person though.

“Well? Do you have a good idea or not?”

He flicked his chin to prompt me.
Tsk…

“I suggest that you write a letter each day.”

“Letter?”

Right, a letter.
Although I think that Enjou’s idea of behaving quietly for a while is best, this ‘earnest guy’ (read: stalker) wouldn’t be able to bear it.

“How much you have reflected for example, or what you think of the situation and the like. Well, what they call a reflection essay, I suppose. I believe that a message through your phone would feel too impersonal, and would not convey your feelings as well. For that reason, a handwritten letter would be best. Write a letter that conveys your feelings to Yurie-sama. Since ancient times, Japan has always had the tradition of romances that begin with a love letter.”

“Is that true!?”

Well, who knows.

“Please write it carefully and wholeheartedly. Choose paper and an envelope that you think Yurie-sama would like. Doing things this way will also serve as a way to show that you are thinking of her feelings without impressing your own on her. Perhaps a small bouquet from time to time would also be appropriate. And never, ever send a large one.”

“Why? If I’m going to show my feelings for her, bigger would be better, right?”

“That would be too pushy. A smaller bouquet is a way of expressing your first love as a junior. Appeal to Yurie-sama’s feelings.”

“F-, First love!?”

“What are you saying after all this time? The entire school is aware. More importantly, once school ends today, please immediately go shopping for a letter-writing set.”

Kaburagi turned red and sputtered for a moment at the words ‘first love’, but he eventually pulled himself back together and said,

“Alright! I’ll use your suggestion! After school we’re going shopping for a letter set! You two know your jobs, right!”

Eh-, what the heck is he on about?

“I will not be going.”

“Hah? Why?”

That’s what I should be asking. Why the heck do I have to go?

“I have lessons after school. And in addition, Kaburagi-sama? I believe it was written in my report earlier. “He will swear not to get other people wrapped up for Yurie-sama’s sake.” If you involve me in this matter, Yurie-sama will become angry again.”

After falling silent for a while, Kaburagi replied,

“…Got it. Good work.”

“Yes. Well then, I take my leave. Gokigen’yoh.”

I flashed a smile, and left the salon.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

Afterwards, the letter strategy was a success, and feeling moved, Yurie-sama apparently forgave him.

The strategy succeeded without a hitch.
In the end I retired from my life as a spy, and returned to being just a normal girl.
Please don’t look for me.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

 

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<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

Aira-sama messaged me on Saturday.
We chatted via email, and summing up the main points of our conversation,

• Yurie-sama is angry at the fact that he went too far, scrutinising her every action, and even using people in middle school to stop her from talking to male students.
• Yurie-sama is also angry at the fact that even though the boy who confessed to her was from another school, Kaburagi did something as violent as suddenly drop-kicking him.
• When he clearly understands why Yurie-sama is angry, and has reflected, she intends on forgiving him.
• When that happens, he will swear that he will honour her own desires, and will refrain from unreasonable surveillance and inteference.

Also, and this is big,

• He will swear not to get other people wrapped up for Yurie-sama’s sake.

Naturally this includes me.

In fact, Aira-sama told Yurie-sama about Kaburagi forcing me to be a slave, and Yurie-sama apparently apologised to me.

Also, when I told Aira-sama about my lie about the mobile, she suggested that we meet early Monday morning to talk.
As expected of Aira-sama.

*imouto*

With my spy report with me, I triumphantly walked into school.
I was casually thinking that I would just go to the salon at lunch break to hand it to him, but I had forgotten about how little self-control he had.

Shortly after I arrived at school, Kaburagi barged into my classroom.
My classmates fell silent, and the jealousy and envy of the girls was particularly bad.
I mean after all, Kaburagi Masaya who paid basically no attention to girls had now come all the way to another room to meet a female student (me).

What the hell has he done…

“Oi, how was it?”

Without even greeting me, suddenly jumping into that?

“Good morning, Kaburagi-sama. It would not do to speak here, so perhaps we should speak at lunch.”

So that the crowd couldn’t sense my inner turmoil, I stuck with my calm facade.
I’m begging you, please don’t say anything unnecessary in front of them.
This stalker is an idiot so I have no idea what kind of dangerous things he might say.
Aah, what am I going to do if the class finds out that I’m a gopher?
My position would plummet to the ground!

“No, say it now. I’m not gunna wait.”

Waittt daamnnn youuu~

It’s this lack of self-control that makes Yurie-sama angry, so hurry up and notice already.
At this rate you won’t be forgiven no matter how long you wait, you know?

“Very well. In that case, it is not a matter that we can discuss here, so shall we change locations?”

Anyway, I have to go somewhere without other people. If he calls me ‘Gopher’ here, I’m done for.
Also, the gazes from the crowd are too scary.

“Alright. Follow me.”

Arrogant as always, huh~
The moment that we stepped out of the room, I could hear the girls screaming “What on earth was thattt!?” from behind me.
It looks like my days of peace are over.
Aahh, my head hurts…

*imouto*

“Now then, speak your results.”

We didn’t have time to go to the salon, so we just spoke in the corner of the hallway.
Even though this place should be filled with people right now, with a glare from the Emperor the place cleared out.
Although I’m painfully aware that they’re all paying attention from afar.

“Understood.”

I took out the report from my pocket.
To begin with, would a normal person think to ask for the results first thing in the morning even though I was supposed to be talking to Aira-sama the very same day?
Is he really just an idiot without a brain, or could it be that he expected me to prioritise his orders over everything else?
If it’s the latter, then all the more reason to hate it, huh~

Stalker Kaburagi read the report with much intensity.
…I suppose you can call this honest in a sense, huhh~
When I was unrelated, I saw a primary school boy being this affected by his first love, so I had thought mellow stuff like ‘How bittersweet~ How heartrending~’, but now that I’m actually wrapped up in it, he just looks like a damned stalker that keeps causing me trouble.

“…So if I reflect like it says here, and I swear that I’ll stop keeping Yurie under surveillance, she’ll forgive me, huh?”

“That appears to be the case.”

Kaburagi fell into thought.

“So when is that going to be?”

“Hah?”

What the heck is this guy saying.

“As I said, when you reflect…”

“I’ve reflected. Totally reflected. And I swear that I’ll respect Yurie’s decisions. Look, it’s just like Yurie’s demands. So today? Tomorrow? Or is she going to forgive me right now?”

Uehh…

What an annoying guy.
Was the Emperor always such an annoying kid in his youth?
Because he’s always got a cold and bored expression, all the girls make a fuss and say stuff like ‘He’s so cool and dreamy!’ and I also thought he was pretty cold for a primary schooler, but what ‘cool’? He’s just an idiot.
Everyone’s been totally fooled.

“Masaya.”

And at this point, Enjou Shuusuke came walking along.

“What are you doing in a place like this? And with Kisshouin-san as well.”

Aaah, the annoyances have multiplied.

“Oohh, Shuusuke! Look at this! The spy’s done good work!”

“Eh-, Kisshouin-san, have you already gone to ask Aira? You sure work fast, huh~”

Enjou peered in from the side at the report Kaburagi was holding.

“Hm~ I see. Well, isn’t it just as we expected?”

“I said this just now as well, but I’ve already reflected, and I’ll accept Yurie’s conditions. So it’s about time that Yurie forgives me, right?”

He really is a simple-minded idiot, huh~

“You sure are an idiot, Masaya~”

Uwa-, for a moment I thought my mind was being vocally projected.

“Shuusuke, you bastard, are you picking a fight with me?”

“Hey now, reflect, reflect. That short temper of yours is another reason Yurie is angry, you know?”

“Nothing like that was in the report!”

“Didn’t they teach us in Japanese class to read between the lines? Look, right here it mentions that you flying kicked a middle schooler from another school. Yurie was angry at your short-tempered actions. Get it now?”

Kaburagi fell into frustrated silence.

“Anyway, she isn’t going to believe that you’ve reflected from just your words. You need to show it in your attitude.”

“Then what the hell should I do.”

“Let’s see~ Kisshouin-san, do you have any good ideas?”

“Eh-?”

Why me?
I did just as instructed and went searching for Yurie-sama’s thoughts on the matter, so aren’t I relieved of duty already?
Your trusted friend has come already, so you shouldn’t have a use for me anymore.
Or rather, I don’t want anything to do with you.

And with good timing, the bell for class rang.

“Goodness. I must be leaving for class. Well then.”

Hurry, hurry.

“Wait, Spy.”

Kaburagi called for me to stop.

“You come up with something too. It’s your assignment until lunch break.”

HAHHHHHHHH???

Why the heck should I do that!?
And plotting isn’t the job of a spy, right?
Please just give me a break already…

Enjou gave a troubled smile.
Uh, no, you’re the one who turned the conversation to me, right?
Honestly, this is just the worst…

*imouto*

The moment I returned to class, the homeroom teacher came in, so for now I managed to avoid my hounding classmates.
Although it’s just putting it off the short time until this one hour lesson is over.
My relationship with Kaburagi… What kind of lie would be good?
Even if I die, I won’t admit that I’m his gopher.
What if I just said something normal like “There has been a small matter he entrusted to me.”? I’d be troubled if they asked about what the matter was though.
Aahh, this week is off to such an unlucky start.

 

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<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

And so just like that, I was abducted by the Kaburagi car, and they immediately demanded the results of my spy work.

“How was it? I trust you did your job properly? I saw Aira walk into the building after all.”

Oh my god.
This person really is a stalker. So dangerous.
And perhaps, also somebody with too much free time?

“Aira-sama promised that she will ask Yurie-sama later for me. She should be contacting me in the near future.”

I’m definitely not telling him that we exchanged addresses.
If I let him know, then Emperor, now Stalker In-the-Making would definitely demand mine as well, and send me orders by email day and night.
That’s just how stalkers are.

“I see. Did she say anything else?”

Hm~mm, I really can’t say it, can I.

“What. Answer me.”

Uu, don’t glare at me. It’s scary.

“Umm, Aira-sama said, ‘threatening unwilling people and working them hard for your own matters like this will just get Yurie even angrier’.”

Waa, I said it.
But this is what Aira-sama said, okay? It wasn’t me, okay?

Kaburagi blinked blankly.

“What unwilling people?”

Eh-, could it be that this kid is an idiot?
Not just a stalker, but an idiot too?
Incredibly arrogant, a stalker, and an idiot. So a total failure?

“Oi. You. You were thinking something rude just now, weren’t you.”

“No, I would never dream of such a thing.”

Stop reading my mind!

Kaburagi stared hard at my face for a while, but he eventually snorted and stopped.

“Well whatever. When will Aira be contacting you?”

“I cannot say. Perhaps on Monday?”

“How is she contacting you? Are you going to go to the middle school area to ask?”

“Ummm… I wonder?”

He hit me where it hurttt!

“What the heck. Go find out then. What now. Are you going to wait here until Aira’s lesson ends?”

Don’t joke with me.
Why do I have to do that much.

“No. In that case, I shall go ask Aira-sama on Monday.”

For now, let’s just avoid the problem with this.

“Hmm? Alright, got it. Monday, right? You better not forget.”

“Yes. I understand.”

Can I go home now?

“Oh yeah. You got a mobile?”

“No.”

When lying, absolutely do NOT look to the top right.
It’s what Oniisama taught me.

“Really?”

“My parents decided as such.”

Kaburagi is looking at me suspiciously.
Oh yeah. This guy can read minds. Keep calm, keep calm.

“May I leave now? My chauffeur will be worried.”

I want to retreat before I let up anything else.

“Eh, ahh, yeah. Well then, Monday then.”

“Yes.”

The moment that I stepped out of the Kaburagi car, as though he just remembered, Kaburagi added,

“By the way, who was that ‘unwilling person’ that you mentioned earlier?”

Flashing him a smile like Enjou’s, I said,

“That would be me, of course. Well then, gokigen’yoh, Kaburagi-sama.”

Leaving behind the gaping Kaburagi, I walked towards my family’s car.

*imouto*

I said it. I said it!
…But what am I going to do if he gets revenge.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

Oniisama is coming home late today, so I was having dinner with just my parents.
That was when the bombshell dropped.
Otousama was smiling in a good mood when he asked,

“I heard from Sagami today that Masaya-kun from the Kaburagi clan went all the way to your English class to meet you.”

GEHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I was wondering why he seemed to be in a good mood, but was that why!?
Sagami is the name of the chauffeur that picked me up.
He picked me up, but the reason he didn’t save me when I was abducted by some strange car was because he knew who they were, then.
And then he went and reported it to my parents, huh.

“When did you too become so close? Otousama had no idea.” (←this is the father speaking himself)

“No, Otousama. I have almost never spoken with Kaburagi-sama.”

It’s no good. If I don’t clearly refute him here, it’ll end up in some situation where there’s no going back.

“What are you saying? That Masaya-kun went out of his way to meet you, didn’t he? Could it be that he’s taken a liking to you?”

Uwahh, what an unthinkable misunderstanding!
Otousama’s totally dreaming.

“Impossible. Saying things like that will trouble Kaburagi-sama, so please do not ever say such a thing again!”

Up until now, Otousama might have been hoping ambitiously that I’d marry him.
To begin with, that’s how it was in the manga.
Aah, what do I do.
If only Oniisama were here!

“Why are you getting so irritated, Reika?”

“Because you are having strange misunderstandings, Otousama!”

This is bad. I can hear the footsteps of the approaching downfall.
The role of being majorly shamed at an engagement party? Definitely don’t want it!

“Now, now, dear. Reika is still at an age where she’s embarrassed about these things, so let’s be more gentle about these things.”

Okaasama gently stopped him.
But even she’s looking my way with expectation.
Please cut me a break~!

All of this is his fault! That Stalker Kaburagi’s!

*imouto*

*imouto*

Wanting to vent these feelings of mine, I charged at Oniisama when he came back from prep school.

“And so, Otousama and Okaasama are having terrible misunderstandings. What should I do, Oniisama?”

I’m sorry for doing this when Oniisama is probably exhausted having just come home, but I’ll be venting my complaints to him.

“If it’s just the misunderstanding, then it’ll clear itself on its own sometime. I’ll talk to them and make sure they don’t do anything rash. More importantly, will you be okay with the thing with Masaya-kun?”

I left out what exactly Kaburagi wanted to hear from Aira-sama.
As well as the part about being intimidated. I don’t want Oniisama to worry.
The reason that I didn’t talk about Yurie-sama’s thing is because although he really is a stalker, it still wouldn’t sit right with me to go spreading details about somebody’s love life.

“I think it will be okay.”

“That’s good then.”

Oniisama patted my head.
Hahh~ Talking to Oniisama really does calm me down~

“Hey, Oniisama.”

“What?”

“Oniisama, in the future will you be inheriting the Kisshouin Corporation?”

“Well, yeah, I guess.”

“Please make sure to be honest in your management, okay?”

“What the heck?”

Only the sincere Oniisama can stop that ambitious Otousama!
Please, Oniisama, protect my peaceful future.

*imouto*

*imouto*

 

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