This chapter is safe. Hence, enjoy reading to your heart’s content.

The light shining through the gaps in the curtains dimly illuminated the room and seemed to be telling me that it was time to get up.

[Yaawnnn…]

It’s amazing that the human body can regain consciousness the next day after being messed up so much. It’s tough…

Yume and Chisaki, do you do this every week…? Unbelievable…

If I go to university and move in with Aya, I wonder if I’ll have to spend my days like this. Ugh, I think I’ll be skipping a lot of lectures.

[Mnn]

I heard a thin, faint voice in my ear, and I stopped to catch my breath. I tilted my head toward it at a speed of about one millimeter per second.

That was close.

Or rather, on the same bed. A woman without makeup but with an incredibly good face was breathing in her sleep. Her lips were slightly open, and her breath was coming out.

…… I think this might be the first time I’ve seen Aya sleeping soundly.

I wonder if she was tired or something. I’m sure she did. She has been waking up early every day in an unfamiliar environment, right? Thank you, Aya.

But it’s close, isn’t it? Her face…

Her nasal bridge is perfectly set with long eyelashes that are visible even when the eyelids are closed. Her lips are sexy, and her pure white and clean teeth are peeking out slightly from there. And her skin is as smooth as if she had just been born.

Her face is so beautiful that it makes me sigh. I could watch her for hours and never get tired of it.

If she was a beautiful girl from a young age, her family must want her to learn martial arts. I’d do the same thing though, I’m worried about her. Especially about things related to persistent pick-up playboys, perverts, and suspicious scouts.

I can’t help but to thank god that I grew up healthy both physically and mentally, without any major accidents until this age.

Ah, how beautiful this girl is…

She is so beautiful. Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but she’s beautiful on the inside, too.

Today I’m going to help Aya with her part-time job in the evening. She’s going to close the store early and decorate for the Christmas party.

Until then, there’s nothing to do, so I can sleep in as much as I want.

If I were to wake up and realize that this was a dream instead of reality, I’d be crying… I fell into a slumber while thinking about this.

After that, it was well past noon when I crawled out of bed, I was really hungry.

[You need to take a shower after eating, kay?]

[I thought so as well]

Aya and I both put on only our underwear and headed for the living room. I don’t know why I was so late getting up. I guess you could call it the three major human needs. After all, we did yesterday, I realized that we’re out of energy.

So we ate the rest of yesterday’s breakfast and lunch and then went to shower one by one. Because it would take another hour if we went in together…

I did my make-up lightly, changed my clothes, and was ready to go when I realized it was already evening. It was time to get out of here.

I headed to the station and then to Shinjuku. It’s really cold outside, probably because I’ve been touching Aya from the day before yesterday. It’s frustrating that I can’t chain my hands together or hug her even though she’s right there. I know I can spoil her again as soon as I get home.

[What’s wrong?]

On the train, I was staring at Aya standing in front of me with a lustful look on my face, when she asked me about that. I replied with a simple, [Oh, nothing] while waving my hands in panic.

[We’re sitting quite distanced, huh]

[Well, that’s how it is]

Aya looked a little sad and lonely.

[Aya will be going home in three days, right? I wonder if we’ll be okay from now on like this]

When I jokingly said that I didn’t want to leave either, Aya suddenly turned her head away.

[From now on… I think it won’t…]

[Eh?]

What does that mean? Because I was originally told that I would have to wait until the 26th, it couldn’t be helped.

I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure it made her feel weak or anxious. I trusted my intuition and patted Aya on the arm.

[It’s okay, it’s okay. We can see each other anytime, and it’s winter break. Let’s go out again soon. I’ll go to Aya’s house next time.]

[Okay]

Aya then smiled at me.

I can understand Aya’s feelings just a little bit. We are so happy now that we can’t really envision the future. It’s like the present is the best, and beyond that is unknown.

Aya thinks about a lot of things, so maybe she had lots of things in her mind.

Then we secretly held hands on the train.

The warmth of our palms was the same as when we were hugging at home, and it was as if they were telling me it was going to be okay, that I didn’t need to worry.

[Oh, you’re here too, Marika-chan. Thank you.]

The exterior of the bar was quiet as usual. However, the interior of the bar was decorated with lots of lights and a tree sitting in the center, creating a gorgeous atmosphere. Neat.

[Wow, there’s a big difference between the exterior and the interior.]

[That’s right, of course. We’re not a tourist bar, so only the regulars need to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves.]

Karen, who greeted me with a cheerful voice, smiled cheerfully and brightly.

There were no other guests today, probably because it was the day before the party, and instead people like us who had come to help were decorating the whole place.

Beautiful people are sitting here and there, like a flashy cabaret girl, or a librarian. Are they regulars here?

[What can I help?]

[Aya, please decorate the tree like last year, and Marika, can you fold Christmas cards at the table over there?]

[It’s no problem.]

Aya and I each took off our coats and headed to work. Karen said sincerely, [You girls are working hard, huh~] It’s okay, you can use us all you want. I just woke up today and haven’t done anything yet anyway!

[Oh, Marie, you want to help? It’s your first time this year. I’ll show you how it’s done!]

[Asta’s working…]

Then Asta, a.k.a. Astalotte, who was at the table earlier, smiled at me. She is a beautiful third-year junior high school girl with blond hair, blue eyes, and twin-tailed hair.

She’s a “yuri”-loving girl with big eyes, with a pointy nose that can speak fluent Japanese, and she’s not a bad girl. Wait, She’s not a bad girl… but she’s not a good girl either!

There are some people in the world that you just can’t seem to get along with. Aya-Sae for example. My relationship with Asta is somewhat like that.

[But since you’re here to help, Did you sleep with Karen?]

[What do you mean?]

[Because all the volunteers who came to help today are Karen’s friends, right?]

[Just what are you talking about, Asta?]

I couldn’t help but look at Karen. She seemed to be listening to our conversation and said, [Oh, no, it just happened] She didn’t deny it. What’s with this woman? Did she sleep with all of them?　All of us here?　There are about ten of us.

[Forget… about it, Asta, start working…]

I imitated Asta’s gesture and folded a pop-up Christmas card. After a while, I heard Asta say, [Oh, my]

[Mari, you’re getting your nails done a lot today.]

She’s got a good eye, this girl!

[No, it’s nothing, it’s just a coincidence. Oh, don’t get the wrong idea, okay?]

[It’s good to be friends. I can give you another palm reading today if you want. I’m a lot better at it than before!]

I sighed and extended my palm for her.

[It’s fine, though, are you even studying properly? Asta is going to take your exams this year, right? I mean, as an exchange student, aren’t you going back to your country?　America?　England?”]

[No, I’m not. I’m from Kongeriket Norge.]

Kongeri-keno-rike?　Where’s that?

Asta fiddled with her phone to display a map and pointed at it, [It’s here.]

Northern Europe. It was the Kingdom of Norway. Oh, really?

[You don’t have the face of someone that would work in a cornfield at all!]

[But we do have corn in Kongeriket Norge, too.]

Asta put her hands on her hips.

[It’s annoying so I won’t go home and I’ve already decided to go to high school in Japan. I’m sure my mom and dad will forgive me. If they don’t, then so be it!　I’m going to live with Karen!]

[You’re tough]

I felt dazzled by Asta’s energetic smile, just as I did when I first met her. I might be mistaken.

[By the way, since you’re working hard to get to Shinjuku now and then. Where do you live?]

[I know it! You’re so cute. Where do you live? Are you using LINE? Mari, you’re so bold with Aya nearby. ……]

Asta glances up at me and peers at me. No, she’s a little too cute. I’m too sensitive about a lot of things right now. Wait, no, I’m all about Aya.

When I talk to this girl, I feel like I’m old even though I’m still a sophomore in high school. I don’t know how Karen can keep up with Asta… She’s also the type of party girl….

[I was just asking where you live, though]

[Tokorozawa]

[That’s kind of far, huh]

You must have had quite a hard time getting to Aya’s house… It takes an hour to get there… In the meantime, Asta seems to have completed his palm reading, and she looked up, with her eyes shining, she said, [I’m sorry]

[I get it! Mari’s been a sheltered “cat” for 17 years already, right? I hope you keep being a good “cat” for the next 70 years] (TLN: Meatbun explained this already but whatever, cat = Neko = the bottom in a yuri relationship)

[What are you seeing?]

This little Norway Junior High School girl…

Am I coming here to babysit, not to prepare for Christmas?

[And Mari is having trouble with women again. It seems that this time you haven’t gotten yourself into any trouble, but you’re really sinful, huh?. You’ve been hooking up with women all over the place, so why do you always refuse my offer?]

[Because I didn’t hook up with anybody!]

Apparently, I’m going to be in trouble with a nasty woman again soon.

That’s right. I was tangled with Aya in the first place… I want to live in peace. Maybe I’ll take a trip to Norway…

The preparations were finished before nine o’clock. I heard that Asta was going to stay at Karen’s house today. I pretended I hadn’t heard anything. Lewdness ordinance? I don’t understand it.

[Haha… I’m really tired of talking to Asta! I don’t understand how you can get along with that girl!]

Aya and I walked side by side through the night.

As expected, the Christmas illuminations in Shinjuku were shining here and there, illuminating the hearts of the passers-by. But the intrusive glow reminds me of Asta’s blonde hair, so that’s a bit of a downer…

Aya thought about it for a while and then blurted out.

[Come to think of it, I don’t really remember talking to Asta.]

What do you mean?

[Asta is always talking one way. I just nods randomly at her, but I wondered if we were having some kind of conversation]

[So I’m only the one who gets messed up by her activeness?]

[Yeah, it’s hard isn’t it?]

Aya then patted me on the head. Mnnnn

[But isn’t it nice to be liked by younger people, isn’t it, Marika?]

[Not at all~!]

Asta is indeed a top-level, gorgeous beauty if you only look at her face, but you know what? She’s no good because she doesn’t have the heart to respect her seniors! I just can’t love her!

I wrapped myself around Aya’s arm in a daze. A cloud of white smoke came out as I exhaled. I used the fact that it’s close as an excuse and pulled Aya even closer to me.

[Let’s go home, Aya]

[Speaking of which, what do you want for dinner?]

[Oh, I forgot. Hmm, oh well, let’s buy something and go home. It’ll be too tiring to cook now, right?]

[Not really,] Aya said, smiling meaningfully. [But it will cut down on the amount of time Marika can spend with me.]

[I didn’t mean it that way! I simply thought it would be hard on Aya!]

[Alright, alright, I understand~]

[Mou!] I try to pretend to be angry, but if I stay in Aya’s arms, it’s just like I’m spoiling her.

We crossed the intersection in front of the station while chatting about random kinds of stuff.

[Marika?]

Suddenly, I heard a voice.

I turned around in surprise.

I was so confident that I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew in this crowded Shinjuku area, and in fact, I was fine until now.

But there is a difference between a low probability and a zero probability. If anything, I’m the one who stands out, and I know a lot of people, so even more so.

The person there was Reina Nishida, wearing a light pink fur coat.

[And, Fuwa-san? Ah, I see. I understand. So that’s what it is]

I jumped away from Aya.

But it was probably too late.

Nishida is not as nimble or perceptive as Yume.

[So that’s why Fuwa recently joined Marika’s group. I see I see. That’s right. So, it seems like you got a “boyfriend”]

She found out.

I’ve been found out. What should I do? Shall I try to deny it? No, that doesn’t make any sense. I can’t stop sweating. What should I do? I’m afraid everyone will find out.

While I was hesitating, Aya stood in front of Nishida. It was as if she was protecting me.

[Marika and I are dating. Do you have any problem with it?]

I reflexively shouted at Nishida, who raised one eyebrow at me.

[No, don’t tell anyone!　At least not to this person!]

Aya looks back at me in surprise.

I’m sorry, but I can’t be as blunt as Aya.

If anyone finds out that I’m dating a girl, the image that I’ve built up at school will change. Sakakibara Marika is the image that I have carefully created and cherished. I’ve put in a lot of effort to be popular. I don’t want that to be ruined.

But it doesn’t matter – it’s not good, but it’s not the only thing.

As the traffic light was about to change, Nishida crossed the street at a leisurely pace. I ran after her, and Aya followed close behind.

[Wow, it’s amazing that Marika’s so desperate. She’s always so relaxed, shiny, cute, and confident.]

[I’m not like that!]

[I don’t know how you feel about this, but you don’t want people to know you’re dating other girls, do you?]

[Of course]

[Marika]

From behind me, Aya’s voice sounded anxious. I grab Nishida’s arm on the street and pull her back.

[I don’t want them to know. Not like this.]

[… What’s with that?]

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do ever since Aya and I talked about it in the fall.

As I stare at Nishida, who has turned around and has long slit eyes, I tell her to make sure I’m not making a mistake.

[I don’t want to be made fun of, It’s not that I don’t like it…If I’m made to feel like a joke like that, I’m sure I’ll be carried away by the atmosphere and lie or say something I don’t really mean just to get a rise out of the moment…I hate myself for being like that.]

If Aya and I were to go out, there would be a lot of curious stares. I’m sure I’ll keep an open mind and try to cheerfully respond to any weird teasing. Because that’s what I’ve been doing up until now.

But if they find out, I can’t do what I’ve been doing anymore.

At that time, Nishida said, [Isn’t it lonely to be alone with a woman?] It was as if I couldn’t respond well to Nishida’s words.

That’s why I won’t tell you. I’m about to change, and I can’t tell you yet. I’m not ready for it and I don’t have enough power to do anything about it.

I looked at Aya who was standing next to me

[Unlike Aya, I have a good image of everyone, right? I like school, and I like the positive vibe that comes from being able to get along and have fun there. I just do it because I like it.]

I’m telling this so that I can tell Aya as well as Nishida.]

[A girl who doesn’t talk to you much, but you talk and laugh with her once in a while, that’s a friend. But, you know, being different from other people can make you feel uncomfortable. It’s not that it’s bad.]

Because it’s important to me. I’m always surrounded by a happy atmosphere.

I’ve created that image of Marika, the girl who acted cheerfully, and I’ve worked hard to create that atmosphere.

If I can’t give a good response, I won’t say anything to it. Because I don’t want to ruin the atmosphere. It’s important, even if someone thinks it’s not.

Aya is Aya, but I am myself.

There are people like Aya, who can stand up for herself, or someone like me, who mostly adapt to people around me.

We share the same interests, but we also have different things we like.

[That’s why I want to tell only to those who I think it’s okay to tell.]

I thought that I should have told Chisaki and Yume. Thanks to you, I was able to learn about Chisaki and Yume’s feelings. It was thanks to Aya that I was able to realize that. Maybe there will be more people like that in the future.

But it’s not the same for everyone. Not telling someone is a sincere choice, and telling someone is a choice as well.

When Nishida heard my words, she brushed her hair behind her ear and smiled slightly. The smile was colorless and a little scary.

[Hmmm, Marika is so silly, huh…]

[You’re wrong. I’m more serious than you think.]

I can even study properly! I was completely defeated by Aya, though!

Nishida’s first voice was just a voice that sounded like she had to say something anyway, and her real word came next.

[You’re so arrogant, Marika.]

Nishida’s narrowed gaze pierced me.

[Eh?]

[You know, you’re friends with everyone, but you put up walls, and you’re selective about who your real friends are.　You don’t trust another person, not even a little. Even though they might think that you’re their best friend…]

I was shocked. I’m aware of that, too. But…

[It’s not a wall. I just like to have a relationship with people I want to]

[Well, it’s okay, isn’t it?　I think it’s smart, that kind of thing. Because, unlike the others, you have something. It’s just too annoying to rant about it now. You have chosen what you want, right? That’s fine. I won’t tell anyone.]

[What’s with that?]

Nishida immediately smiled brightly, as if she was spreading some kind of poison.

[Reina-san and Marika are close, right? Why don’t you join our party instead.]

I felt something disturbing when Nishida shouted and tapped me on the shoulder. What is this guy up to? He’s that type of guy, huh?

Reina whispers in my ear as she comes to stand next to my shoulder.

[But I can’t believe you’re serious, Marika. Hey, is doing it with another girl that good?]

A slightly husky voice slipped through my ears and I was horrified. Don’t tell me you’re interested in me, too. Sakakibara Marika is not a girl for tasting

[Oh, it’s not because we’re both girls, It’s because my partner is Aya, that’s why”

[Ah, I see, so that’s how it is. You’re right. I’m sorry to have interrupted your private time and don’t glare at me so much, Fuwa. I’m not going to do anything to her. Well then, have fun both of you]

Nishida, with a smile on his face, pointed at Aya and waved goodbye as she walked away. Aya and I watched her back in the crowded street. We couldn’t chase after her again.

[What’s with that girl]

[Marika]

Even though we were alone, Aya was still looking at me anxiously. Don’t worry, I’m pretty tough. I’ll be fine, Aya.

[Sorry, I couldn’t do it because we’re in Shinjuku and I thought it might bother Marika if I threw Nishida-san away.]

[Yeah, don’t do that! I’m fine!]

When I shouted, not only Aya but also the people around me turned to look at me in fright. If we had done it, we would have gone straight to the police station. You have to think with your brain, not just with your muscles.

[No, Nishida is fine. …… I’m sure she’s the type of person who thinks she can use me. We’ll clash with each other over time, but if you tell her about our relationship, an all-out war will break out. But then, I won’t do anything reckless.]

[That’s so?]

[Nishida’s a model and she’s very conscious about that.]

Yes, that’s why she doesn’t care about her position in school, as long as she doesn’t get bullied. Just like the old Aya.

But why is she messing with me? Does she hate me? I already have an-S standing next to me, don’t add another one!

[Well, I’ve said a lot of things out of the blue… sorry for the bad timing.]

It’s about whether or not to come to the class. To be honest, I’m sorry that I confronted Nishida without discussing it with her, so it somehow became like this was our consensus.

Aya said [Don’t mind] as she shook her head

[It’s fine. If you think about it, if someone were to know that Marika is dating a girl, on the contrary, you might be flooded with girls who thought that you have something going on with you]

Aya laughed and patted my head. She didn’t care that I had just been seen with her. Is she a blockhead or what?

But Aya immediately accepted my feelings and even made a cute joke about it. Is there such a good girlfriend?

Aya is amazing, huh.

[Thank you for letting me know how you feel, Marika. I know that you’ve been thinking about it a lot.]

[Well that… ]

I turned my eyes away from the glittering night of Shinjuku in the background.

My mind was whirling around the words Nishida had said, but that didn’t stop me from being happy that my beloved girlfriend approved of my idea, so I said the line as affectionately

as I could.

[Because I’m seriously in love with Aya.]

After buying dinner at the convenience store, we went home, had dinner, took a bath together, hugged each other lightly, and slept in the same bed. I was really happy that my stress was gone.

Finally, the long-awaited day of the Christmas party arrived.

TL: Hyou
ED: Grammarly

Hello, it’s Hyou here. I don’t know how I managed to finish the rest of the chapter in such a short time.

But anyway, thanks for reading. One week left till I went missing from the group again. Don’t forget to leave a like and maybe share it with your friends? Oh yea, please tell me if there’s anything I can improve on the comments section below and as always, consider donating (cuz I want more books to read ＞﹏＜) and why not join our discord server for an update reminder?