Chapter 3 (Part 1)

Reminder to celebrate Tennouji Rina's Birthday since it's November 13th JST

If you're done, now you can read the chapter

*****

“Umm.”

Sae-chan asked me to come to the backdoor after I’m done with my shift. Since that boobs accident, I thought that things would get a bit awkward but Sae-chan behaved like usual so it makes me relieved. Our relationship stays as a pair of good friends.

She gives off a different impression as a workmate rather than my usual schoolmates, so it feels refreshing.

We can exchange stories and let each other know about the latest fads from each of our schools. That’s why we can easily look for new topics during our conversation so things won’t get boring. Let’s call it an information trading market.

“What is it?”
“No, it’s just…”

During work, Sae-chan has a really good manner and is pretty fast with her job. She’s very reliable as a partner during our time in the hall. But when we talked in private, she was very reserved and showed her timidity.

Even right now, she looks embarrassed just like a middle-schooler on their first date.

Still, looking at a girl older than me acting that bashful, as expected even me would get enticed.

“You see, I wonder if you are free this Saturday, umm.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Actually I got this movie ticket from my acquaintance, so would you like to go together?”

I see so it’s an invitation to hang out together. We never had fun together during the weekend so it sounds interesting! But, but...it’s on the same day with the double date.

“I’m sorry, Sae-chan. I already had a plan for that day. Of course I’ll tag along on a different day!”

I clapped my hand with an exaggerated movement to show my apology.

“Ah...But, this movie is only scheduled until this weekend…”
“I see! But still, sorry! Please invite other people, I’m really sorry!”

Sae-chan’s gaze looked like a dog who wanted to go on a walk but the owner wouldn't take her.

“Actually, I don’t really have any friends.”
“Eh, really?”

Uuh, even when she’s being downhearted she looks very cute...No, this is not the time to think something like this.

Sae-chan looks popular with boys though. Even during work, I think she had a lot of male customers who kept looking at her…

Now if I think about it, I never really saw her talking with another female worker here. I wonder why, even though she’s easy to talk with. Are there any special reasons I’m unaware of?

Well, whatever. I recalled my schedule and then smiled at her.

“T-then, to make up for it, why don’t we go somewhere next week? The movie ticket will be gone to waste, but how about shopping around Shibuya?”
“Ah...It sounds good. I’m looking forward to going out with you.”

This time she let out a warm smile just like a blooming flower. Cute.

“Marika-chan is really good at handling something like this, also you are very cute…”
“Eh, why so sudden?”
“I’m very happy to spend my day off with that Marika.”
“Eeh, you praised me too much! But well, those aren’t...really wrong, probably!”

I’m getting too carried away and puffed out my chest. Looking at me, Sae-chan laughed carefreely.

Sae-chan is really easy to laugh, it’s entertaining to see. That’s why I end up wanting to talk about a lot of things with her. It’s fun being with her. 

After that, we changed clothes and headed to the station together.

It seems like today Sae-chan went home first before coming to work, that’s why right now she’s wearing casual clothes instead of her usual uniform.

But rather than talking about her appearance, something on her bag caught my attention.

“Sae-chan, is that Benjamin Barok-kun on your bag?”
“Eh? Aah, that’s right. So you know about this one.”
“My friends talked about those a while back…”

It looks like Sae-chan had a few straps from that decorative plant series. If girls from other schools also have them, I guess they’re really popular right now…

“As I thought these things look easy to get stuck somewhere and lost…”
“Eh? Really?”

Sae-chan looks surprised by my remarks. With an ambiguous gaze, she’s staring at her strap.

“Ah, no, it’s because I’m that kind of type who will lose her earrings quickly.”

Incidentally, my strap is safely tucked inside my room. I don’t really want to lose it anyway.

After that, Sae-chan is looking at her strap for a while, I wonder if she really likes them…

“Ah, I’m sorry. Umm...Marika-chan doesn’t really wear something like piercings, right? You have a pretty shape of ears so I thought they would look great on you.”
“Eeh? But those look painful. Doing something like making hole in your ears is a bit...earrings are enough.”

I let out a scared expression while hiding my ears with my hands.

“It won’t feel that hurt if you properly cold them beforehand. Or...should I do it for you?”
“Eh…? Umm, well, if that time comes, I’ll leave it to you...But wait, Sae-chan, you don’t pierce your ears, though!?”

I moved her hair strands a bit to take a look on her ears. Her ears are very pretty and pale.

“Hyaa.”

Sae-chan looks ticklish, she quickly put a distance from me.

“But it sounds interesting, right? Piercing someone’s ears, I mean.”
“Nope, it can’t be. Aah, just by imagining it makes me shivered...Ugh.”

In contrast with me, Sae-chan laughed next to me. She’s unexpectedly an S, I think? Dang. Having Aya is bad enough, I don’t really want them to multiply.

While we had conversations, we quickly arrived at the station. In the middle of the crowd, I waved my hands to Sae.

“Well then, let’s meet next Saturday. I’ll contact you later.”
“Yes. Thank you very much. Aah, I really want to pierce your ears.”
“Geez, you really are persistent.”

Just like tasting an astringent cabbage, she stared at me. Sae-chan smiled gracefully while covering her mouth. 

But that smile.

For a moment, I feel like her eyes aren’t laughing.

“Sae-chan?”
“Yes?”

Huh, am I imagining things?

“See you later.”
“Okaay.”

With a refined smile just like an honorable lady, she sees me off. 

Whenever I’m looking at Sae-chan, I feel like I can understand Aya’s feelings.

I’m sure that I would be happy if she shows me a lot of expressions.

No, this doesn’t mean that I’m cheating, this is just hypothetically!

But I wonder if this means I get better at being top?

And then finally the weekend has arrived, the day for our double-date.

***

The four of us decided to meet up at Suidobashi Station, but before that, I met up with Aya to head there together. I thought Aya would get nervous so I suggested that.

The temperature during the end of September isn’t really hot or cold, it's the perfect weather to go out. I’m looking forward to the fall decoration so I've been very cheery since earlier. I can even smell the scent of fragrant olive from somewhere.

Today is a really perfect day for a date!

Aya always arrived at the meeting point five minutes before designated time, so I arrived earlier before her. I pulled a mirror and fixed my bangs and checked my makeup. I’m glad the wind isn’t strong today.

Today I wear a cute one-piece with ribbons on the sleeve and paired it with a flared mini-skirt. To make sure that it won’t become too gaudy, I choose to coordinate them in monotone shade.

This kind of cutesy style is based on my liking, but also matching Aya’s taste.

Since we are on a date, of course I want to look cute in front of her...

Because of that, I got too excited and got up too early this morning.

Looking at me who’s busy preparing a lot of stuff since early morning, my mother teased me, “Hoo, a date?”

I answered with a short, “It’s just an outing between girls!” I didn’t lie, I just didn’t say that I’m dating one of them!

Haah, I wonder if there will come a day where I can smoothly introduce Aya to my mother...it must be very nerve-wracking. Let’s just forget it for now. Stop thinking about something like that before a date!

I closed the mirror. I think I nailed it today, but it feels unsettling.

I’m waiting for her anxiously and after a while I can see her in the middle of crowds.

Even though she’s not especially tall, I still can spot her easily.

Because she looks sparkling in my eyes.

For today, Aya wears a short-sleeved black blouse and orange-colored pleated skirt. It really suits her cool and elegant image, somehow it makes her look more mature than usual.

“Morning, Marika.”
“M-morning, Aya.”

She’s very pretty. My cheeks feel hot.

“My girlfriend is dressing up...c-cute…”
“Really? Thanks.”

Aya smiled calmly like an adult, and then she took my arms and entwined it with hers.

Ah, it smells like vanilla and rose. So she used my present for today, it makes me happy. But wait, it’s still noon right now, Aya-san.

I couldn’t calm down, so for now I pulled my arms and walked toward the platform and boarded the train heading to Suidobashi Station.

“You also look very cute, Marika. So, did you arranged these hair and makeup for my sake?”

Aya is very perceptive, that’s why it makes me uneasy when she observes me like that but that’s why I always did my best for stuff like this.

Yay, she praised me. Today’s mission is completed. Well, even though a cuter one is standing right in front of me. Meanwhile, just like the usual, I didn’t honestly accept her compliment.

“I-it’s not like this is for your sake...it’s just the usual.”
“Is it? Then, even the usual Marika is very cute.”

While heading to our destination, we enjoyed the atmosphere of the weekend inside the train.

“...You sure are able to smoothly say those stuff from that mouth just like Merlion.”
“I just said whatever I think. Your cuteness is the unrivaled truth.”
“Nah, I really don’t get it...Then, why don’t you try something like a Haiku?”
“Haiku.”
“Yup. Let’s do it like reciting a Haiku. You can praise me using 5-7-5 rules. The theme is, [Amusement Park].”

“The Amusement Park.
Somehow it's just, uh........what was it.
Really lively.
Very amusing.”

That’s not even following the 5-7-5 rules.

“Unexpectedly, you sure are bad with that.”

With an expression that I can’t comprehend, she shook her head.

“The theme is not good. Make it [Marika].”
“I don’t mind though…”

Will anything change?

“How can I tell her
How fierce my love for her is?
Will she understand
That the love I feel for her
Burns like Ibuki’s fire plant”

“Excuse me!?”
“It’s from Hyakunin Isshu.”

That’s not the point of my question.

“...Anyway, that’s not a Haiku, that’s Tanka.”

“For your precious sake.
Once my eager like itself
Was not dear to me
But now it's my heart’s desire
It may long, long years endure”

She keeps doing it…
(TL Note: For anyone who’s interested about what they were talking about, I wrote a long explanation below.)

Aya mumbled, “Since the theme is [Marika] I can come up with infinite amount of that.”

I don’t really read any Hyakunin Isshu, but I bet the contents filled with poems of excessive love…

We finally arrived at Suidobashi Station. It doesn’t feel really far when I’m together with her, even though it usually feels very long when I’m alone.

It would be great if today became a memorable day for us.

No, I will make today as a memorable day for her.

Back then, I said “Leave it to me.” to the nervous Aya after all.

“Yo.”
“Yahoo, waa, Ayaya’s casual clothes are very mature! So cool!”

Just right after we met, Yume quickly raised her voice.

How cunning. She pulled out the first challenge during the first outing: a fashion check. Of course Aya passed with a flying color, because she’s this Sakakibara Marika’s lover!

Judging by their appearance, it seems like they also were looking forward to today. Today is their first outdoor date after all.

Chisaki wears black trouser with white blouse topped with a no-sleeve one piece. She opened the front just like wearing a cardigan. Since she has a tall figure, it suits her so much.

In contrast, Yume wears a plaid salopette skirt that gives off autumn vibes. For the upper, she chose a simple beige-colored rib-knit top. She really nailed the image of girly fashion along with that brim hat. She looks very cute, even though it’s just Yume, she really is cute!

Aah, somehow looking at them makes me fired up. I feel like we are the strongest right now! This combination is the strongest in the town! 

After enjoying the taste of victory, I return my focus to my initial job.

Today, this Marika will do her best to make sure that the conversation between us goes smoothly.

“You called her Ayaya just now?”
“She naturally called her that.”
“But hey, just think about this thoroughly.”

Yume the fool placed her hands on her hips and looks like will say something foolish. It’s easy to predict what’s going inside her head. 

“Fuwa Aya. This name sounds very intimidating don’t you think?”
“I see. I...see?”
“It gives off a super strong impression!”

Fu wa a ya.  Indeed, there’s a lot of ‘A’ letters that make it sound powerful. It also sounds kind of cool. I think it fits her well.

Aya who heard the whole conversation absentmindedly tilted her head.

“I’d never been told something like that before.”
“You only have adults around you after all.”
“That might be true.”

She always gets spoiled by the adults in the bar anyway. Nope, it’s not like that I’m jealous!

Yume continued her words while opening her arms, “And that’s why.”
“I think a nickname would be great, so everyone can approach her easily from now on! How’s that!? Me and my genius suggestion!”

Yume let out a smug smile like she’s the most righteous person in this whole universe. Should I play along...but then I thought of some mischief.

I turned my head and stared at Aya with a wide smile.

“Ayaya♡”
“What is it, Mariri?”

Both of us went pale in an instant. Yeah, we received a huge damage from that.

“Yume, let’s stop with Ayaya.”
“Ehhh but why! That was super cute though! You guys just don’t get it!”
“It’s you who don’t.”

Both me and Chisaki instantly reject her dumb suggestion. Yume looks frustrated and won’t accept the reality.

Aya is...ah, she’s laughing. I’m relieved. Yume’s stupidity didn’t go to waste. Nice one, Yume, I’ll praise you for that one.

“Uh, and this is how it usually goes. I hope it’ll go well for today.”
“Yup.”

Chisaki told Aya with a laugh and Aya nodded her head. There’s a moderate space between two of them so I slip in between Aya and Chisaki.

“Well, it’s not like we can get too excited with amusement park considering our age, though!”
“Yaaay! It’s an amusement park, yaaay!”
“You’re so noisy.” “Shut up.”

Me and Chisaki instantly retorted back to Yume’s carefree attitude. Huh so we attacked her together again. Dang, at this rate the responsibility as a mood-maker will completely fall into Yume’s hand.

That’s when suddenly Aya timidly raised her hand.

“Amusement park, yaay.”
“Aya!?”
“Yaaaay!”

Yume quickly gave her a high-five.

Eh, is this really okay!? She’s being unfaithful with her usual personality, though!?

“Actually it’s my first time doing something like this with friends, so it excites me.”
“Eh, really? That’s kinda surprising.”
“Yup. But when I wanted to go I went by myself.”
“O-oohh...going to an amusement park by yourself...You sure are a tough one, Fuwa.”

Aya who said she’s having fun even though her expressions didn’t change at all stretched out her hand to me.

“Let’s go, what was it again, a double date as a sign of our youth, or something.”
“O-okay.”

Uh, this kind of thing is kinda embarrassing when it’s done in front of your friends.

You see, usually I’m using a totally bright personality. It kinda makes me self-conscious if they see me being this bashful when I’m together with my lover…

Today’s goal is to show Yume and Chisaki that Aya is worthy enough to become part of our group. 

Double date is just a pretext, so things won’t get too awkward...Is what I thought, but Yume and Chisaki holding hands so naturally like sisters who get along well!

How bold…

But it’s not like there’s any indecent atmosphere between them, so as long as we keep it in moderation everything will go smoothly…

I slowly take Aya’s hand.

I was shaken since we are in front of my friends right now, but it’s not like this is our first date...but I'm still nervous somehow.

“I might not be good enough, but, please take care of me for today.”

Aya looked at me and her cheeks turned red.

“Ah, yeah...I understand. I’ll make sure to treat you well.”
(TL Note: Aya and Marika’s conversation here is often used during marriage greetings)

What was that, there’s nothing moderate in our conversation! So embarrassing!

“Uwaah, somehow...there's an indecent atmosphere coming out from you girls.”
“How unthinkable!”

Yume shrieked loudly while covering her face with her hands. Why is there such a huge difference between us!?

“That can’t be helped, Marika is very tantalizing after all.”
“Wha- Aya!?”
“Eh...r-really? Ba-thump ba-thump. Can you describe it a bit more clearly? Ba-thump ba-thump.”
“You won’t get any answer! Hey, Aya! You really can’t say any words, you hear me!?”

Aya casually shrugged her shoulders. Even though she’s the one who caused this mess!

Yume walked toward Chisaki and then Chisaki turned her body and facing us with a grin.

“Idiot couple over there, stop flirting and let’s go.”
“Ugh…”

Never letting go of any chance to tease people is Chisaki’s strong point. Wait, no! It’s her bad trait!

Just like the name implied, Tokyo Dome City Attraction placed inside the Tokyo Dome City and it doesn't require any entry fees. Apparently it was formerly known as Kourakuen Amusement Park until they changed name a few years back.

Aside from the amusement park, there are also a shopping mall and hot spring with a spa facility nearby, which make it a good spot for a date. Since we’re practically free to do anything inside, we also can choose any place we want to visit.

But today, we came here not for the sake of conquering all the attractions inside the amusement park.

“Ah, right there.”

We came for a certain event. Chisaki, who looked excited, jogged toward a certain counter with a sign [Escape the Room]. I only ever heard the name.

It’s one of the events inside the amusement park which required the player walking around and solving the riddles to proceed.

I don’t really know about this, but Chisaki looks very eager, it seems like she already did some research beforehand. 

“I bought it. Yume, here’s the necessary kit.”
“Marika, this is yours.”

Chisaki and Aya bought it from the counter. After I hand the money, I received a clear-file with “Solving Riddle Kit” written on it.

There’s a lot of paper inside. For example, there is a paper with a command “Go to the ferris wheel”, and when we arrive we will receive another hint for the next location. It feels a bit like school orientation.

While listening to Chisaki’s explanation, I also have my own question for Aya.

“Do you know about this game?”
“I’ve done this a few times before. This time, I also intended to do this alone.”
“Ehh why? Let’s do it together!”
“How should I put this, Marika can’t really handle this kind of game that requires brainpower, I guess?”

I instantly frowned upon hearing her uncalled remarks.

It’s a fact that Aya is on the top of our year, but my grade is also pretty good. 

I’ll show her that I can fight back and beat her this time, this time is different from her usual overwhelming dominance inside the bed after all.

“So that’s what you thought, okay then...You always treat me as your docile pet as of lately but it’s time to show you my real ability…”

I took the paper from inside the clear-file, there’s something like a crossword puzzle inside. If it’s something like this I’ve already done something like this before. Yup, I have the chance to win this.

“Let’s have a match, Aya.”

Aya looks uninterested. Why!?

“That fighting spirit will be gone to waste, you can’t beat me.”

She really said something that the last boss would say.

“Well then, if you really win, what will you do?”
“I’ll give you that one million yen.”
“Stop bringing up money once you have the chance!”

Aya is serious when she told me that she would give me that one million yen, that’s why I should stop her. She should remember that humor and jokes are necessary to make a good conversation!

“Let’s forget about the money, a simple punishment game is enough. Let’s do that. Once I win, I’ll make sure to put you into a super embarrassing situation, fufufu.”
“I’m okay with that, but it means you’ll also do that punishment game once I win, right?”
“Eh?”

Crap. I was being too hasty. Punishment game doesn't sound good.

No, but I also can’t overlook the chance to beat her right now…

Looking at my change of attitude, Aya started to get on her high horse.

“Aah, sorry. I should know that if by any chance you manage to win you’ll ask something like, “Hey Aya, I’m awesome right? Hey praise me praise me.” like a little puppy. That’s cute, Marika.”
“T-that’s not it...I was being serious when I said I want to win…”

Aya patted my head calmly, looking at her composed attitude makes me discontented.

“I’m okay if you hesitate about the whole punishment game thing, you don’t have to do it. Because you’re cute after all. I’ll play along with your adorable selfishness. Aah I’m really weak against you.”

She sure instantly became talkative once she wanted to provoke me!

“I get it! I’ll also do that punishment game! Just you see, Aya! I have Chisaki with me after all! Also, even though she’s practically useless, I have Yume, so you’re against the three of us!”
“You sure talked a lot for three vs one fight.”

Chisaki retorted with a bitter grin.

Aya’s punishment game sounds scary after all!

“Okay, just do your best, Marika. But still, Marika’s punishment game sounds fun.”
“Don’t do something like losing deliberately!”

I know Aya won’t do something like that, but I warned her just in case.

Somehow this reminds me of the time when I fought her before...But even though my inner tiger won’t come back, at least I still have the spirit of a stray cat inside me.

Once again, I’m looking at the kit.

“Huh, so this time they do a collaboration event with a game. Do we need the game’s knowledge to solve these?”
“No, it’s okay.”

I see, I’m glad. If the knowledge is needed, I wonder if I could easily forfeit from the battle…

No I can’t, I shouldn’t think the possibility of losing right now, it sounds like a bad omen. Let’s just imagine the moment of my victory!

“Fufufu, a punishment game for Aya, I wonder what I should ask her.”

Making her say some embarrassing lines, or make her do some embarrassing cosplay.

Or maybe I can tickle her to my heart's content for ten minutes long. It would be a sight to see her drowned into laughter since it’s a rare occasion.

“Just you see, Fuwa Aya...Fufu, kukuku.”
“Just what on earth are you planning.”
“Of course, good stuff.”
“An erotic punishment game from Marika...It’s a good stuff for sure.”
“What the heck are you saying in the middle of the day!? Is that brain of yours only filled with those things!?”
“That’s not the case, it’s just the way you phrased your words is pretty ambiguous. It makes me interpret it in a different way.”
“And of course you make me like I’m the one at fault here...”

It’s only because Aya’s head is filled with worldly desires!

In the first place, you are the one who’s responsible for this, you should take responsibility. But she already took the responsibility, right? ...Huh? Ah geez, whatever!

While walking, I looked at the cute girl on the cover. Now if I look closer the characters are also printed on the clear-file.

“Hey, Aya and Chisaki are doing this girls band rhythm game, right?”
“Yup.”
“You want to try it, Mari?”
“Nah, I’m okay. I just can’t do something like that in the long run.”
“Even though it’s not boring at all, why?”
“Umm, maybe because I can’t really enjoy playing something by myself. Also, during playing I can’t really do anything else with my phone, right?”

Chisaki and Aya look puzzled by hearing my reasons. Yeah, I get it. They are number 1 and number 2 in my late-reply list after all.

So we headed to the first checkpoint.

Once we passed the gate, there’s a lot of people who bring their family, or students who bring the same kit and walk around. If we follow after them, I bet we can finish the course in an instant.

Aya and Chisaki walked ahead of us and immersed themselves in their talk about smartphone games. I see, these two sure are having fun over that kind of topic.

I can’t carelessly step into their talk about games so I peeked at Yume who walked beside me. Somehow she looked a bit upset.

“Chii-chan used her part-time salary on games too much…”
“Eh, really? But it’s okay to spend your money on your hobby, right?”
“As expected from Marika who’s famous for her careless spending.”
“Fufu, for someone who numerous times emptied her pocket on payday week, of course there’s also time where I spent all of them right on my payday.”
“Marika, promise me you won’t touch any mobile games, ever!”
“Yeah I also thought the same.”
“You’ll become the Chii-chan all over again!”
“Hey, I’m not that bad.”

So she listened to us. Chisaki walked toward us with a frown.

“Did you really use that much?”
“Not on your level though.”

Hey, even I already learned to save my wage you know! For dates with Aya!

“Anyway you don’t really have to mind her, she’s just being jealous.”
“Jealous? With the game?”
“With the game.”

Really? Huh, let’s try to imagine it a bit.

If Aya gets too absorbed with her game during our time together...huh it feels unpleasant. Of course I will demand her to only look at me if she’s being like that.

I see, getting jealous over a game, it sounds plausible.

Chisaki sighed a little like a teacher who’s looking at her problematic student.

“This little princess won't be satisfied until she becomes my top priority. It’s not like I treated her crudely.”

Eh, is it okay to tell me something like that?

I glanced toward Yume who’s walking behind us while puffing her cheek.

“Geez!”

She looks okay with that. Chisaki also nonchalantly opened her mouth without any hesitation.

“We are not a pair of newlyweds like you guys after all, this is an everyday thing for us. Besides, Yume also constantly gets jealous over you.”
“Eh? Me?”
“Yup. She always said that she’s not as cute as you...or something like that, she’s really a spoiled one.”

Aah, Yume does have a low self-esteem.

Not even me would be shameless enough to respond to her by saying, “Something like that...well, of course, it’s a given!” So I tried to pass it off as a joke with a forced smile.

“And then I told her that I’m the one who chose her, so don’t make a fool over someone’s preference.”

Huh? Ain’t this just a simple bragging!?

Chisaki who looks sullen seems unaware of her own remarks though.

“Why don’t you try to be more honest with her?”
“Did you mean something along constantly saying ‘I like you’, ‘I really like you’, or ‘I love you’?”
“W-well, yeah.”

Looking at her who carelessly said embarrassing stuff like that in the middle of the crowds made me blush.

Chisaki is really living her life without trying to make everything look prettier, she’s always being straightforward and honest with herself.

“Expressing your feelings through words is important after all, because nothing will be conveyed if you keep it to yourself.”
“But saying stuff like that is enough during doing ‘it’, right?”

Forget being straightforward, you are being too reckless, Chisaki.

“What are you? A character from some western drama?”

Chisaki lowered her voice enough so Yume won't be able to hear her.

“I understand well that you’re worried for us, that’s why, thanks, Mari.”
“The feeling is mutual, don’t mind it.”
“But I personally think that the relationship between us is good enough for now.”
“What do you mean?”
“Because Yume is really a love-struck maiden, right?”

That’s true. She’s always worried about the results of her fortune-telling, and she will absolutely prioritize her lover over her friends or herself.

That quirk of her always made her past boyfriends got too conceited and confident that Yume loved them too much and leads to cheating, like what happened during Christmas last year.

Yume reached her limit and exploded that day, she declared that she will never fall in love again. Well, even though she said all that, she ended up immediately asking Chisaki out though. She’s really a girl who definitely needs love on the same level with oxygen and water to keep living.

If we look at them from this perspective, Chisaki’s lukewarm attitude might be good to balance out their relationship if she handles it well.

“She always came to my house and we had a sleep-over during weekends.”
“Hee, every weekend.”

Huh, how nice.

“That’s why, if I don’t stop her and keep everything into moderation, my body won't last...”

A usually aloof Chisaki suddenly let out a meaningful gaze.

Looking at the unusual Chisaki, I stared at her once again. Hmm...eh!?

“Your body won’t last…? Eh, w-what was that, what do you mean…?”
“...It means, Yume never let me sleep.”
“Wa-wait, huh, the details...No, umm, I kinda want to hear it, but I don’t really want to…!”

Chisaki brought her face closer to me.

“You see, she’s quite amazing.”
“Even though she looks like someone who’s convinced that you can get pregnant by a mere kiss…?”
“It’s not about technique, it’s more like...her feelings? She’s utterly a beast.” 

What a surprise…

Uwa, uwaaah…

No, but, Yume does look like a forceful type...like, she won’t stop until she’s satisfied. She’s right here behind me but I feel like I might imagine something improper at this rate!

“If I let her keep doing as she pleases, I will not get any sleep at all and become dead tired...well, it’s not like I hate it, but still...that was a bit…”
“I understand…”

I see, so between these two, Chisaki is the receiving end while Yume does the attacking...It’s the total opposite of my imagination...Wait, I’m not imagining anything though! You normally don’t do that to your friends!

“Hey you guys over there, what are you whispering about?”
“Hii.”

Yume forced herself between me and Chisaki.

“Eh, what was that?”
“Nah, it’s just, you are amazing, Yume-senpai. I’m really nothing compared to you…!”
“I don’t get it but...that’s right! Go ahead and respect me! Fufun!”

I’d never thought I have an experienced top right in front of me. 

Without any worries, Aya nonchalantly joined our conversation, “We’ve arrived.”

Hearing my friends’ bed circumstances is really an impressive way to start our double date.

But right now isn’t the time to get shaken with something like that!

I should seize victory this time! Or she would make me do the punishment game! And my body won’t last!

*****

Tranlator's Notes

Haiku is a short poem that consisted of three phrases. It usually made of 5-7-5 cutting word patterns (for total 17) based on Japanese phoneme. There are also few haiku that used 18 phoneme divided by 6-7-5 pattern. What Aya said in her original haiku about amusement park is like this:

    ゆうえんち (Yuuenchi)

    いつもなんか........こう (Itsumo nanka........kou)

    賑やかで、(Nigiyaka de)

    たのしいね (Tanoshii ne)
                                                        - Fuwa Aya

For the comparison, the proper haiku usually look like this

    古池や (Furuike ya)

    蛙飛びこむ (Kaeru tobikomu)

    水のおと (Mizu no oto)

                                                        - Matsuo Basho

Actually the modern haiku doesn't really bounded by these rules so there's a lot freedom to compose them as a work of art. Haiku itself isn't exclusively limited to Japan's culture since there's a lot of country with identic culture.

While tanka literally written using "short poem" kanji, what makes it different from haiku is, they are longer. Tanka using the same rules as haiku but with 5-7-5-7-7 patterns. Thanks to Virginia Digital Library I can get the proper translation for the tanka that Aya recited in this chapter (translating poems is hard anyway). One of the tanka Aya recited is written like this in Japanese

    君がため (Kimi ga tame)

    惜しからざりし (Oshi karazarishi)

    命さへ (Inochi sae)

    ながくもがなと (Nagaku mogana to)

    おもひけるかな (Omoikeru kana)

                                                        - Fujiwara no Yoshitaka

This tanka is part of Hyakunin Isshu which is a famous waka (Japanese poem) collection that consists of 100 tanka from 100 poets. If you are Chihayafuru's fans I'm sure you already familiar with Hyakunin Isshu.

Anyway, we finally know how Chisaki and Yume's relationship works, personally I really want to read a side-story about these two. Look forward for the next chapter since it's the long awaited R-18 chapter (yeah I know most of you guys are here for that).

For more detailed info about the novel click here

Credit:
TL and everything else: Meatbun
Proofread: Yui

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