Omae o Otaku ni Shiteyaru kara, Ore o Riajuu ni Shitekure!:Volume 11 Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Ha, ... ... Ha, ha, hachooosh!"

"Kya ...was that a sneeze?! Keep away from the handset! You surprised me!" The time is December. I, Naoki Kashiwada, is spending my entire Christmas Eve alone, with no lovers or friends to meet. It seems that my body was getting cold as I was calling on the veranda for a long time wearing just sweat shirts.

"Hey, what’s with your greeting ... Sorry for worrying you ...."

"Well, where are you calling now?"

"At the veranda"

"Ha!! Don’t be stupid! Why in such a cold weather ...?"

"Why are you saying that ... When talking under the starry sky, you can feel close to one another even if you are so far away?"

"Huh? Did you go crazy from too much studying? Are you OK?"

"It's just a slight joke! Don’t you get it!?"

Why is this like this ...? “It's Christmas, so I miss you! I want to see you ~! Or maybe I should say something cuter than that. I haven’t seen you for nearly a year ....”

"So why are you in a veranda?"

"When it's a line call, the signal is bad from the inside of the room."

"If you say so, then I'll call you back on the cell phone" The line was hung up and my mobile phone started ringing..

"Hello. No, I did not have to go out all the way."

I entered the room from the veranda and closed the door. Oh, I can survive inside. "Have you already entered the room? Are you stupid staying on the veranda for a long time at night before your exams? What are you planning to do if you catch a cold?

"Oh, ah ... ...."

I see, you were worried about me for a moment ...

"But you calling me today surprised me. Everyone else in class are at Christmas parties etc. "

"Oh yeah ... Partying today is truly awesome surely, although I'm studying at home. Ok, I guess my university recommendation will be known soon. "

"Yeah, I do not think that I should go to a university that does will not accept me if I don’t study hard enough to die. If I go to college, I want something to do other than study. "

What is that? When I told you that I was aiming for a good university, you were glad for me. Since then, I have been busy studying for entrance exams this past year. Did you get angry since I could not go to see you? If so, it's kind of cute.

"Hey, why are you silent?"

"Oh, no ... What you want to do other than study? Write a novel?"

"... Yeah ... well, that is the best ... Well, I would like to do something that seems what a college student is usually doing, like working." This time she is talking with me on the phone now ... Koigasaki Momo started writing, saying "I want to be a novelist" since she went to Hokkaido.

Like the time she wrote in a fanzine when she was here, I simply thought that her writing is just a hobby; then she applied as a newcomer for popular fiction, she then wrote a feature-length 300 page love story.

Although, it seems that she have not been able to produce good results so far, she is still writing a new piece without stopping. Apparently, she seems seriously aiming to become a professional writer.

By the way, before I can protest, she said "I want you edit this" and sent me a novel by e-mail. Since I am not an expert, how am I to give advice to something like this? Even so, since the person herself wishes it, I am sending by e-mail my suggestions and advice. I was thinking that since I wanted to go to a good university but have not seriously studied before, I am working hard. My being an Otaku does not get in the way of my working hard. I do not want to say it in principle, but ....

"Working in a circle ..."

Whatever, because she said she is going to a women’s university, I was relieved that there would be no new encounters ......

"Whatever .... You said you won’t talk too long since you are studying as there is only one month before the exam?"

"Oh, today is Christmas Eve, I'm usually busy studying."

"What ... Well ... well why do you want to talk to me so much?"

"... Well …"

".... hey! ... don’t go getting shy now!" It seems that she is the one shy although she does not know that she is.

"Please do not say anything stupid anymore! Study seriously! I definitely do not want you to call me and say you failed in the exam!" As she says so, I decided to end the call. Yes, that’s my girlfriend ... Koigasaki Momo.

As soon as I entered high school, I encountered her who is so different from me. In order to help each other get close to each other's crush, we made a mysterious agreement, "I'm gonna make her an Otaku and Koigasaki will make me a Riajuu!". But, while cooperating with each other, we spent much time together and before we noticed it, we were attracted to each other. At the end, we were the ones who ended up together.

It was decided that Koigasaki will go to Hokkaido for the sake of parents' work. Respecting the thoughts of Koigasaki that long distance relationship is impossible, I first thought of giving up. However, I really do not want such a thing, because in the future, Koigasaki will wait for me forever so that we can marry.

From that day – it is one year and nine months. We managed to keep hold on to our "long distance love" somehow. In the first year, Koigasaki came to Tokyo. Then, I went to Hokkaido on the money I saved and we were able to meet twice in that year.

However, I have been busy this year due to the coming university exams and we haven’t met since. Even so, I call her every day and I feel like I'm calling more than twice a week as I am feeling bad that we can’t meet. At least, I felt so. Of course, I feel strongly that I want to see her. However, the stronger the feeling, the more I want to get better work so that I can go to pick up Koigasaki sooner, to be recognized by her parents. It has become a strong driving force to work hard for now. Someday, I believe the day will come when I will be together with Koigasaki ... Now I have to work hard on my exams.

"No, I taught you this before but still you did not understand?"

"Sorry," New Year at the library after school for the new semester. I was being taught to by Hasegawa Midori, my classmate.

"Kashiwada, your first aspiration is to attend the “H” university like me. Please do not you make such a mistake just like before ..."

"Wow ... well, "H" is too hard, so ..."

Since Koigasaki went to Hokkaido, I also attended a cram school and started to work harder than before. However, to think that I am trying to get in the same university as Hasegawa, who is the smartest in our school year, is a tall order. Hasegawa has very a high class standing.

I wrote “Law School" as first choice, then as "editor" as my second choice.

"Do not be useless, you must do your best so you can pass the exam. There is still one more month."

Hasegawa is one of my few female friends. She is a cool talented beauty who can do anything unlike me. "If you cannot go to a good university, you can’t face Koigasaki who is working hard towards her future dream."

"... Oh, yes. That's right."

To Hasegawa's words, I strongly nod. For Hasegawa who tells to study hard so as not lose to Koigasaki, I definitely will work hard to pass "H University".

"Hey ... its Kashiwada and Midori!"

A familiar face approached us. Sakurai Azuki, a friend of mine and Hasegawa from next class.

"Studying today as well, huh?"

"Haha ..."

"Azuki-san ... I am really studying,"

"Yeah, I came to pick up the borrowed Ranube!"

"Haha, says the person who already has a recommendation~…”

“Really"

"Eh, it’s not much!"

Azuki already has a recommendation from a university. She wanted to work making games in the future, so she chose a university famous for its department for games.

"So, Kashiwada, can you pass the exam?" "Well, hmm ... ... I feel like I can’t say that yet ..."

"No, do not say that! No such thing! For one year I've been studying without having to meet Momo-chan until after the exam! I thought about what Momo-chan and I did the last year ..."

"Huh?"

"Oh no, no ... Anyway, for Momo-chan’s sake, you absolutely must do it!"

"...yes, that's right ... I guess I will try to endure studying for another month." It is impossible for me to fail and then have two girls suffer. Even if I cry or smile, my examination is next month. I want to challenge it with my full power so that I do not regret it.

Then, a month and a half of passed, the day of my examination has arrived.

I poured all the power I had. I did everything I had to do. I could only pray to heaven now. Ten days after the of examination, a list of examination numbers of the successful applicants was released on the official website of the university.

"Hey, it was announced today, how was it !?"

When I picked up the phone call from her at home, I got a sudden attack without any greeting.

"Oh, ah ... it's that ...."

"....! Eh ... maybe... But, you know, it was exactly what it was, it was originally reckless, you are not the same as Hasegawa, maybe "H” is too high a hurdle, seeing that so much .... "

"Huh ... Wait, Koigasaki? What are you saying?"

"... Eh? Didn’t you fail?" Please do not decide on your own, what are a rude fellow.

"Eh ....!" My girlfriend raised her voice as if she was more surprised than I was.

"Lies ... I do not believe you! You told me that you got into “H”, really ... you are just trying to please me!

"... Why do I need to bother doing such a sad thing! It is true, you thought that I can’t pass..." There is nothing more rude indeed.

"............"

"....? Koigasaki ....?"

"Kashiwada ... when we were in school, I had better grades than you. You even had red marks ..."

"Haha, I remember such a thing"

"Really ... good work, congratulations." I wonder if it was my fault that I heard the voice of Koigasaki feeling a little tearful.

"Midori-chan, Kashiwada, you passed successfully “H” university exams! Congratulations!" The next day's lunch break. A group with Azuki came to our class B and greeted Hasegawa and me and gave us congratulations.

"Azuki-chan ... Thank you"

"It seems that Midori passing is a given but it is surprising that Kashiwada will also be accepted to H university ... I am surprised! Noway Noway Noway No, No way, being accepted to the same university as Midori-chan, the genius of the school year!

"I also taught him, though I did not expect Kashiwada to really pass."

"Oh, is that so !?"

They said such things to me, I got a light shock. By the way, Hasegawa easily passed H University. I was told by my homeroom teacher that I could have done better if I have aimed higher.

Two years before, me, Azuki and Hasegawa became classmates and soon, Azuki and Hasegawa became friends. Azu-chan said that "I was thinking that Hasegawa is really a beautiful girl, I thought I wanted to become friends with her from a long time ago!

Hasegawa once hated the otaku culture but once she reconciled with her Otaku brother, it became the trigger. She seems to like manga, anime and games again, and it became easy for her to get along with Azu-chan, who is into the same Otaku culture. Even after Azu switched classes, she often talks with only three people. I was glad that I spent time with her in our school year.

"Now I can finish watching the anime I've been keeping in storage! Finally, I hope to go to Akiba and buy a new book that came out last winter Comiket where I could not go."

Yes, this will allow me to do whatever I like at last. When I think that I do not have to study anymore, I'm happy and it can’t be helped.

"That's right, I guess, although you said that last year you can’t go, you still participated in winter comiket."

"Well, that was it! I have not seen it but I heard it was amazing ..."

"Yeah, it's amazing, Azuki-san ... you can go alone in such a crowd"

Last year I thought about not going due to my exams, but on the third week of the winter, Azu-chan and Hasegawa participated in a cosplay event, so I went for a shopping with Suzuki who is my best friend. We met in the morning at the venue. Hasegawa cosplayed there since Azuki desperately asked for her and they did it together.

Azuki seemed to have wanted a girl to cosplay together with her. Since Koigasaki went to Hokkaido, she was very pleased to have Hasegawa instead, but it will be tough to say that Hasegawa will do it again.

"That's right! This is a suggestion from me .... This spring vacation, we three will go to Hokkaido?"

"Huh ... Hokkaido?"

I am surprised at Azu's words. I wonder if I could go to Hokkaido ...

"Of course, to see Momo-chan! Also to dedicate your graduation trip!"

"... ...!"

"... I hope to see Ms. Koigasaki for the first time in a long time since she came to Tokyo in our second year ...."

In autumn two years ago, Koigasaki came to Tokyo to visit our high school culture festival.

"Oh, but ... I guess it’s going to real awkward when we meet ..."

Azuki-chan anxiously looked at me.

"... No, seriously it’s not that! Koigasaki will be absolutely pleased! Hokkaido, let's go!"

"Ok, then you made a decision!"

It’s going to be absolutely fun to go on a graduation trip to Hokkaido with everyone. But ... I have a feeling. It can’t be helped .... It will be a bit awkward indeed ...

"... Kashiwada, what is that blank look on your face?"

"... it looks like Kashiwada-kun wants to go alone to Momo-chan?"

"No, that’s wrong! ... Ah, that's right, because there is a someone who I want to invite as well. Can I invite him?"

"Huh……?"

After school that day, I went to a certain person's seat.

"Oh, Kashii." I went to my best friend from the same class, Shuichi Suzuki.

"Ah ... during the spring break, will you go on a graduation trip?"

"Are you planning on a graduation trip?"

"Actually, Hasegawa of our class and Azuki-chan of B class ... It's actually Sakurai-san ...."

"I can’t go. I am not close to either Sakurai or Hasegawa ...."

"I'd rather you come with us! It's awkward traveling with two girls with just one guy!" He is at least friends with Koigasaki and Hasegawa is his classmate. He is only this guy to invite.

"I want to go... if it was convenient but ... I was talking with the band members about going to a "High School Students Band Contest” in March.

"... ...!" Suzuki started his band are seriously active for the past two years. Their band is not only active in school festivals. They are also playing in other places with other bands. He even wrote some original songs that they sang themselves in Tokyo live concerts.

I went to see them a couple of times and the professional stage is was completely different from the setting of a school 's cultural festival. I know I do not understand much about music, but I know that Suzuki is doing music seriously. For that reason, he decided going to a university that is connected to our high school where he doesn’t need to study much.

"Contest ... then you debut as pros after winning the Grand Prize!?"

"Well, it seems that we will be able to sign a contract with a record company if we win.... So, until that time, we have to practice hard. I’m sorry."

"Oh, no problem... Practice hard for the contest!" I thought that I should not interfere with Suzuki’s dream. He is doing his best, too.

"By the way, where are you going?"

"Oh, we are going to Hokkaido…"

"…! seriously!?" For some reason, Suzuki is surprised by my words.

"..... Oh, I see, I can meet with Koigasaki-san if it is Hokkaido"

"Wha, what is in Hokkaido?"

"No ... in fact, the venue for that contest is also Sapporo, is not it?"

"Wow man are you serious!"

I was surprised by the miraculous coincidence. It was possible to go to Hokkaido and we could also go see the contest together. We left Suzuki after that. Even Suwaki, who is a friend of Suzuki, it would be nice to meet him.

"Oh ...... Everyone will go to Hokkaido?"

That night, I'm calling Koigasaki in Hokkaido. I told her about our plans.

"Oh, so it also serves as our graduation trip."

"... what shall I do, I am so happy!" As expected, Koigasaki seems to be excited.

"Last time we met was last year during winter in Hokkaido. Then I wanted to see you since the fall of last year! I want to see you soon!"

"Hey hey ...... It's like I haven’t seen you for more than a year"

"...! Ha ...what’s that ... That's not the case, no ... I really endured this year ..."

"Huh……"

But patience ...? Did you endure wanting to see me?

"You ... Maybe because I was busy preparing to take an exam so you did not say you wanted to see me ...?"

"..... eh, um, ... anyway I have been busy so I didn’t think I wanted to see you that badly ..."

For long time, there are times when people killed their feelings to respect the feelings of others. But are those person’s feelings can be really called honest?

"I thought last past year ... After I became a college student, I will be able to get more work than now so we can meet more!"

"Besides, we don’t need to meet regularly ...."

"Why do say something like that?"

However, after I understood, I have come to think that such thoughts are cute, though.

"Well ... Anyway, this spring break, I will be going with everyone, so please look forward to it"

"Yeah! I am really looking forward to it! I will guide you around Hokkaido, so let's tell everyone!"

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