The Rumoured Girl

“Don’t surprise me like that! You gave me a heart attack, Aichi!”

“S-Sorry…I just…”

“Ehehehe! Don’t worry about it! I’m happy~!”

We stood in the courtyard, with the time of day turning towards evening. The sun however was still high, creating shadows in this passageway between the west and the south building. A gentle breeze made it between the two buildings, comfortably caressing my skin. I bought two bottles and one sports drink from a nearby vending machine, and headed towards the bench where Ashida and Kei were emitting a rosy atmosphere. It’s pretty hard to get back to them now, you understand?

“—Here, have this.”

“Sankyu~!”

“T-Thanks…”

Ashida was still grinning to herself presumably because of Natsukawa’s previous hug, clinging to Natsukawa as she rubbed her head and shoulder and back and everything. Since they’re sitting on the bench, things are still fine, but with so many middle school students around, two high school girls like them shouldn’t be making out in public like that.

If the circumstances and environment had allowed for it, I wouldn’t have minded watching, but that kind of scenery definitely wouldn’t be beneficial for the education of these other students, so I reluctantly intervened. Though I still burnt Natsukawa’s embarrassed expression in my brain, so all’s well.

“Haven’t seen you in a while, Ashida. You got club every day?”

“Mmm, not really, but we’re close to a tournament, so we’re just going all out!”

“I see. But, you seem to be in high spirits.”

“Yup!”

Isn’t she…a bit too energetic? She looks like she’s about to run in circles like a dog with too much energy. Well, I guess that’s Ashida for you…She knows how to disregard all possible trouble just to have fun. But, it’d be great if you could stop running your hand along Natsukawa’s lines, or my wicked desires will get the better of me.

“Still, despite this only being a day for the third-years to attend school, I didn’t expect them to get the first-years as well——Hm?”

Ashida took a break from molesting Natsukawa, and observed the part of my uniform that Natsukawa pulled on before, pulling on it herself…Mmm, I really like this gesture…The more she does it, the more my heart races. I don’t have any intention of cheating on Natsukawa, but you shouldn’t do that to a boy, okay!?

“Hey…are you not going to sit down?”

“Eh?”

She was inviting a boy reeking of sweat into a paradise of two girls. Isn’t that a bit too big of a hurdle? You’re not going to make fun of me for that later, right? Eh, I don’t have to worry about it because Ashida smells sweaty as well? Shit, that’s all you needed to say.

“Over here.”

“Y-Yeah.”

Natsukawa moved over towards Ashida on her right, who showed a delighted expression and opened some space next to her. Now I’m actually starting to feel jealous. How much more are you going to flirt around like that…

“……”

“Alright, I get it.”

I froze up for a moment because of this stimulating scenery, only for Natsukawa to look at Ashida, and then over at me. A gentle force inside of me shifted towards Natsukawa’s direction. This…is okay, right? The goal is decided, so I should be safe, right. Battling my inner desires, I made up my mind, and sat down to Natsukawa’s left. I feel like they were rather pushy for trying to act considerate…but if Natsukawa’s that adamant on it, then I can only listen.

Man, I wouldn’t have had the guts to sit down there…Natsukawa really is kind. My faith towards her is only growing stronger…I’ll make my own Vatican with blackjack and Natsukawa. I turned towards my right—of course, as nobody sat to my left—and found Natsukawa in my view. The overwhelming Natsukawa, might I add. What am I even supposed to do now? And why do you give me such a satisfied look? I’m about to go crazy here…

—N-No, calm down, me…For this sake, I bought something to drink for myself. When you’re stuck in a conversation, this is the way to get out of it. Now’s the time to open it up—Ah, the lid is pretty hard to grab…

“Ah, the money…”

“…Eh? Nah, it’s fine. I get my part-time salary in a few days, so—Ah, it opened.”

“Eh? Part-time…?”

“Hm? Yeah.”

The yuri atmosphere came to a sudden halt, as Natsukawa showed me a bewildered expression. She doesn’t know I was working part-time in middle school after all, so she must be surprised to know that I actually don’t mind working. Heard that from your mom as well not too long ago.

“Did you start after summer break started?”

“Yup.”

“…I had no idea.”

“Eh?”

I mean, why would you? I didn’t tell anybody. Wouldn’t want them to bother me during work after all. Not like I can talk about it at school either, since I don’t know if it’s even allowed, and I don’t want to find out either.

“We talked in chat, right?” Ashida asked me.

“Ehm? When?”

“The day you only poured more oil into the fire.”

“Oh my.”

That did happen…Really, what a traumatic incident. After thoroughly apologizing and promising to make up for it, I was allowed back into the group chat, but some of the responses from the girls…Especially Iihoshi-san, I was terrified thinking that I made her my enemy.

“Why did you start working?”

“Eh? Well…to get…experience?”

I can’t exactly tell her that I wanted money to play around. If she looked at me with a cold and judgemental gaze from up close like this, I would definitely die. So, like a good student, I need to avoid the question all-together. How about that, Natsukawa-sensei.

“…That’s a lie, right?”

Oh, she’s found me out. Well, time to die.

“……”

“No, um…”

Natsukawa stared at me. Around 60% of it was just pure awkwardness, whereas 40% delivered excitement. Since Natsukawa rarely looks at me with such passion, my tension is going through the roof. I want her to continue that for the next six hours. But, I’m weak during a staring duel like this.

“Ah! That reminds me, Sajocchi! What kind of person is that university Onee-san you told me about?”

“Doctor’s orders are telling me to stay quiet.”

“Sajocchi! Thanks for the drink! So, what kind of person is that university Onee-san?”

What, that ain’t working? Or is this some infinite loop I’ve seen in RPGs before? Are you telling me that I won’t be able to escape that crime I’ve committed? Well, it’s honestly not that big of a deal.

“Is that the one Wataru was talking about in the group chat…?”

“That’s right! But, there’s no way that Sajocchi would be able to meet someone like that~”

“I mean, maybe at this part-time job of his…”

“…Ah!”

Oh, the atmosphere suddenly changed? That’s private detective Natsukawa for you, she’s got a sharp eye. I met Sasaki-san on my way home from work—precisely, the first day where I actually had to work. Though, I didn’t expect it to turn into such a connection.

“……”

“……”

The two were staring at me with dubious looks. I really don’t want to, but I can’t help feeling excited. That’s right, I’m a simple pervert….What is a simple pervert?

“Ha ha ha, well, ha ha eugh…”

I gave a vague laugh, and tried to pull my gaze away from them, but Natsukawa grabbed my right arm that I was using to scratch the back of my head, and pulled me over towards her. She sure is assertive today. Isn’t she touching me a bit too much? Are you telling me to give a proper response with my head blank from the stimulation? Please, more.

“—What kind of person is she?”

“Well.”

Yup, can’t avoid this anymore. I don’t even have the strength to break free from her grasp. I didn’t anticipate a day for this to arrive, being showered with so much of Natsukawa’s attention…But, it is my duty to respond to her requests.

“It started on my way home from work…”

“Started?”

“……”

*

I swiftly explained everything that led to my encounter with Sasaki-san. I continued with telling the days of me basically being healed by Sasaki-san, using very detailed explanations and expressions to explain her charming points, like her alluring attitude, her healing tendencies, and her well-endowed parts, like her heart and—Yep, I actually am that gross, huh.

“That’s a lie. No person like that actually exists.”

Whyyyyy?

“No, you just have trouble imagining it because it’s me we’re talking about. Can’t you just see me as a hottie for once in my life?”

“Rough.”

“Ashidaaaa!”

Youuuuu! Can’t you just do me a favor for once and see me as a hottie! Why can you not learn anything when it comes to seeing me in a better light!? Also, one word!? You weren’t the tongue-tied character before!

“…Did you go out with that person somewhere?”

“Eh, no, that’s…We basically met every day though.”

“During your work, right?”

What a sharp rebuttal from Ms. Natsukawa we have right here. God dang it, only now do I realize that I actually can’t prove the existence of Sasaki-san, even after giving such a detailed explanation. Besides the initial encounter, there’s not much exciting stuff to tell, huh. Maybe I should invite her to some karaoke next time…Well, it would probably get in the way of her studies.

“No, anyway…She’s an adult for sure. And, a type of beauty I haven’t ever met before. You know…the type that would make you fall for her at first glance!”

“……”

“……”

…Hm, maybe my choice of words was off. The two girls were staring at me in disbelief. Why are they having so much trouble just believing me? Is Sasaki-san’s existence that hard to swallow? Or do I just suck at explaining? Hey, Ashida, why are you glaring at me like some yankee? And don’t give me the middle finger from behind Natsukawa’s back!

“Heh, I’d love to meet that person if she really existed!”

“Even if you say that, you probably won’t get a chance to do so—Though, there was someone at this school who resembled her—Some beautiful teacher, I think.”

“What are you thinking about…”

“She’s a different kind of beauty from you, Natsukawa.”

“I-I’m not a beauty or anything…”

“Oof.” I let out a playful groan as Natsukawa gently slapped me on the shoulder.

Eh? Is she angry? That was pretty gentle. Also, that short touch is already enough to get my blood boiling. I can feel the tension inside of me rise!

“Don’t be deceived by that, Aichi! He’s saying that, but in reality, anybody’s fine for him as long as she’s a beauty!”

“What kind of accusation is that! I’ll forgive them as long they are the gentle atmosphere type!”

“Ahhh! See, Aichi! Burn him at stake!”

“Couldn’t you have chosen a more peaceful punishment!?”

The second there’s any opening, she really tries to pull me down…I told you before, but if you treat someone who ridicules themselves as being average even lower than a human, you’re being too cruel! Even trash like me has some pride, okay! It’s fine for me to like cute girls, okay!

“Leaving me aside! Sasaki-san is an absolute Yamato Nadeshiko1! Dangerous stuff!”

“I don’t buy it.”

“Why!?”

“Like there’d be such a person out there! Wake up already, Sajocchi! You’re only going to hurt yourself more, you moron!”

“Like hell! People who call others morons are the real morons, you moron! Ah! Look, that person walking over here from the sports grounds! She looks exactly like her! She can’t even compare to you, Ashida!”

“She’s from Mishirohama Girls Middle School! You’re pointing at a middle school student!”

Huh!? She’s a middle school student!? Who cares, as long as I can prove Sasaki-san’s existence to them! Maybe I should just explain her facial features in even greater detail…!

“H-Hey, stop screaming like that…!” Natsukawa awkwardly intervened

“——jou-saaaan.”

“Eh?”

“Hm…?”

I heard a familiar voice in the far distance. Maybe it’s because we were talking about Sasaki-san, but it sounded exactly like her. Thinking that this should be impossible, my gaze naturally drifted towards the direction of that voice, reaching a single point.

“—jou-saaaaaan!”

“…Isn’t that middle school girl calling for you, Wataru?”

“Eh, no, I don’t have any middle school student acquaintances…”

“But, Sajocchi? That girl that’s walking towards us, doesn’t she really seem like a grown-up?”

“Y-Yeah…today’s middle school girls are no joke…”

But seriously, don’t they resemble each other a bit too much? Maybe because it’s their face? I bet she’ll grow up to become an adult like Sasaki-san…Yeah, that has to be it…! They say that children grow up much faster than ten years ago, I saw some special report in the news! That’s why, this must be Sasaki-san’s doppelganger!

“—Sajou-saaaan!”

“……”

“……”

“……”

Sasaki-san…? Is this some kind of cosplay?

*

“Sajou-san, I thought that only the third-years would still be here! I didn’t think I would be able to meet you!”

“……”

“…”

“…”

I thought my jaw would drop to the ground. I couldn’t close my mouth, yet equally couldn’t muster up any words. That just showed how unbelievable the scenery in front of my eyes was. She wore a navy blue sailor uniform, probably the summer style, grabbed my left hand, and jumped up and down in joy like a middle school student would. As a result of that, two particular parts of her jolted up and down. In all honesty, with no ulterior motive or desire, I was just staring at them in a daze.

“I met you, met you!”

“Ah, well, um…”

“Wahh, it’s Sajou-san wearing a uniform! It’s the first time I’ve seen you like this!”

“R-Right…”

A dream? Is this a dream? It was a dream all along? Yeah, it has to be. That would explain why everybody was so kind to me today, excluding Ashida. Also, she’s strict towards me even in a dream? Are you kidding me? I’ll send her some hate messages tonight…

“Wataru…?”

“Yesh!?”

“Don’t let out a weird voice like that…”

Natsukawa-san!? We’re in a public space, so don’t just whisper into my ears like that, of course my body would react in a weird way! Don’t blame me for that weird voice! Just wait until it’s just the two of us, I’ll properly train with certain material until then…

“…Is this the person you were talking about?”

“H-Huh? Was I saying such a thing?”

“……”

Eh, why are you pouting like that? Cute. I suppose it was subconsciously happening. Reminded me of Airi-chan, to be honest. My intercebral camera swiftly took a picture of that expression. I need to treasure that until the day I die…!

“Sajou-san…?”

“Ah…!”

The second I was plotting my legal not so legal photoshoot, the middle school Onee-san in front of me pulled me back to reality. That was close…! I was about to be branded a pervert by all girls around me! Though, I feel like it’s already too late for that!

“So, um, Sasaki-san, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here of all places…”

“This is my admired high school after all. And, I wanted to meet you, Sajou-san.”

“Urk…Is that so, is that so! I haven’t asked you before, but what school are you attending?”

“…Ah! I never told you, did I!”

Please…! Please let this be cosplay! Best would be her mother working here, and she decided to cosplay to surprise me during her visit! Let it be that! I’m begging here!

“—I’m a third-year middle school student from Mishirohama Girls Middle School, Sasaki Fuuka…Wait, is this the first time I’m actually introducing myself?”

Recent middle school girls are no joke, seriously.

*

The Sasaki-san I knew was always calm and collected, never showing too much excitement. She would sometimes talk with a bit more energy in her voice, which had me agonize over it, but that just added to her ‘atmosphere’, and it wasn’t like she was jumping at me in joy. Since I thought she was older than me, I could constantly praise her as an adult, but who’d think that she’s actually in middle school…Can you really blame me…

Sasaki-san approached me even further. She reminded me of a pet dog that didn’t get to see its owner for a long time. It honestly wouldn’t have surprised me if she came to lick my face if I kept seated there with no defense whatsoever. And even so, the cold gazes from the two girls to my side were starting to hurt. So, I stood up to properly talk with her.

“W-Well…I’m quite surprised. You’re in middle school, huh. Since I never asked for your age, I really thought you’d be older than me.”

“Come on~ isn’t that what I told you? I was a young girl just until a while ago—Well, compared to Sajou-san, I still am…”

“No no, that’s definitely not the case. You seemed so much like an adult, I’m finding it hard to believe you are in middle school.”

“Fufu…is that so.”

Urk…That girly gesture sure hammers home the gap between her appearance and what’s inside…but that’s to be expected at her age…Waah, I’m really alternating between hope and fear right now. Because I thought she was older than me, I didn’t give much thought to the repercussions of when some boring high school student would constantly compliment her…Isn’t this pretty bad?

“Since you came to visit this school, I assume that you want to take the entrance exams here, Sasaki-san?”

“Yes, Kouetsu High School is known for its safety and generally well-evaluated. It’s the school my Dad favored, and—”

“And?”

“—And, Sajou-san taught me about all of its great parts.”

“……”

What, am I going to die today? Was I some sort of example? I don’t remember doing anything except that incident with Kouta-kun though. Selling her second-hand books at best? When did I teach her anything…Well, I’m glad if I could help her decision at least.

“Though…I really would have wished for Sajou-san to show me around…”

“You already got a good show, right?”

“That I did…”

The time is moving towards evening, and I’m sure that Sasaki-san has her curfew approaching soon, so showing her around now probably won’t work.

“How did you like Kouetsu High?”

“Being shown around here, I once again realized that I definitely want to attend this school. So, I will definitely pass the entrance exams…!”

“So then, you’ll become my junior, huh…It sure doesn’t feel real. At the very least, I thought you were about my age.”

Not at the very least, I really thought she was a university girl.

“Ehh? Is that so? Then, I need to practice while I can.”

“Eh, practice…?”

Sasaki-san formed a determined fist after listening to my words, and looked up at me. I got a really bad feeling about this, especially considering how bad my luck was so far…Maybe it’s really because I used up all of it before?

“—I look forward to spending more time with you, Sajou-senpai.”

“Urk…”

Crap, I’m about to cry. Senpai, huh…That sure has a fresh tone to it…In middle school, I had no junior who could call me like that, I almost got entranced by that sound. To think such a wonderful way of addressing someone existed in this world…I better treasure any juniors I get, so I need to respond accordingly.

“Yes, looking forward to the future, Sasaki-san.”

“Come on, that’s not it, Senpai!”

“Eh?”

“You should be saying ‘Yeah, likewise, Fuuka’, you know!”

“…That sounds like it came straight out of a romance novel.”

“That’s right—Ah!? Y-You found out!”

Don’t make fun of me, lady. Also, even if she’s a junior of mine, suddenly calling her by her given name is too high of a hurdle for me. The reason I called Natsukawa by her given name wasn’t because I was aspiring to become her boyfriend or whatever, but rather out of glorificiation. Not to mention that the guys in my class would get the wrong idea at this rate…

“So, Sajou-sa—Sajou-senpai, who might these two people be?”

“Oh, that’s right.”

I was focussed on talking with Sasaki-san that I completely forgot. Coming to this realization, I started to sweat profusely. I’m surprised I can even sweat after everything that happened today. Also, should I really be around with all these girls? I must reek of sweat, right.

Alright, it’s time to believe in myself. It’s okay to make a mistake. It’s weird for so many girls to interact with me anyway. So, light feelings, let’s take this calmly. Don’t be afraid of being hated! I’m used to Natsukawa and Ashida—

“…Huh.”

When I glanced over at the two, my shoulders twitched. Ashida was inspecting me like I was some peculiar animal, whereas Natsukawa was just constantly glancing at me. Either way, both seemed like they wanted to say something. Their gazes hurt like needles.

“U-Um…these two are my classmates—”

“Ah!? Found her!”

“…Ah!”

Right as I wanted to awkwardly introduce Natsukawa and Ashida, a loud voice coming from the entrance interrupted me. Right as I closed my mouth, Sasaki-san put her hand on her mouth like she just remembered something. We all looked over towards the source of the voice, only to find three girls wearing the same uniform as Sasaki-san, running towards us.

Yeah, compared to these three, Sasaki-san really feels more like an adult. They look like young girls, in the normal way. Maybe that means I’ve become an adult myself…Heh, that takes me back to the days when I was still a young brat.

“We were searching for you everywhere because you suddenly disappeared!”

“I-I’m sorry! I just heard Sajou-san’s voice, so I just…!”

“Eh?! Sajou-san…you mean that Sajou-san!?”

Eh, what Sajou-san? Does this mean she’s talking about me at school? Oh crap, now I’m starting to feel embarrassed. But, I can’t let this get to my head…No, wait? Are they just secretly laughing about me…? I’d really hate that. I might just lock myself up in my room for at least two days.

“That Sajou-san who was using polite language towards the tongue-tied Fuuka-chan!?”

“That Sajou-san who taught Fuuka the difference between her beloved shoujo manga world and reality!?”

“That Sajou-san who taught the natural airhead Fuuka some common sense!?”

—What Sajou-san? No seriously, is that supposed to be me? I mean, I did see her as a bit of a sheltered lady who doesn’t know much about the world, but she didn’t give me that kind of vibe they’ve been characterising her…But, I could see her love shoujo manga.

“N-N-No! I’m not that deluded, and I’m not an airhead either!”

Hmmm, Sasaki-san…? I feel like you’re a bit different from just now? Were you purposefully using polite language with me? I mean, that makes sense, when you’re a middle school student talking with someone from high school. If anything, I still couldn’t believe that she actually is in middle school. But, now that her friends are here, it’s slowly setting in.

“H-Huh…He’s got brown hair.”

“He does, Miwa-chan…”

You’re right…”

What about me having brown hair? Wait, brown? Didn’t I die it black not too long ago…? Maybe the color dropped a bit. It might look brown with the sunlight hitting it…

“U-Um!”

“Ah, yes.”

“Are you, Sajou—Sajou-senpai!”

“Yes, that’s correct…”

I don’t know why, but these three girls seemed a bit scared at the fact that I had brown hair. Though, I’m happy that they’re addressing me as a Senpai.

“Huh…polite language.”

“Low profile, Miwa-chan…”

“Despite having brown hair…”

Is my hair that important? Do you have some kind of prejudice towards brown hair? Well, until I got into high school myself, I thought that all brown-haired guys were some kind of yankees.

“N-Now, you three…! The day was long, so we should be going home for now! Don’t you agree, Sajou-san!?”

“Eh? Well, yeah…right. If you’re out too long, your parents might worry about you. It’d be better if you went home before it got dark.”

“Right, I wholeheartedly agree! Sajou-san is saying so, you hear that? Let’s head home!”

“E-Ehhh!? Hold on, Fuuka-chan!?”

“What’s the rush~”

“Ah!? Wait a second, you three!”

Sasaki-san pushed the back of two out of the three girls. They politely bowed their heads to us, and rushed towards the school gate. As a result, things suddenly grew exceptionally quiet. I can’t turn around. Things are definitely awkward right now.

My right hand felt cold. The water dropping down from the water bottle created a small pool on the red stone. Despite not being thirsty, I just gushed the ice tea down my throat. Yet, I couldn’t taste anything.

1 The ideal japanese woman who devotes herself to her husband.