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Satou Kazuma here.
So, one day, me and my party found this big red button.
Basically, I told them to be careful… But of course they didn't listen to me!
And now, we’re trapped in a replica of Japan with a bunch of people from some other world.
And it's a strange set of cast that it's weird that I'm not sure how we’re cooperating! It's like someone decided to rush the crossover episode and choose whatever!
Like, listen to this!
Tanya – a man who got reincarnated as a loli – is from this German-like world where apparently World War I is taking place.
Ainz – an average salary man or so I've been told – is trapped inside his game world where he is the ruler of all the different beings in my class!
Naofumi – an average college student – is summoned to some other world where he has to be the hero with three others and save their world.
Me – Satou Kazuma – who died a heroic (embarrassing) death and was reincarnated to some other world to defeat the demon king while leading a group of troublemakers!
… But there are some merits to this world!
Listen, aside from the extremely hot succubus, the sexy half-elf, the sweet and spicy twin demons… There's this one cute girl.
Tail Black as she calls herself.
I learned that she's from Japan and… I can tell from her figure alone that she's a magical girl!
She never cancels her transformation but I’m certain that she's a cute girl on the other side as well!
And her actual name is Subaru? Like the stars? It's cute! Definitely cute!
Thank you Eris-sama!!!
But the problem is… My inner shut-in stops me from having a conversation with cute girls! Like, there's this voice in my head telling me.
“What if she also rides away with some other guy?”
Aaaaaahhhh!
I can't take it! This sucks! It really sucks!
Out of all the people here, she's the only one I can never hold a proper conversation with!
It doesn't help that she is an extrovert! She managed to close the gap between everyone the moment she walked in the class.
And I'm pretty sure we treat her as the class mascot…
Actually, it was brought up to her once and her reaction to it was totally cute! Waving her arms while blushing furiously!
Listen, I like the onee-san type… But I'm not one to be picky and I can totally choose the cute types!
Hm? My party? Who are they? Never heard of ‘em.
Ah, but it seems like she and I are destined to never get in a proper relationship…
Besides being from different worlds, I don't have the courage to talk to her damn it! It's like those cheesy romance shows where the loser has a crush on the popular girl!
…
Sigh.
I can't do this.
Aqua's already making fun of me for being a coward and refusing to talk to her.
But it's not my fault!
Blame puberty! Blame the male hormones damn it! Blame that childhood friend who promised to marry me in the future!
It's harder than it looks damn it!
And to make matters worse… I’m left to clean the class alone today!
Today was supposed to be my cleaning duty with Demiurge and Weiss but the former went to glaze his supreme overlord and the latter was called by the loli general for late training.
Of course I complained… But that voice thing Demiurge does made sure I would clean it…
Well, it’s also punishment for trying to sneak a peek in the girl’s locked room but…
…
Yeah, I have zero excuses.
This one is on me.
Can I just ditch this and face the consequences tomorrow?
…
Yeah, I'd rather not face Tanya’s wrath – she’s small, but doesn't stop her from being deranged and overly commanding.
With a heavy sigh, I grabbed a cloth to start with wiping the table.
Eris, if you are listening to me… Please bring in someone to help me…
…
Hm? Did the door just open?
Are my prayers being answered?!
I gulped and faced the door. Long silky twintails dangling by her side, the orange tip of her hair glowing lightly like the evening sun, her eyes looked like they were shimmering – beautiful, almost blinding – and despite her petite body, her figure was incredibly good!
The breasts could use some work though…
We locked eyes.
Oh shit!
“Hm? Kazuma?”
“Yes I'm Kazuma.”
“... Why are you alone? The others left you with their work?”
She snickered, seeing me with the cloth in hand and the bucket of water placed next to me.
Wait a minute… Classroom… Just the two of us… Everyone left…
Did I trigger a flag?! Holy shit! It's that kinda scene you see in manga and anime where the relationship of the heroine and the protagonist develops!
Sweet! I can't blow this chance! It's time for me to get a girlfrie-
“W-well, it isn't that bad…”
…
I’m digging my grave.
I stuttered.
My funeral is being held tomorrow.
I am not letting Aqua revive me.
I’m going to cry to Eris and let her reincarnate me with a new life.
Start fresh.
Forget this moment ever happened.
But she also doesn't seem to care and instead, her eyes scans the room before concluding.
“Hm… It's kinda odd… Demiurge is a sticker for rules and I don't think Weiss is someone who will want to go against Tanya…”
“Yeah, with the sole exception of them being summoned by their higher ups…”
“Ah, that explains it… I thought you were being punished for doing something wrong man.”
She… She doesn't know! I can't let her find out!
My sweaty hands gripped the cloth tightly before I dunked it into the water as I began my work.
I couldn't look at her directly!
The guilt is too much!
“A-anyways, why are you here?”
Curse me and my shut-in heart! It’s still not prepared to talk to normal girls!
Even if said ‘normal girl’ could crush me in an instant…
I could hear her humming as she skipped her way past me and all the way to her seat, grabbing a book from underneath her desk.
“I forgot this, so I came back. We’re having a test next week, you know? And I can't allow nee-sama to think any more lowly of me by failing… She's already got too much teasing material.”
… I need to talk with Ram next week.
Speaking of, why haven't I asked her group about her yet? Maybe I could get some good information out of it!
“Hey~ Kazuma~ Are you there?”
“H-hm?”
“Sorry, you seem to be lost in thought.”
She giggled… She actually giggled! The gods have finally listened to me! My luck stat is finally taking effect!
That sound will forever echo in my heart!
She walked over and grabbed the duster, then proceeded to clean the board before turning to me – her small finger pointing directly at me like some sort of idol.
“As I was saying earlier, let me help you! I can't let my Isekai pal work alone in these harsh times!”
Cute! She's incredibly cute! I want to pinch her face!
It does wonders to my heart!
Thank you high school life that I finally got to experience!
I grinned and dunked the cloth in water.
“Then let's start!”
She nodded to my words and we immediately started cleaning the whole room.
I was a bit surprised but… She was cleaning like an expert! Is there anything she can't do?!
When she noticed my stare, a cute sheepish smile made its way to her face while she scratched the back of her head like you would see for a typical klutzy character.
“If you're wondering, I used to work as a maid at Ros-chi’s mansion… It's a pretty rigorous job considering that only Rem, Nee-sama and I work there.”
That damn clown! Making a cute girl such as TB-chan work in such a place! She's going to get stressed in a few days and become a hag because of that!
No offense to Rem and Ram of course, they are pretty solid in their own ways…
But… The image of TB-chan in a maid dress hasn’t left my mind damn it! Curse you, convenience of speech!
I coughed and lightly cleared my throat before showing her a sympathetic smile. Yes, it’s time to play victim!
Sorry (not sorry) Megumin, Aqua and Darkness, but you’ll have to take one for the team!
“I get you… I also own a mansion back at home and… Those three idiots barely do any work there! Meanwhile, I have to cook and clean for them!”
“That’s rough man… Also, you own a mansion? I thought you slept in the stables the last time I heard from Aqua.”
“Hm? Oh that…”
Yes yes! Fall into my scheme as I gain sympathy and affection points from you! Great job Kazuma!
I shed crocodile tears, bringing my right arm up to my eyes as I bit my lips and spoke about the harsh reality of getting isekaid.
I sniffed as I began talking.
“You don't know the half of it! I-I died a… ‘Tragic’ death! And when I was reincarnated to another world, I brought Aqua with me as my cheat but she turned out to be useless to the point that we could barely even pay the registration fees for the adventurer's guild!”
“Woah! Hey, you good man?”
“It's fine… We had to do some hard labour before we could even buy basic equipment and we had to sleep in the stables! We only got the mansion through a stroke of luck when a man requested to clear the mansion of spirits! It was so incredibly hard living in that world!”
“There there, I understand…”
Hehe, my plan is working! Even if only pity points, this shall be the foundation for our future relationship!
Let's do this!
I could feel her soft delicate hands rubbing my back slowly. I peeked out a little to see a pretty big frown on her face and those eyes filled with sympathy.
“It must've been rough huh?”
“A-ah yeah…”
… Damn it! Why am I actually crying now?!
She stopped the rubbing and glanced around the room before facing me again. She looked like she was… Contemplating something.
Wonder what it was about?
Suddenly, she groaned while smacking her head and gestured to me to follow her to the teacher's podium.
She knelt down and pats her thighs… Is this… Is this what I think it is?!
She looked flustered and if this was an anime, her eyes would be those spiralling messes that served as a cute reaction!
Eris, if you are listening to me…
Thank you.
“Hey, hurry up would you? This is a once in a lifetime Subaru lap pillow special! I haven't even given this to Emilia-tan yet, got it?!”
My heart rapidly beats! This is… This is it!
Heaven has opened its gate for me and I am finally getting the rest I deserve.
But to make myself seem desperate, I slowly walked over and laid on her lap. The only time I was given this was by Aqua and that was after some traumatising incident with orcs.
But this?
It was the true venting lap pillow.
Seriously, why was I crying?
She leaned down, ruffling my hair as she softly whispered into my ears.
“It must've been rough huh?”
… Damn it! W-why is this actually making me tear up?!
Is this going to be a scene in some anime where the guy vents about how hard his life is?!
…
Yes, yes it is.
“I… I just don't get it! I try my best in whatever I do, whether it is a simple fetch quest or fighting the demon king’s general! I just want some level of respect and peace damn it! Is that too much to ask for?! Is it wrong for me to ask for a cozy life away from all the chaos?! As much as I love my party, they’ve also been causing me problems that earn me weird nicknames like ‘Scumzuma’ or something like that! I just… I just wanna enjoy my life…”
“Mhm, I heard you, I understand, you're trying your best.”
It's really embarrassing.
I’m crying on the lap of my crush and she's taking this pretty well!
I’m so lucky that Aqua isn't with me right now, I wouldn't be able to hear the end of it…
Megumin might say something chuuni like but that would likely end up with her teasing me.
And Darkness would have material against me if I ever decide to call her Lalatina or Divorceness.
After a few minutes of crying, my tears dried up and I pushed myself up – I wiped the remaining tears away, feeling pretty relieved.
Is this what therapy feels like?
I turned to TB-chan, having difficulty standing up because she knelt there for a long time because of me.
I felt guilty so… I helped her up.
She showed me a smile of concern after she found balance.
“Are you alright now?”
“Yeah… Thanks a lot.”
“No problem man, always happy to help! Just remember that I won't be doing this kind of thing again alright?”
“Hm… Is it negotiable?”
“Definitely not!”
She crossed her arms in an ‘X’ formation.
“I told you, it’s a once in a lifetime special!”
“Even if it were Emilia?”
“... Don't bring her into this.”
There was a beat of silence… Before laughter erupted between us – holy shit! I just made her laugh!
I can already picture the future! Our marriage! The whole class gathering around us for the wedding ceremony! Our vows! The kiss! I can see it!
Agrh! But some part of me is still telling me:
“But what happens if she says, ‘Sorry Kazuma, but we’re just friends.’”
Aaaaaahhhh! I don't want that! That belongs to the nightmare dimension! Or even in Aqua's dream!
Aqua sneezed, having a sense that someone was talking shit about her.
“It's definitely that skeleton undead…”
“Did you say something Aqua?”
Darkness asked from her spot, she was currently cleaning her armour while Aqua was lazily laying on the couch like a sloth.
“No, I just had a feeling someone was talking about me.”
“How do you even know that?”
“Goddess intuition.”
She received a stare of pity from Darkness and Megumin who was passing by and accidentally heard the conversation.
Aqua cried.
That thought is really terrifying…
Tail Black cleared her throat to get my attention as she picked up the chairs since I was done wiping them anyway.
“Let's hurry up now, it's getting late.”
“Oh shit! You're right!”
Quickly finishing our work, we ran out of the campus before the sun truly set.
We walked out way back slowly, the silence becoming uncomfortable with every passing second.
I had to think of something.
Come on! I was not this hesitant while fighting the generals or any other dangerous quest!
“H-hey uh… Subaru…”
“Hm? What's up Kaz?”
Kaz, she called me Kaz, it's my nickname now! I’ll cherish it forever in my memory!
She tilts her head to the side, it was also incredibly cute! Man, why can't Megumin act like this?! She would've been better without her chuunibyou act!
“You know tomorrow is the weekend right?”
“Oh yeah, you're right!”
“... So, got any plans?”
She pondered for a bit before giving me a pretty light shrug.
“Ah! Then you wanna h-hang out? Like, you know… Just us?”
Everything went silent, our footsteps being the only audible sound. I could feel my breath stop because my voice sounded pretty awkward when I asked that question.
And I was stuttering as well!
“Kazuma…”
“Y-yes I’m Kazuma.”
“Are you asking me out on a date?”
She grinned, pretty teasingly and I could feel my face turn red from just that question alone. Damn it! Why couldn't I be the calm collected guy that barely reacts in situations like these?!
Now I was just making a fool of myself.
I waved my hands pretty frantically, trying to explain myself because my shut-in heart cannot take this level of play yet!
“N-no! I just wanted to uh… Show my gratitude for helping me clean the class and the l-l-lap pillow! Yeah! Of course!”
She definitely wasn't going to buy it… Definitely.
“Eh, I guess that's fair… Well, unless I have a plan with Rem or Emilia-tan or Beako tomorrow, I'll give you a heads up alright?”
“H-huh? I-I mean, yeah sure!”
“Ah, I forgot… I don't have your number since we rarely get to talk.”
… Is this it?! Is this the time?! For that scene to happen?!
Where the protagonist gets the heroine’s phone number?! This is the greatest moment of my life!
And it happens on a Friday of all times!
She took out a… Flip phone? Huh, I didn't expect anyone to really use them anymore.
I mean, the rest of our classmates have smart phones… Maybe she was just used to the older times?
Heh, that's also incredibly cute.
After we exchanged numbers, I showed her a grin.
“I didn't know you were using such a relic… Grandma~”
“Call me that again and you are getting a free trip to the centre of the Earth.”
“Oi! What kind of a threat is that?!”
“The actually dangerous kind~ Oh, I need to turn right here, see you Kaz!”
She waved and ran on the path to her house. I stood there, stunned as I glanced between my phone and her…
Holy shit…
Holy fucking shit…
I just got her number!
And I scored a date?!
Jackpot!
Although it's more like two friends hanging out…
Ahem, we all start somewhere…
Today, I happily made my way back home and slept early.
Even the succubus dreams wouldn't be able to compare!
Sorry Dust, sorry Keith… But your friend here is finally turning to a real man!
My future… It definitely looks bright!
Mother… Father…
Are you doing well?
As for me, I’m currently on a journey to becoming a real man. I happen to have been summoned to another world entirely where I had to go to school.
And then I met a cute girl who is also from Japan.
I swear if I had met her earlier, I would still be going to school and not become the shut-in loser that you know me as.
Anyways, I’m currently standing at the entrance of an amusement park – it’s embarrassing to say but… Your son does not have any good clothes to wear due to how I lived.
I only had my tracksuit and my adventurer's outfit.
So I made the logical decision and wore the adventurer's outfit because it was the most fashionable one I have.
I also had a butler suit from that one time I went to visit Lalatina’s family but that would be too much for a casual date- I meant a hang out.
“Oh, there you are Kazuma!”
There she is, the girl of my dreams.
She is absolutely adorable, if anyone were to meet her, they would also fall in love with her too!
I expected her to wear something casual compared to me… Or something stylish.
But she also actually came with that armour on.
She rubbed the back of her head apologetically.
“Sorry if I came like this, I kinda didn't have anything to wear other than my maid suit… And I'm not wearing whatever the elders sew for me from Arlam!”
… She's… She's just like me fr.
I put my hand on her shoulder, earning a cute yelp from her because she was surprised due to the sudden contact and she also seemed embarrassed by the contact.
I’m living life right now. I shed a tear which I quickly wiped away.
“I understand… But I definitely wouldn't mind the maid outfit!”
“I do! It's embarrassing as hell!”
“You can't deny your cuteness.”
“Abababa! Don't say that! I’m not cute at all damn it! Look at my eyes! Don't you see how scary they are?!”
I stared directly into her eyes and saw nothing wrong with them. They were round, puffy and really cute looking – her orange coloured eyes that looked like burning flames definitely helped with the look!
“No, all I see is how cute they look.”
“They aren't cute! I got these from my mother!”
“... Have you ever properly looked at yourself in the mirror?”
“... I don't really like to…”
She trailed as her face had turned to the colour of an apple, a deep red that made her seem really adorable.
I understand, it's those situations where a girl doesn't like her figure and that's why she doesn't really like looking in the mirror!
If I compliment her enough, my capture target’s affection will definitely raise to level 2! And that's where all the fun begins!
“It's alright, it's okay, I understand.”
“I have a bad feeling about that…”
“Well, onwards with the date!”
“I know I joked about that, but it's honestly embarrassing hearing it now…”
And we walked into the amusement park. It's nice to know that there isn't really any line where we had to stand for hours!
Just buy the tickets and walk in!
Eris has been blessing me real hard these days!
We made our way to the stalls where we met the pink adventurer from my world…
TB-chan leaned next to me and whispered in my ears.
“Is it just me or does he seem to be working everywhere?”
“I just took it as an eccentric detail of this world…”
“So! Are you two here to play?”
It was a ring toss game, where we could earn prizes.
At first, I assumed maybe TB-chan wouldn't want to play this… But when I turned over to her, she was eyeing a giant Puck plush.
“Do you want that?”
“Huh? Uh no… I was just thinking if Beako would like that…”
Ah, so she's also the tsundere type, she isn't really honest with her feelings huh? I understand, I discovered a new part of her that I really like!
As long as she doesn't do the trope of beating me up…
“Alright then, let me try!”
“Ahem sorry.”
The Ruffian stopped using as he eyes both of us with a curious gaze.
“Are you two dating?”
“What?!”
TB-chan was the first to scream while I could feel my face flush from embarrassment. He laughed loudly, arms folded with a carefree expression.
“You see, we are doing a couple's discount for today. So, are you two dating?”
“He-”
“Yes, yes we are.”
“Kazuma?!”
I yanked her over to me, dragging her to one of my arms, turning away from the stall runner while leaning closer to the magical girl – from an outside perspective, we look like we are kissing.
“Kazuma, what are you-”
“Shhh, look, I'm trying to save money for a game and I'm spending as little as I can, so bear with me please.”
She stared at me before glancing away, sighing in defeat as we stood back up.
I lied, I already have the game, this was just so I can hear him call us a couple.
The stall runner let out a hearty laugh again.
“I see, that's how deeply in love both of you are! Alright, here are the rings you bastard.”
He gave me tools to play the game… Did he just call me a bastard? When we return to our world, I’m throwing him as bait to a demon king general.
“How many for that plush?”
“That one? If you can get all the bottles.”
“Deal.”
I aimed, closed one eye and then muttered.
“Snipe.”
It landed perfectly, 9 more to go.
I kept on using Snipe, anything to impress my dear TB-chan! I could actually hear her sounding awed at my display of accuracy.
Heh, thank you otherworldly magic.
After I was done, I grinned at the stall runer. He smiled and handed us the Puck plushie. Also, being the gentleman here, I decided to pay.
“You didn't have to, you know…”
“Don’t mind it, a man has got to pay for the expenses.”
“Um… Yeah uh…”
“Then let's go!”
“Wait Kazuma!”
We ran around the entire amusement park. I even had the opposite to take selfies and pictures of TB-chan!
Luck is truly on my side today!
We rode the carousel, where I got a picture of her when the wind blew her hair – making her look all majestic.
We rode the rollercoaster (Which, I was totally not afraid of and definitely did not have to stick close to TB-chan) and I got a picture of her smile.
We ate ice cream together and I got a picture of her... Well, eating her ice cream.
We went to the haunted house which I was used to due to our mansions previous state and TB-chan wasn't really spooked either.
Finally, we went inside the ferris wheel and I took a picture of her with the background.
We were high up in the air, it has turned evening by now and… I was truly living the life.
TB-chan was looking outside, a small glint of excitement in her eyes.
“Man! I haven't rode the ferris wheel in a while! The last time I went was when I was 9, and it was with my parents!”
“I never really got to ride on the ferris wheel because I used to be afraid of heights…”
“Pfft- hahahaha!”
“I-I was still a child okay?! It's not that embarrassing alright?!”
“Sorry sorry, it’s just nice hearing things about you Kaz.”
My heart strings tugged, ah, she called me by that nickname again!
I feel like I could ascend to heaven right now if I wanted!
But Aqua would drag me back down…
I hated that I pictured that.
I chuckled sheepishly.
“Yeah, we never really got to talk much did we?”
“Yeah, you would act all weird and then use that Lurk skill of yours to get away.”
“Look, I'm sorry alright?!”
She giggled again and she shook her head, not really finding any fault with what I did.
She smiled.
“Nah it's fine, I was honestly worried that you didn't like me. I thought you were going to say something like how I was a harem having bastard because I lived with Rem, Ram, Beako and Emilia-tan.”
There was a small pause before I showed a huge frown.
I had to ask, I had to make sure!
“Are you like… Into girls?”
“... Yes…? Kazuma, you… You do know that I'm a guy right?”
No… No… Not again damn iiiiiiiit!!!
A lingering trauma, I felt a tap on my hip, as if someone was touching me. I slowly turned my head and saw Sylvia grinning at me.
“Did you miss me, Kazuma~?”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!”
“H-hey, are you alright?!”
“No, I’m not okay! You don't understand how devastating this is to me!”
“Eh…”
She or rather… He was giving me a worried look but I didn't care. I fell on my knees, inside the ferris wheel as my hands touched the cold hard metal.
“I… I thought you were a cute girl…”
“Everyone knows I’m a guy dude…”
“Then why the hell wasn't I informed?!”
“I thought you just refused to hear anything about me..."
“This sucks, this really sucks… I got on a date with a feminine boy…”
He knelt down and pats my head, it sucks that he still really seems cute to me!
He looked outside the window and sighed.
“Unfortunately, I'm a full on girl in this form, darn magical bracelets and their gender swapping properties…”
I looked up and then blinked, what did he just say?
I need clarification damn it! Don't just leave me hanging like that!
“Hey, what do you mean?”
“Hm? Oh uh… The Tail Gear, this bracelet, transforms me into Tail Black and I uh… I will also turn into a girl for some reason.”
“So… You're a girl right now?”
“Yeah… Sorry about that dude, I think I might've led you wrong…”
He placed a hand on my shoulder as a sign of comfort while I sighed in defeat. I thought luck was on my side today man…
The ferris wheel conveniently stopped in time and we walked out rather awkwardly.
“Right uh… I’ll see you next week?”
He tried to close the awkwardness between us but… My heart was already torn into pieces.
I had to search up a lot of things tonight just to cleanse my mind of Sylvia…
I dejectedly walked back home, ignoring the voices of my party members and I headed straight to bed.
It sucks that I still think about how I used to believe he was an actual girl…
I feel bad, really bad.
I didn't think the way I talked would make Kazuma this depressed.
This week, when he came for classes, he looked incredibly tired to the point he couldn't even properly pay attention.
He didn't talk about his problem and only his party seemed to know… Along with me.
But they didn't share, maybe out of respect for him?
I did receive a glare from Megumin though…
And then during P.E. today… He suddenly collapsed, due to how tired he must've felt.
It worried me a lot and… I wonder if I should go talk to him? I kinda miss the awkward shy guy he was to me…
Not to mention that I also enjoyed the amusement park he took me to, which really brought back some good memories with my family.
“Subaru? What's wrong?”
Emilia-tan asked me when class was over, ah, it looks like I was spacing out again.
“A-ah! It's nothing Emilia-tan! I was just…”
I trailed off, trying to find an excuse. I could see the frown on Emilia-tan’s face… And the people from my world.
“Berry's Subaru should speak up if she has trouble, I suppose.”
“Barusu is an idiot who is incapable of saying anything but stupid things.”
“Rem will definitely listen to Subaru-kun’s problems.”
“We got yer b’ck Cap’n!”
“Tell your friends your problem, Natsuki-san.”
“Ehehe, must be nice having everyone backing you up huh, Subaru?”
Puck ended it off and I swore I could feel a tear in my eye.
“Guys… And Otto…”
“Why am I classified in a different category?!”
“So, what’s got you in the dumps Subaru?”
“Ah, you’re improving your vocabulary Emilia-tan!”
“I’m trying my best!”
Gah! Her smile is too precious! It definitely doesn't help that she was holding my hand!
After taking a deep breath, I told them about my outing with Kazuma and how everything went down.
“Is that why Kazuma has been looking sad lately?”
“Barusu is a fool.”
“Don't just attack me! I didn't know that he didn't know about me alright?!”
“Are you so lustful that you are even going after that pervert? Actually, nevermind, Ram understands, someone as perverted as Kazuma is the perfect match for you.”
“Insult me but don't insult Kazuma damn it, he’s already going through it…”
Otto blinked and tapped me on the shoulder, gaining my attention.
“Why not just… Talk to him?”
“It's… It’s harder than it seems okay…?”
The merchant shook his head and frowned, looking disappointed at me.
“Natsuki-san, communication is important, even between merchants, if you don't talk to him now, it’s going to continue causing a rift between you two.”
“I… Yeah, you're right. Thanks Otto, you can be helpful too huh?"
"And what's that supposed to mean?!"
We all laughed together.
But... He wasn't wrong.
I was just worried what he would think of me if I talked to him again… A few days ago, when I revealed my true identity to him, he seemed pretty… Traumatised.
I feel bad for him.
Beako huffed and then took my stuff with her.
“Betty will take care of your stuff, go talk to that idiot, I suppose.”
“Beako! You're so reliable!”
“Of course! Betty is the best spirit there is, in fact!”
“Even better than me~?”
“Don’t start that Bubby…”
I laughed, I feel that, with everyone's support, I had the strength to talk to him.
Rem smiled and gave me a thumbs up.
“Do your best, o-kay?”
“Okay!”
I rushed out of the room and made my way to the infirmary.
“Hold on Subaru.”
I quickly turned to face Aqua standing in the hallway.
“Ah, sorry Aqua, I’m in a hurry-”
“You're going to talk to Kazuma right?”
“Ah… Yeah… I have to make it up to him…”
A mischievous grin made its way to her face… She flaps on about being a goddess but she definitely looks like the devil.
She took out an ‘oh so familiar’ pink dress.
“Wear this.”
“What?! I can't! That's-”
“Then Megumin and Darkness will not let you pass.”
“Ghk!”
I clenched my teeth, seeing the smile on her face turned a bit fierce.
“You mess with Kazuma, you mess with us too.”
“It wasn't my fault okay?!”
The wardrobe feature had to be used again for this…
It's so embarrassing!
“You do know that I'm a guy right?”
AAAAAAHHHH!
That thought is still stuck in my mind! This sucks! It really sucks!
I feel so embarrassed, I should've asked the others beforehand instead of jumping into the date immediately!
I rolled and rolled on the infirmary bed.
I couldn't get a good night's rest these days and the thought is constantly messing with me.
I really should’ve just listened to the voice in my hand.
I knew and I was warned!
And it's already evening…
I should just get my stuff and go home.
My party members also came by and told me to rest for a bit and come back home once I felt better.
This really sucks…
My ears picked up on the door opening… Maybe it was Wiz coming to take care of me in a nurse outfit?
I slowly turned around and… My eyes saw something it should never have seen.
Instead of Wiz… It was Subaru wearing a pink nurse outfit.
I know ‘she’ is actually a ‘he’but… Damn it! Why does he look so cute in this form?! It doesn't help that he is blushing too! It adds on to the cuteness!
He walked over to me, tugging on the hem of the skirt which seemed too short, even for him.
“A-are you alright, dear patient?”
He forced it out before reflexively cringing… And I did too.
His voice cracked and he was trying too hard, he looked too stiff…
But… I laughed, I appreciated the attempt.
“D-don’t laugh! Your party forced me into this alright?!”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously!”
He looked so flustered to the point that it actually just made him look better… Damn magical girl transformation!
But my party? Damn, I might need to reward them for this…
She seemed to be contemplating something before she let out a sound of resignation before sitting on my bed and tapping on his lap.
“I’m definitely going to skewer your party.”
“Hey, you don't have to do this if you don't want to…”
“I’m too far gone now Kaz, just come and lay down.”
“I thought this was a one time special?”
“Just shut up and get over here.”
I gulped and stared at her bare lap because of how short the skirt was. Back then, when I first received that divine lap pillow, she had worn pants…
Now? Naked, just bare thighs…
But Subaru is…
You know what? Whatever, lap pillow here I come!
I earned a yelp from him when I suddenly landed my head on his lap.
“Wrong side, Kazuma, you're facing the wrong side!”
… Okay so, I might've panicked and landed my face on his thighs…
Smells nice though…
What the fuck am I doing?
I turned around and looked up at the ceiling. The flat chest definitely helped with the view… I find it funny that a guy that transitions to a female has bigger boobs than Megumin.
Better not say that to her…
He refused to look me in the eye and I didn't either.
A long silence filled the room before I heard him gulp.
“Hey… Uh… I just wanted to-”
“Apologise? Yeah no, it's fine, I understand, it’s also my fault for diving into this without thinking ahead…”
“Yeah… I really should've talked to you more…”
“At least, in that way, both of us won't have to face this embarrassment.”
“Haha, yeah, you're right…”
The atmosphere felt warm and maybe… I would be able to forget about all of this once I get home.
I felt him softly playing with my hair as he looked down at me.
“But… I really had fun on that day, you know? If it wasn't for you, I might've just spent my day doing nothing.”
“What about hanging out with the others from your world?”
“Ah… Emilia-tan had tea party with some girls, Rem was invited by Albedo for some love talk, Beako went with Mare to the library, Ram was with Roswaal, Garfiel wanted to join in on Tanya’s training and Otto is busy with work so I didn't want to disturb him…”
“Sounds rough.”
“Yeah… But as I mentioned, I had fun, really, thank you.”
… Hey, what's with this air around us? It feels like a stagnant plot had just developed after months of the same recurring shit!
I stared at her for a while before smiling.
“No problem, I had fun too.”
There was a long pause between us again, but it wasn't awkward – just really comfortable, like a weight has just been removed from us.
He stopped playing with my hair and looked out the window.
“Hey Kazuma.”
“Yes I'm Kazuma.”
“Will you be free this weekend?”
“I guess… What's up?”
“I was thinking… Let's go on another date.”
“... For real?”
“For real.”
No one came to disturb us and it was… Actually, it was really peaceful.
Somehow, during this short interaction… My initial thought of Subaru had changed.
Maybe this wasn't so bad.
Then suddenly he… She groaned, I wasn't exactly too sure what to refer to Subaru as… But I'll refer to her as a girl, which makes the pills easier to swallow.
“It's going to be hard explaining this to Emilia-tan and Rem…”
“Huh? What? Why?”
“Because you’ve effectively just stormed your way into my heart, idiot.”
“In that short amount of time?!”
“Look, I don't understand it either alright?! Feels like some divine intervention happened for you, Mr. High Luck Stat!”
I paused and a thought made its way to my head.
It wasn't something worrying but it's weird.
“... Does… Does that make this gay or straight?”
Her eyes shot up in surprise with the question before putting some thought into it… And then she answered.
“I’m a guy who turns into a magical girl… Involuntarily turned into a magical girl, logic was already thrown out the window from that point… What? Got a problem?”
“... At this point, no not really. But you still gotta show me your male form later too.”
She laughed and gave me a thumbs up.
“Sure.”
"In that nurse outfit.”
“Bzzzt! Denied!”
“Come on man…”
“Nuh uh.”
“I get myself a girlfriend and this is how I get treated.”
“Said girlfriend could beat the crap out of you if she wanted.”
… And then we just laughed, the weirdness of this situation was surely something.
We weren't even saying anything remotely funny… But at this point, I think we both deserve it.
“Hey TB-chan.”
“Don't call me that…”
“But it's cute.”
“Quiet you-”
She exhaled and calmed herself down before continuing the discourse.
“What were you trying to say?”
“Oh! Just wanted to ask if you know where we are going this weekend.”
“A place called the Pleiades Café opened recently, I think that place would be nice.”
“... It's not just because of the name is it?”
“... N-no…”
“Subaru…”
“Uh…”
And for the rest of the time until I felt better, we just stayed like that – talking, joking, laughing… But it was fun.
Eventually when I did get better, we made our way out of the school, ready to depart from each other.
However, before we separated, I turned to TB-chan with an idiotic grin… I’m seriously going to regret this…
“Hey TB-chan!”
“Don't call me that… What is it?”
“I think I love you.”
She sputtered, a blush making its way across her face before she muttered something.
Luckily, I had Lip Reading and she said,
“Love you too… I guess…”
She glared at me before storming off… Damn it, even that tsundere act is cute!
She whipped her head back and pointed a finger at me.
“You better come for the date!”
“Wouldn't plan on missing it!”
I swore I could see a smile.
I happily skipped my way back home, ready to face a new day with my now… Girlfriend? Boyfriend? I still don't know the specifics.
Was I secretly gay or something?
Gah! Forget it! Let's just forget about the pointless parts and enjoy what I have currently.
… It also sucked that I had to explain a lot to my party members about what went down.
Worst best week of my life.