Infinite Stratos - Volume 7, page 2
(Houki and Tabane-san are like that too...)
Tabane-san already prepared the personal unit for Houki, yet Houki still remained stubborn. Ever since then, Tabane-san never showed up. Most likely, it's like that now as well.
(Really, that Houki...)
Oh well, since those two are the same, I can't refuse her.
"Then I'll try to act as natural as possible and interact with her."
"Mn, please. Also, that kid's somewhat hard to get along, so be careful with your words."
"Ah."
Anyway, I better process Sarashiki Kanzashi of Class 1-4 into my mind.
"Please do so, okay? But, please don't force yourself..."
"This isn't like you, Tatenashi-san. Wouldn't you say something like 'I'll rub your back' as a reward?"
"Is-Is that so? Ahaha...we, well, for this kind of things, if you wish..."
Yup, that's not like Tatenashi-san at all.
"I'll massage your shoulders for you."
"Uu, mn? Huh? Ichika-kun?"
"Don't mind."
"O-Okay..."
I went behind Tatenashi-san, kneeled on the bed and started massaging her.
"Ahh--, your shoulders are so stiff--. You've been working till late recently?"
"Uu, yeah, about there. Ahh, owowow..."
"The area around your neck is really stiff. At this point, I recommend stretching and a bath in warm water. It's best if you take a longer time to bath."
"I-I got it. Nn..."
"How about I share some of your workload?"
"No-No need. Don't get cocky. Don't you have to be loaned out to other clubs?"
"Ah, speaking of which, that's true."
"Re-Really. That can't do. Onee-san hates kids who give up on their work."
"I got it I got it."
Tatenashi-san finally went back to normal. I continued to massage her for about 30 minutes before releasing her.
"Mm~! I'm a lot more relaxed now. Thank you."
"No problem. Leave your sister to me then."
"Mn. Please."
As a gesture from the elder sister, Tatenashi-san bowed before leaving.
"Anyway, let's—"
What appeared in front of me was the door that was sliced in half.
"Request for another room..."
◆
In a room that wasn't lit, Madoka was changing the bandages on her right hand alone.
Using the robotic nano-machines multiple times, her wound healed, and the syringe that was used was thrown around the room.
"I'm coming in, M."
Entering the room without knocking on the door was the cadre[7A 9] of [Phantom Task], Squall.
Her lush blond hair flowed smoothly as she entered the room.
"Can you please explain the reason why you took action on your own yesterday? Orimura Madoka-san."
"..."
Squall maintained her smile. In contrast, Madoka just glanced at her and continued to wrap her own bandages.
"Even if that was an eventful encounter for you, we were really troubled by you. If you continue to take action on your own like that."
"...I got it."
"Your mission is to steal IS from all over the world. If you often use IS for things other than that—"
*BOOM!* An explosion rang out, and the table and the medical kit on it were sent flying.
The next moment, Madoka's neck got choked as she was slammed against the wall.
"—Fufufu. Your reaction's quick as always."
Squall used partial deployment of the IS to float in mid-air, and 4 floating cannons of the [Silent Zephyrs] appeared behind Madoka, and looked like they were ready to fire out anytime.
"..."
Madoka was released by her and landed back on the bed. Squall removed her IS and landed on the bed too. The bed took the brunt of both their weights and let out a cracking sound.
"Hey, M. Whether you're Orimura Madoka or not, I don't really care, but please maintain your identity as M while being a member of [Phantom Task]."
"...I intend to do so until I settle the score."
"Settle the score...with Orimura Ichika?"
"Humph...he's not a threat at all. I can kill him whenever I want to."
"So that means, with Orimura Chifuyu...right?'
After Squall said that, the lips on Madoka's expressionless face curled up as she looked really happy. However, that was an evil smile.
"Orimura Chifuyu, is it? She doesn't have an IS, so I don't think she's much of a threat."
After the sentence ended, Squall blocked Madoka's karate chop and jumped back to avoid the kick.
Looking closely, Madoka, who was still smiling, now looked angry.
"Don't you ever humiliate her...Someone like you will never be a match for nee-san..."[7A 10]
"Okay okay, I got it. So M, don't throw the knife. You'll damage the wallpaper."
"Humph..."
Madoka seemed to be embarrassed by the useless taunting and returned the knife back into its sheath.
"I'll go sleep for a while. Ah, M? There's still some time until the next mission, so please control yourself a bit."
"Got it."
"I like honest kids. Bye then, M."
Like how she came in, Squall finished what she wanted to do and returned back to her room.
The door shut, and the room was covered in silence and darkness. At that moment, Madoka took the knife out and slid it across her face.
"..."
The skin got cut, and fresh red blood oozed out.
Madoka got overwhelmed with unspeakable happiness through this act of harming the face that looked like Chifuyu.
The delighted expression's reflected on the side of the knife.
◆
"Yahoo--, Orimura-kun, Shinonono-kun."
During the rest period after the second period, the second year student Mayazumi Kaoruko-sempai appeared in Class 1-1.
"Huh, is there something?"
"Nothing much--, just a little request."
"A request, for Ichika and me?"
"Mn, yes. Listen, my older sister's working at a publication company. Can both of you accept an exclusive interview? Ah, speaking of which, it's this magazine."
After saying that, Mayazumi-sempai showed me a fashion magazine for teens.
"Let me see. Erm—isn't this magazine unrelated to IS?"
"Mn? Huh? Is this the first time you're doing this work?"
"Haa."
Houki and I didn't understand it as we could only nod our heads vaguely.
"As for this, Personal IS pilots are either Representatives or Cadets, so they end up in the entertainment industry as well. I guess they can be said to be recognized idols of the countries, so they normally end up being models. Ah, there seem to be some who'll become actors based on the country."
"Is that so? Houki."
"Don-Don't ask me! I don't know!"
Both of us are the same. We're in our teens, yet we don't understand anything about the entertainment industry.
(Ah, speaking of which, Cecilia seemed to have said that she once acted as a model in England before.)
And she even showed me a photo.
The photo showed Cecilia in a nice fitting dress.
(Uu, I'm a guy, so I should be wearing a tuxedo...)
I don't feel like doing it.
Just when I was thinking about that, Rin came to our class.
"What, Ichika. Never been a model before? Can't be helped then. Let me show you my photos."
"No-No need."
"Why?"
*PAN!* Ow, my head got hit.
"Because, well, you must be faking it."
"Wha-What are you talking about!? I'll show you! Watch this! Now!"
Rin took out her phone, slid out the photos and showed them to me forcefully. Hey, stop pulling my neck!
"Ohh..."
"Uuu..."
Looking at the photos together, Houki and I showed a similar reaction.
To add on to that, the screen of the phone showed Rin in a casual fitting dress.
"Heh...not bad."
"Fufu. Isn't that right? Oh yeah, this was taken last summer—"
*Ding dong*. The bell that indicated the end of break time rang.
"Ichika-kun. You're loaned out to the kendo club, right? I'll come over after school. Bye—"
Just like how she came here, Mayazumi-sempai went away quickly.
I thought that Rin would return back to Class 2, but she seemed to be really interested in showing off her photos.
"And also, this one is—"
*GONK!* A fist was slammed on Rin's head.
"OW!"
Rin frowned as she turned around, and as expected, standing there was Chifuyu-nee.
"Go back to Class 2."
"I-I got it..."
Rin left dejectedly. Same as usual.
Speaking of which, Rin doesn't come over to Class 1 often because of this. Maybe she can do so after school tomorrow.
"Then, we'll be explaining the effective methods of evading in close ranged combat and pulling the distance."
Just like that, lessons continued as per usual.
◆
"Please use this towel."
"Kya--, it's the real Orimura-kun!"
"Over here! I want the towel too!"
"Hey hey, can you give me a massage?"
"I don't give such services."
"Che. Orimura-kun's so mean—"
In the kendo dojo after school, I quickly gave a few kendo members towels after they finished their training.
Like what Mayuzumi-sempai said, today's the 'Orimura Ichika club loan-out day'.
"And for you, Houki."
"Ah, yes. Thanks."
Houki took off her facemask, undid the towel and buried her face in it.
"..."
"Wha-What's wrong? Why are you looking at me?"
"No, it's just that I find that Houki's rather stylish in the hakama."[7A 11]
"Fu-Fuun..."
Houki suddenly looked away. Is she shy?
"Ya, Orimura-kun? It's been a while, isn't it?"
"Ah, yes. We met for the first time since the school festival, kendo-club President."
"Ufufu? Doesn't everyone look really happy? So, was winning the bingo game worthy?"
But why does this person say everything in questions?
Just when I was thinking about that, she suddenly slipped through the gaps between the members and quickly disappeared into thin air.
(Yup, she's a mystery alright.)
"Hey, Houki."
"Yeah? What is it?"
"As for what Mayuzumi-sempai said during the break, what do you intend to do?"
"I refuse. It doesn't match my personality to show up like this."
"As expected."
That's a classic Houki's reply. Just when I was nodding away, that Mayuzumi-sempai appeared in front of us.
"Yahoo--, sorry to keep you waiting~ So, have you thought of the interview?"
"Ah, about that, Houki, she—"
Seems like she will refuse this. Just when I was about to continue, Mayuzumi-san interrupted me.
"Jyan! This super luxurious first-class hotel dinner coupon will be your reward. Of course, it's for two."
After saying that, Mayuzumi-sempai passed Houki and me the brochure of the hotel.
Is that so. Sure, it looks luxurious. But since Houki's going to refuse it, it can't be helped.
"I accept."
Huh?
"Huh, really? I thought you hated this kind of stuff, Shinonono-san."
"No, I should experience this once in a while."
Huh? Huh?
"Really? It's settled then. Orimura-kun's alright too, right? Then, the interview will be two days later, on Sunday. Please get there before 2pm."
"Well, please wait...."
"Bye then~"
Just like that, Mayuzumi-san left carefreely.
After the door of the kendo dojo closed, I stared at Houki.
"Houki."
"What?"
"What happened to your ideals?"
"My-My thoughts vary according to the times! What's there to grumble about!?"
The bamboo blade hit my face hard.
"Haa...never mind, it doesn't matter as long as you're fine with it."
"Is-Is that so? Speaking of which...this dinner voucher at this hotel, you-you'll be coming along too, right!?"
Houki continued to stutter, looking like it was hard for her to say it.
"Yeah. Of course. I'd be angry if I didn't get the voucher after agreeing to be interviewed."
"Is-Is that so? I see. Uu. So that's it!"
Houki's face suddenly brightened as she held tightly onto the promotional brochure.
Wa, what'll happen if she crushes it? I can't tell the address like that.
"What, what? Shinonono-san's going on a date with Ichika-kun?"
"So cool! I want to go too!"
"Ah, this hotel's famous on the international scene. Heeh~"
All the kendo club members who were looking at us from afar crowded around us all of a sudden.
"Th-This, that...it's not, a da-dat-date...it's not a date at all!"
"""Heeh~"""
Seeing Houki trying to defend herself so badly, the girls gave smiles with deep meanings behind them.
(What, that Houki? Isn't she getting along well with everyone in the kendo club?)
I sighed at myself for worrying too much and slightly heaved a sigh of relief.
Speaking of Houki, she didn't really get along well with others in the past, so I always had to worry about her.
(Speaking of which, it's Sunday again?)
And with Tatenashi-san's request, it seems that I'll have a really busy weekend.
◆
(Time to go.)
The 4th period ended, and the classroom became really busy at noon break.
"Let's go to the canteen, Ichika."
Charl smiled at me as usual as she asked me out. I'm really grateful for that, but I can only put my hands together and refuse.
"Sorry Charl. I've got something to do."
"Is-Is that so? Then, what should I do..."
"De-cha—n, come along with us~"
Unexpectedly, the one who came in was Nohohon-san[7A 12] and the rest.
Nohohon-san's still the same as quite, wearing overly long sleeves as she casually flailed her arms.
"De-De-chan?"
"Let's go—Ehehe~"
Nohohon-san grabbed Charl's arms in a really slow manner.
Charl herself didn't avoid that, and anyone can tell from this that she's really a kind person.
"Then, let's go!"
Several girls were waiting in front of the classroom with Tanimoto-san leading. Nohohon-san met up with them and dragged the hesitant Charl's arm to the canteen.
(Then, to Class 4.)
According to the information Tatenashi-san provided, Kanzashi-san's habit seemed to be eating bread in the classroom.
(Since I bought bread as well, hopefully, I can talk with her well.)
As a side note, regarding the mixed-year tag-team match, there was an explanation during SHR[7A 13] this morning. If I don't leave in a hurry, there will be other personal IS pilots requesting me to pair up with them, so I have to make haste.
"I've been waiting for you for a long time, Ichika!"
*DON*.
I met Rin just when I arrived at the corridor.
"You'll pair up with me!"
"Sorry Rin, I already have my partner."
"Ah? Pair?—Don't tell me it's Charlotte!?"
Huh? Why would she mention Charl's name now?"
"...Kuu~ she took the initiative just because she paired with him before. How can I take that..."
"Hm? What did you say?"
"No-Nothing! Then? Who's that partner? I'll make her switch with me. Hurry up and say it!"
Uwa. What's with this logic? She's really scary.
"Erm--, she's..."
"Who?"
"—Sorry."
36 stratagems. If all else fails, retreat. I dashed off to escape.[7A 14]
"Ah—hey! Wait! Ichika!"
I ran down the stairs to the first level and made a huge detour before arriving at the second level.
"Fuu, finally at Class 4."
"Ahh!? It's Orimura-kun!"
"Huh, no way! Why is he here!?"
"Is-Is there any reason for you to come to Class 4?"
An onslaught of people came here...well, I really hate this.
"Excuse me, is Sarashiki-san around?"
""Huh...?""
The girls' voices overlapped one other.
"Sarashiki-san...?"
"'That'?"
The wall of girls split apart like a sea being split to form a road. Through a straight line, I could see her sitting at the last seat at the back of the room, near the window.
She continued to hit the keyboard while looking at the screen in mid-air, leaving the bread she got from the bun shop.
"..."
(Huh? I heard from Tatenashi-san that she was quite passive, but she's unexpectedly active...that's weird.)
Just when I was thinking about this, a girl said softly.
"Excuse me....is it that you want Sarashiki-san to be your partner after hearing the SHR explanation this morning with regards to the personal pilot tag team tournament...or something like that?"
"Hm? Ah, something like that."
I nodded my head, and the commotion spread around the crowd in waves.
"I see...but that girl doesn't have a Personal IS?"
"And she's been taking leaves for all activities up till now."
"And the girl who has a Personal IS is her elder sister—"
I didn't wish for them to continue, so I put my hands together and said really loudly.
"Sorry! I came here looking for that girl."
After saying that, I slipped through the crowd and headed towards Kanzashi-san's seat.
"Excuse me, can I borrow a chair?"
I borrowed a chair from a girl nearby, and sat down without getting permission.
"..."
*Katakatakatakatakata*. The rapid typing on the keyboard could be heard.
It's not the holographic type, but the old mechanical type.
"Excuse me—"
I again looked at the girl in front of me.
Her hair's short, and in contrast to Tatenashi-san, hers is curled inwards.
The eyes that are staring hard at the screen are longer and thinner than normal, and looked a bit empty as well.
The rectangular glasses that she was wearing looked like they were trying to prevent others from approaching her.
Tabane-san already prepared the personal unit for Houki, yet Houki still remained stubborn. Ever since then, Tabane-san never showed up. Most likely, it's like that now as well.
(Really, that Houki...)
Oh well, since those two are the same, I can't refuse her.
"Then I'll try to act as natural as possible and interact with her."
"Mn, please. Also, that kid's somewhat hard to get along, so be careful with your words."
"Ah."
Anyway, I better process Sarashiki Kanzashi of Class 1-4 into my mind.
"Please do so, okay? But, please don't force yourself..."
"This isn't like you, Tatenashi-san. Wouldn't you say something like 'I'll rub your back' as a reward?"
"Is-Is that so? Ahaha...we, well, for this kind of things, if you wish..."
Yup, that's not like Tatenashi-san at all.
"I'll massage your shoulders for you."
"Uu, mn? Huh? Ichika-kun?"
"Don't mind."
"O-Okay..."
I went behind Tatenashi-san, kneeled on the bed and started massaging her.
"Ahh--, your shoulders are so stiff--. You've been working till late recently?"
"Uu, yeah, about there. Ahh, owowow..."
"The area around your neck is really stiff. At this point, I recommend stretching and a bath in warm water. It's best if you take a longer time to bath."
"I-I got it. Nn..."
"How about I share some of your workload?"
"No-No need. Don't get cocky. Don't you have to be loaned out to other clubs?"
"Ah, speaking of which, that's true."
"Re-Really. That can't do. Onee-san hates kids who give up on their work."
"I got it I got it."
Tatenashi-san finally went back to normal. I continued to massage her for about 30 minutes before releasing her.
"Mm~! I'm a lot more relaxed now. Thank you."
"No problem. Leave your sister to me then."
"Mn. Please."
As a gesture from the elder sister, Tatenashi-san bowed before leaving.
"Anyway, let's—"
What appeared in front of me was the door that was sliced in half.
"Request for another room..."
◆
In a room that wasn't lit, Madoka was changing the bandages on her right hand alone.
Using the robotic nano-machines multiple times, her wound healed, and the syringe that was used was thrown around the room.
"I'm coming in, M."
Entering the room without knocking on the door was the cadre[7A 9] of [Phantom Task], Squall.
Her lush blond hair flowed smoothly as she entered the room.
"Can you please explain the reason why you took action on your own yesterday? Orimura Madoka-san."
"..."
Squall maintained her smile. In contrast, Madoka just glanced at her and continued to wrap her own bandages.
"Even if that was an eventful encounter for you, we were really troubled by you. If you continue to take action on your own like that."
"...I got it."
"Your mission is to steal IS from all over the world. If you often use IS for things other than that—"
*BOOM!* An explosion rang out, and the table and the medical kit on it were sent flying.
The next moment, Madoka's neck got choked as she was slammed against the wall.
"—Fufufu. Your reaction's quick as always."
Squall used partial deployment of the IS to float in mid-air, and 4 floating cannons of the [Silent Zephyrs] appeared behind Madoka, and looked like they were ready to fire out anytime.
"..."
Madoka was released by her and landed back on the bed. Squall removed her IS and landed on the bed too. The bed took the brunt of both their weights and let out a cracking sound.
"Hey, M. Whether you're Orimura Madoka or not, I don't really care, but please maintain your identity as M while being a member of [Phantom Task]."
"...I intend to do so until I settle the score."
"Settle the score...with Orimura Ichika?"
"Humph...he's not a threat at all. I can kill him whenever I want to."
"So that means, with Orimura Chifuyu...right?'
After Squall said that, the lips on Madoka's expressionless face curled up as she looked really happy. However, that was an evil smile.
"Orimura Chifuyu, is it? She doesn't have an IS, so I don't think she's much of a threat."
After the sentence ended, Squall blocked Madoka's karate chop and jumped back to avoid the kick.
Looking closely, Madoka, who was still smiling, now looked angry.
"Don't you ever humiliate her...Someone like you will never be a match for nee-san..."[7A 10]
"Okay okay, I got it. So M, don't throw the knife. You'll damage the wallpaper."
"Humph..."
Madoka seemed to be embarrassed by the useless taunting and returned the knife back into its sheath.
"I'll go sleep for a while. Ah, M? There's still some time until the next mission, so please control yourself a bit."
"Got it."
"I like honest kids. Bye then, M."
Like how she came in, Squall finished what she wanted to do and returned back to her room.
The door shut, and the room was covered in silence and darkness. At that moment, Madoka took the knife out and slid it across her face.
"..."
The skin got cut, and fresh red blood oozed out.
Madoka got overwhelmed with unspeakable happiness through this act of harming the face that looked like Chifuyu.
The delighted expression's reflected on the side of the knife.
◆
"Yahoo--, Orimura-kun, Shinonono-kun."
During the rest period after the second period, the second year student Mayazumi Kaoruko-sempai appeared in Class 1-1.
"Huh, is there something?"
"Nothing much--, just a little request."
"A request, for Ichika and me?"
"Mn, yes. Listen, my older sister's working at a publication company. Can both of you accept an exclusive interview? Ah, speaking of which, it's this magazine."
After saying that, Mayazumi-sempai showed me a fashion magazine for teens.
"Let me see. Erm—isn't this magazine unrelated to IS?"
"Mn? Huh? Is this the first time you're doing this work?"
"Haa."
Houki and I didn't understand it as we could only nod our heads vaguely.
"As for this, Personal IS pilots are either Representatives or Cadets, so they end up in the entertainment industry as well. I guess they can be said to be recognized idols of the countries, so they normally end up being models. Ah, there seem to be some who'll become actors based on the country."
"Is that so? Houki."
"Don-Don't ask me! I don't know!"
Both of us are the same. We're in our teens, yet we don't understand anything about the entertainment industry.
(Ah, speaking of which, Cecilia seemed to have said that she once acted as a model in England before.)
And she even showed me a photo.
The photo showed Cecilia in a nice fitting dress.
(Uu, I'm a guy, so I should be wearing a tuxedo...)
I don't feel like doing it.
Just when I was thinking about that, Rin came to our class.
"What, Ichika. Never been a model before? Can't be helped then. Let me show you my photos."
"No-No need."
"Why?"
*PAN!* Ow, my head got hit.
"Because, well, you must be faking it."
"Wha-What are you talking about!? I'll show you! Watch this! Now!"
Rin took out her phone, slid out the photos and showed them to me forcefully. Hey, stop pulling my neck!
"Ohh..."
"Uuu..."
Looking at the photos together, Houki and I showed a similar reaction.
To add on to that, the screen of the phone showed Rin in a casual fitting dress.
"Heh...not bad."
"Fufu. Isn't that right? Oh yeah, this was taken last summer—"
*Ding dong*. The bell that indicated the end of break time rang.
"Ichika-kun. You're loaned out to the kendo club, right? I'll come over after school. Bye—"
Just like how she came here, Mayazumi-sempai went away quickly.
I thought that Rin would return back to Class 2, but she seemed to be really interested in showing off her photos.
"And also, this one is—"
*GONK!* A fist was slammed on Rin's head.
"OW!"
Rin frowned as she turned around, and as expected, standing there was Chifuyu-nee.
"Go back to Class 2."
"I-I got it..."
Rin left dejectedly. Same as usual.
Speaking of which, Rin doesn't come over to Class 1 often because of this. Maybe she can do so after school tomorrow.
"Then, we'll be explaining the effective methods of evading in close ranged combat and pulling the distance."
Just like that, lessons continued as per usual.
◆
"Please use this towel."
"Kya--, it's the real Orimura-kun!"
"Over here! I want the towel too!"
"Hey hey, can you give me a massage?"
"I don't give such services."
"Che. Orimura-kun's so mean—"
In the kendo dojo after school, I quickly gave a few kendo members towels after they finished their training.
Like what Mayuzumi-sempai said, today's the 'Orimura Ichika club loan-out day'.
"And for you, Houki."
"Ah, yes. Thanks."
Houki took off her facemask, undid the towel and buried her face in it.
"..."
"Wha-What's wrong? Why are you looking at me?"
"No, it's just that I find that Houki's rather stylish in the hakama."[7A 11]
"Fu-Fuun..."
Houki suddenly looked away. Is she shy?
"Ya, Orimura-kun? It's been a while, isn't it?"
"Ah, yes. We met for the first time since the school festival, kendo-club President."
"Ufufu? Doesn't everyone look really happy? So, was winning the bingo game worthy?"
But why does this person say everything in questions?
Just when I was thinking about that, she suddenly slipped through the gaps between the members and quickly disappeared into thin air.
(Yup, she's a mystery alright.)
"Hey, Houki."
"Yeah? What is it?"
"As for what Mayuzumi-sempai said during the break, what do you intend to do?"
"I refuse. It doesn't match my personality to show up like this."
"As expected."
That's a classic Houki's reply. Just when I was nodding away, that Mayuzumi-sempai appeared in front of us.
"Yahoo--, sorry to keep you waiting~ So, have you thought of the interview?"
"Ah, about that, Houki, she—"
Seems like she will refuse this. Just when I was about to continue, Mayuzumi-san interrupted me.
"Jyan! This super luxurious first-class hotel dinner coupon will be your reward. Of course, it's for two."
After saying that, Mayuzumi-sempai passed Houki and me the brochure of the hotel.
Is that so. Sure, it looks luxurious. But since Houki's going to refuse it, it can't be helped.
"I accept."
Huh?
"Huh, really? I thought you hated this kind of stuff, Shinonono-san."
"No, I should experience this once in a while."
Huh? Huh?
"Really? It's settled then. Orimura-kun's alright too, right? Then, the interview will be two days later, on Sunday. Please get there before 2pm."
"Well, please wait...."
"Bye then~"
Just like that, Mayuzumi-san left carefreely.
After the door of the kendo dojo closed, I stared at Houki.
"Houki."
"What?"
"What happened to your ideals?"
"My-My thoughts vary according to the times! What's there to grumble about!?"
The bamboo blade hit my face hard.
"Haa...never mind, it doesn't matter as long as you're fine with it."
"Is-Is that so? Speaking of which...this dinner voucher at this hotel, you-you'll be coming along too, right!?"
Houki continued to stutter, looking like it was hard for her to say it.
"Yeah. Of course. I'd be angry if I didn't get the voucher after agreeing to be interviewed."
"Is-Is that so? I see. Uu. So that's it!"
Houki's face suddenly brightened as she held tightly onto the promotional brochure.
Wa, what'll happen if she crushes it? I can't tell the address like that.
"What, what? Shinonono-san's going on a date with Ichika-kun?"
"So cool! I want to go too!"
"Ah, this hotel's famous on the international scene. Heeh~"
All the kendo club members who were looking at us from afar crowded around us all of a sudden.
"Th-This, that...it's not, a da-dat-date...it's not a date at all!"
"""Heeh~"""
Seeing Houki trying to defend herself so badly, the girls gave smiles with deep meanings behind them.
(What, that Houki? Isn't she getting along well with everyone in the kendo club?)
I sighed at myself for worrying too much and slightly heaved a sigh of relief.
Speaking of Houki, she didn't really get along well with others in the past, so I always had to worry about her.
(Speaking of which, it's Sunday again?)
And with Tatenashi-san's request, it seems that I'll have a really busy weekend.
◆
(Time to go.)
The 4th period ended, and the classroom became really busy at noon break.
"Let's go to the canteen, Ichika."
Charl smiled at me as usual as she asked me out. I'm really grateful for that, but I can only put my hands together and refuse.
"Sorry Charl. I've got something to do."
"Is-Is that so? Then, what should I do..."
"De-cha—n, come along with us~"
Unexpectedly, the one who came in was Nohohon-san[7A 12] and the rest.
Nohohon-san's still the same as quite, wearing overly long sleeves as she casually flailed her arms.
"De-De-chan?"
"Let's go—Ehehe~"
Nohohon-san grabbed Charl's arms in a really slow manner.
Charl herself didn't avoid that, and anyone can tell from this that she's really a kind person.
"Then, let's go!"
Several girls were waiting in front of the classroom with Tanimoto-san leading. Nohohon-san met up with them and dragged the hesitant Charl's arm to the canteen.
(Then, to Class 4.)
According to the information Tatenashi-san provided, Kanzashi-san's habit seemed to be eating bread in the classroom.
(Since I bought bread as well, hopefully, I can talk with her well.)
As a side note, regarding the mixed-year tag-team match, there was an explanation during SHR[7A 13] this morning. If I don't leave in a hurry, there will be other personal IS pilots requesting me to pair up with them, so I have to make haste.
"I've been waiting for you for a long time, Ichika!"
*DON*.
I met Rin just when I arrived at the corridor.
"You'll pair up with me!"
"Sorry Rin, I already have my partner."
"Ah? Pair?—Don't tell me it's Charlotte!?"
Huh? Why would she mention Charl's name now?"
"...Kuu~ she took the initiative just because she paired with him before. How can I take that..."
"Hm? What did you say?"
"No-Nothing! Then? Who's that partner? I'll make her switch with me. Hurry up and say it!"
Uwa. What's with this logic? She's really scary.
"Erm--, she's..."
"Who?"
"—Sorry."
36 stratagems. If all else fails, retreat. I dashed off to escape.[7A 14]
"Ah—hey! Wait! Ichika!"
I ran down the stairs to the first level and made a huge detour before arriving at the second level.
"Fuu, finally at Class 4."
"Ahh!? It's Orimura-kun!"
"Huh, no way! Why is he here!?"
"Is-Is there any reason for you to come to Class 4?"
An onslaught of people came here...well, I really hate this.
"Excuse me, is Sarashiki-san around?"
""Huh...?""
The girls' voices overlapped one other.
"Sarashiki-san...?"
"'That'?"
The wall of girls split apart like a sea being split to form a road. Through a straight line, I could see her sitting at the last seat at the back of the room, near the window.
She continued to hit the keyboard while looking at the screen in mid-air, leaving the bread she got from the bun shop.
"..."
(Huh? I heard from Tatenashi-san that she was quite passive, but she's unexpectedly active...that's weird.)
Just when I was thinking about this, a girl said softly.
"Excuse me....is it that you want Sarashiki-san to be your partner after hearing the SHR explanation this morning with regards to the personal pilot tag team tournament...or something like that?"
"Hm? Ah, something like that."
I nodded my head, and the commotion spread around the crowd in waves.
"I see...but that girl doesn't have a Personal IS?"
"And she's been taking leaves for all activities up till now."
"And the girl who has a Personal IS is her elder sister—"
I didn't wish for them to continue, so I put my hands together and said really loudly.
"Sorry! I came here looking for that girl."
After saying that, I slipped through the crowd and headed towards Kanzashi-san's seat.
"Excuse me, can I borrow a chair?"
I borrowed a chair from a girl nearby, and sat down without getting permission.
"..."
*Katakatakatakatakata*. The rapid typing on the keyboard could be heard.
It's not the holographic type, but the old mechanical type.
"Excuse me—"
I again looked at the girl in front of me.
Her hair's short, and in contrast to Tatenashi-san, hers is curled inwards.
The eyes that are staring hard at the screen are longer and thinner than normal, and looked a bit empty as well.
The rectangular glasses that she was wearing looked like they were trying to prevent others from approaching her.
