Infinite Stratos - Volume 1, page 12
"You've asked too much already. I want to ask you, how could you use an IS? I was shocked when I saw you on the news."
Since it's a reunion after a year, I tossed out many questions that I wouldn't normally be asking. As a childhood friend, I would definitely be intrigued by how she has been during this time. It was the same when I met Houki again.
"Ichika, it's about time you give us an explanation."
"That's right, Ichika-san! Are you...going out with this person?"
Maybe because both of them felt somewhat strange to me, Houki and Cecilia sounded rather shrill when they asked me. The other classmates of course nodded their heads excitedly.
"N-no-no-not really, we aren't dating..."
"That's right, why must we go to that extent? We're only childhood friends."
"..."
"Why are you glaring at me?"
"Nothing!"
Rin just got angry. Such a strange person.
"Childhood friend...?"
Houki replied with a surprised tone.
"Oh ya—let me see. Houki's family moved out when she had just finished 4th grade, right? Rin transferred in during 5th grade. After that, she went back to China when she finished her sophomore year in Middle school, so it's been about a year since I last saw her."
I see, so Houki and Rin never met before. They just happened to miss each other when they moved.
"Then, this is Houki. Oh, I told you about her before, right? She's a childhood friend I've known since grade school, she's the daughter of the dojo owner where I used to go to train kendo."
"Oh, I see."
Rin stared at Houki carefully, and Houki, not willing to lose, did the same.
"Nice to meet you, I hope we can get along."
"Yeah, me too."
While both of them greet each other, for some reason, I seem to see sparks flying between them. Am I hallucinating because of all the fatigue I've built up? If so, I need a rest. Some French boss mentioned before that Japaneses weakness is that they don't know how to rest. I'm finished, I'm already like this in High School. I'll definitely die once I enter society.
"Ahem! It would be bothersome if you forget about my existence. Representative from China, Huang Lingyin-san?"
"...Who are you?"
"What? I'm Cecilia Alcott, the representative candidate from England! Don't tell me you don't know me?"
"Um, I'm not really interested in other countries."
"Wh-Wha-What...?"
Cecilia got so angry that she couldn't even say anything. Her face is flushed red like a cooked cuttlefish—she would get angry if I say that, right? Better not say it.
"Let, let me say this first, I won't lose to someone like you!"
"Really? If we were to fight it out, I would win! Sorry, but I'm strong."
Rin said that in a somewhat proud voice. She hasn't changed one bit, always having a weird amount of self-confidence, and not having any malice in her words. This is the real her, she really thinks that way.
—But even if she doesn't mean any ill, some people might get angry.
"..."
"You, you actually dared to say it..."
Houki wordlessly put down her chopsticks; Cecilia trembled as she clenched her fist.
In contrast, Rin was still casually eating her ramen right in the afternoon. Casually (nani kuwanu), eating lunch in the afternoon (kao de meshi wo kuu)...that rhymes.
"Ichika."
GYA! Did they find out what I was thinking? I'm just thinking of something random, so there should be no reason for them to scold me...sort of.
"I heard that you're class 1's representative."
"Oh? Yeah, well, things just turned out like that."
"Oh..."
Rin picked her bowl up and started to drink the soup in large gulps. This person doesn't use anything like a spoon, maybe because 'she doesn't like to lack the attitude of a guy'...you're a girl, right?
"That, if possible, may I guide you a little on your IS piloting?"
She turned her face away, only giving me a glance. It's rare to see Rin stutter like this.
"That would be gre—"
*BAM!* twice the sound of the table being slammed on. Houki and Cecilia stood up after slamming it hard.
"It's my job to teach Ichika! He requested me to do it!"
"You're in class 2, right? We won't receive help from the enemy!"
Wah, both of them look absolutely terrifying. Seems like they're really into the inter-class battles. I should look up to them a bit more.
"I'm talking to Ichika right now. Would people not involved please leave?"
"Who, who said that I'm not involved? Ichika begged me to train him!"
Well, I didn't go to the extent of desperately begging...huh, that's strange. Seems like this was said before; as usual, Houki emphasized on the 'desperately' part, and looks like she seems to insist on this.
"Since he's the representative from class 1, he has to be taught by someone from class 1. Seeing how it is, to suddenly appear like this, I'm guessing that you're plotting something—"
"I didn't just pop out of nowhere. I've known Ichika longer than you have!"
"If, if you're going to point that out, I've known Ichika since a lot earlier than you! Besides, Ichika has often come over to our house to eat, so we understand each other very well!"
"He ate at your house? However, the same goes for me."
That's right, Rin's house is a Chinese cuisine shop. Though I would cook when Chifuyu-nee was at home, at that time, she was active as an IS pilot, so she didn't return home often.
Because of that, it was pointless for me to cook. If I'm going to eat by myself, though it's a little extreme, I just need instant noodles.
But speaking of that, instant noodles don't have any taste at all, and more importantly, they aren't good for your health. Because of that, I would consider going to a nearby shop. Rin's shop has cheap food which is delicious, and they are generous in their servings, so I would go there about 4, 5 times a week.
Because a lot of things happened during grade school, I would often go out with Rin. At the beginning...huh, because of Rin's personality, our relationship began with a rocky start. But after a lot of things happened, we got to know each other to such an extent that we could call each other by our names.
(Speaking of which, it was the same with Houki. We started off rough as well; was it because of my misdeeds—ah, even Cecilia's the same!)
"I-Ichika, what's going on!? I've never heard of this!!"
"Neither have I! Ichika-san, I demand a proper explanation!"
"What's to explain...we're just childhood friends, and I often patronized the Chinese restaurant Rin's family owns."
After I told them without holding anything back, Rin, who was looking rather carefree, now seems rather unhappy.
In contrast, Houki and Cecilia heave a sigh of relief.
"Wha-What? So it's just a restaurant?"
"Oh my, I see. If it's just a restaurant, there's nothing strange about it."
The girls from my class also looked tense before relaxing. Wha-What? Has Chifuyu-nee arrived?
"Is your dad doing well? No, he should have recovered by now, right?"
"What...erm, he's doing well—seems that way."
Hm? Rin suddenly looks rather depressed, and I feel that something's wrong here.
"So, so then, you're free after school, right? Since we haven't seen each other for such a long time, let's find a place to talk! Maybe the restaurant in front of the train station."
"Ah—it closed down last year."
"Is, is that so...what the heck! How, how about a student restaurant? You should have a lot of things to talk to me about, right?"
Uu—there's nothing much to say, is there? I was totally busy during my 3rd year, but that isn't something worth talking about.
"—Sorry, but Ichika's having special IS training with me, so he doesn't have time after school."
Hold on! Houki, why are you deciding things for me? Don't I have the right to decide what I want to do after school? There's nothing more unreasonable than this!
"That's right, special training is required for the inter-class tournament. I have my personal IS, you know? That's right, while Ichika-san's training, I have to be around no matter what."
The disadvantage (?) just now seemed to have disappeared, and the two people seemed to have seized a chance to attack as they suddenly mentioned the special training. They even took away my time after school! Are you girls devils? No, wait, they're helping me out a lot here.
However, people sometimes would love to see some affections. Even so, you gals could have asked me first, right? You have to learn some social skills if you want to survive.
"Well then, after you're done with training, I'll come looking for you. Remember to leave some time for me, okay? Bye bye Ichika!"
Rin drank up the last gulp of soup, packed her things and walked away without waiting for my reply. As expected, she couldn't possibly be polite enough to say good bye to everyone before leaving, as she leaves the canteen.
(So I have to wait for her before I can refuse...?)
"Ichika, I have priority in your training!"
"Ichika-san, we'll be spending meaningful time in your training, don't forget this fact."
And I can't refuse them here as well. Really, I'm suffering. Sigh...
◇
"Wha?"
After school, at the 3rd arena, I was expecting to see Cecilia training me on IS piloting, so I couldn't help but let out a sound when I saw that unexpected face.
"Wha-What's with that look...is it really that strange?"
"No, well, instead of saying that it's strange—"
"Shinonono-san? What are you doing here?"
That's right, Houki appeared in front of Cecilia and me, wearing the 'Uchigane' IS, deploying it.
Among IS that are locally produced, the Uchigane is a highly-rated 2nd generation frame. As it is a defensive model that focuses on stability, it's easy for beginners to use it, thus many countries, even this IS Academy, use it as a training model, so they're very common...all this comes from the textbook.
"What's with the 'why'? Ichika requested me to do so."
Did I—oh, I did, right?
"And besides, you still lack practice in close ranged combat, right? Which is why I'm stepping up here."
Just like she said, the Uchigane's design looks like an armored samurai. Basically, its only weapon is a 'close ranged sword'. Well, based on this alone, it really fits Houki, giving a 'end-age samurai' feeling.
A glare!
—Damn it, I got glared at.
"Uu...I never imagined that you could get permission to use it so easily..."
For some reason, Cecilia was looking rather unhappy. Why is that?
"Well then, Ichika, let's begin. Draw your sword!"
"Oh, okay."
Oh, so full of enthusiasm! That dull black metal color on the sword she drew smoothly exhibits its sharpness. Maybe this is called being 'warned', right? The chilly nervousness spread to my soles.
"Then—here we go!"
—At this moment, a voice interrupts us.
"Hold on a minute! Ichika-san's opponent should be me, Cecilia Alcott!"
Before I could even finish, Cecilia is already standing in front of me as she faces off against Houki.
"Hey, don't interrupt me! Or else I'm going to cut you down as well!"
"I'm not so fragile as to lose to a training suit!"
Houki let out a kesagiri, only for Cecilia to block it with her knife 'Interceptor'. Cecilia used the collision of the blades to pull apart and distance herself, then quickly squeezing the trigger with one hand. The 'Starlight Mk III' fired off supersonic bullets.
—Wa! The battle started! No, wait, what about my training?
"HAAA!!"
"YOU'RE TOO NAÏVE!"
...I'll just wait for them to finish. The chill that flows through my spine tells me that it would be a disaster for me if I interfered.
"Ichika!"
"Why are you standing there, just watching this so casually?"
"Huh? What...you'll get angry no matter which side I help, right?"
"Of course!"
"That's right!"
See! What did I tell you? Speaking of that, Houki and Cecilia seem to only work well together in such a situation. Why is that so?
On a side note, it seems like it's also bad to remain silent. For the next several minutes, I was forced into a 2 vs 1 battle. Now, this is true hell...are you girls trying to kill me...?
◇
"Then, that's it for today."
"Oh, okay..."
Unlike me, who was already out of breath, Cecilia looked just fine. Is this the difference in experience expected from a representative candidate?
"Humph! You're like that because you lack training."
Houki looks somewhat tired, but at least she's not as tired as me. ...That being said, the reason is that both of you were whacking at me! Isn't that too devilish!?
...But how can I put it? The sweaty Houki gives some sort of elegance, slightly raising my pulse--just 'slightly'. Please, lets leave it at 'slightly'.
"What are you doing? Hurry up and get back to the control zones!"
"Oh? Oh...huh, Houki? Why are coming this way?"
"I'm going back to the control zone."
"No, no, Cecilia's over there--"
"They, they're both control zones anyway!"
That's right. But if so, can't you just join Cecilia?
--Even though I wanted to say that, I could foresee a meaningless argument, so I just returned to the control zone.
"Hu..."
I undeploy my IS, and as it vanishes, so does its support, and the fatigue hits me.
After removing her IS, Houki retied her sweat-drenched hair, and said,
"You're tired because you made too many unnecessary movements. You've got to find a way to control it more naturally!"
She said this as we were returning. The kindness of this childhood friend of mine almost makes me cry. Houki, it wouldn't hurt if you gave me a handkerchief!
With Cecilia in the opposite control zone, before I noticed it, Houki and I were together alone.
Doesn't matter anyway, 'cause I'm thinking of getting a shower as soon as possible.
On a side note, the closest facility with showers is the social club tower, but it's in the complete opposite direction to the dorms, so it would be pointless for me to go there.
Even more, as there are no men bathrooms, I would have to use it together with the girls. Even though it doesn't bother me to be seen with just my underwear, it would be a different story for the girls. Besides, there would be too many problems, and honestly, that's not tempting.
Or I should say that, instead of problems, I would get killed by Chifuyu-nee or Houki before I could even explain. Recently on the 'kill me' list, there's also a 'Cecilia' signature when she deploys her IS. That new sign beside her is ever so bright.
"Houki, I've got something to ask you..."
"What is it?"
"Please let me use the shower first. By the way, didn't you join the kendo club? If you're training with me everyday, you'll get pestered by the other girls in the club."
"You, you don't have to worry about that...the big problem occurs when I'm being chased..."
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"No, nothing!"
I don't know what's going on, but it seems like everything's okay. Looks like I don't have to worry.
"So, about the shower--"
"Ichika!"
The sliding door was opened.
Rin appears!
"Good work! Here's a towel! Also, a sports drink should be okay, right?"
Ohh, what's going on? Does this childhood friend of mine have a gentle side to her? I'm really grateful;.
"Thanks! Ah--I'm alive..."
It's already annoying having my face drenched in sweat. And right after wiping it off with the towel, there's a drink to effectively replenish the lost water. Even though I may find that it has too much glucose, that would benefit the body after a workout. Also, glucose is an important source of energy.
Let me go further on this; bringing a drink that's not cold was the right choice. Drinking a cold liquid after exercise is harmful for the body, especially when it's hot. It is best to drink lukewarm drinks. A cold drink might make people feel good, but being so negligent harms them, so, I don't think it's worthy.
"You haven't changed Ichika. Still so young, yet so concerned with your health."
"I told you, it's best to start early. This will form a habit, sparing your family from many worries!"
"You're just like an old man."
"Shu-Shut up..."
For some reason, Rin's staring happily at me as if she can see through me, making me nervous. That 'I understand you well' expression makes me feel ridiculously irritated for some reason. (Speaking of which, has she always looked so cute...?)
Last time I saw her was in Winter, during our second year in middle school, and it's been only a year since then. But I'm somehow getting a 'girl's scent' within her brash attitude. Back then, I treated her just as a friend, but right now, the 'male' in me is reacting to this change in her.
"Ichika, you must have felt lonely without me, right?"
"Well, I would feel lonely if I lost a playmate, right?"
"I don't mean that!"
Rin was smiling. She had a delighted smile on her face, as she continued. Uu--it is exactly the same expression she used to have, whenever she was holding some weird movie ticket!
--AH! I see! Is she going to sell something to me? So scary, I almost fell into her trap.
"Rin."
"Hm? What is it?"
"I won't buy anything."
Rin stumbled. That's strange? Did I guess wrong?
"I'm saying...you're my long-lost childhood friend, you should have something to say to me, right?"
Something I should say...huh, I haven't thought of anything.
"For example--"
"Ahem!!"
Deliberately coughing to interrupt Rin, Houki says in an 'I don't care what you people do' attitude,
"I'm going back first, Ichika. As for the shower, you can use it first."
"Oh, thanks."
Since it's a reunion after a year, I tossed out many questions that I wouldn't normally be asking. As a childhood friend, I would definitely be intrigued by how she has been during this time. It was the same when I met Houki again.
"Ichika, it's about time you give us an explanation."
"That's right, Ichika-san! Are you...going out with this person?"
Maybe because both of them felt somewhat strange to me, Houki and Cecilia sounded rather shrill when they asked me. The other classmates of course nodded their heads excitedly.
"N-no-no-not really, we aren't dating..."
"That's right, why must we go to that extent? We're only childhood friends."
"..."
"Why are you glaring at me?"
"Nothing!"
Rin just got angry. Such a strange person.
"Childhood friend...?"
Houki replied with a surprised tone.
"Oh ya—let me see. Houki's family moved out when she had just finished 4th grade, right? Rin transferred in during 5th grade. After that, she went back to China when she finished her sophomore year in Middle school, so it's been about a year since I last saw her."
I see, so Houki and Rin never met before. They just happened to miss each other when they moved.
"Then, this is Houki. Oh, I told you about her before, right? She's a childhood friend I've known since grade school, she's the daughter of the dojo owner where I used to go to train kendo."
"Oh, I see."
Rin stared at Houki carefully, and Houki, not willing to lose, did the same.
"Nice to meet you, I hope we can get along."
"Yeah, me too."
While both of them greet each other, for some reason, I seem to see sparks flying between them. Am I hallucinating because of all the fatigue I've built up? If so, I need a rest. Some French boss mentioned before that Japaneses weakness is that they don't know how to rest. I'm finished, I'm already like this in High School. I'll definitely die once I enter society.
"Ahem! It would be bothersome if you forget about my existence. Representative from China, Huang Lingyin-san?"
"...Who are you?"
"What? I'm Cecilia Alcott, the representative candidate from England! Don't tell me you don't know me?"
"Um, I'm not really interested in other countries."
"Wh-Wha-What...?"
Cecilia got so angry that she couldn't even say anything. Her face is flushed red like a cooked cuttlefish—she would get angry if I say that, right? Better not say it.
"Let, let me say this first, I won't lose to someone like you!"
"Really? If we were to fight it out, I would win! Sorry, but I'm strong."
Rin said that in a somewhat proud voice. She hasn't changed one bit, always having a weird amount of self-confidence, and not having any malice in her words. This is the real her, she really thinks that way.
—But even if she doesn't mean any ill, some people might get angry.
"..."
"You, you actually dared to say it..."
Houki wordlessly put down her chopsticks; Cecilia trembled as she clenched her fist.
In contrast, Rin was still casually eating her ramen right in the afternoon. Casually (nani kuwanu), eating lunch in the afternoon (kao de meshi wo kuu)...that rhymes.
"Ichika."
GYA! Did they find out what I was thinking? I'm just thinking of something random, so there should be no reason for them to scold me...sort of.
"I heard that you're class 1's representative."
"Oh? Yeah, well, things just turned out like that."
"Oh..."
Rin picked her bowl up and started to drink the soup in large gulps. This person doesn't use anything like a spoon, maybe because 'she doesn't like to lack the attitude of a guy'...you're a girl, right?
"That, if possible, may I guide you a little on your IS piloting?"
She turned her face away, only giving me a glance. It's rare to see Rin stutter like this.
"That would be gre—"
*BAM!* twice the sound of the table being slammed on. Houki and Cecilia stood up after slamming it hard.
"It's my job to teach Ichika! He requested me to do it!"
"You're in class 2, right? We won't receive help from the enemy!"
Wah, both of them look absolutely terrifying. Seems like they're really into the inter-class battles. I should look up to them a bit more.
"I'm talking to Ichika right now. Would people not involved please leave?"
"Who, who said that I'm not involved? Ichika begged me to train him!"
Well, I didn't go to the extent of desperately begging...huh, that's strange. Seems like this was said before; as usual, Houki emphasized on the 'desperately' part, and looks like she seems to insist on this.
"Since he's the representative from class 1, he has to be taught by someone from class 1. Seeing how it is, to suddenly appear like this, I'm guessing that you're plotting something—"
"I didn't just pop out of nowhere. I've known Ichika longer than you have!"
"If, if you're going to point that out, I've known Ichika since a lot earlier than you! Besides, Ichika has often come over to our house to eat, so we understand each other very well!"
"He ate at your house? However, the same goes for me."
That's right, Rin's house is a Chinese cuisine shop. Though I would cook when Chifuyu-nee was at home, at that time, she was active as an IS pilot, so she didn't return home often.
Because of that, it was pointless for me to cook. If I'm going to eat by myself, though it's a little extreme, I just need instant noodles.
But speaking of that, instant noodles don't have any taste at all, and more importantly, they aren't good for your health. Because of that, I would consider going to a nearby shop. Rin's shop has cheap food which is delicious, and they are generous in their servings, so I would go there about 4, 5 times a week.
Because a lot of things happened during grade school, I would often go out with Rin. At the beginning...huh, because of Rin's personality, our relationship began with a rocky start. But after a lot of things happened, we got to know each other to such an extent that we could call each other by our names.
(Speaking of which, it was the same with Houki. We started off rough as well; was it because of my misdeeds—ah, even Cecilia's the same!)
"I-Ichika, what's going on!? I've never heard of this!!"
"Neither have I! Ichika-san, I demand a proper explanation!"
"What's to explain...we're just childhood friends, and I often patronized the Chinese restaurant Rin's family owns."
After I told them without holding anything back, Rin, who was looking rather carefree, now seems rather unhappy.
In contrast, Houki and Cecilia heave a sigh of relief.
"Wha-What? So it's just a restaurant?"
"Oh my, I see. If it's just a restaurant, there's nothing strange about it."
The girls from my class also looked tense before relaxing. Wha-What? Has Chifuyu-nee arrived?
"Is your dad doing well? No, he should have recovered by now, right?"
"What...erm, he's doing well—seems that way."
Hm? Rin suddenly looks rather depressed, and I feel that something's wrong here.
"So, so then, you're free after school, right? Since we haven't seen each other for such a long time, let's find a place to talk! Maybe the restaurant in front of the train station."
"Ah—it closed down last year."
"Is, is that so...what the heck! How, how about a student restaurant? You should have a lot of things to talk to me about, right?"
Uu—there's nothing much to say, is there? I was totally busy during my 3rd year, but that isn't something worth talking about.
"—Sorry, but Ichika's having special IS training with me, so he doesn't have time after school."
Hold on! Houki, why are you deciding things for me? Don't I have the right to decide what I want to do after school? There's nothing more unreasonable than this!
"That's right, special training is required for the inter-class tournament. I have my personal IS, you know? That's right, while Ichika-san's training, I have to be around no matter what."
The disadvantage (?) just now seemed to have disappeared, and the two people seemed to have seized a chance to attack as they suddenly mentioned the special training. They even took away my time after school! Are you girls devils? No, wait, they're helping me out a lot here.
However, people sometimes would love to see some affections. Even so, you gals could have asked me first, right? You have to learn some social skills if you want to survive.
"Well then, after you're done with training, I'll come looking for you. Remember to leave some time for me, okay? Bye bye Ichika!"
Rin drank up the last gulp of soup, packed her things and walked away without waiting for my reply. As expected, she couldn't possibly be polite enough to say good bye to everyone before leaving, as she leaves the canteen.
(So I have to wait for her before I can refuse...?)
"Ichika, I have priority in your training!"
"Ichika-san, we'll be spending meaningful time in your training, don't forget this fact."
And I can't refuse them here as well. Really, I'm suffering. Sigh...
◇
"Wha?"
After school, at the 3rd arena, I was expecting to see Cecilia training me on IS piloting, so I couldn't help but let out a sound when I saw that unexpected face.
"Wha-What's with that look...is it really that strange?"
"No, well, instead of saying that it's strange—"
"Shinonono-san? What are you doing here?"
That's right, Houki appeared in front of Cecilia and me, wearing the 'Uchigane' IS, deploying it.
Among IS that are locally produced, the Uchigane is a highly-rated 2nd generation frame. As it is a defensive model that focuses on stability, it's easy for beginners to use it, thus many countries, even this IS Academy, use it as a training model, so they're very common...all this comes from the textbook.
"What's with the 'why'? Ichika requested me to do so."
Did I—oh, I did, right?
"And besides, you still lack practice in close ranged combat, right? Which is why I'm stepping up here."
Just like she said, the Uchigane's design looks like an armored samurai. Basically, its only weapon is a 'close ranged sword'. Well, based on this alone, it really fits Houki, giving a 'end-age samurai' feeling.
A glare!
—Damn it, I got glared at.
"Uu...I never imagined that you could get permission to use it so easily..."
For some reason, Cecilia was looking rather unhappy. Why is that?
"Well then, Ichika, let's begin. Draw your sword!"
"Oh, okay."
Oh, so full of enthusiasm! That dull black metal color on the sword she drew smoothly exhibits its sharpness. Maybe this is called being 'warned', right? The chilly nervousness spread to my soles.
"Then—here we go!"
—At this moment, a voice interrupts us.
"Hold on a minute! Ichika-san's opponent should be me, Cecilia Alcott!"
Before I could even finish, Cecilia is already standing in front of me as she faces off against Houki.
"Hey, don't interrupt me! Or else I'm going to cut you down as well!"
"I'm not so fragile as to lose to a training suit!"
Houki let out a kesagiri, only for Cecilia to block it with her knife 'Interceptor'. Cecilia used the collision of the blades to pull apart and distance herself, then quickly squeezing the trigger with one hand. The 'Starlight Mk III' fired off supersonic bullets.
—Wa! The battle started! No, wait, what about my training?
"HAAA!!"
"YOU'RE TOO NAÏVE!"
...I'll just wait for them to finish. The chill that flows through my spine tells me that it would be a disaster for me if I interfered.
"Ichika!"
"Why are you standing there, just watching this so casually?"
"Huh? What...you'll get angry no matter which side I help, right?"
"Of course!"
"That's right!"
See! What did I tell you? Speaking of that, Houki and Cecilia seem to only work well together in such a situation. Why is that so?
On a side note, it seems like it's also bad to remain silent. For the next several minutes, I was forced into a 2 vs 1 battle. Now, this is true hell...are you girls trying to kill me...?
◇
"Then, that's it for today."
"Oh, okay..."
Unlike me, who was already out of breath, Cecilia looked just fine. Is this the difference in experience expected from a representative candidate?
"Humph! You're like that because you lack training."
Houki looks somewhat tired, but at least she's not as tired as me. ...That being said, the reason is that both of you were whacking at me! Isn't that too devilish!?
...But how can I put it? The sweaty Houki gives some sort of elegance, slightly raising my pulse--just 'slightly'. Please, lets leave it at 'slightly'.
"What are you doing? Hurry up and get back to the control zones!"
"Oh? Oh...huh, Houki? Why are coming this way?"
"I'm going back to the control zone."
"No, no, Cecilia's over there--"
"They, they're both control zones anyway!"
That's right. But if so, can't you just join Cecilia?
--Even though I wanted to say that, I could foresee a meaningless argument, so I just returned to the control zone.
"Hu..."
I undeploy my IS, and as it vanishes, so does its support, and the fatigue hits me.
After removing her IS, Houki retied her sweat-drenched hair, and said,
"You're tired because you made too many unnecessary movements. You've got to find a way to control it more naturally!"
She said this as we were returning. The kindness of this childhood friend of mine almost makes me cry. Houki, it wouldn't hurt if you gave me a handkerchief!
With Cecilia in the opposite control zone, before I noticed it, Houki and I were together alone.
Doesn't matter anyway, 'cause I'm thinking of getting a shower as soon as possible.
On a side note, the closest facility with showers is the social club tower, but it's in the complete opposite direction to the dorms, so it would be pointless for me to go there.
Even more, as there are no men bathrooms, I would have to use it together with the girls. Even though it doesn't bother me to be seen with just my underwear, it would be a different story for the girls. Besides, there would be too many problems, and honestly, that's not tempting.
Or I should say that, instead of problems, I would get killed by Chifuyu-nee or Houki before I could even explain. Recently on the 'kill me' list, there's also a 'Cecilia' signature when she deploys her IS. That new sign beside her is ever so bright.
"Houki, I've got something to ask you..."
"What is it?"
"Please let me use the shower first. By the way, didn't you join the kendo club? If you're training with me everyday, you'll get pestered by the other girls in the club."
"You, you don't have to worry about that...the big problem occurs when I'm being chased..."
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"No, nothing!"
I don't know what's going on, but it seems like everything's okay. Looks like I don't have to worry.
"So, about the shower--"
"Ichika!"
The sliding door was opened.
Rin appears!
"Good work! Here's a towel! Also, a sports drink should be okay, right?"
Ohh, what's going on? Does this childhood friend of mine have a gentle side to her? I'm really grateful;.
"Thanks! Ah--I'm alive..."
It's already annoying having my face drenched in sweat. And right after wiping it off with the towel, there's a drink to effectively replenish the lost water. Even though I may find that it has too much glucose, that would benefit the body after a workout. Also, glucose is an important source of energy.
Let me go further on this; bringing a drink that's not cold was the right choice. Drinking a cold liquid after exercise is harmful for the body, especially when it's hot. It is best to drink lukewarm drinks. A cold drink might make people feel good, but being so negligent harms them, so, I don't think it's worthy.
"You haven't changed Ichika. Still so young, yet so concerned with your health."
"I told you, it's best to start early. This will form a habit, sparing your family from many worries!"
"You're just like an old man."
"Shu-Shut up..."
For some reason, Rin's staring happily at me as if she can see through me, making me nervous. That 'I understand you well' expression makes me feel ridiculously irritated for some reason. (Speaking of which, has she always looked so cute...?)
Last time I saw her was in Winter, during our second year in middle school, and it's been only a year since then. But I'm somehow getting a 'girl's scent' within her brash attitude. Back then, I treated her just as a friend, but right now, the 'male' in me is reacting to this change in her.
"Ichika, you must have felt lonely without me, right?"
"Well, I would feel lonely if I lost a playmate, right?"
"I don't mean that!"
Rin was smiling. She had a delighted smile on her face, as she continued. Uu--it is exactly the same expression she used to have, whenever she was holding some weird movie ticket!
--AH! I see! Is she going to sell something to me? So scary, I almost fell into her trap.
"Rin."
"Hm? What is it?"
"I won't buy anything."
Rin stumbled. That's strange? Did I guess wrong?
"I'm saying...you're my long-lost childhood friend, you should have something to say to me, right?"
Something I should say...huh, I haven't thought of anything.
"For example--"
"Ahem!!"
Deliberately coughing to interrupt Rin, Houki says in an 'I don't care what you people do' attitude,
"I'm going back first, Ichika. As for the shower, you can use it first."
"Oh, thanks."
