Episode 102: Misunderstanding

Okino Hitomi was an exceptionally beautiful girl even among her classmates.

To describe just how beautiful she was... well, let's say that people passing by would sometimes be so startled they'd instinctively turn around to look again?

You know those photos of women that have been heavily edited on a computer, right?

She was the kind of girl who seemed almost unreal, in a way that felt just slightly beyond reality.

And despite being so beautiful—unlike most girls with such looks—she had a straightforward, outgoing personality and was very sociable.

Well, in short, she was the complete opposite of someone like me—someone who stays in the shadows.

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"Then tomorrow, as soon as the sun rises, we'll repair the car and transport it one by one to 'Sakagakou High School.'"

"Yeah, sorry about that... Anyway, I'm counting on you."

Ogita Takashi, representing the community, responds.

From his expression, it was obvious he had lost all his energy.

Well, he had even tried to take his own life at one point.

It would be strange if he were energetic and lively again, though.

"By the way, our sleeping quarters are..."

"There should be tents left behind by those who've departed. Feel free to use whichever one you like."

"Thank you."

With that, we spent the night in the community.

There, we received a modest welcome.

Since I've decided to leave this community just for tonight, it seems I've been generously given all the food I've been saving.

Really... are you okay with drinking?

Yes, please. If anything comes up, I'll handle it.

But...

It's fine, really.

Keio-san, who really wants to indulge fully, pretends to be modest out of formality.

Thank you, goddess!

What an insincere compliment—nothing like something you'd normally say.

I didn’t need to eat anything more since I’d already finished replenishing my magic energy.

I’d planned to spend the night leisurely surveying the barricade.

"...Man, that Rinne girl. She’s got big ones, huh?"

"Yeah, she looks just like someone from TV."

Suddenly, I heard the voices of two guys.

They were Rintaro-kun and Kōsuke-kun, on watch duty near the crumbling barricade.

"If I really beg hard enough, will they let me touch their breasts?"

"Idiot, don't say that."

"Really? I mean, we're kind of heroes, right? I think it's only natural we can at least give a quick feel."

"I get where you're coming from, but... no way, not happening."

"But think about it. Why exactly are breasts off-limits to touch?"

"Why... well... um..."

"There's this kind of social acceptance when it comes to touching things like hands or shoulders, but suddenly it's completely off-limits when it comes to the butt or breasts. Why is that?"

"Maybe it's because they immediately bring up sexual connotations?"

"But I'm not asking you to do anything sexual, am I?"

"Maybe it's just the fact that being looked at that way is something women generally dislike."

"Is that so? But girls usually have idols they look up to, right? Idols are people who get stared at that way by countless strangers, aren't they?"

"True, maybe."

"...Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like if I were a girl."

"I've heard guys all imagine that at least once in their lives."

"If I were a girl, I'd probably just say it's okay to let someone I'm close to touch me, if they wanted to."

"Hmm. Honestly, if it's just about rubbing, I think it's fine to show some volunteer spirit."

"Right? I mean, I'd definitely draw the line at anything too sexual."

"Yeah. Once it gets to that point, it feels kind of off."

"In the end, I guess I think all girls are just holding back on showing their breasts."

"Ah... interesting."

"They're actually not that bothered by being touched, deep down."

"Could be."

"Then, it's fine to squeeze a little, right?"

"Maybe so."

"Touching a girl's chest as a greeting... I kind of wish one day the world would be like that. 'Hello, boob squish! How are you?' What do you think, Kousuke?"

"Asked 'what do you think'? You must be out of your mind..."

What kind of conversation is this?

They're facing away from me, so they haven't noticed my presence.

Now, how should I approach them...?

...

At that moment, under the moonlight, someone can be seen running off.

The face I saw for just a moment was one I recognized.

It's Rinne Okita.

If you ask me, breasts... uh, wait! S-senpai...!

Ignoring them, I walked past the two of them.

It was because Rinne seemed a little unusually strange.

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Ue, oeeeee...!

When I caught up, Rinne was pouring dinner down the drain.

"Good evening. How are you feeling?"

"Ugh, ugh, ugh...?"

Rinne's eyes were filled with tears as she said,

"Is it really that pleasant to watch...?"

Even so, she managed a dry remark.

"I brought some water. Please rinse your mouth out."

I offered her a bottle of water, but Rinne shook her head.

"I don't need your help."

"Why not?"

"A straw you grab when drowning isn't something you can trust, that's all."

I tilt my head. I don't understand what she's trying to say.

"Stop playing dumb....You're not going to act as heroes without getting anything in return, are you?"

"I suppose you're right..."

"What's your goal? Tell me that."

...Hmm.

I see.

It's not surprising someone would think that way.

"As you know, only women, children, and the elderly remain here. The benefit you'd bring as allies is negligible."

"So what if it is?"

"Don't you need women for the men to take? Isn't that the point?"

"...Huh?"

I couldn't believe my ears.

"I'm not stupid. I know full well how I look to men."

Her expression was dark, and there was no hint of humor in it.

It was hard to believe that the same person who had once treated everyone with equal kindness was now this cold, distant version of herself.

"…You overheard the conversation between Ryota-kun and Kousuke-kun, didn’t you?"

"That’s irrelevant."

Looks like you did hear it, after all.

And probably only the parts likely to be misunderstood.

They didn’t mean any harm, I suppose, but it wasn’t exactly the kind of topic suitable for someone already under extreme stress.

"You must think you've been given some mysterious power from God, getting carried away like that. You probably believe ordinary people are just playthings you can control however you want. Isn't that right?"

It seemed there were quite a few misunderstandings that needed to be cleared up.

I let out a deep sigh.

"...I promise. Our purpose is solely to help people. We won't do anything to harm you."

"Like I'd believe you!"

Rinne screamed.

"And besides, 'Haku'... You should hate me, right?"

"Huh?"

I won't let you say you forgot about me...

"...hmm?"

Couldn't find a response.

I couldn't even guess what Rinon was saying.

As I delved deeper into memories, Rinne turned her back on me.

Ah, wait a minute...

Without responding, she walked away into the familiar bicycle shop.

"Ah, um, senior... What's...?"

Then, Kousuke and the others who came after us appear, looking awkward.

I silently gave both of them a forehead bump.