Omae o Otaku ni Shiteyaru kara, Ore o Riajuu ni Shitekure!:Volume 8 Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Well,"

Today is Sunday.

I was in a karaoke booth since morning. Standing alone at the front desk and providing customer service while sagging.

"What's with you!?"

"It is seriously! Aya, recently I walked to the next station for a bite where I got a part - time job, I saw it in the vicinity of the neighboring station. She looks serious but a pretty cute girl in a uniform was walking in."

From behind, the talking voice of two girls' comes closer and closer. Hurry up as today I will change shift with these two people

Was it ...? Was she depressed ... ....

"Does she look like she is?"

"...... But, something like that, standing like a hair better than when I was at my bite, was it a fairly good feeling ... ... If it was a school uniform I saw twice as much as usual - originally I think that the material is not bad "

"Er ... Aya-chan, you were pretty interested !?"

"No, no, no! No, thanks!"

Turning around a bit, they were about five minutes late, a college student (Takahashi-san) was coming with Aya Watanabe, a part-time idol (lol). Today, there are no other employees, they could laze while talking proudly.

Looking at me standing at the front, the two of them suddenly quit their conversation and are leeching. I wonder how much they dislike being on the same shift as me? When I look at their faces, their reaction ... ... I feel down ......

"Oh, good morning ... ...."

Both of us greet each other. I secretly wish that I don’t have to share my shift with these two.

In the meantime, I just decided to try hard to get along well with these people...... I guess the one who is "the girl of the imadoki" (especially the bitch) is the one I do not like the most ... ....

"... .... Ah, Aya! When I was in junior high school I was talking about what I wanted to do with my ex-boyfriend, what do I do? I did email, did you reply?"

Refreshing ...as a college student Takahashi ignores me and keeps talking with idol Watanabe. Ha. Well ... it is good, but....

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ... oh, oh, that one ...... something, I dropped my phone the other day and I do not know if it was broken, but I sent you an e-mail later, it returned with an error ......"

"Well, I did not receive it, maybe you sent it to the wrong e-mailaddress?"

I did not plan to eavesdrop, but because the distance is close, I heard their conversation. But ... ... I agree completely with Takahashi. To say that the e-mail returned with errors.... Idol Watanabe, what you said was completely false.

"Er ... I guess ...... I think so ... Ah-oh, it's like me to be unlucky! I cannot avoid Aya...!"

Even in Idol Watanabe who seems to be so popular, there are things that she doesn’t like or people she does not work with well...... Not that I care.

"Well, apart from that, I did not do anything more! Originally, I just thought about killing time when you emailed me!"

... I withdraw what I said previously. Idol Watanabe is all wicked.

"Ya Aya..hi, Mr. Yamamoto is on the line!"

"... ...!"

Yamamoto's name came out unexpectedly from the mouth of the idol Watanabe .... I am thinking seriously. Yamamoto, Mr. Yamamoto ...... Mr. Yamamoto also shifted to daytime today. I haven’t seen Yamamoto since the cultural festival. Recently I also worked the weekends as well.

Yamamoto and Hasegawa who misunderstood each other for many years were able to reconcile successfully on the day of the cultural festival.... Is he doing well after that? I was worried about the two afterwards, but I can no longer hearnews from Hasegawa....

Speaking of recent days ... ... School was depressing and I had no choice. The cause of my melancholy is, of course, that every day, I have to face Hasegawa who dumped me.I kept avoiding her so she hasn’t spoken to me... It may be just me but the number of times our eyes met has increased compared to the time before myconfession.

As usual I was looking at Hasegawa. She has not had any good friends in class so she was working hard to be a good classmate. But now, to be honest, she cannot do it. I will want to help you, but ...I cannot do such a thing anymore.

As soon as I stopped helping her... Hasegawa interpreted that as "Kashiwada helped me simply because he wanted me to like him". I guess she was disappointed with me.

My feelings for Hasegawa is pure, I would like to help "my favorite if she is in trouble,"Even now, when I am looking at Hasegawa, it seems hard to want to help out but cannot. For me, it is painful to get in touch with Hasegawa for now.I can only look at the way Hasegawa is doing very hard at the job of class rep, I fall into self-disgust that I am helpless. And I get more depressed.

There is another cause of depression. ... ... It's Koigasaki. Koigasaki, from then... started avoiding me. I do not know the reason. I cannot imagine what she is thinking. She is not avoiding me obviously, if we meet, she will be greet me. If I call her out, she will reply. But ... ... I never talked to her like before. Until now, I have spoken to Suzuki about Otaku related things, but I have not been talking to her at all for the last few days. Even if I talk to her about something ......she replies properly, but immediately leaves after a short time. To be honest, this is painful. Even though she helped me after being dumped by Hasegawa... What on earth did I do? Speaking of which, after returning from the pot party with the music club members, it seemed strange that she began to avoid me.... I do not understand the meaning of her attitude at all.

Even though she invited me to hang out after school the day after the pot party, she did not come eventually.... What on earth do you want to do? Is she angry about something? For now, my only salvation is ... ... my birthday, where Sakurai made a promise to entertain me. There are still ten days until the promised date with Sakurai ... Oh, my birthday, come quickly ... .... How can I last waiting?

"Oh, Yamamoto-san, Good Morning"

I heard idol Watanabe whose voice was one octave higher than usual, like a cat.

And I looked at Yamamoto, the older brother of Hasegawa.

"... ... Kashiwada, thanks for your hard work"

"Good morning"

I did not notice it because of working since morning, but it was already noon....

"Is it still morning?"

"Oh, yes"

The gaze of idol Watanabe hurts. I remembered Yamamoto first cried to me when we first talked....

"No, thank you for your kindness to Kashiwada ... ..."

Mr. Yamamoto looked at me and said it with a calm smile. What he is saying is he thanked me for cooperating to reconcile himwith Hasegawa who had been estranged for a long time.

"No, I did not do much..."

In fact, I just set up a place where the two of them can talk properly, afterwards they were able to repair their relationships by mutually communicating their feelings seriously and honestly.

"Well, then ... How is Midori....?"

I cannot ask Hasegawa anymore, so I ask Mr. Yamamoto.

"Yeah ... ... I have not met Midori since then, but I'm getting her e-mails, I'm thinking I'd like to fill up the cracks little by little from now. We have ways to go... "

"Well, that ... ... that’s fine..."

Listening to Yamamoto... While I was relieved that the two of them were doing well, I was a little shocked why the two haven’t fully reconciled...why was I concerned? Even though I'm avoiding Hasegawa ...

"Oh, I did not know about this, I thought asking Midori clearly, about Kashiwada and Midori being quite close"

"Huh……"

When I heard Yamamoto, I realized ... Perhaps, Hasegawa had seen me a couple of times ... Is it because she wanted to tell mesomething? Because it's from Hasegawa, you felt obligated to me ... What was she trying to tell...? And yetI continue to avoid her unilaterally...

"Well, recently ... youhaven’t spoken much, right?"

As expected, it was impossible to hide things from to Yamamoto who was the older brother to Hasegawa who dumped me... ... it was possible for him to misunderstand. Hasegawa ... ... I did not tell Yamamoto that I confessed to her.

"... .... That's right .... Well, keep being friends from now."

"Ah, yes ... ...."

While replying to Mr. Yamamoto's words, I was tormented by a strong sense of guilt.

But because I cannot speak to Hasegawa at school, I was again depressed as days passed by...

November 16th.

Finally, the promised day with Sakurai ... My sixteenth birthday!

In the morning on that day, in preparation for the promise of Sakurai to hang out after school, I set my hairstyle more carefully than usual. I was waiting for this day to come...!

"Naoki ... ..."

When I was arranging my hair style in the washroom, someone spoke from behind.

"Hmm?"

"Ah, that ... ... ... ..., Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyosho ..."

"What is it?"

I hesitated a little bit to talk to the person behind, and I was kicked lightly at the back of the knee.

"Oh, you, what are you ... ...."

"... ... ... ... after school today ...?

"... ... Eh? Today? I have a someplace to go after school ... ...."

The moment that I uttered that word, this time I get kicked again. With a stronger force than the previous time.

"Say something, what is it about a while ago!? What a devious sister this is!"

Akari does not respond to my words at all, I crankily sit down at the table and start eating breakfast. Why is my sister getting worked up now?

"Today ... did anything happen?"

I was wondering about the incident today so I asked Akari.

"Well, I thought you'd be alone for this year's birthday, anyway, I was stupid to think so!"

Akari did not look at my face, I was filled with some resentment.

"Oh ... oh, is that so ... sorry for making you look stupid ..."

"Oh, okay, Onii-chan, is your birthday today? Congratulations!"

Okaa-san who eats breakfast next to Akari, told such a thing as a prayer. It seems that she completely forgot her son's birthday. Well, I'm used to it every year, though ... By the way, did Akari remember my birthday...? This is unusual.....

Even that day ... ... I never spoke of Koigasaki. Recently I thought ... maybe she was quit being friendly with me as she is doing well with Suzuki. If her relationship with Suzuki is going well, my cooperation is no longer necessary, and Suzuki might find it strange if she kept talking to me. It might lead to some misunderstandings. Maybe that's why she is avoiding me...... When I think of that, I feel more and more depressed. Oh, as it's my birthday ... I am going with Sakurai today, so I will not think about other matters anymore. When the home room was over, I headed to Sakurai's class D room.

As I wait a little in the corridor, the students come out from the classroom right after the home room finishes in D class.

"Kashiwada!"?

Sakurai who came out from D class is a little surprised to see me.

"Wow, bothering to come over our class!?" Thank you! "

"No, it’s nothing..."

"You know what we am going to do today .... Are you OK going to Akiba to play? Or did you plan something ..."

While walking in the corridor, Sakurai asked me a question.

"Well? Of course, did you bother to tell me?"

By the way, I remember what I was told to contact her if I wanted to go somewhere. I completely forgot, so I did not contact her. Because I did not request anything, Sakurai wondersif I thought about anything. I felt sorry and grateful at the same time.

"I do not have confidence that you will be pleased Kashiwada ... Uh, Kashiwada, do you collect figurines?"

I heard the nerdy word figurine and sinceI was still in school, I hurriedly looked around. Some students are walking in the corridor, but I felt relieved that there were no people I knew around. ...... Thinking about that, I suddenly noticed.

Before, I always take care about my surroundings as my usual habit ... ... Maybe I no longer need to hide being an Otaku....? Is it because I confessed to being an Otaku to Hasegawa ... orbecause I gave up hiding after Hasegawa dumped me.... No, do I no longer care of being known as an Otaku by girls in class? After all, will I go in the direction of passing hidden geeks from now on ...?

"Kashiwada-kun, what's wrong?"

"Oh, sorry ...... it’s nothing. Yeah, I don’t have one but I would like to see it."

I remembered that I was asked if I liked a figurine and answered the question.

"Good! Actually, there is a shop in Akiba"Kotobukiya"where there is a "Madumaki" promo now. They are having anaffair and it seems like a lot of things can be seen free of charge."

"Well, I like that... Yeah, I want to go."

While carefully minding the surroundings, I answered. It is a figurine.... There are a few figurines I've wanted, but I have never gotten to buy one because I am troubled by its high prices.

If you can see it for free, I definitely want to go there. Although it is anxious if it seems to want it after you looked at it.... After leaving school, I stopped worrying about surroundings and headed for Akihabara with Sakurai enjoying our Otaku talk. About the story of this season's hit anime, about the work which I am recently into ... ... with Sakurai, the more I speak, the more I got excited. Upon arrival at Akihabara, Sakurai will guided me to the store, Kotobukiya. Leaving the electric train, crossing the central street, turning left at the side of the game center and you can see the green building in front.

"Oh, that is Kotobukiya!"

We arrived at "Kotobukiya", we saw that in the 5th floor, was the event showing the fairy animation "Magical Girl Madoko ☆ Maki" ...... called "Madoka", then we decided to go to the floor and see it. Our elevato quickly rises to the 5F in one stroke.

"Wow-ooooo!"

In the event space of the 5th floor, the video of "Madumaki" was aired on the back of the TV, and a poster of the anime was on display at the wall. A lot of goods such as T - shirts, plush toys, rubber straps, chess pieces, tumbler etc. are sold at the goods sale corner as well as the figurines. There were a lot of people considering it is a weekday.

We went around the floor and watched the exhibition and the sales of the anime all the while talking about "Madumaki".

"By the way ... does Momiko-san still Cosplay?"

Mr. Makiko of Mamiko of "Madamaki" asked this time as Sakurai participated in the past event with Kogisaki last month

"Oh, I'm still in training, I'm talking about winter comiket but ... well, I decided to do it... ... as a photographer ... ... will you also come? "

"Of course! Of course!"

I unexpectedly roared. Ooo, no way, I can take a picture of Sakurai's Mamiko Cosplay... ...! I thought that I was just saying something clearly with a social expression, so I'm so impressed!

"Before, I struggle just looking at the camera properly, I have to do better to do justice to the picture.I promised to do my best this time! " During summer vacation, I remember making a promise when I took a cosplay photo at the hotel with Sakurai.

Next time, I will try hard to take good pictures! I think I should buy a single lens reflex camera now. Recently my money has accumulated because I do not spend much.

"Kashiwada, you remembered that promise ...!!"

Sakurai heard my words and smiled.

"Well, Kashiwada is a photographer ... Iexpect big things! Ah-ha, ... let's do the Psychicals together! Because I want to take a picture of Kashiwada-kun!"

"Oh, yeah, it was like that ..."

Speaking of which, Sakurai made a promise to have hercosplay pictures taken with me. I'm not very interested in cosplayers, but I have to fulfill that what I have promised...

We enjoyed the "Madumaki" fair, then we moved to the 4F showroom.

"Wow, there are lots of stuff!"

There was a showcase in the upper row, and various figurines were decorated inside. In the lower row, boxes of figurines are being displayed and actually sold. Inside, there were plenty of figurines on which the "sold out" plate was placed. I sometimes see it on the net, but it is the first time to actually see such a lot of figurines lined up, I am moved. "Ah, this is the one I wanted for a while looking at the net! It's the first time to actually see it but it's still awesome!"

After all, I discovered the figurine I wanted and became excited. After I called out, I calmed myself.

It was awful, like the time when I was with Suzuki, I got my tension up but ... If I think carefully, that figurine is a little erotic as it is a big tits character (just because the area of costumes is a little small, It does not mean ... ...). How embarrassing it is to be excited about such a figurine in front of a girl ... Sakurai, have you seen....?

"Oh, that’s Sonoko, right? She’s cute, isn’t she!"

"...... !?"

However, looking at Sakurai, I am surprised and lost my words. She also agreed to my words while looking at the figurine with her eyes shining like me. Oh, Sakurai-san is like a child with understanding, that is.... If this is Koigasaki, I will be absolutely criticized and will be killed....

"... ... Kashiwada, are you done?"

When I was moved by Sakurai 's reaction, she is looking at me with her head angled strangely.

"No, no, not at all ..."

"Wow - Wow!" Ryoma of 'New tennis'! Wow already sold out! ~ It's cute!

Suddenly Sakurai raised her voice with excitement looking at other figurines.

"The figurines of male characters have also increased recently, haven’t they?"

P82 pic

"............ Ha!"

Sakurai looked back from the figurines and has a bad face.

"Sorry, I was... excited ... I was excited, I had an ugly side..."

She blushes shyly, hiding her face with both hands.

"No, no, no, I ......"

"Even though Kashiwada-kun is here, I got carried away again ... ... Uuu"

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

I laughed.

"Huh ......! Or, Kashiwada-kun ... ... did you just laughed right now?"

"Oh, sorry……"

I was watching Sakurai looking embarrassed.... Excuse me, my laughter escaped because her reaction was too similar to my reaction. I forgot about my companion’s presence and got excited about the figurine, and made a noise. I would also feel embarrassed if that happened to me. Of course I did see anything wrong about Sakurai getting excited over a figurine. Just like I don’t see anything wrong if I did it. Perhaps, because we are of similar tastes...? I thought about it in secret.

"Kashiwada-kun ... ... What's wrong ... ....?"

"No, sorry, nothing is wrong..."

Some people were going out when Sakurai and I went, and after that we were excited at the beautiful girl figurine, Sakurai did do anything like pulling me around (though she may have been distracted ... ...). After that, descending down the stairs and watching the goods floor by floor, Sakurai bought a popular anime male character's dream cushion cover and also bought a BL cook one coin figure. And, as for me ...I was enjoying "Kotobukiya".

"Ha! I want this character sooo!"

Sakurai was happily speaking of this character, the hero/main character of the swimming club anime popular with women. Just like the CD in her hand.

"Oh that ... ... Because my sister was watching anime, I also saw it occasionally, it certainly is the voice of that hero, its cool"

"This is it! I am disappointed with this voice actor now but with this animation as a trigger! Like ~! Should I buy it? "

After a bit of suffering Sakurai also purchased Charleson's CD. I faced some difficulty at times, but I left the store without buying anything.

"Wow that was fun!"

"Really! Because it was just like playing a shooting game where I hit all my targets!"

We were very satisfied, leaving "Kotobukiya" behind.

"Kashiwada-kun ... ... Is it still okay to spend a little more time after this?"

"Oh?"

"Well, to one more place ... can you accompany me?"

"Of course it is good, but ..."

Again, Sakurai said something. We return to Akihabara station, rode the electric train to Showa street, then walked for about 3 minutes on foot from the Showa Dori mouth.

We arrived....

"Kara, karaoke ...?"

It was a karaoke store with a bad retro sign. Akihabara's karaoke is "Kara Hall". I went to karaoke places before but this is my first karaoke bar in Akihabara.

"Yes, they have a lot of Karaoke bars with Anisong here! Also, there seems to be a concept room of"Eva!"Kashiwada, do you like"Eva"? There is a similar place near the end of townbut it is a concept room of anime game shop ... "

I like karaoke and spenda lot of time in them. Also, when I heard Sakurai's story, my expectation for this karaoke rose. However…….

Private room for men and women...... Is this good...? Naturally, it is the first time that I come to karaoke with only girls.

"By the way, I thought that you don’t like karaoke Kashiwada!"

Sakurai laughs too innocently, I think. Are you trusting me that much...? Or, are not you not conscious of me being a man... ? Won’t you be too defenseless?

Sakurai goes into the karaoke shop without noticing me who is confused.

"I am Sakurai who reserved the concept room of"Eva"from 5 o'clock."

"Welcome, Sakurai-sama, thank you for your reservation"

"Did you bother making a reservation ...?"

"Yes! I think that the Eva Room is good for everything!"

The voucher written with the room number is given to the store clerk and heads to the concept room of the popular anime work "Neon Genesis Evangel Olyn".

Opening the door ....

"Er ...”

"Wow, its looks better than what I saw on the homepage!"

Looking at the interior of the room, we start making a fuss at the same time.

"This is the first aircraft!"

On the wall, a three - dimensional Evangel Olyn 's first machine was embedded.

"There are figurines here!"

In the showcase, a lot of "Eva" figures are on display. Both I and Sakurai were excited about the concept room of "Eva" and take pictures. With this atmosphere, it seems likely that you will never feel strange even if you are alone in a private room... I was thinking too much. Eventually, after we enjoyed the interior decoration of the room, so we decided to put in a song.

"October anime songs, pretty much already in!"

Sakurai sits next to me and her fingers skillfully manipulate the touch panel. Yeah ... ... After all, it's normal to sit next to each other if you are only two ....no need to get excited because of this....

"Ah, Sakurai-san ... ... If you want to sing a song first, please go ahead!"

"Well, really?! Well then, I will excuse myself."

Sakurai plays the first song. On the screen, I'm also watching the opening of the anime where the heroine voice actor is singing. The title was displayed. The song starts and Sakurai starts singing. Sakurai's singing voice was very cute and it was suitable for singing.

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

"Well, Kashiwada-kun ... ... What's the matter?"

Sakurai who finished singing spoke to me who was drowning while looking at the screen of karaoke.

"Oh no ... ... I have only been with male friends like karaoke ...... Because I had listened to a cute voice of a female voice actor singing in a bold voice of a man,I may sing with the cute voice of a girl... "

"Wow! ... that... such a thrilling exaggeration..." Sakurai smiles shyly.

"Oh no! Sakurai surely liked"AiPro"didn’t you?"

I remember the excitement of Sakurai with the story of a popular game "The Idol Producer" that produces an animated idol and asked her.

"Huh? Yes, I like it!"

"Sing an Aipro song!"

Until now, I only heard “Ai Pro” in karaoke sang only by male otaku boys from junior high school. I wanted to listen to girls singing "Ai Pro" songs but that was not possible. But after saying, I felt awfully bad to request songs that you want to hear. I felt a bit stupid and regret my words.

"Ah, if I can find something ..."

However, Sakurai smiled as she looked happy, so I felt relieved.

"What kind of “Ai Pro” songs do you like Kashiwada?"

"Wow!? I ... ... That's right, I like famous songs such as"Agent"and"Go My Way" and also "Vampire Girl"is also pretty ... ...."

"Oh, I like those songs, too! Oh, Kashiwada-kun ......"Aipro"songs have been entered!"

Sakurai held the touch panel and brought her body closer to me. Unexpectedly, it made me jerk. A faint smell of shampoo came from Sakurai. In such a closed room, if I get too close ... ....

"Hey, see here ..."

"............ っ!?"

Next moment ... Sakurai turned the touch panel towards me and showed me the screen. There, "The eyeDoll Producer"song list was displayed, but ... it was not the reason why I was surprised. She sat my left side, while holding the touch panel with her left hand... ... she put her right hand gently on my left thigh.

"Ho, see…there are plenty of songs ... Anyway, I will sing Kashiwada's favorite songs.... Which one... ... is good?

"Oh, er...."

I try desperately to reply, but I cannot even speak properly anymore. All my nerves are concentrated in my left thigh. Sakurai's right hand still remained on my thigh. Is she doing it unconsciously? I moved my eyes to Sakurai's face, our eyes met. I remembered that day of the cultural festival.... staring at each other while closely being in the dark.

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

Sakurai was dyed red and looked a little troubled ... ... I'm staring at her carefully. Clearly, her face ... ...was so cute and erotic. Her pretty face, soft breasts, white thighs peeking through her skirt.... There is a short distance that will disappear once you out. I also remember that this is a dark secret room, the beating of my heartgets faster and faster. Now the room was is very quiet, she touched my body ... ... and I got more excited.

I breathe softly as possible to avoid her noticing that my breathing is becoming rough. She doesn’t take her eyes off me, nor does let go of my body...... I'm gazing at her with full eyes. Why are you staring at my eyes so much...?

Here... I have this strange feeling.... What on earth are you going to do? Even I feel...now it's easy to kiss her and touch her body on this occasion. I wonder if I am thinking about doing such a thing, is this a little lust? Everything ... anything too defensive, right?

"Kashi ...... wada-kun... Hey ... ...the song ............"

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

Even if I try to say something, I cannot voice it. Oh, the song is already ──

"Happy birthday!"

"!?"

Suddenly the door of our room opened ... a clerk came in.

"Er ... um ...?"

The store clerk gave a slice of cake without noticing my surprise. A candle was lit on the cake. As I noticed ...Sakurai's hand was no longer on my thigh.

"Now, please blow out the candle!"

Even in my confused state, I blew out the candle quickly. At that moment, the clerk and Sakurai applauded.

"Well then, please enjoy!"

The clerk left the room.

"Well, yeah ... this is ... ..."

"Kashiwada, again, happy birthday!"

Sakurai says while clapping her hands.

"Oh ......! Sakurai, my birthday ... did you know !?"

Because I came all the way to designate today's day, I thought you were probably ... ....

"Yes, I knew!"

"How did you......!"

"When you went to the fortune teller at the cultural festival, you wrote your birthday"

"Oh, that's right ... ...!"

Surely Sakurai was watching my hand ... ... No way she remembered that ... No way.

"Well, today, let’s celebrate your birthday ...!"

"Yes!"

She not only remembered my birthday but also reserved a karaoke shop to give me a birthday surprise ...

"Ah ... ... Thank you ..."

My voice trembled from excitement. Oh ... ... how happy I am ... ....

"Please eat cake by all means!"

"Oh, then ... I'll get it."

Thankfully, I will eat the cake.

"Oh, that's right, then this ..."

Sakurai offered a paper bag she was carrying all day today.

"It's not a big deal at all, but ..."

"... .... Eh!? This is...."

"Birthday gift ......"

"seriously!?"

Gifts, but....! Even after all of this, I am still getting another gift...!

"Wow ... .... Oh, oh, thank you ... to give me a gift ..."

It was the first time for me to receive a birthday present from a girl, I thought for a moment that this is a dream.

"Oh ... ... Can I open it?"

"Yes, please open it!"

I took out the paper bag with trembling hands and opened the package. It was the muffler that came out. It has a stylish pattern of blue and gray stripes, something that I do not have.

"I think that it will get colder in the future, so try not to catch a cold ... ...."

"Ah ... ... Thank you! I will put on every day! I am glad as I don’t have such a fancy scarf!"

"It is true? That was good ... ... Because I was not confident, I chose after consulting Momo."

"Well, that was ... ...."

It bothered me that she has to consult with Koigasaki ...

"Thank you very much……"

Immediately, I try to wind the muffler around the neck. I felt Sakurai's warm kindness in it. The hardships that existed until today seem like very small things.

"Wow, as I thought, it really suits me!"

Sakurai smiles happily. That smile was very cute, beautiful, shining brightly ─ ─. Just like of a goddess....... Now, in front of me ... there is a goddess.......

"Oi, Kashiwada-kun, don’t shed any tears!"

"Oh, sorry ....there is something in my eyes ...."

Goddess.....originally, Sakurai for now...Is that because I was broken and depressed? As a friend.... Are you trying to cheer up as you cannot stand to see me depressed me? Do my friends go far for me? Well, maybe, more than that, what are these special feelings...?

.....what ma I doing again.....!? I just confessed to Hasegawa and failed brilliantly.....! And... here is Sakurai asking me before if there is someone I like....

Even though she did it for me, there may be others who she favors.... ......! No, no, I can wait...... I had never thought of that kind of thing so far ... ... Sakurai-san's favorite person ... maybe...... I guess there is possibility, too......? 'Cause she doesn’t have to do this.... No, it is my terrible misunderstanding ... ... she is just as a friend just celebrating with me.... Oh no, I do not understand at all ......!

"Kashiwada-kun ... ... What's wrong?"

"Ah, no ... ... nothing ... ...."

Then, we enjoyed the otaku karaoke, singing Anisongs for the remaining time, as well as game songs, the Bocaro song, etc., then left the karaoke shop.

"Sakurai ... ... Thank you so much for today."

Separating in front of the ticket gate...I thanked Sakurai again.

Today, I was able to spend a very happy birthday thanks to her surprise celebration. If I could become Sakurai-san's boyfriend.... I wonder if she would be happy so much every day? I know that I was just dumped by Hasegawa and I maybe I am a bit unscrupulous, but I think about it like that.

"No, such a thing ... ... Kashiwada... ... did you feel better for a while?"

"Well, of course!"

"Then ... it was good."

Sakurai gently laughs. If I watch her smile ... ... somehow it gave me an unbearable feeling.

"Ah, that ... ... Sakurai-san ..."

I spontaneously open my mouth.

"What is it?"

"Ah ... that ...Sakurai-san ... ..."

I hesitated for a moment but my momentum let me continue.

"Sakurai's ........Is there someone you...?"

For my question, Sakurai opened her eyes wide.

Oh, what bad timing ... what a dishonorable question I asked.... However, I became obsessed with myself and I could not suppress my words.

Sakurai kept silent for a while, then with a surprised expression ...gave a small smile.

"Okay ............ clearly ... ... I thought it was already obvious..."

"eh!?"

My voice spontaneously rose.

"Well, that is ... ...!"

"... Who is my favorite person ..."

She stared straight at me.

I also cannot look away from her.

"I will leave it to your imagination"

"…………eh!?"

Then she smiles and turns away from me. Leave it to my imagination...? I was wondering if she already said something....?

"Why, is it..."

I cannot understand the meaning of her words, so I get into a state of confusion. I just stood there until Sakurai's back has disappeared.

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