Sakurasou v01

Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo
Volume 1
Contents 1 Novel Illustrations 2 Prologue 3 Chapter 1 - Welcome to Sakurasou 3 1 Part 1 3 2 Part 2 3 3 Part 3 3 ! Part ! 3 " Part " ! Chapter 2 - What shoul# I #o$ ! 1 Part 1 ! 2 Part 2 ! 3 Part 3 ! ! Part ! " Chapter 3 - %une is &elancholic " 1 Part 1 " 2 Part 2 " 3 Part 3 " ! Part ! " " Part " ' Chapter ! - (eing Serious isn)t a (a# *hing ' 1 Part 1 ' 2 Part 2 ' 3 Part 3 ' ! Part ! + ,uthor-s Notes . /e0erences
Volume 1
Prologue
1ne #a23 4hen 4e are a#ults3 4hat 4ill 4e think o0 4hen 4e recall our memories at Sakurasou516$ Will 4e lament ever2one)s stupi#it2$ 1r 4ill 4e 0irst reminisce a7out those 7oisterous an# jo20ul #a2s$ I coul#n)t think o0 an2thing other than these t4o possi7ilities *hat)s 7ecause ever2 #a2 I spent here 4as certainl2 a4esome
Volume 1
Chapter 1 - Welcome to Sakurasou Part 1

When I opene# m2 e2es3 a 4hite an# per0ectl2 roun# 7utt 4as in 0ront o0 me 89ikari3 is it 2ou again$8 ,0ter calling her name3 she snuggl2 purre# as she scratche# her ear Kan#a Sorata pai# no attention an# pushe# 9ikari)s 7utt o00 o0 his 0ace 9e then stoo# up 0rom the gra2 carpet 9ikari3 4ho 4as 4oken up 0orci7l2 72 Sorata proteste#3 7ut Sorata onl2 sighe# in response 8What a trage#2 8 Sorata s:uinte# his e2es as he glance# at the 7right sk2 outsi#e the 4in#o4 *he 4est si#e o0 the hori;on 7urnt #eep re# as i0 in0orming him on the approach o0 armage##on 8Waking up to a cat)s 7utt ho4 tragic can m2 2outh 7e<8 Sorata covere# his 0ace as a su##en 0aintness rushe# into him 8&a27e using the 4or# )2outh) casuall2 is even more tragic 8 *he 4hite cat on his lap 2a4ne# as i0 agreeing 4ith him ,0ter that3 the si= other cats in the si=-tatami526-si;e# room starte# to sing in unison3 2earning 0or 0oo# *here 4as a 4hite cat3 7lack cat3 calico cat3 7ro4n stripe# cat3 7lack stripe# cat3 Siamese3 an# a cat that looke# like the ,merican shorthair cat In total there 4ere seven cats 4hich 4ere all once a7an#one# an# 4ere no4 7rought 7ack an# care# 0or 72 Sorata 9e also name# them s2stematicall2> 9ikari3 No;omi3 Ko#ama3 *su7asa3 Komachi3 ,o7a3 ,sahi 536
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*o these hungr2 mouths3 the onl2 response Sorata coul# give 4as the gro4ling soun#s o0 his tumm23 8?our master is also hungr2 8 *his 4as the last #a2 o0 his spring holi#a2 *he "th o0 ,pril " p m *his 4orn-out apartment 7uil#ing3 #2e# crimson 72 the setting sun3 4as a #ormitor2 o0 the high school a00iliate# 4ith the Suimei @niversit2 o0 the ,rts It 4as name# Sakurasou5!63 most likel2 #ue to the large sakura tree in the court2ar# *he kitchen3 the #ining room3 an# the 7athroom 4ere all share# It 4oul# take ten minutes to 4alk to school as 4ell as to the nearest station /oom 1A13 one o0 the rooms in the #ormitor23 4as the hi#eout o0 Kan#a Sorata3 a secon#-2ear stu#ent starting this spring *he 4all 4as la7elle# 4ith clear 4or#s> 8&2 goal> Bscape 0rom Sakurasou<8 Wor#s that re0lecte# Sorata)s 0irst thoughts this 2ear 7e0ore he 4rote it 9is target no4 4as not to have a girl0rien#3 nor 4as it to get into Koshien5"63 nor certainl2 4as it to get into the National Sta#ium3 nor #e0initel2 4as it to get to Inter 9igh5'6 It 4as to leave this #ormitor2 *he reason 4as that Sakurasou 4as a 7it #i00erent 0rom the normal #ormitories 9ere live# stu#ents 4ho coul#n)t get along 4ith other stu#ents an# 4as a place 0or them to change Simpl2 put3 this 4as the hi#eout 0or the pro7lematic people @nlike other #ormitories3 there 4ere no matrons or ca0eterias here3 so ever2thing ranging 0rom cooking3 to #oing the laun#r23 to cleaning up ha# to 7e #one 72 the stu#ents here3 4hich 4as ver2 trou7lesome *he school o00icials sai# it 4as to )0acilitate the in#epen#ence o0 the stu#ents3 7ut Sorata thought the reason 4as that the school coul#n)t 0in# an2one 4illing to come
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Volume 1
here to help ,0ter all3 Sakurasou ha# the potential po4er to scare even 0rien#s a4a2 4hen mentione# Something even more trou7lesome 4as the monthl23 man#ator2 clean up activities outsi#e o0 school ,s its name implies3 it 4as to volunteer to 4alk aroun# an# clean up the trash in the vicinit2 o0 the school groun# (ut 7ecause the )vicinit2) o0 the universit2 groun# takes at least thirt2 minutes 0or even a#ults to 4alk across3 this 4as a large project that coul# take up a 4hole #a2 9is leg muscles 4oul# al4a2s ache terri7l2 the #a2 a0ter the activit2 (oth 7o2s an# girls live in this notorious #ormitor2 together3 summing up to 0our stu#ents presentl2 *here 4as also a teacher responsi7le 0or supervising them Sorata 4as one o0 those stu#ents Cast summer3 he 4as calle# in 72 the principal in person an# 4as 0orce# to make a #ecision 8Kan#a Sorata-kun3 either thro4 a4a2 2our cat or move out o0 the #ormitor2 8 8I)ll move out o0 the #ormitor2 then 8 Sorata 4as in his re7ellious ageD thus3 he #eclare# this 7e0ore the principal even 0inishe# 4hat he 4as sa2ing ,s a result3 he 4as kicke# out 0rom normal #ormitories that #a2 1nl2 a0ter that #i# he reali;e he ha# ma#e a completel2 4rong #ecision at the most crucial point in his li0e 9e imme#iatel2 calle# a meeting in his 7rain to #e7ate over 4ho shoul# shoul#er this responsi7ilit2 9is conclusion 4as his pre0rontal lo7e5+6 ,0ter Sorata 4as sent a4a23 &itaka %in sai# to him 4ith a sharptonge# response to his trage#23 8*he 4hite cat 9ikari is the onl2 cat 2ou are keeping I0 2ou 4ork har# to 0in# someone 4ho 4ill a#opt it3 then the pro7lem o0 2our accommo#ation coul# 7e solve# 8
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9o4ever3 this struck Sorata so har# he coul#n)t recover 0rom this shock 0or a total o0 three #a2s *hus3 he 4as still tr2ing to recruit 0ee#ers 0or his cats E--< people 4ho 4ere 4illing to take the cats o00 his han#s--F (ut 0or some strange reason3 a0ter a 0e4 months the num7er o0 cats #i#n)t #ecrease 7ut instea# increase# Sorata thought something ha# to 7e 4rong ,s i0 curse#3 Sorata 4oul# meet a7an#one# cats 4herever he 4ent *here 4as nothing he coul# #o a7out his mis0ortune 9e once trie# to preten# to not see the cats3 7ut no sooner ha# he taken a couple o0 steps a4a2 0rom the paper 7o= than he gave in to his 0eelings o0 guilt an# uneasiness No;omi3 Ko#ama3 an# 9ikari snuggle# up to him3 perhaps 4orrie# a7out Kan#a 4ho 4as #eep in his thoughts 8Gon)t stick so close to me I)m 0in#ing the 0ee#ers no4 When 4e part3 I)ll surel2 cr2 an# look terri7le an# 2ou gu2s 4ill 7ack o00 8 *he cats turne# a4a2 an# starte# to 4ash their 0aces Sorata 4on#ere# i0 the2 un#erstoo# 4hat he ha# sai# 9e sighe# an# looke# to4ar#s the #ark re# sk2 Couldn't I have a more meaningful last day of spring holidays to recover from my holiday blues? (athing in the sunset3 he laughe# hollo4l2 ,t this moment a masculine voice came 0rom the 7ack o0 the 7e# 9e hel# in his 0rustration an# turne# his hea# to4ar#s the source 9e remem7ere# 4h2 he 4as sleeping on the har# 0loor 9e ha# al4a2s slept in his 7e# an# 0avoure# it 0or his sleep (ut right no4 a 7eauti0ul3 teenage girl 4as sleeping in the 7e# like a 7a72 *he girl)s mouth 4as in the shape o0 a kitten)s3 as i0 she 4as plotting something In short3 she 4as the :ueen o0 the cats She looke# health23 pure3 an# glamorous3 like an ,merican shorthaire#
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Volume 1
cat 9er skirt reveale# her ten#er thighs muni0icentl2 1ne coul# clearl2 see her cleavage 7et4een the open 7uttons o0 her shirt that 4as accentuate# 72 the s:uee;ing o0 her arms I0 Sorata ha# seen this 4on#er0ul scene one 2ear ago3 he 4oul# have most likel2 starte# to #rool an# cr23 #ismall2 an# recklessl2 in a ri#iculous manner ?et3 having live# in Sakurasou 0or more than hal0 a 2ear3 he 4oul#n)t 7e provoke# 72 such things an2more 8&isaki-senpai5.6 It)s time to 4ake up 8 ,0ter he 7ore his o4n 4aver an# calle# upon the sleeping one3 Kamiigusa &isaki got o00 the 7e# an# gentl2 stretche# hersel0 like a 4il# animal 9er shirt 4as pulle# up3 sho4ing the small3 curve# line o0 her hip that 4oul# entice one to rush to em7race it an# a cute 7ell2 that 4as :uite har# to see ,n# inconceiva7l23 even her 7e# hair emphasi;e# &isaki)s cuteness I0 she 4ere to pass 72 ten people3 ever2 one o0 them 4oul# #e0initel2 turn their hea#s to glimpse at her 9er 7asic in0ormation 4as also over4helmingHher height 4as 1"' centimetres an# her 4eight 4as !' kilograms 9er (W95I6 4as .+3 "'3 an# ."Hthe 0inal pro#uct in terms o0 a thir#-2ear high school stu#ent &isaki emitte# her glamour naturall2 as she opene# her e2es 4i#e at Sorata 8JIn the 0uture3 I 4ant to 7ecome a 7ri#e J8 8Please leave 2our sleep-talk 0or 4hen 2ou are in 2our #reams *his is a rule o0 this 4orl# 8 8J*hen3 I)ll 7e the 7ri#e an# 2ou)ll 7e m2 hu772 Cet)s start acting out the part right a0ter 2ou get home 0rom 4ork J8
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Volume 1
8Wh2 is this like the 0ormula o0 a crosstalk51A6<8 8J?ou)re 7ack3 hone2 ?ou)re :uite earl2 to#a2 J8 8,re 2ou seriousl2 pla2ing it$<8 8JGo 2ou 4ant a meal$ , 7ath$ 1r a sumo 4restler)s loinclothJ$ 8What kin# o0 place is this 0or a sumo sta7le5116$8 8J1r a scru77ing 7rush$J8 8Won)t 2ou just #irectl2 sa2 2ou 4ant to eat )me)5126$< Will someone even call her hus7an# to scru7 the 7athtu7 right a0ter he arrives home$8 8JBven sloths are in high spirits 4hen the2 copulate3 aren)t the2$J8 8?ou)ve change# the topic too 0ast<8 8J?ou)re reactions are too slo4 In the sense that our 0rien#ship is so close3 2ou must catch up 4ith me J8 &isaki pointe# at Sorata3 a##e# a love s2m7ol to her su00i=3 an# 4inke# at him as i0 lecturing a mischievous chil# 9o4 coul# someone that)s just 4aking up 7e in such high spirits$ 8,n24a2s3 goo# morning ,lso3 I)ve sai# countless times that 2ou have to sleep in 2our o4n room 8 8J, 0emale 4oul# never give in i0 2ou skimp on her J8 8,re 2ou still continuing 4ith that sloth topic$<8 8JIt)ll 7e #epressing to see her unsatis0ie# an# 0rustrate# J8 8Kemales are unresponsive too3 so the2 an# I are alike 8 Sorata gave up at last an# starte# to ans4er her 8*hen 4e)ll take up 4here 4e le0t o00 2ester#a2 8 9o4ever3 &isaki gave no hee# to 4hat the2 have just talke# a7out an# 7egan to arrange things in 0ront o0 the television She gra77e# the game console an# turne# on the po4er ,0ter a 0e4 7eeping
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Volume 1
soun#s3 the s2stem 7egan to operate3 rea#ing the /1& 4ith knocking soun#s (ut Sorata turne# o00 the po4er 7e0ore the menu came up 89e2J What are 2ou #oing$<8
Volume 1
&isaki pu00e# her cheeks in protest *he angr2 look o0 her)s 4as prett2 cuteD an# that along 4ith her e2es that 4ere title# slightl2 up4ar#s3 one coul# not help 7ut to sho4 a smile ?et3 I shoul#n)t 7e 0oole# 8Where #i# that sloth go$8 8Bh3 (ut that topic is #ull 8 8(ut it 4as 2ou 4ho raise# it<8 8(ut3 let)s pla2 some vi#eo games 8 8?ou)ve use# the 4rong conjunction< (esi#es3 2ester#a23 or the #a2 7e0ore that to 7e e=act3 4e pla2e# vi#eo games until I 4as almost #ea# Speci0icall23 4e)ve pla2e# 0or a total o0 thirt2-si= hours< I 0eel like puking just 72 looking at the screen to#a2< &2 e2es are rotting< I0 I)m poisone# 72 the electromagnetic 4aves emitte# 0rom the television 0or one more moment3 I)m sure I)ll turn into san# or ta7le salt<8 *he reason 4h2 he 4oke up on the 0loor 4as 7ecause he pla2e# vi#eo games 0or so long he #o;e# o00 in the mi##le o0 it &isaki turne# on the po4er again 81ka2 *hen3 ever2 time 2ou 4in I)ll strip o00 one piece o0 m2 clothing 9o4)s that$< With that3 the counter-measures 0or the preservation o0 2our e2es are 0la4less< B2e-can#2< B=cite 2our 7loo# an# nerves< *he #a;;ling nature o0 2outh< It)s the stage 4here 2ou jump right into 7eing an a#ult< It)s the chains o0 lust<8 8Compare# to 2ou taking o00 2our clothes3 peeling onions 4oul# 7e 7etter 0or increasing the 7loo# 0lo4 in m2 spong2 muscle5136 8 8It)s 7ecause 2ou)re thinking )Wa< *here is something 4hite coming out<)3 aren)t 2ou$ I must not un#erestimate 2ou 9o4ever3 7eing e=cite# 72 vegeta7les shoul# 7e limite# to people 7elo4 the secon# 2ear o0 mi##le school Vegetarian 7o2s 4on)t #o ?ou must #evour
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2our 0oo# ravenousl2 In#ee#3 4hat high school stu#ents nee# is meat< &eat< Come3 Kouhai-kun51!63 let)s travel to the 4orl# o0 the hunger 0or meat< ?eah<8 ,s &isaki spoke3 she pu00e# out her 7osom2 7reasts3 shaking her u##ers un#er her shirt like a pu##ing cake 14ing to his lamenta7le male nature3 Sorata coul#n)t help 7ut stare at them In spite o0 this3 Sorata still resiste# it 4ith all his might 8I can)t take senpai as a girl 4hen 2ou have that un#isguise#3 shameless character< Cet me o00 the hook this time3 please< Please stop revealing 2our unnecessar2 cuteness3 or else I 4oul# 7ecome #istrust0ul o0 4omen Please 8 8We)ve 0inall2 overcome the pre#icament o0 our gen#ers an# have 7ecome goo# 0rien#s Lrats3 man< Cet)s cele7rate to#a2 72 pla2ing vi#eo games until the sun rises<8 8*his isn)t an2thing 4orth congratulating< What have 2ou e=perience# an# learnt that ma#e 2ou arrive at such a conclusion$< ,liens Please go 7ack to 2our o4n planet<8 Guring this summer 7reak3 Sorata 4as 0orce# to sta2 4ith &isaki constantl2 each night until the sun ha# risen ,0ter that he 4oul# slum7er his #a2s a4a2 So he hope# he 4oul# have a more sta7le an# tran:uil #a2 to#a2 8Is this all 2ou 4ant to sa2$<8 8I0 2ou think this is all I have to sa23 then 2ou)re completel2 4rong< 9e23 2ou3 senpai< ?ou)ve 7een too sel0-centre#< Go 2ou think this is a li7eral countr2$<8 8*hen let)s en# this 4ith a vi#eo game< Cet)s kick o00 a 7attle o0 7loo# 0or 7loo# until one o0 us is eliminate#3 other4ise3 this 7attle 4ill not en#< 8It)s m2 pleasure games to#a2<8 No I)ve alrea#2 sai# I)m not going to pla2 vi#eo
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Sorata thought &isaki 4oul# get angr2 an# glare at him3 7ut instea#3 she s4i0tl2 took out the /1& 0rom the game console an# inserte# a sample #isc3 completel2 neglecting 4hat Sorata 4as sa2ing 8J9umph< Korget it Korget it I0 2ou hate pla2ing vi#eo games that much3 then help me have a look at m2 sample vi#eo J8 *he screen sho4e# the 0ive-secon# count#o4n scene like those 0oun# in ol# 0ilms 8*his isn)t 2our ne4 4ork3 is it$8 8JI e#ite# it the morning 7e0ore 2ester#a23 so it)s 0reshl2 picke# Please enjo2 2oursel0 J8 8I)ve reall2 have 7een through some time that has completel2 lost its 0reshness 8 ,0ter the last secon# o0 the count#o4n3 an original anime pro#uce# 72 onl2 &isaki 4as sho4n on the *V *here 4ere no voices3 music3 an# the soun#s o0 special e00ects 7ecause the anime ha#n)t 7een #u77e# Nevertheless3 it ha# a goo# 0lo43 vi7ranc23 an# e=treme au#acit2 She even 7len#e# 2G characters in the 3G 7ackgroun#3 presenting the per0ect harmon2 o0 mo#ern images *he characters an# the 7ackgroun#s 4ere also #ra4n e=:uisitel2 an# meticulousl2 *he stor27oar# ha# an a#e:uate rh2thm an# the composition 4as uni:ue *he trou7lesome #ra4ings shoul# have #irectl2 challenge# the limits o0 using up gallons o0 calories It 4as har# to imagine this 4as ma#e 72 one personHo0 course this 4as not the :ualit2 o0 a la2man3 7ut those that transcen# even the :ualit2 o0 0irst-class animators *he high school a00iliate# 4ith Suimei @niversit2 o0 the ,rts Mo0ten shortene# as SuikoN has not onl2 the general classes that Sorata 7elonge# to3 7ut also music an# art classes aime# at a han#0ul o0 elites *hese elites come 0rom aroun# the countr2 *he2 have to have sk2-rocketing results in or#er to enter the school against an
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incre#i7l2 tough acceptance rate ,n# &isaki 4as one o0 them She 4as a thir#-2ear-stu#ent o0 arts She 4as the onl2 one eligi7le to receive a scholarship in arts in the past ten 2ears3 though3 she 4as also the one #eprive# o0 this right #ue to to her continuous e00orts in making cartoons an# anime *his ma#e her e=tremel2 0amous in the school 8Splen#i# 8 &isaki ma#e no response to Sorata)s comment that an2one 4oul# sa2 an# 4as 7us2 making the soun#s an# e00ects 4ith her mouth 7esi#e Sorata 8J(ang< (ang< Clang< 9ack< 9a3 9ahahahaha )?our 0ate has come<) Clang 9ack *ing Ga#a la Gang Gang Gang )?ou)re too naive *he onl2 thing 2ou coul# #o is to lie<) )W-What are 2ou sa2ing$) )*ake o00 2our panties an# start over again ?ou immature an# ine=perience# ki#<) Ku0u lalalalala Gang Gang<J8 ?et3 &isaki)s enthusiastic per0ormance 4as completel2 irrelevant 4ith the vi#eo What kin# o0 un0athoma7le 4orl# 4as her min# creating$ ,t the same time 4hen &isaki gra#uall2 calme# #o4n3 the screen #imme# out *he 0ive-minute vi#eo 4as so splen#i# it 0elt as i0 it 4as a 0e4 times longer 8J*he 4ork I have to #o to remake this is 7e2on# m2 e=pectations J8 &isaki took out the /1& as i0 one coul# hear her #isma2 an# #isappointment ,lthough she sai# a lot o0 nonsense3 she 0inishe# 4hat she ha# toHthis certainl2 4as ama;ing 8I can)t see an2thing that nee#s remaking 8 8JKouhai-kun ?ou)re too naive *he real 7attle 7egins right a0ter
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2ou think 2ou have complete# something *he enem2 is in 2our heart<J8 81h3 is it so$8 8J,h /ight Go 2ou think I can 0in# Nanami-chan to help me to #u7 this$J8 What she meant 72 Nanami-chan 4as ,o2ama Nanami3 a 0irst-2ear in the same class as Sorata 9er #ream is to 7ecome a voice actress in the 0uture3 an# hence 4as no4 taking lessons 0or that She 4rote in her career choice surve2 that she 4ante# to enter the universit2-s #rama #epartment 1n a si#e note3 she 4as :uite reserve# on the nickname )Nanami-chan) Perhaps 7ecause o0 the uni:ue environment o0 the high school a00iliate# 4ith the Suimei @niversit2 o0 the ,rts3 man2 stu#ents have alrea#2 set sights on their goals an# 4ere striving to achieve it In Sakurasou3 there 4as also a thir#-2ear 4ho 4as aiming to enter the Citerature an# ,rts Gepartment as he 4ante# to 7e a script4riter *here 4as also a secon#-2ear 3 4ho 4as alrea#2 #oing 4ork relate# to game programming3 4ho sai# that he 4ante# to enter the &e#ia #epartment @nlike other stu#ents 4ho alrea#2 have clear goals3 Sorata han#e# his career choice surve2 4ith nothing 4ritten on it 9e 4as calle# to the sta00 room a0ter school that #a2 an# got it 7ack as his spring home4ork 1n a si#e note3 &isaki3 one 2ear a7ove him3 4rote in her career choice surve2 )it)s too gleaming I can)t see it) an# 4as also calle# to the sta00 room 4here she got three times 4hat Sorata receive# in lecturing3 though the teacher 4ho scol#e# her recieve# the 0ull 0orce o0 &isaki)s counterattack o0 alien 4or#s an# hence 4as spirituall2 4oun#e# so seriousl2 she 4as no4 on leave 0rom her jo7 4ith no plans to return *his 4as the secon# time that one o0
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&isaki)s gra#e-school teachers 4as in0licte# 4ith an incura7le trauma 7ecause o0 her H poor teachers 8It)s 0ine 4ith me to 0in# her to help 8 8J*hen it)s all 2ours3 remem7er also to help 4ith the recor#ing 4ork J8 8?ou)ll have to 7u2 me a meal in the stu#ent ca0eteria 8 8JNo pro7lem J8 In 0act3 this 4as certainl2 no pro7lem 0or &isaki Bven i0 she ha# to pa2 0or his meals 0or a 4hole 2ear3 she 4oul#n)t 7e 7othere# in the least *hat 4as 7ecause the thirt2-minute anime she uploa#e# to an anime 4e7site last summer 4as a complete success3 receiving 0avoura7le criticism instantl2 an# receiving over a million vie4s Companies rushe# to her to #iscuss commo#i0ication matters regar#ing the 4ork *he GVG that set sale earl2 this %anuar2 sol# over a hun#re# thousan# units3 as i0 it 4as jeering at the #ull econom2 I once peeke# at her account savings an# sa4 a num7er that 4as enough 0or her to just sit 7ack an# have 0un 0or the rest o0 her li0e *he script 0or the anime 4as 4ritten 72 &itaka %in3 &isaki)s chil#hoo# s4eetheart 4ho also live# in Sakurasou *he stor2 happene# in an arti0icial islan# 0ara4a2 0rom earth It 4as a science 0iction tale 7eginning 4ith a :uiet 2oung 7o2 4ho live# on the islan# encountering a 2oung girl outsi#e the islan# ,t 0irst their relationship 4as a success3 7ut it 4as too success0ul3 an# 7ecame a 7it #ull *he 2oung 7o2 ha# no 0eelings o0 agon23 so the girl ha# to take the initiative to con0ess an# start getting along 4ith each other *he girl also #irecte# their 0irst kiss H the 7o2 ha# no pain3 nor 4as he hurt 9o4ever3 there 4as something m2sterious aroun# them that lea#
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to a huge turning point in the mi##le o0 the stor2 1ne #a23 the 7o2 0oun# out that the 4orl# he live# in 4as completel2 )a lie) 9e #i#n)t live on earth3 7ut an arti0icial islan#3 a large-scale# islan# that 0loats in the universe *he earth he once thought he live# in ha# 7ecome uninha7ita7le 7ecause o0 the terri7le 4ars that humans ha# starte# *he 7o2 realise# that he 4as ignorant all those si=teen 2ears he ha# live# through 9e ha# thought he live# on earth3 7ut it 4as all a complete lie ,n# it 4as not the onl2 lie 9is parents 4eren)t even his real parents H his classmates kne4 a7out it3 7ut the2 still lie# to him So 4as the e=istence o0 the girl H all a lie an# planne# #eli7eratel2 0or the 7o2 ,ll these si=teen 2ears he live# a li0e accor#ing to a script someone 4rote It 4as the 4orl# government *o put an en# to the never-en#ing 7attles3 the2 0a7ricate# a plan calle# the )Noah)s ,rk) It can cultivate chil#ren that 4oul# 7e insensitive to pain3 sorro43 hate3 an# anger3 or in other 4or#s3 to remove the 0ighting instinct 4ithin mankin# *he arti0icial islan# 4as this ark3 an# the 7o2 4as their guinea pig in the e=periment *heir plan succee#e# in some sense *he 7o2 #i#n)t kno4 4hat to #o 4hen he 4as con0ronte# 4ith the truth 9e just panicke# an# shivere# at his terror ,t last he lost his min# an# 4ent ma#3 as he coul#n)t 0ace the con0lict in his min# 9e coul#n)t help 7ut #estro2 ever2thing that he sa4 H #estro2ing the 4orl# that he ha# 7een living an# manipulate# in H setting the arti0icial islan# on 0ire When the 4orl# government #eci#e# to e=terminate the 7o23 onl2 the girl came 7ack to the 7o2 *he girl 4ante# to protect him3 4ho 4as surroun#e# 72 the arm23 7ut she 4as shot through her chest an# #ie# serenel2 in the 7o2)s arms 1nl2 a0ter the girl #ie#3 #i# the 7o2 reali;e that there 4as also something 4hich 4as real3 in this 4orl# 0ille# 4ith lies It 4as the
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0eelings that he ha# 0or the girl3 an# the gentleness the girl ha# in all o0 her interactions 4ith him ,t this moment3 the 7o2 4ept 0or the 0irst time in his li0e *he2 4ere tears o0 sorro43 miraculousl2 0orming a classic scene o0 4armth that carrie# a4a2 the au#ience Sorata ha# also she# tears 4hen he sa4 it 0or his 0irst time H he 4as completel2 #e0enseless against the plot that 4as 7rought to its greatest 72 its super7 per0ormance *his 4as a 4ork &isaki create# all 72 hersel0 Bver2 setting3 concept3 stor27oar#3 composition3 0irst #ra4ings3 animation3 colouring3 the 7ackgroun# an# its s2nthesis3 photographing3 a0tere00ects3 cutting3 recor#ing3 au#io mi=ing3 an# even vi#eo e#iting 4ork that shoul# 7e #one 72 #i00erent 4orkers in #i00erent #epartments together 4as all #one 72 &isaki She 4as not onl2 goo# at 2G3 7ut also 3G H she creates special per0ormances that integrate 7oth her skills an# taste ,lthough the au#io an# the soun#s 4ere han#e# to her 0rien#s that stu#2 music3 &isaki still ha# to 0inish a lot o0 4ork all 72 hersel0 an# at an inconceiva7l2 high stan#ar# *he anime she create# ma#e Sorata 0eel #eepl2 in his heart that go# 4as unjust H &isaki 4as gi0te# 4ith such a7normal talent3 2et he 4as gi0te# 4ith nothing 8,ll right< Cet)s #o the remaking 4ork no4<8 &isaki stoo# up3 stretche# hersel0 She then lost interest in Sorata an# ran out o0 the room Soun#s o0 running up the stairs 4hee;e# in the #ormitor23 0ollo4e# 72 soun#s o0 &isaki 4alking a7ove the ceiling ,s a matter o0 0act3 Sorata 4as no4 right 7elo4 &isaki)s room 8I must get out o0 here 7e0ore I lose m2 common sense 8 8I)m intru#ing 8
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Volume 1
8I hope I)m not 7othering 2ou 8 Sengoku Chihiro3 the arts teacher 4ho puts on makeup care0ull2 an# #resses up hersel0 0or a 7attle3 appeare# in 0ront o0 the #oor She 4as responsi7le 0or supervising the resi#ents in Sakurasou3 like Sorata She also happene# to live 4ith themD ho4ever3 she #i#n)t take her role seriousl2 at all 8Wuugahh< *hat)s some heav2 makeup< ?ou)ve surpasse# the night 7utter0l251"6 an# have 7ecome a moth 8 8Sorata ?ou)re onl2 a ki#3 2ou #on)t un#erstan# an a#ult)s appeal 8 *hat 7eing sai#3 Sengoku 7ale0ull2 4inke#3 an# it 4as as i0 her mascara 4as making a shutter soun# Sorata 7ore his nausea an# trie# his 7est to #ra4 a sti00 smile in response 8,n24a2s3 I)ve given 2ou m2 a#vice 8 8I)m going to 0in# m2 0uture hus7an# to#a23 2ou)ll see 8 8So 2ou)re here to tell me that$8 8Wh2 #o I have to report such things to 2ou 8 8I #on)t 4ant 2ou to report to me such things either 8 8?ou)re just a ki# 4ho likes to talk 7ack 9ere *his is 0or 2ou 8 She took out a photo 4ith a girl o0 a7out " to ' 2ears o0 age on it 8Is this 2our illegitimate #aughter$8 8She is m2 cousin 4ho is going to live here starting to#a2 8 81ka2 8 89er name is Shiina &ashiro We)re going to meet at the station right at si=3 so please go get her 0or me at that time 8 8What$8 8I sai# 4e)re going to meet at the station right at si=3 so please go get her 0or me at that time Can 2ou hear me no4$8
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Volume 1
8It-s 7ecause I)ve hear# 2ou that I)m asking 4hat 2ou)re talking a7out<8 8I)m going to the mi=er later , #octor3 2eah3 a #octor< *his is a har# to get kin# o0 target Cook3 I)ve got something important that I can)t miss< 9o4ever3 look at 2ou3 2ou)ve got spare time3 right$ ?our 0ace is printe# 4ith )I)ve got a lot o0 spare time) 8 8,n# 2ou)re sa2ing 4or#s that a teacher shoul# re0rain 0rom ever speaking again ?ou sure are in a goo# moo# again to#a2 9o4 venera7le 2ou are$ 9o4ever3 I can)t help 2ou to#a23 7ecause I have to 0igure out 4hat I 4ant to #o 4ith m2 li0e 72 tomorro4 8 8What are 2ou talking a7out$8 8It 4as 2ou 4ho sai# I nee# to han# in the career choice surve2<8 81h3 ,ll 2ou nee# to #o is to 4rite something like )pilot) 8 8I)m not in junior school an2more<8 8), rich man) is also 0ine 8 8Isn)t that 4orse$<8 8?ou)re such a sting2 man I0 2ou can)t think o0 an2thing no matter 4hat3 then just 4rite )receive 0urther e#ucation)3 an# the teachers in the sta00 room are satis0ie# 8 8Can)t 2ou ask %in to #o it$ 9e)s also 0ree 8 8*hat )Bmperor o0 Sleepovers) isn)t here *o#a23 he)s pro7a7l2 using that han#some 0ace that he is prou# o0 an# his energetic lo4er-hal0 to take some ran#om la#2 to heaven 8 8,re 2ou seriousl2 a teacher$ 9ave some o0 the sel0-a4areness o0 a person 4ho has such a sacre# #ut2< %ee;<8 8*he sel0-a4areness o0 someone 4ith a sacre# #ut2$ I)ve le0t that a long time ago in m2 0ather)s testicles 8 8Wuahh3 9o4 scar23 *hat)s the 0irst time I)ve ever hear# the 4or# testicles coming 0rom a 0emale ,s e=pecte# o0 someone 4ith their
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Volume 1
age over 3A People at the level o0 0emale ,ma;on 4arriors sure have un7elieva7le strengths 8 Chihiro)s e2e7ro4s t4itche# 8Who)s thirt2 2ears ol#$< I)m still t4ent2-nine an# 0i0teen months<8 She stampe# the 0loor so har# it :uake# Keeling the potential ha;ar#3 Sorata gave up in sa2ing 4hat he 4as a7out to sa2> )?ou certainl2 are a 0emale ,ma;on 4arrior) 89o4 a7out ,kasaka$ 9e must 7e here3 mustn-t he$8 Sorata looke# at the 4all o0 a room In the room3 4ith room num7er 1A23 live# a programming #esigner in the same gra#e as him3 ,kasaka /2uunosuke 8*here)s no 4a2 that shut-in 4oul# come out< Please have some common sense 4hen 2ou talk ,hh3 I)ll 7e late i0 I #on)t hea# out no4< I)m leaving m2 cousin to 2ou /emem7er to take care o0 it 0or me<8 Chihiro opene# the #oor vigorousl2 in a terri02ing manner ,t the same moment3 a hinge loosene#3 an# the #oor hung aske4 1ne o0 the cats purre# to com0ort Sorata3 telling him ho4 meaningless it 4as 0or him to tighten the loose hinge Sorata glare# at the traces o0 Chihiro an# trie# to use his ps2chic po4ers to sen# her )2ou)re going to 0ail in 2our mi=er) ,0ter that3 he picke# up his phone that 4as on the 0loor an# message# /2uunosuke 9e receive# a repl2 at an ama;ing spee# EE &aster /2uunosuke is currentl2 #eveloping a mi##le4are 0or S compan2 that is use# to compress soun# It soun#s 7oring3 7ut he still continues to #o it 7ecause o0 the sense o0 responsi7ilit2 he has in the jo7 So3 even though it is Sorata)s message3 I)m sorr2 that I can)t 0or4ar# it to master /2uunosuke Sorr2 0or the inconvenience
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Volume 1
I hope 2ou can un#erstan# H *he mai# 4ho is also responsi7le 0or secretar2 4ork FF *he mai# is an ,I /2uunosuke #evelope# that can repl2 to messages automaticall2 *hough Sorata 4as uncertain o0 ho4 it 4as #evelope#3 it 4as surprisingl2 emotional an# inconceiva7l2 smart ,lthough it 4as onl2 capa7le o0 ever2#a2 4or#s3 an# even misspelt some 4or#s3 its replies 4ere still accurate an# 0itting ,n# it 4as ver2 interesting Sorata 4oul# talk to her a7out li0e3 practice #ating a girl an# 4hatnot 4hen he has nothing to #o Nevertheless3 he ha# no time to#a2 0or a game o0 tra#ing messages 4ith the electronic mai# 9e sent a message again3 hoping 0or a response *his time he got a repl2 4ithin a secon# EE I0 2ou keep 7eing irrational3 then 2ou)ll get punishe# *he punishment 0or 7eing too anno2ing is a virus I)m a7out to sen# to 2ou MLigglesN H *he mai# 4ho is also capa7le o0 making viruses FF 81h shit<8 Krightene# o0 4hat might come3 Sorata imme#iatel2 sent another message to e=plain to it 9e caught himsel0 7e0ore he reall2 4as sent a program that 4oul# #amage the s2stem o0 his phone3 turning his ne4 phone intro trash EE It)s great that 2ou un#erstan# What a 4aste o0 not 7eing a7le to use the virus I prepare# strenuousl2 H *he mai# 4ho 4ishes to soon 7ecome a human FF *hinking o0 the ,I3 Sorata sen# another message in apolog2 When he 4as in the mi##le o0 t2ping the message3 he sighe# 8,las3 the stu#ents an# teachers here are all 0reaks I0 I #on)t get a4a2 0rom here something 7a# 4ill reall2 happen I might as 4ell
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Volume 1
go nuts
When can I return to m2 regular li0e$ Who can save me$8
*hen he looke# in #etail at a photo he just got It 4as a 0air girl 4earing a large stra4 hat an# #resse# in a completel2 4hite 4estern-st2le #ress *here 4as no e=pression on her 0aceHshe #i#n)t even smile to the camera 9er transparent e2es looke# as i0 the2 4ere looking at some4here 7e2on# the camera , pain came over Sorata)s heart as he looke# at the photo 9e 4on#ere# i0 it 4as 7ecause o0 the mist2 an# clou#2 0eeling o0 a 7roken o7ject that photo gave him *he girl looke# ver2 similar to something , cat purre# 8 ?ep3 she looks just like 2ou gu2s 0rom 7e0ore 8 9e looke# at the cat that 4as 7rushing 7et4een his 0eet Imagining a girl looking up at him 0rom insi#e a car#7oar# 7o=3 the sense o0 #evastation it 7rought to him 4ith this in min# almost cause# him to pass out
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Volume 1
Part 2
*he :uickest 4a2 to get 0rom Sakurasou to the station 4as through the re# 7rick strip mall It 4as a 0a7ulous3 retro3 an# historical place (eing 7orn an# gro4n up here3 Sorata remem7ere# this street as one o0 the places he pla2e# aroun# 4hen he 4as small ,s such3 most o0 the people here greete# him as he 4ent through the street *he 0ishmonger 4oul# sa23 81h3 aren)t 2ou Kana#a)s 7o2$ *he mackerel is great to#a2 8 *he proprietor o0 the 7utcher2 up at the 0ar 0ront 4oul# sa23 8?aaahh3 are 2ou Sorata$ What #o 2ou 4ant to 7u2 to#a2$ I can give 2ou a cro:uette3 on the house 8 Sorata #i#n)t 7u2 an2thing3 7ut he took the cro:uette o00ere# 72 the kin# la#2 8Sorata I haven)t seen 2ou 0or ages *he school 2ou)re no4 in is Suiko3 isn)t it$8 *hat 4as his 0rien# 0rom mi##le school 4ho 4as looking a0ter the vegeta7le shop right no4 Neigh7ourhoo# 7on#s that 4ere lost in ur7an cities still e=iste# in this street Perhaps re#eveloping this street 4oul#n)t pro0it an2one much (esi#es3 ever2one like# the capital o0 the Suimei @niversit2 o0 the ,rts the 4a2 it 4as ,roun# three 2ears ago3 there opene# a ne4 7ig supermarket that o00ere# a cheap an# large variet2 o0 pro#ucts 9o4ever3 Sorata still love# this strip mall It 4as a com0orting place 0or him ,n# it 4as this kin# o0 0eeling that others 4ho live# aroun# here
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Volume 1
ha# that supporte# the strip mall until no4 Stu00ing his mouth 4ith the cro:uette3 Sorata ha# arrive# at the station 7e0ore he reali;e# it Bven though the station 4as name# the ,rts @niversit2 Station3 it took even a#ults 0i0teen minutes to 4alk 0rom here to the universit2 Bver2 2ear there 4oul# 7e unkno4ing stu#ents 4ho rush here at the last minute 4oul# 0all victim an# lament at their mis0ortune *his has 7ecome a 0amous stor2 aroun# here *here 4as onl2 one 7arrier in the station3 so resi#ents on the other si#e ha# to 4alk across the level crossing to 7u2 tickets3 4hich 4as e=tremel2 inconvenient Sorata 4aite# on the steel3 roun# 0ence that 4as in 0ront o0 the 7arrier 9e took out the photo in his 4allet an# ha# a look at the girl again 9er name 4as &ashiro Shiina What a strange name Chihiro sai# she 4as her cousin3 7ut their age #i00erence seeme# huge When he 4as thinking over this3 the ne=t train ha# entere# the station Normall2 mi##le an# high school stu#ents 4oul# get o00 the train in groups aroun# this time3 4hich 4as a0ter school 9o4ever3 it 4as spring 7reak no4 *here 4ere onl2 a han#0ul o0 uni#enti0ie# passengers 4ho one coul# not guess 0rom their appearance their ages an# 4hat the2 #o ?et3 Sorata recogni;e# one 0ace out o0 the 0e4 *he o4ner o0 the 0ace also recogni;e# him 9e 4i#ene# his e2es in surprise an# 4alke# to him 4ith light steps 8What are 2ou #oing here$ ?ou aren)t 4aiting 0or me3 are 2ou$8
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Volume 1
8No 8 810 course 8 &itaka %in smile# I #i#n)t think there 4as an2thing 0unn2 though %in ha# 7ro4n hair an# 4as tall an# slim 1ne coul# sense his #aringness 4hen one 4as near him3 7ut ten#erness 4as 4hat he e=u#e# overall *he clean an# shin2 glasses he 4as 4earing ma#e an intellectual statement 9e ha# a 0la4less han#someness even in Sorata)s opinion *his 4as 4h2 Sorata coul# un#erstan# 4h2 he 4as so popular It 4as not surprising to see a kiss mark on his neck3 this 4as ever2#a2 7usiness %in live# in room 1A3 o0 Sakurasou 9is specialit2 is to guess the (W9 o0 a clothe# 4oman 8What are 2ou hol#ing in 2our han#s$ It)s ver2 aromatic 8 %in prie# into the small 7ag o0 cro:uettes *he curiosit2 o0 a chil# appeare# on his 0ace3 #espite his un0lustere# an# mature manner 8It)s the cro:uettes the 7utcher2 gave me on m2 4a2 here 8 89o4 great Please give me some I)ve onl2 eaten 7reak0ast to#a2 8 %in stu00e# his mouth 4ith cro:uettes3 looking like he 4as eating them 4ith a gusto 8?ou)re 0a7ulous Sorata 8 8Bh$8 8?ou can alrea#2 get such #elicious cro:uettes just 72 4alking through the strip mall What a genius 2ou are ?ou have m2 respect 8 8?ou)re more 0a7ulous as 2ou can make 0emales pregnant just 72 4alking through the roa# 8
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Volume 1
89e2 I)ve use# goo# preventive measures 8 8,n# isn)t &isaki-senpai)s anime 4ell-receive#$8 %in 4rote the script o0 the anime a0ter all 8*hat)s just 7ecause it 4as ma#e 72 &isaki She 4as a 0reak since long ago &mm It)s tast2 I love the cro:uettes here 8 Perceiving that %in 4ante# to change the su7ject3 Sorata stoppe# #igging 0urther 4ith his :uestion 8I 4ill sa2 thanks to the la#2 4ho gave me the cro:uettes later Cet me tell her that 2ou 4ere the one 4ho praise# her 8 8/ight ?ou)re a resi#ent here 8 8?es 8 8*hen 4h2 #o 2ou still have to live in the #ormitor2$8 8Wh2 4oul# 2ou come up 4ith this :uestion at this time$ (ut never min#3 it)s nothing special 8 H It happene# aroun# one 2ear ago It 4as the #a2 4hen he got his results o0 his high school e=aminations Sorata coul#n)t even #ream that he coul# 7e accepte# into a universit2 *o cele7rate it3 he 4ent to karaoke 4ith his 0rien#s3 singing an# pla2ing aroun# ecstaticall2 Singing into the mi#night an# coming home a0ter that3 he 4as greete# 72 his 0ather 4ho 4as stan#ing in the living room like the Nr2ana51'6 8?ou are alrea#2 a high school stu#ent I think I)ll give 2ou the right to choose 8 8What$8
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Volume 1
8Bither come 4ith us to Kukoaka3 or sta2 here alone 8 What his #a# sai# as he crosse# his arms in 0ront o0 his chest 4as completel2 inconceiva7le Sorata looke# helplessl2 at his mum 4ho 4as 4ashing #ishes 4hile humming a song 8Well3 I)ve su##enl2 7een trans0erre# to a ne4 place 0or 4ork 8 81ka2 ,n# so$8 8So 2ou)ll have to choose to come 4ith us or sta2 here 8 8Wait ,ren)t 2ou going there 72 2oursel0$8 8What are 2ou talking a7out$ Son3 i0 I #o so3 I)ll 7e lonel2 8 8?ou shoul# re0rain 0rom speaking o0 #isgusting things like loneliness3 #a#<8 8,n# so3 I)ll also 7ring mum an# ?uuko there 8 8Wh2 #on)t 2ou 7ring me too$8 8(ecause 2our 7eing here or not here has no e00ect on 4hether I)m lonel2 or not 8 81h3 is that so$ 9o4 a7out ?uuko)s school$8 8She has change# school)s alrea#2 8 8*hat)s too 0ast<8 Nevertheless3 Sorata #i#n)t min# 9e coul# have the li0e o0 in#epen#ence he 4ante# at last 8(2 the 4a23 I)ve gone to a real estate agent an# have #eci#e# to sell this house 8 8Wait< ?ou)ve #eci#e# 4a2 too 0ast<8 8I)ve alrea#2 #eci#e# to en# m2 li0e in a 4orl# 0ille# 4ith &entaiko51+6 8 89ave 2ou gone nuts$< Wake up no4< What)s a 4orl# 0ille# 4ith
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Volume 1
&entaiko$ ,pologise to Kukoako imme#iatel2< *here are much more 7etter things there<8 8Calm #o4n I support the 9a4ks51.6 8Who cares<8 8&um3 I can)t take it an2more I certainl2 can)t talk to m2 son in pu7ert2 I never kne4 pu7ert2 4as this trick2 8 8Wait a moment< Wh2 #o 2ou 4ant to en# our conversation like it 4as all m2 0ault<8 9is 0ather le0t an# entere# the 7athroom in a hurr23 seemingl2 not 4anting to talk an2more (ut Sorata #i#n)t 4ant to run a0ter him ,0ter all3 4ho 4oul# 4ant to see their 0ather nake#$ 9is mother then sat in 0ront o0 him 8So3 4hat are 2ou going to #o$ *his is a choice o0 a li0etime 8 8Is the school)s promotion lea0let still here$ 9o4 much it costs to live in the #ormitories$8 8It sa2s it costs 0i0t2 thousan# 2en 0or 7reak0ast an# #inner 8 9is mother ha# an evil smile on her 0ace 8Gammit *here 4ill still 7e a 4a2 i0 I go to 4ork or something 8 8Bh Wh2$ Wh2$ Wh2 isn)t onii-chan51I6 coming together 4ith us$8 9is sister ?uuko in pink3 chil#ish pajamas interrupte# su##enl2 She gra77e# Sorata 72 the han# an# crie#3 8Wh2$ Wh2$8 ,n# rolle# on the 0loor 8I 4anna 7e 4ith 2ou3 onii-chan Gon)t 2ou care a7out 7eing separate# 0rom me$ 9o4 un7elieva7le<8 Sorata)s sister 4as going to 7e in her secon# 2ear o0 mi##le school this ,pril3 7ut the chil#ishness in her 4as 4orr2ing *he con#ition o0 her 7o#2 4as 4eak since long ago3 an# as a result she ha# al4a2s #epen#e# on Sorata to protect an# care 0or her ,n# hence
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Volume 1
the 0irst one that 4oul# #isagree 4ith Sorata)s #a#)s trans0er 4oul# 7e his sister 8I #on)t 4ant to give up the school I trie# so har# to get in to too 8 8?ou)re onl2 motivation to get into that school 4as 7ecause it 4as the closest one to our house< *hen 0in#ing the nearest school in Kukoako 4oul# make up 0or it< ,0ter all3 2our motivation is impure<8 ,0ter that3 ?uuko still #i#n)t 4ant to give in She continuousl2 trie# to persua#e Sorata3 tr2ing to take him 4ith her no matter 4hat ?uuko looke# at Sorata)s un4avering look an# almost crie# Sorata 0elt e=tremel2 uneas2 a7out this ,t last3 ?uuko 7ecame silent 72 her mother)s 4or#s 8Ver2 4ell Stop 7eing so hea#strong3 other4ise 2our 7rother 4ill hate 2ou 8 ,0ter all3 she ha# 7een her mother 0or thirteen 2ears She kne4 ho4 to #eal 4ith her 8I un#erstan# I)ll give up oniichan then 8 ?uuko returne# to her room3 4ith e2es that looke# like a pon2 7eing sol# *he ne=t #a23 Sorata ha# 0inishe# the proce#ures 0or the a#mission to Suiko an# 0or living in the #ormitories 1n the other han#3 his 0amil2 4as 7us2ing preparing to move H *his 4as onl2 a 2ear ago3 7ut Sorata 0elt it happene# much longer ago When he reache# the clima=3 %in 4as laughing his hea# o00 8What an envia7le 0amil2 2ou have 8 8It)s all 7ecause o0 m2 stupi# 0ather 8
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8(ut at least it 4asn)t 7ecause o0 an2 serious reason I #i#n)t prepare 0or an2 tragic stories 8 8&2 0amil2 7reaking apart3 or m2 0ather missing$8 8/ight 8 %in smile# can#i#l2 9e must have use# this 0ace to take #o4n 0emales3 Sorata thought 8So3 4hat are 2ou #oing here$8 8,h3 this 8 Sorata sho4e# the photo he got 0rom Chihiro to %in 8What an a#ora7le girl 8 8?es 8 8She)s aroun# 0ive3 isn)t she$8 8I think so too 8 8Is she 2our sister$8 8No3 she isn)t 8 8?eah 1ka2 I un#erstan# 8 8What #o 2ou un#erstan#$8 8Lo to the police3 Sorata ,#mit that 2ou are a pe#ophile ,n# then3 tell them 2ou)re the instigator o0 the perverte# things that 4ere allege# here I)ll go 4ith 2ou 8 8Wh2 are 2ou sa2ing that 4ith such a serious 0ace< *hat)s not 4hat I meant< It 4as onl2 the teacher 4ho 4ante# me to go to the station to 4elcome the girl<8 8What Is that 4hat happene#$ 9o4 7oring 8 8Go 2ou think it is more interesting i0 I)m the pervert$8 8It)s more interesting than this 7oring realit2 4e)re in3 isn)t it$8 Sorata coul#n)t #etermine ho4 serious %in 4as sa2ing these 4or#s
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Volume 1
72 his e=pression ,0ter their #um7 conversation en#e# 0or a 4hile3 a 7lack ta=i #rove into the circle an# stoppe# at a ta=i station a7out ten metres a4a2 0rom Sorata Sorata acci#entall2 caught a glimpse o0 a 2oung girl 4earing the 0amiliar Suiko uni0orm in the 7ack seat It 4as a ne4 uni0orm3 as she #i#n)t :uite seem to 7e use# to 4earing it She hel# a 7ro4n suitcase in her han#s an# looke# out at the ta=i that le0t her 4ith a 7ore# e=pression *he slight3 phoeni= coloure# e2es gave her a 7it o0 a mature appearance Still3 she shoul# 7e in the same generation as Sorata as she 4as 4earing the same kin# o0 uni0orm 9er permea7le 4hite skin seeme# to have #2e# her surroun#ings 4hite (eing #eepl2 captivate# 72 the magni0icent scene3 Sorata 0i=e# his e2es on her3 clearing ever2thing else in his min#3 an# having onl2 an en#less 4hite 4orl# in his heart 9e gra#uall2 coul#n)t see other things aroun# her3 an# it 7ecame #i00icult to 7reath 9e even 0orgot 4here he 4as at this moment *he 2oung girl looke# as i0 she 4as stan#ing on a large glacier alone Sorata ha# 7ecome the slave o0 such a misperception 8*hat girl looks uni:ue ,m I right3 Sorata$8 8 8 8Sorata$8 Sorata 0elt that %in sai# something3 7ut he ha#n)t the attention to hear 4hat it 4as *he girl 4alke# to him slo4l2 an# :uietl2 I0 2ou 4ere to use a cat to #escri7e her3 she 4oul# 7e like an Iriomote cat52A6 She ha# an a7un#ant insi#e an# 0elt a strong sense o0 e=istence3 2et also ha# a
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Volume 1
#angerous am7ience aroun# her that ma#e her one o0 those en#angere# species ,s i0 vanishing in thin air i0 one 4ere to look else4here3 she gave uneasiness to an2one 4ho 4as looking at her She sat on the long 7ench 7esi#e the circle soun#lessl2 like a #oll She 4as a7out si= metres a4a2 0rom Sorata Gue to a strange nervousness3 Sorata s4allo4e# his saliva har#
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Volume 1
8Bven i0 she is so a#ora7le3 it is ru#e to just stare at her gree#il2 I can completel2 agree that she is the t2pe 2ou like 8 8 8 8She gives o00 a 0eeling o0 someone that people 4oul# 4ant to protect 8 8,ll right Cet me use m2 special po4ers to help 2ou ?eah 9eight> 1'2 cm Weight> !" kilograms 9er (W9 0rom top to 7ottom is +I3 ""3 +. I can)t 7e 4rong a7out this ,re 2ou 4orr2ing that she is a 4ash7oar#$ Gon)t 7e so pessimistic (ecause her 4aist is thin3 her 7reast num7ers shoul# 7e larger than 4hat imagine# a0ter she takes her clothes o00 *rust me 8 Sorata ha# alrea#2 7egun to listen to 4hat %in 4as sa2ing 8What are 2ou sa2ing$ %in-senpai 8 8It)s 7ecause 2ou)re too eas2 to un#erstan# 8 Bven i0 he 4as #ragge# 7ack to realit2 0rom his #ream3 Sorata coul#n)t take his e2es o00 o0 the girl *he girl)s 0ace looke# 0amiliar3 thus he 7egan to look 0or an ans4er to it Surprisingl23 the ans4er 4as 0oun# :uickl2 8,h ?es 8 81ka2 1ka2 ?ou #on)t nee# to get em7arrase# 8 8No It)s her 8 9e 7ecame even more con0i#ent in himsel0 a0ter he spoke it out 8,h$ It)s 2ou that I shoul# ask What are 2ou talking a7out$8 8I ha# al4a2s thought she 4oul# arrive 72 train 8 8Is 2our 7rain oka2$8 8I ,m &eaning *his Picture<8 Sorata han#e# the photo he got 0rom Chihiro to %in
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Volume 1
8I can)t get 2ou3 seriousl2 8 8Korget it 8 Sorata stoo# up 0rom the steel 0ence an# approache# the 2oung girl sitting on the 7ench 8What colour #o 2ou 4ant to 7ecome$8 Sorata #i#n)t kno4 it 4as the girl)s voice at 0irst 9e 4oul# have hear# it i0 he ha#n)t put so much 0ocus on her Sorata met his e2es 4ith her3 4ho 4as looking up It 4as just this that cause# him to 4aver 8&e$8 She lightl2 no##e# 8I)ve never thought a7out it 8 8*hen please #o 8 8I)m not sure 4hat I)ll think in the 0uture3 7ut to#a2 it)s iri#escent5216 8 8Is that a colour$8 8,ctuall2 it is a colour like a rain7o4 In some sense it)s an am7iguous colour 8 8*hat)s ver2 interesting 8 89o4 a7out 2ou$8 8Bh$8 8What colour #o 2ou 4ant to 7ecome$8 8I)ve never thought a7out it 8 8What 8 8&a27e 4hite 0or no4 8 8It)s the same as 2our name 8
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8 8 She looke# at Sorata surprise# 8I)m sorr2 I)m not an2one suspicious I am Kan#a Sorata3 an# Chihiro-sensei calle# me to 4elcome 2ou ?ou shoul# alrea#2 kno4 this3 shoul#n)t 2ou$8 8Calle# 72 Chihiro-sensei$8 8What the Sensei)s so unreasona7le 8 Sorata took out the photo an# compare# it 4ith the girl in 0ront o0 him It 4as impossi7le to recogni;er her just 72 looking at the photo Sorata coul# recogni;e her 7ecause the 0eeling she gave him 4as the same *he 2oung girl in 0ront o0 him 4as &ashiro Shiina 89o4 man2 2ears 7ack is this photo sensei gave me$ She)s three times that age no4 8
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Volume 1
Part 3
H Shoul# I just take her 7ack to Sakurasou like this$ &ashiro Shiina 4alke# 7esi#e him in a spee# like she 4as a7out to stop at an2 moment Sorata pon#ere# over 4hat to #o 4hile looking at &ashiro)s 0ace &ashiro ha# a petite 7o#23 a 4eak voice3 :uiet an# impertur7a7le 7ehaviour3 a constant mien3 an# no e=pression on her 0ace Stan#ing 7esi#e her 4as like stan#ing on thin ice that 4as a7out to crack She 4as like a #elicate3 glass cra0t that 4oul# 7reak once touche# *his 4as the impression &ashiro ma#e Su##enl23 she sai#3 85Sorata6 is not 7a# 8 8Bh$8 8It soun#s nice I like it 8 Sorata 4as charme# In short3 &ashiro 4as a gulli7le3 2oung girl 9o4ever Sorata looke# at it3 &ashiro #i#n)t reall2 match the 0eeling o0 Sakurasou Sakurasou 4as a place gathere# 4ith people 4ho surpasse# common sense an# 4ho 4ere 7rimming 4ith personalit2 It 4as a nest o0 e=traor#inar2 humans Kamiigusa &isaki 4as an alien3 ,kasaka /2uunosuke 4as a shutin3 &itaka %in 4as the emperor o0 sleepover3 even the teacher Sengoku Chihiro 4as a person 4ho hate# to #o trou7ling things an# #i# ever2thing as she pleases %in3 4ho ha# 7een here 4ith them at the station 4as no4 gone
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Volume 1
*hanks to him3 Sorata 4as 0orce# to 7e alone 4ith a girl just 0irst met *he more he 4ante# to sa2 something smart3 the more #i00icult it 7ecame to think up o0 an2thing to talk a7out It 4as also a result o0 &ashiro)s last statement Sorata)s 0ace ha# turne# completel2 re# 9o4ever3 it 4as his poor looks3 that ma#e Sorata 4illing to give his all 8So 8 8?eah$8 8?ou)re going to stu#2 in Suiko$8 &ashiro shook her hea# lightl2 8*rans0er into the school 8 8,h3 ?eah So 2ou)re in gra#e 2$8 *his time &ashiro no##e# her hea# lightl2 8We)re in the same 2ear 8 9er limpi# e2es looke# up 0rom the corner 4ith no change in her e=pression at all Sorata turne# a4a2 in em7arrassment *he2 continue# 4alking to Sakurasou in silence )It seeme# like onl2 I coul# 7ecome her shiel# &2 opponent is har# to han#le3) thought Sorata *he2 coul# see the roo0top o0 Sakurasou alrea#2 H No sooner ha# the2 arrive# Sakurasou3 #i# a moving compan2
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Volume 1
truck leave *he truck starte# its engine ear-piercingl2 an# vanishe# in the #irection to4ar#s the station Sorata helpe# &ashiro put her luggage 7esi#e the gate 8Come in no4 8 *hat 7eing sai#3 Sorata le# her into the #ormitar2 ,0ter that3 &isaki rushe# #o4nstairs 0rom the secon# 0loor3 4ith the pace o0 a pre#ator seeing its pre2 No She jumpe# She 7u00ere# it 4ith her kneecap just like a 4il# animal 8JWelcome to Sakurasou<J8 She pulle# the 7anger in her han# an# 7luntl2 an# hit it right at Sorata 4ho 4as stan#ing in 0ront o0 Shiina Sorata imme#iatel2 struck 7ack3 72 chopping her hea# 4ith his han# 8Wuahh< What are 2ou #oing to a mai#en<8 8I0 2ou)re going to call 2oursel0 a mai#en3 please stop sleeping in m2 room<8 8JIt)s 0ine< I haven)t even kisse# I)m a ne4 pro#uct 0rom hea# to toe-8 &ashiro looke# at them 7lankl2 8N-No Senpai is onl2 m2 senpai We #on)t have an2 suspicious relationship< Please #on)t have an2 creep2 misun#erstan#ing3 oka2$8 8JBh What$ Kouhai-kun is alrea#2 intereste# in &ashiro-chan alrea#2$J8 8No< Wait 9o4 #i# 2ou kno4 she)s Shiina$8 8Ver2 4ell Gon)t just stan# there 9urr2 in an# take her to her room 8 8It)s 2ou 4ho is 7locking our 4a23 oka2<8
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Volume 1
8JI 0inall2 have a neigh7our< Will she sta2 over at m2 place3 or invite me to sta2 over at her place$ Will she #iscuss her love trou7les 4ith me$ Wa3 I)m e=cite#<J8 Pushing &isaki in ecstas2 asi#e3 Sorata 7rought &ashiro up to the secon# 0loor3 4here males are prohi7ite# 0rom going up to *he #oorplate o0 room 2A2 4as 4ritten 4ith 8&ashiro)s /oom8 an# #ra4n 4ith enigmatic cartoons 8JI ma#e this last night J8 &isaki ha# come up out o0 no4here alrea#2 an# 4as no4 approaching them 7ol#l2 8?ou 4ere pla2ing vi#eo games last night 8 Completel2 una00ecte#3 &isaki opene# the #oor 4ithout the o4ner)s consent 8Creak<8 /ecalling 0rom Sorata)s memor23 it 4as an empt2 room 4ith nothing insi#e No4 there 4as a 7e#3 a #ressing ta7le3 a #esk3 a computer connecte# to a large monitor3 an# clothes in the luggage that 4ere neatl2 place# 8J9o4)s this$ &2 4ork e00icienc2 is ama;ing While 2ou 4ere out3 I)ve alrea#2 #one ever2thing It)s just too a4esome< *he moving compan2< So pro0essional< ?ou gu2s are certainl2 pro0essional<J8 &isaki 4as strangel2 elate#3 pu00ing out her chest 4ith pri#e3 as i0 it 4as all her 4ork 8?ou)ve #one nothing actuall2 8 8JI)ve 7een 4atching them closel2 on the si#e J8 &ashiro 4ho 4as a7out to enter the room looke# at their conversation 7lankl2 8Shiina ,re 2ou reall2 planning to sta2 here$8
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8?es 8 She sai# it like a 7ree;e 9er voice 4as small3 7ut it 4as articulate# an# clear3 as i0 the soun# itsel0 4as inconceiva7le *he sa# thing is the emotion in her voice sta2e# insipi# 4henever she spoke 9e 4oul# 7ecome an=ious just 72 looking at her 0rom her si#e What is 4rong 4ith that strange 0eeling he ha#$ 8J,h I)m reall2 happ2 as 4e)re companions in the ,rts Gepartment J8 In#ulge# an# 0ascinate#3 &isaki 4ante# to stick to &ashiro3 7ut 4as halte# 72 Sorata 4ho presse# on her hea# 8Shiina ,re 2ou in the ,rts Gepartment$8 *he ,rts Gepartment ha# an un7elieva7l2 lo4 acceptance rate It shoul# 7e #i00icult to trans0er into the school 8?es 8 &ashiro replie# 0latl2 an# calml2 8J?ou)re much too naive an# ine=perience# ?ou reall2 #on)t kno4 an2thing In0ormation is the ke2 to 4inning in mo#ern 4ars Someone like 2ou is just going to lose ever2 single time 9o4 misera7le I reall2 4ant to 7in# 2ou 4ith a rope<J8 Sorata suppresse# &isaki 72 sa2ing3 )Whatever ) *r2ing to gui#e her 7ack to the right track 8*hen 4hat #o 2ou kno4$ Senpai 8 8J&ashiro-chan is super 0amous in the 4orl# o0 contemporar2 #esign art< It is allege# that she 4ent to Bnglan# 4hen she 4as small to receive elite e#ucation J8 *hen that implie# that she 4as one o0 those 4ho 4ent there an# returne# 9er inconceiva7le 7ehaviour3 her slo4 rh2thm o0 speech3 an# the special am7iance aroun# her might 7e ascri7e# to the 0act that she live# overseas 0or a long time
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Volume 1
8J, 0e4 o0 her #ra4ing ha# alrea#2 7een sho4case# in art galleries an# ha# 4on a4ar#s< 9er #ra4ings seem to have a high value J8 (ase# on that3 &ashiro #i#n)t #en2 4hat she sai#3 this ought to 7e true Nevertheless3 I am not :uite sure o0 ho4 things 4ork in the art 4orl# 89o4 0amous is she in terms o0 Shinkansen$8 8JShe o0 course is the )No;omi)<J8 8*hat)s incre#i7le 8 With her arms akim7o52263 &isaki ha# a prou# attitu#e> )9o4)s that$ ,re 2ou convince# no4$) 8*hat)s 7ecause 2ou)re a stu#ent o0 the ,rts Gepartment a0ter all 8 8JWh2)s that$J8 8*hat)s 4h2 2ou)# kno4 a7out Shiina 8 8No I hear# it 0rom Chihiro 2ester#a2 8 8*hen 4h2 are 2ou still keeping that attitu#e<8 8JI still 4in even i0 I ha# kno4n it one secon# earlier than 2ou Kuhahahaha<J8 Sorata choppe# on her hea# to her sill2 smileD ho4ever3 &isaki 7locke# it #irectl2 8J?ou can)t use the same move t4ice against me J8 )I0 that is the case3 let me smack at 2our 0orehea# hori;ontall2 4ith m2 7ackhan#)3 Sorata thought 8JWuaghh< It hurts Kouhai-kun3 are 2ou a kin#ergar#en ki# 4ho likes to grope girls$J8 8I #on)t have an2 0eelings to 2ou3 Senpai3 e=cept 0or impatience<8 8JI kno4 2ou)re tr2ing to 0ake 2our age no4 I also kno4 2ou 4ant
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Volume 1
to make 2oursel0 to look like an a#ult at 2our age< (ut l2ing isn)t the 4a2 to #o it< %ust a 4hile ago 2ou trie# to rush into the 7athroom to sneak upon me 4ho 4as nake# an# at the en# 2ou even shot nose 7loo#< It)s o7vious that 2ou)re e=cite# to m2 4et 7o#2< ,n# 2et 2ou)re so sh2 9o4 cute<J8 8What$< *hat 4as just an acci#ent 7ecause 2ou neglecte# the rules o0 the 7athing time< I 4as the victim3 not 2ou< Live m2 re# an# 4hite 7loo# cells 7ack to me<8 8JI)m stunning 4hen I)m nake#<J8 8?ou)re alrea#2 stunning 4hen 2ou)re not <8 Sorata su##enl2 remem7ere# that &ashiro 4as also here so he move# his ga;e to4ar#s her 4ith trepi#ation *o his surprise3 there 4as no e=pression on her 0ace She 4as onl2 staring at Sorata an# &isaki 7lankl2 8Bh Gi# 4e scare 2ou o00$8 8Wh2$8 8*he conversation 4e ha# just then 8 &ashiro tilte# her hea#3 having a 0ace o0 ignorance 9er charming 7ehaviour ma#e Sorata speechless 8J)Gammit3 She)s so cute ) *his is 4hat Kouhai-kun 4ant to sa23 isn)t it$ It)s just too 7latant J8 8Can)t 2ou sta2 :uiet even i0 2ou kno4$<8 Sorata graspe# his 0ist an# s4irle# it vi7rantl2 on &isaki)s hea# 81uch 1uch 1uch 1uch 1uch 1uch<8 8?ou gu2s are still getting along prett2 4ell 8 *urning his hea# to the voice3 Sorata sa4 Chihiro 4alking to them like a ;om7ie It looke# like she #i#n)t succee# in the mi=er3 pro7a7l2 that 4as 7ecause o0 Sorata)s curse
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Volume 1
Walking 7ehin# Chihiro 4as %in 4ho got a4a2 at the station %in looke# at Sorata an# &isaki 4ith a 7a# moo#3 hol#ing a shopping 7ag 4ith 7oth han#s Insi#e the 7ag 4ere hotpot 0oo#s3 snacks3 an# juice ,0ter %in met his e2es 4ith Sorata3 he #e=terousl2 smile# 72 upping the corner o0 his lips 89er 4elcoming part2 shoul# nee# these stu00 8 8Sensei3 2ou)re 7ack so earl2 So3 haven)t 2ou 0oun# a hus7an# a0ter all$8 8?ou #are look #o4n upon me *here 4asn)t even a #octor< ,ll o0 them 4ere just l2ing< 9o4 #aring o0 them to lie a7out their e=periences 8 8Sensei3 2ou also lie a7out 2our age ?ou)re no 7etter than them 8 Chihiro once sai# she 4as 0orever t4ent2-seven at the mi=er 8,las3 /eall2< 9o4 I 4ish ever2 luck2 one to #ie 8 8JChihiro Live it 2our all Kouhai-kun sai# i0 2ou can)t 0in# a hus7an#3 he)ll 7e 2our hus7an# J8 8I)ve never sai# that<8 8?ou)re right It 4oul# 7e plausi7le a0ter 0ive 2ears 8 8Never<8 8(ut3 I)ve never thought she 4oul# reall2 come 8 Chihiro turne# her ga;e to &ashiro3 soun#ing out 4hat &ashiro 4as no4 thinking Chihiro looke# at &ashiro pro0oun#l23 so she 4as assure# she 4as right 8?eah 8 &ashiro replie# in an e=tremel2 small voice 8Sensei3 can I ask a :uestion a7out that$8 8,ll I 4ant no4 is to 7eat up people3 so keep it short 8
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8*hen let it 7e one :uestion 8 ,ctuall2 Sorata ha# man2 more :uestions he 4ante# to ask Kor e=ample3 4h2 4oul# someone come here 4hen he or she is alrea#2 learning arts overseas$ *here 4ere also some :uestions a7out her parents Sorata picke# the :uestion he care# a7out the most in a stack o0 :uestions 8Wh2 #i# Shiina move to Sakurasou$ *here shoul# 7e vacant rooms in normal #ormitories 8 8Go I even have to e=plain$8 8No I have no i#ea 8 8*hat is 7ecause this is the most suita7le place 0or &ashiro 8 8,h$8 8?ou 4ill kno4 a0ter a 4hile3 especiall2 2ou 8 ,t the en#3 Sorata still coul#n)t un#erstan# the reason 7ehin# the strange glimmer 0lickering in Chihiro)s e2es
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Volume 1
Part 4
8I)m so sleep2 I reall2 4ant to sleep no4 8 ,s he pon#ere# 4h2 to#a2 4asn)t part o0 the spring 7reak3 he gra77e# himsel0 up his 7e# reluctantl2 *he reason 0or his insu00icient sleep 4as &isaki)s 0ault /ecentl2 ever2thing that 4ent 4rong ha# to 7e 7ecause o0 her (e it glo7al 4arming3 stock #isaster3 rise o0 the %apanese #ollar3 or the retirement o0 the Concor#e jet an# the Spee# B=press Bver2thing ha# to 7e &isaki)s 0ault3 it ha# to 7e *he reason 0or his late sleep 4as 7ecause o0 the 4elcoming part2 0or &ashiro Chihiro still coul#n)t thro4 o00 the set7ack 0rom the mi=er an# shut hersel0 in the room like ,kasaka /2uunosuke ,s a result3 Sorata3 &isaki3 an# %in 4ere the onl2 ones responsi7le to 4elcome &ashiro ,roun# the hotpot that %in prepare#3 &isaki spoke en#lessl2 4ith ease 4ithout even the slightest panting 1n the other han#3 Sorata 7ecame the shiel# 0or &ashiro to protect her 0rom 7eing harme# ,lthough &ashiro ha#n)t sho4n a sign that she 4as anno2e# 72 &isaki3 she ha#n)t the slightest change to %in)s humorous jokes3 so it 4as har# to kno4 ho4 she 0elt *hough #i00erent 0rom usual people in man2 places3 she 4as essentiall2 chaste an# :uiet3 as i0 she 4oul# vanish3 i0 an2one ha# not 7een looking closel2 at her *his 4as the ne4 impression that &ashiro gave to Sorata I0 Sorata #i#n)t protect her meticulousl23 she might not survive in Sakurasou Sorata s4ore to himsel0 to give his all to sa0eguar# her ,0ter 0inishing the last meal3 the mi=e# congee3 &isaki #re4 a acro7at3 4ho somersaulte# 7ack4ar# 4ith his han#s on a hori;ontal 7ar3 on an Bnglish te=t7ook she ha# never use# 0or three
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Volume 1
2ears as a #ivertissement *he :ualit2 o0 the te=ture in her picture 4as compara7le 4ith pictures in animes ,0ter that3 &ashiro took out a sketch7ook 0rom her suitcase an# #re4 the seven cats aroun# her ,t the moment Sorata sa4 the picture3 the picture gave him the creeps as the seven cats #ra4n on the sketch7ook looke# as i0 the2 4ere a7out to move3 an# that looke# even more real than the real cats *his #ra4ing 4as no4 stuck onto the 4all o0 Sorata)s room *he part en#e# last night at hal0-past elevenD ho4ever3 Sorata 4as 0orce# 72 &isaki to pla2 vi#eo games 4ith her until just no4 9e coul#n)t remem7er 4hen 4as the time he ha# 0allen asleep3 7ut at least it 4as a miracle that he 4as no4 a4ake on his 7e# an# ha#n)t 2et seen &isaki aroun# him 9e slightl2 remem7ere# %in 4ho simpl2 pulle# &isaki a4a2 an# re:uire# her to sleep in her o4n room Nevertheless3 he coul#n)t #istinguish 4hether it 4as a #ream or 4hat reall2 happene# Scarcel23 ha# he got out o0 his room #i# a soun# came 0rom the #oor 9e looke# a0ar 8J,2ahh<J8 &isaki crie# out lou# as she #ashe# out Sorata 4on#ere# 4hether it 4as 7ecause she 4as e=cite# o0 the ne4 term Wh2 4as &isaki 7rimming 4ith liveliness$ Keeling that it 4as un0air3 Sorata remem7ere# 7eing to2e# 4ith last night3 so he #eci#e# to look attentivel2 up her skirt3 seeing 0aintl2 a:ua-7lue panties3 7ut 4as knocke# potentl2 on the hea# 72 %in 7ehin# him &isaki 4as gone3 7ut Sorata)s hea# 4as still in pain 8Gon)t get all horn2 in the morning 8 %in :uickl2 4alke# to the #ining room3 #epriving Sorata the chance
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Volume 1
to complain *hen Chihiro 4alke# up to him 8Sensei3 2ou)re earl2 to#a2 8 It 4as onl2 hal0 past seven to#a23 an# there 4as su00icient time3 an hour 7e0ore school starte# 8Kan#a3 keep this in min#> a man 7ecomes strong a0ter gaining #i00erent kin#s o0 e=periences 8 ,lthough he coul#n)t un#erstan# 4hat this trul2 meant3 7ut he guesse# she 4as allu#ing to the gathering 2ester#a2 ,n# so he #eci#e# not to get to the 7ottom o0 the matter 8Can 2ou 7e in charge o0 &ashiro$ ?ou)ll onl2 nee# to take her to the sta00 room 8 8?eah It)s the 0irst #a2 o0 school a0ter all I)ll sho4 her the roa# 8 Chihiro stretche# 0or4ar# an# poke# Sorata)s chest 8W-What$8 8,re 2ou reall2 going to take her there$ Will 2ou shoul#er the responsi7ilit2 to take her 4ith 2ou$8 8I sai#3 I un#erstan# 8 8Ver2 4ell I)ll han# this all to 2ou<8 8,las *his just 0eels some4hat #isgusting 8 9e 0irst thought Chihiro 4oul# counter him3 7ut at his surprise3 she onl2 4ent a4a2 a0ter snorting3 89ng 9ng8 H 9aving seen her leave3 Sorata looke# at the clock on the 4all> +>!A 9e coul#n)t 0eel the 7reath o0 &ashiro coming #o4nstairs3 so he thought it 4oul# 7e 7etter to 4ake her up
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Volume 1
8I remem7er the secon# 0loor prohi7its males 0rom going up to 8 *he 0loor creake# as Sorata 4alke# up the stairs3 making him a 7it jitter2 9is min# 7egan to think o0 the ho4 &ashiro 4oul# appear in her pajamas an# sleeping *his create# in him a peculiar anticipation Sorata 4asn)t a t2pe o0 person 4ho ha# trou7le #ealing 4ith girls *hat 4as thanks to &isaki 4ho gave him the immunit2 Nevertheless3 coul# an2one count &isaki as a girl$ I0 someone ma2 ask3 Sorata 4oul# pro7a7l2 tell him or her she)s more o0 an alien 9aving 4alke# to &ashiro)s #oor3 Sorata 4as no4 at the ;enith o0 his nervousness 9is a7#omen 7egan to roll a7out at the centre 8,m I ,0rai#$8 9e 4ante# to ease himsel0 upD ho4ever3 his #eli7erate voice 4ent up an# 7ecame even more a4k4ar# 89e2< Shiina< I0 2ou #on)t 4ake up3 2ou)ll 7e late 8 Sorata 0elt his strange call 4as 0utile *here 4as no repl2 Sorata 4on#ere# i0 she ha# hear# him or not ,n# then Sorata turne# to knocking the #oor 8Shiina< Wake up< 1h gosh3 she reall2 is not respon#ing 8 9e knocke# the #oor 4ith more strength Knock3 knock3 knock *he cruel truth 4as that the onl2 response he got 4as silence 9e hel# onto the #oorkno73 su##enl2 remem7ering 4hat he 4as a7out to 7e #oing 8No No Wait Wait *his isn)t &isaki senpai)s room 9o4 can the #oor 7e unlocke#8 *o con0irm it he lightl2 turne# the #oorkno73 there 4as no resistive 0eel (2 this 0eeling he 4as sure the #oor 4as unlocke#
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Volume 1
8I)ve alrea#2 sai#3 this isn)t &isaki senpai)s room 1pening it 4ithout notice 4oul# 7e 7a# 8 *hat 7eing sai#3 nothing 4oul# happen i0 he just calle# her 0rom the outsi#e 8*here)s no other 4a2 to #o it then 8 9e meaninglessl2 0oun# e=cuses 0or himsel0 4hile hol#ing on to the #oorkno7 9e slo4l2 turne# the #oorkno73 peeking in 4ith the small crevice 8Bh$8 Speechless3 he opene# the #oor 4i#e unconsciousl2 8What happene#$8 *hinking that he 4ent into the 4rong room3 he checke# the #oor num7er in a 0lustere# manner3 room 2A2 It 4as surel2 &ashiro)s room /ight 9e 4as right (ingo ?et 4hat 4as no4 in 0ront o0 him 4as utterl2 #i00erent 0rom that he remem7ere# 2ester#a2 *here 4ere clothes3 un#er4ear3 7ooks3 an# manga scattere# on the 0loor *he carpet 4as gone *he room looke# as i0 having 7een s4ept 72 a hurricane ,n alarm rang in his min#> 8What happene#$8 What 0ollo4e# 4as the 4or# 8thie08 (loo# rushe# to his 7rain an# his 7o#2 7egan to s4eat 89e23 Shiina<8 9e rushe# into the room in panic &ashiro 4asn)t on the 7e# or the 0loor She 4as no4here to 7e seen Bver2 time he looke# aroun#3 he 4oul# panic even more *he room 4as a mess an# &ashiro 4asn)t insi#e
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Volume 1
It 4as a #esperate situation With 7oth o0 his 0eet trem7ling3 Sorata hel# onto the ta7le to sta7ilise himsel0 *he monitor 7rightene# up as Sorata seeme# to have touche# the mouse *he su##en light ma#e Sorata to shriek lightl2 9e looke# at the monitor 4ith resentment In the 7rackets that 4ere cut out 4as a #ra4ing o0 han#some gu2 4ho 4as 0lattering a girl 9e hel# the 0ace o0 the 7lushe# girl an# approache# her gra#uall2 *he art4ork 4as 0antastic an# 4as #ra4n nicel2 *he ratio o0 the hea#s an# the 7o#ies 4ere 0airl2 7alance# so the 4hole picture 4oul#n)t look too real Nevertheless3 some o0 the lines 4ere too much an# too long No matter ho4 he looke# at it3 it looke# like the #ra0t o0 a shoujo manga to him 8Wh2 4oul# &ashiro 8 9e coul#n)t make up 4hat 4as happening on 9is min# stoppe# 0unctioning Something move# at his 0eet Krightene#3 he 7ounce# 7ack an# prie# into the place 7elo4 the ta7le 4ith e=tra care Crampe# in the small space 7elo4 the ta7le3 Shiina &ashiro 4as #elight0ull2 sleeping 4ith 7lankets an# clothes 4rappe# aroun# her *he space 4as like the hut o0 a hamster Sorata heave# a sigh o0 relie0 Loo#3 he thought ,n24a2s3 it)s goo# No3 it)s ver2 goo# 9e looke# aroun# the room ane4 9e pon#ere# in his min# o0 4hat reall2 happene# Su##enl2 something 7lackene# upon his e2es I0 it 4asn)t a thie03 then onl2 one ans4er coul# 7e le0t )Stop Cet me think 0or a moment )
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Sorata 4asn)t tr2ing to #eclare this to an2one 9e close# his e2es an# en#eavoure# to 0in# a plausi7le reason H *he reason 0or this is that she isn)t use# to living in %apan (ut ho4 4oul# an2 citi;en in an2 countr2 pla2 hurricane games in their o4n room$ H &a27e the 4a2 she sleeps is just a 7it poor In 4hich 4a2 4as her sleeping appearance poor$ She 4as alrea#2 sleeping un#er the ta7le H She must have 7een con:uere# 72 aliens *his #oesn)t 0eel like realit2 H No4 that 2ou mention this3 ma27e it)s all a #ream Sorata3 2ou)re still in 2our #ream ),h I see it no4 ?ou)re right *his possi7ilit2 is the highest3) Sorata thought 9aving e=plaine# to himsel0 an# getting his o4n consent3 Sorata got out o0 &ashiro)s room 9e close# the #oor 4ith the 7ack o0 his han# an# inhale# #eepl2 It)s a7out time 0or him to 4ake up 0rom his #ream 9aving ma#e up his min#3 he opene# the #oor Not long3 Sorata 4as li0ting his hea# 4a2 up Certainl23 the room 4as just like 4hat he sa4 then It 4as a picture that 4as impossi7le 0or one to 7elieve someone 4oul# 7e actuall2 living here *hough &ashiro 4ere a 7it #i00erent 0rom normal people in some places3 Sorata ha# al4a2s 7elieve# that she 4oul# 7elong to the group o0 people he 4as in 9e even thought she 4oul# 0inall2 7ecome the oasis o0 his soul 8 1h3 m2 Lo# What have I #one 4rong$8
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*hough #esperate at the 7eginning3 Sorata still #eci#e# to 4alk through the small gaps 7et4een the clothes an# the un#er4ear to the ta7le *o a health2 highschool 7o23 seeing girl)s 4ear scattere# ever24here on the 0loor 4as nast23 especiall2 4hen the2 are vivi# un#er4earHthat 4as the 4orst part 9e trie# not to look3 7ut his ga;e 4oul# still 0loat there Kneeling un#er the ta7le3 Sorata calle# her cautiousl2 8@mm 81i3 1i 8 8 8 *he onl2 soun# 4as a regular 7reathing soun# o0 sleeping 8I 4oul# 7e ver2 gla# i0 2ou can get up-8 8 8 Keeling helpless3 Sorata trie# to pull the e#ges o0 the 7lankets3 7ut 7ecause Shiina 4as hol#ing on them too tightl23 he 0elt a resistive 0orce So he coul# onl2 give it up on this an# resorte# to shaking her shoul#ers 89e2 It)s morning *ime to get up 8 8 &orning 4oul# not come again 8 8No No It is alrea#2 morning< Gon)t sa2 such scar2 things 8 Shiina li0te# her hea#3 7urie# insi#e her clothes an# her un#er4ear3 an# stare# at Sorata 7lankl2 0or a 4hile ,0ter almost a minute3 she 0inall2 met her e2es 4ith those o0 Sorata)s 8&orning 8 8 8 Shiina)s 7e# hair 4ent into the hut again
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&s Shiina$ Woul# 2ou min# getting up$8
She gave no response
Volume 1
8I0 2ou 0all asleep 2ou)ll #ie< It)s 7a# to 7e late at the 0irst #a2 o0 school<8 8 I un#erstan# I)ll get up 8 89e2 ?ou)re une=pecte#l2 sensi7le 8 ,7sent-min#lessl23 Shiina cra4le# out o0 the ta7le an# stoo# up *he 7lankets an# clothes on her 0ell #o4n slo4l2 9er shoul#ers 4ere 0irst e=pose# *hen it 4as her #elicate arms3 a no so ample 7reast3 a thin 4aist3 an# the curve# line o0 her 7uttocks Bver2thing 4as completel2 reveale# upon Sorata)s e2es Kor an instant3 Sorata)s 7loo# 7oile# 8Warghhh<8 Sorata)s mourn0ul cr2 rever7erate# in the room that one 4oul# suspect i0 someone ha# 0oun# 7loo# in their urine 89o4 nois2 8 &ashiro ru77e# her e2es3 pu;;le# 8Wait< ?ou3 2ou3 2ou< Wuaghhh<8 8What$8 8Put on 2our clothes< Wh2 are 2ou nake#< What race #o 2ou 7elong to$8 *hough 4avere# to the e=treme3 Sorata still use# all o0 his rationalit2 that 4as le0t to speak to her 8Kor 4hat$8 8Wake up<8 8 In the 4ashroom 8 8*hen$8 8*ake out the clothes 8 8Ver2 4ell ?ou onl2 nee# to put them on 8
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8*ake them all out 8 81ka2< Stop< ?ou #on)t have to take them all out<8 8*hen I thought it 4oul# 7e 0ine to sta2 like this 8 8What kin# o0 logical interpretation 4as that$< ?ou shoul# at least 7ear some responsi7ilit2 ,lso3 put on 2our clothes< ,n2thing3 just 4ear them on<8 It 4as har# to paci02 himsel0 4hen he kne4 that &ashiro 4as nake# 7ehin# him 8*ime)s running out %ust put on 2our uni0orm<8 Sorata #igge# up a Suiko uni0rom 0rom the mess2 pile o0 clothes an# thre4 it to Shiina *he soun# o0 clothes ru77ing against each other 4as hear# 0rom his 7ack 9is heart 0elt like almost e=plo#ing 81ka2$8 Sorata sai# it a0ter some time he ha# guesse# it 4oul# take 81ka2 8 8Cet me sa23 2ou shoul# at least 8 Sorata turne# his hea# 4hile speaking3 7ut then his mouth 0ro;e &ashiro ha# onl2 covere# her 7o#2 4ith the uni0orm *he 7uttons 4ere all un7uckle#3 an# thus )a lot o0 things) 4ere seen 8In 4hich level #o 2ou think this is oka2$<8 9e s4itche# his 7o#2 once again3 an# can)t help 7ut to kneel #o4n an# hol# his hea# 8What$8 8?ou shoul# kno4<8 8?ou have a pro7lem$8
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8It)s 2ou 4ho has a pro7lem<8 8?eah 8 8What #o 2ou mean 72 )2eah)$ Wear 2our clothes alrea#2<8 *hen another soun# o0 the ru77ing o0 clothes 4as hear# Sorata #eci#e# to 4ait a 7it longer this time #ue to the inci#ent earlier 89-9ave 2ou put on 2our clothes$8 8@n#er4ear$8 8Put it on<8 8Which one shoul# I 4ear$8 8Gon)t let me choose that 0or 2ou<8 8*hen it)s unnecessar2 8 8Wh2 4oul# it 7e unnecessar2$< It 4oul# 7e a #isaster i0 a 4in# 7lo4s< Put it on< Put it on< Please3 put it on<8 Sorata picke# up a light green un#er4ear 0rom the 0loor3 an# thre4 it to Shiina3 shrieking as he #i# it 8*his un#er4ear isn)t cute 8 8Go 2ou have someone to sho4 it to to#a2$<8 8I suppose not 8 8*hen just 7e tolerant an# 4ear it<8 Cr2ing out lou# in the morning almost ma#e his 7rain vessels e=plo#e 9aving a glance at his phone3 the time 4as alrea#2 0i0teen past eight 8Crap 9e2 Shiina 9urr2 up<8 8It)s all right 8 Satis0ie# 0or 4earing her un#er4ear3 &ashiro still ha# a mess2 7e# hair 9er hair coul# almost accommo#ate small 7ir#s3 making a
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huge #i00erence 0rom her proper 0ace It 4as surel2 a tragic sight 8?our hea#< 1r 2our hair3 I mean< Ki= it in the toilet< ,n# 4ash 2our 0ace 4hile 2ou)re at it<8 8Where$8 8Gi#n)t I tell 2ou 2ester#a2$< Come 4ith me<8 Con0use#3 Sorata 4alke# to the 0irst 0loor3 7ut Shiina #i#n)t come 4ith him She 4as coming at a #istance 4ith slo4 steps 8,h Wait *ake o00 2our jacket 7e0ore 2ou 4ash 2our 0ace<8 Sorata hel# Shiina)s jacket an# pushe# her into the toilet 9e use# this vacant time return to his room an# change# his o4n clothes Sorata #i# it in less than a minute3 an# his empt2 7ag 4as soon la2ing on his shoul#ers 9e s4i0tl2 returne# to the toiletD at the same time3 Shiina 4as also coming out *hen3 Sorata gave out a mourn0ul cr2 once again Pro7a7l2 7ecause o0 4ashing her 0ace3 the chest part o0 her uni0orm got all 4et3 transparent an# sticking onto her skin ,n# 7ecause she #i#n)t put on a 7ra3 the not so ample tits an# their tips 4ere completel2 e=pose# 8Wait< ?ou< 9ear me sa2< ?ou shoul# at least 4ear some un#er4ear or something<8 8(ecause 2ou #i#n)t help me to pick them out 8 8Is it m2 0ault no4$ Isn)t that too 4eir#$8 &ashiro slightl2 title# her hea#3 staring 7lankl2 at him Sorata)s common sense ha#n)t an2 e00ect on her In a 7i# to maintain his calmness3 Sorata 4ent to the toilet to gra7 a to4el *he toilet ha# also 7ecome a #rea#0ul sight *he tap 4as spra2ing 4ater like a 0ountain3 an# the toilet 4as alrea#2 0loo#e#
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8Gon)t 2ou have the ha7it o0 taking a 7ath in the morning$<8 8I #on)t 7athe 8 8Gon)t repl2 4ith such glassiness3 2et seriousness<8 8?ou)re anno2ing 8 8Is it me$ Is the pro7lem 7ecause o0 me$8 Sorata close# the tap3 took out all the to4els he coul# 0in#3 an# lai# them on the 0loor o0 the toilet ,t this moment3 4hat Chihiro sai# last night sprang to his min# H *hat3 is 7ecause this is the most suita7le place 0or &ashiro 9e un#erstoo# 4hat she meant no4 H ?ou 4ill kno4 a0ter a 4hile3 especiall2 2ou 8Gammit< *hat teacher3 4ho hates to 7e 7othere#< 9o4 #are o0 her to push ever2thing onto me<8 9e kne4 0in#ing it out no4 4as too late3 2et he still 4ante# to complain 8We 4ill 7e late 0or school 8 81h3 look 4ho)s talking<8 Sorata)s 2elling soun#s that came #eep in his soul pierce# through the spring sk2
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Part 5
In the night3 Sorata e=ploite# #innertime to have a Sakursou meeting on measures to solve the 7ig pro7lem3 Shiina &ashiro Sakurasou meetings are also the times 0or ever2one to #eci#e the rules o0 ho4 the2 live together Bver2thing ranging 0rom meals3 7u2ing things3 cleaning the 4ashroom3 to han#ling leaks an# 7eehives Such peculiar missions 4ere #eci#e# in this meeting 0rom #a2 one *he purpose o0 the meeting to#a2 4as to settle )the #ut2 o0 taking care o0 &ashiro) an# 0in# the appropriate person in charge ,0ter a7out a month o0 not seeing each other3 the2 no4 gather aroun# the roun# ta7le once again In clock4ise #irection there 4ere Chihiro3 &isaki3 %in3 Sorata3 an# &ashiro ,kasaka /2uunosuke3 4ho re0use# to leave his room3 participate# through a chat room With a 0rie# pra4n in his mouth3 &isaki t2pe# on the ke27oar# 4ith tapping soun#s 8?es It isn)t an2thing special 0or me to 0in# ever2one to come here to#a2 It)s just to let ever2one solve a serious pro7lem in Sakurasou together 8 Compare# to Sorata3 4ho 4as talking 4ith a strong voice3 ever2one 4as 0ocusing in his or her #inner3 not pa2ing hee# to 4hat he 4as sa2ing *o revitalise the participants 0rom their #ea# state3 Sorata 7ange# on the roun# ta7le3 )(am<) H ,s a result3 he 4as late this morning ,0ter 4ashing her 0ace3 letting her change into a shirt that 4as the
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same colour as her un#er4ear to replace her soake# uni0orm3 letting her put on her socks an# shoes3 an# ti#2ing up her mess2 hair3 the2 4ere completel2 over time *he2 then #eci#e# to have an elegant 7reak0ast as the2 4ere going to 7e late a0ter all *he2 misse# the 7oring morning ceremon23 7ut at least the2 came in time to sho4 up at the teacher)s lesson When Sorata 4as 7ringing &ashiro to the sta00 room3 Sorata 4as stunne# 72 the 0act that Chihiro #i#n)t scol# him 0or 7eing late3 ma27e 7ecause that the2 4ere earlier than that she thought the2 4oul# have 7een I0 Chihiro ha# 7een certain3 4oul#n)t it 7e a lot 7etter i0 she ha# ma#e things straight a7out Shiina at the 7eginning$ Gue to the stress in the morning3 Sorata 4as completel2 #ea0 to the lessons in the 0irst school term in his secon# gra#e ,0ter school3 Chihiro a#amantl2 thre4 the jo7 o0 school touring 0or Shiina to Sorata Wherever Sorata took &ashiro to3 &ashiro looke# utterl2 unintereste# ,s a result3 Sorata 0elt tire# an# impotent #uring the tour *aking &ashiro 7ack to the starting spot 4as also Sorata)s jo73 as &ashiro coul#n)t even remem7er a route that spans a mere ten minutes ,0ter the tour3 Sorata returne# to the #ormitor2 9o4ever3 &ashiro #i#n)t return a0ter one to t4o hours Worrie#3 Sorata 4ent out to search 0or her 9e 0oun# out that she ha# 7ecome a lost sheep in the school an# 0aile# to 0in# the path that le# to the #ormitor2 Kurthermore3 she 4as completel2 una4are an# sai# she 4as no4
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returning to the #ormitor2 *hings got even 4orse later ,t the roa# 7ack to Sakurasou3 Sorata3 4ho 4as on #ut2 this 4eek to 7u2 things3 pai# a visit to the convenience store to 7u2 milk 0or &isaki at her re:uest &ashiro 4recke# some havoc there She starte# taking 7ig mouth0uls o0 a (aumkuchen5236 place# in the store 7e0ore pa2ing 0or it ,s she took the (aumkuchen 0rom the cup7oar# so #irectl2 an# ate it 4ith such gusto3 Sorata coul#n)t make up 4hat 4as happening 0or a 4hile 8@mm 8Wh2$8 8(ecause I love (aumuchen 8 8I0 ever2thing is permitte# i0 one loves it3 then there 4oul#n)t 7e the nee# 0or the police<8 8Surel2 there 4as still a lot there 8 8(ecause it)s a pro#uct< It)s here to 7e 7ought<8 &ashiro tilte# her hea#3 looking like 4hat he sai# 4as totall2 incomprehensi7le to her 8Shiina3 4hat li0e have 2ou 7een having all these time$8 8Gra4ing 8 8,n#$8 8,n# also #ra4ing 8 8 8 8,n# also #ra4ing 8 8I)ve hear# that< I 4as 4aiting 0or 2ou to sa2 something else<8
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&s Shiina$ What are 2ou #oing$8
8Bating a (aumkuchen 8
Volume 1
When the store manager came in 0or the noise3 Sorata 0elt utterl2 em7arrasse#3 lo4ering his hea# incessantl2 to apologise 8Shiina< What #o 2ou 4ant me to #o$ 9ave I #one an2thing 4rong to 2ou 7e0ore$8 8Go 2ou 4ant to have a 7ite$8 With an a#ora7le 0ace3 she tore a piece3 4anting Sorata to 4i#en his mouth an# eat it 4ith an )ahJ) soun# 8No<8 8It)s #elicious 8 ,s a result3 Sorata coul# onl2 take the empt2 7ag an# another hal0emptie# 7ag to the cashier to pa2 0or the 0oo# *he store manager onl2 laughe# at the strange girl3 4hich he presume#3 0or he kne4 Sorata *his 4as the 0un#amental salvation that Sorata coul# have hope# 0or H 8*hese are the appalling episo#es I ha# in one #a2 to#a2 8 8?eah *his can)t 7e helpe# 8 Chihiro3 4ho hel# a 0east 72 just her 7eer3 sai# 8*his chil# onl2 learns ho4 to #ra4 in all o0 her #a2s3 so she)s a 7it #i00erent 0rom others 8 8No No *his isn)t a 7it<8 Bven though &ashiro 4as sai# to 7e a misera7le state3 she #i#n)t pa2 an2 hee# to 4hat the2 4ere talking a7out She #e=terousl2 peele# o0 the skin o0 the 0rie# pa4ns 4ith her chopsticks3 an# then put the 0rie# skin onto Sorata)s #ish 4ith surprising elegance 8What are 2ou #oing$8 8Its skin has peele# o00 8 8Is no4 the time 0or jokes$<8
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8It isn)t 0unn2 8 8?ou #on)t necessaril2 nee# to #en2 it<8 Slightl2 she title# her hea#3 an# then reverte# her interest 7ack to the #ecomposition o0 the pra4ns3 converting another 0rie# pra4n into an or#inar2 pra4n *he skin peele# o00 4as trans0erre# to Sorata)s #ish Kinall23 she thre4 the 4hole nake# pra4n into her mouth 8,n# she is ver2 pick2 a7out 0oo# 8 8*eacher Coul# 2ou make ever2thing straight 7e0orehan# ne=t time$<8 Kor he 4as shocke# again at a ne4 rising pro7lem3 &isaki took the chance to steal t4o 0rie# pra4ns 0rom Sorata)s #ish When Sorata 4as a7out to protest3 the 0ire# pra4ns ha# alrea#2 gone into &isaki)s mouth 8Senpai3 2ou too What are 2ou #oing$<8 8JKouhai-kun3 onl2 2ou can get things 0rom &ashiro-chan ?ou)re too vile<J8 8*hen please take a4a2 this shell that 4as le0t a0ter its skin 4as peele#<8 8J*hat)s 7ecause I)m no4 in pu7ert2<J8 &isaki sai# con0i#entl2 4ith her hea# high an# chest out 8&e too<8 8JI personall2 think that note7ooks an# )not 4earing un#er4ear) are :uite simliar J8 8What no4 are 2ou pla2ing<8 81ka23 oka2 Stop acting spoile# an# hea#strong Kan#a3 please help me to take out the 7eer 8 Grunk as hell3 Chihiro rolle# her empt2 7eer 7ottle to Sorata
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8*ake it 2oursel0<8 8?ou)re closer 8 Speechless3 %in smile# 4r2l23 stoo# up3 took out the 7eer 0rom the re0rigerator3 an# han#e# it to Chihiro 8&itaka is such a goo# man What a complete #i00erence 0rom Kan#a 8 8Sensei3 all 2ou 4ant is 7eer3 no matter 4ho gave it to 2ou< (esi#es3 4e shoul# 7e talking a7out Shiina no4<8 8I)ve onl2 hear# 0rom her parents that she nee#s someone to take care o0 her3 so I #eci#e# to let her to come to Sakurasou 8 *o take care o0 her 9o4 terri7le this soun#e# 8*hen please shoul#er the responsi7ilit2 to take care o0 her3 sensei<8 81i 1i Gon)t sa2 such impossi7le things3 Sorata 8 *he one 4ho interrupte# 4as %in 4ho ha# alrea#2 0inishe# his #inner an# 4as no4 7us2ing in t2ping messages 4ith his phone 8*his meeting is pointless 8 8I 4oul# 7e ver2 trou7le#<8 8Wh2 4oul# 2ou even think a7out it$ I come 7ack occasionall2D to let &isaki to take care o0 someone else is also impossi7le3 I can 7e sure 7ecause I)m her chil#hoo# s4eetheart ,long 4ith that Chihiro is 7us2 4ith the mi=er Gragging her into this 7usiness 4oul# 7e too 7a# 0or her 8 %in #i#n)t mention a name3 an# he thought he #i#n)t even nee# to mention it 8So I)m putting m2 last hope on 2ou3 %in-senpai<8 8What *hat)s even more impossi7le 1n &on#a23 it)s ,mi 0rom the acting clu7 1n *ues#a23 it)s Kiko the nurse 1n We#nes#a2 it)s Kana the 0lo4er shop atten#ant3 an# on *hurs#a2 it)s &aiko the
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ne4l24e#3 isn)t it$ 1n Kri#a2 it)s Shu;une the sho4girl ,n# *omi the o00ice la#2 4on)t let me go 7ack home at the 4eeken#s &2 sche#ule is 0ull2 packe# *here is no 4a2 I can have time 0or that 8 8?ou #amn pla2-7o2< 9ave 2ou upgra#e# to a &aharaja52!6$< Go 2ou 4ish to immigrate to In#ia in the 0uture$ ?ou 7astar#<8 8Gon)t 7e so agitate# 2et I have #one nothing 4rong 8 89ave some sel0-a4areness< ,t least getting along 4ith marrie# 4omen is ethicall2 4rong 8 8,h ?ou)re right , 4hile ago I 4as almost #iscovere# 72 her hus7an# *hat 4as reall2 #angerous 8 9aving 0inishe# t2ping his message3 %in put #o4n his phone at last ,t the same time3 Chihiro 4as #rinking a00luentl2 her si=th cup o0 7eer to#a2 8Personall23 I coul#n)t stan# to see m2 a#ora7le cousin 0alling into the #angerous han#s o0 &itaka3 so he 4oul#n)t 7e taken account In other 4or#s3 Kan#a3 ho4ever 2ou scream at it3 2ou)re just 4asting 2our energ2 8 %in sco00e# at himsel0 o0 this No3 7latantl2 this intereste# him 8@mm &a2 I 7ol#l2 ask i0 there are other people in the options3 sensei$8 8I)ve prepare# 0our o0 them3 7ut all 0our them are 2ou 8 Sorata #i#n)t shirk to this unimagina7l2 0ooling ans4er I0 he #i#3 he 4oul# 7e easil2 o7lige# 8I)m planning to leave Sakurasou recentl23 so there)s no 4a2 I coul# #o it Never 8 89ave 2ou 0oun# the 0ee#ers 0or the cats$8 %in turne# to him 4ith a light smile 9o4 o7vious
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8J@mmJ8 With a glittering mouth 7ecause o0 the 0rie# shrimps3 &isaki spoke 4hile looking at the screen o0 the laptop 8What$8 8J/2uunosuke sai#3 )I #on)t have time to 4aste at such a pointless an# #o4n to earth meeting I)m going o00line) ,h3 he 4ent o00line Come 7ack< (ut he just might not come 7ack *hat)s it I)m 0ull &2 tumm2 is so 7loate# J8 8,ll right *hen the )the #ut2 o0 taking care o0 Shiina) 4ill here72 7e assigne# to Sorata Gismiss<8 %in picke# up his phone an# stoo# up 9e #i#n)t return to his room an# hea#e# to the gate instea# *o#a2 4as *ues#a23 so it shoul# 7e the #a2 0or him to meet Kiko3 the nurse &isaki sa4 him o00 impotentl2 until she coul#n)t see him 8J*hanks 0or the har# 4ork3 ever2one So3 I have to continue to 4ork on m2 retakes no4 Loo# luck I nee# to #o it no4 I have to complete it J8 *hat 7eing sai#3 &isaki picke# up the laptop3 an# hea#e# to the secon# 0loor 4ith little jumps Chihiro3 at the other si#e3 4as taking another 7ottle o0 7eer 0rom the re0rigerator 1nl2 Sorata an# Shiina 4ere le0t at the roun# ta7le , heav2 atmosphere 0ille# the room It 4as the 0irst time he ha# met such a relationship> one to take care o0 the other an# the one 7eing taken care o0 *he tur7ulent vorte= in his min# 4hooshe# an# 4hishe# 8Sorata 8 8W-What$8
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8Please get along 4ith me 8 Shiina 7o4e# to salute him 81h 1ka2 It)s me 4ho 4oul# nee# to Wait< Wh2 are 2ou soun#ing like 2ou have to 7e taken care o0 alrea#2$8 8What 2ou sa2 sometimes con0use me 8 8I0 it)s I3 4ho is 4rong3 then the 4orl# can 7e #emolishe# 72 no4 8 8I 4oul# 7e trou7le# 8 8,h3 Crap< &2 min# is getting a7normal< I have to move out I have to leave Sakurasou<8 ,pril ' *he 0ollo4ing 4as 4ritten on Sakurasou)s meeting report The duty of taking care of Shiina was assigned to Kanda. ood luck! Kouhai"kun# I'll support you# $ecorded by% Kamiigusa &isaki
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Chapter 2 - What should I do? Part 1

Kan#a Sorata)s morning starte# ver2 earl2 It 4asn)t even si=-thirt2 2et In the time 7e0ore the phone that he use# in place o0 an alarm clock even soun#e#3 4hether it 4as the 4hite cat 9ikari)s rear 4aking him up3 or a #irect punch 0rom the 7lack cat No;omi3 or an attack to the stomach 0rom the stripe# cat Ko#ama3 Sorata 4oul# 7e 4oken up 0orce0ull2 0rom the 4orl# o0 #reams an# 7rought 7ack into realit2 What came a0ter 4as a :uick-pace# tune3 a tune 0rom a 4ar-theme# /PL that he use# to like 7ack 4hen he 4as a mi##le-schooler Kor the sake o0 0ull2 4aking himsel0 up earl2 in the morning3 he ha# set this tune as the alarm soun# since ,pril this 2ear ,0ter listening to just a part o0 it3 he)# al4a2s get the 0eeling that he coul# #o an2thing ,0ter 4ashing his 0ace3 he hea#e# to4ar#s the #inning hall3 accompanie# 72 his seven cats 4ho 4ere a4aiting their 7reak0ast ,0ter Sorata prepare# the cat 0oo#3 the cats ravishe# it like their lives #epen#e# on it Guring this time3 Sorata 4oul# also 7e munching on toast an# gulping #o4n milk ,ll o0 this 4as something that coul#n)t 7e more normal *he onl2 thing that 4as #i00erent 4as that ever2 time he opene# the 0ri#ge3 he 4oul# 0eel a tinge o0 gloominess 1n the 0ront si#e o0 the 0ri#ge 4as the #ut2-rooster &an2 color0ul magnets a#orne# it3 an# on it 4as a line o0 4or#s that he coul# not ignore
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- &ashiro Gut23 Kan#a Sorata *he re# 4as a re# o0 eternit2--a proo0 o0 permanence ,lthough he 4as in#ee# emotionall2 #amage#3 Sorata still carrie# the laptop that he 7orro4e# 0rom &isaki3 an# 4alke# into the kitchen 9e opene# a 4e7site that containe# metho#s 0or creating eas2 7entos52"63 an# starte# preparing the ingre#ients *o#a2)s ingre#ients 4oul# 7e 0rie# tuna3 spinach an# ra4 vegeta7les mi=e# 4ith ham3 an# last3 7ut not least3 0rie# carrots 4ith so2 sauce3 similar to last night)s #inner &ashiro ha# also agree# to eat these Kor 4hatever reason3 &ashiro #oes not seem to #islike 0rie# 0oo# While spee#il2 preparing the 7ento3 Sorata munche# on another piece o0 toast Bver2 no4 an# then3 he 4oul# take a :uick glace at the laptop screen3 just to con0irm the instructions 0or preparing the 7ento3 an#3 4hile 4aiting3 4oul# also take a look at some game #evelopers) 7logs to pass the time 10 course3 he #i# not 0orget to chat 4ith /2unosuke3 4ho 4as running aroun# in #i00erent chat rooms - Sorata, what do ou th!nk o" the #$oreshadow!ng o" %eath#? - &re ou talk!ng a'out someth!ng more l!ke (&"ter th!s war ends, propose to h!m?( - )ou#re r!ght* &lthough there are man precedents, !n the world o" "antas!es, the use w!llpower that de"!es common sense* Characters that acc!dentall sa the wrong th!ngs would alwa s "ace the "ate o" death* Somet!mes the d!e 'rutall , 'ut there are others that d!e an elegant death* I wondered, are the aware o" the
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"oreshadow!ng o" death? - +o, most l!kel not? ,lthough /2unosuke is a strange person3 he is not someone 4ho makes others unhapp2 *hat 4as the impression that Sorata got a0ter chatting 4ith him - ,he more we portra a non-"!ct!onal stor that !s close to the current soc!et , the more we should 'e a'le to understand !ts e-!stence and w!llpower* .ut st!ll, there !s the "oreshadow!ng o" death* Is !t /ust the author or the scr!pt wr!ter want!ng to portra the p!t!"ulness o" human nature? - )ou ha0e /ust completel descr!'ed the trou'lesome s!de o" th!s con0ersat!on, eh* - ,h!s wa , !t would create a (%oes the new world l!0e !n a "oreshadow!ng o" death?( top!c* - ,hen, w!ll th!s top!c take long? 1 tuna !s almost 'urnt* - Well then, that lea0es me no cho!ce* We#ll talk another t!me, 'udd * - &h eah, ou#re r!ght* We#re !n the same class th!s ear, huh* - Classes are onl someth!ng randoml dec!ded2 that statement does not conta!n an mean!ng*
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8/2unosuke has just le0t the Chat /oom 8 ,t the e=act same time3 the 0oo# 0or the 7ento 4as #one Sorata :uickl2 place# the 0oo# into t4o 7ento 7o=es3 one 0or himsel0 an# the other 0or &ashiro 89m It looks #elicious 8 Sorata picke# up a 0e4 morsels to tasteD ever2 one o0 the #ishes taste# great 8I0 I reall2 4ant it3 I reall2 can #o it ,h3 crap3 I)m getting a little happ2 8 Sorata 7oaste# to himsel0 (ut su##enl23 he 4as #ragge# 7ack to realit23 an# it gave him a 0eeling o0 emptiness 8Wait3 4hat am I #oing$ I)m not a ?amato Na#eshiko52'6 making a 7ento 0or her 7o20rien#<8 @ntil last 2ear3 Sorata ha# al4a2s purchase# his lunch at the #ining hall or 0rom street ven#ors3 so he coul# give himsel0 another 3A minutes o0 sleep *he onl2 reason 4h2 he 4as 4aking up so earl2 4as 7ecause o0 &ashiro H *hat 4as t4o 4eeks ago In the 7link o0 an e2e3 it 4as alrea#2 the secon# #a2 o0 the ne4 term3 an# it 4as alrea#2 the lesson in the a0ternoon Guring lunch 7reak3 Sorata 4ent to check on &ashiro3 7ut 0oun# her sitting alone in the classroom Sorata ha# no choice 7ut to invite her to the #ining hall to eat3 7ut the2 onl2 en#e# up #ra4ing even more attention 0rom the cro4#
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&ashiro 4as ver2 pick23 an# thus thre4 all the 0oo# that she #i#n)t take a liking to into Sorata)s plate ,ll thanks to her3 more 4eir# rumors sprea#D it 4as reall2 har# to eat peace0ull2 ,n# there 4ere even people that a##e# oil to the 0ire 8Bh3 aren)t those t4o 0rom Sakurasou$8 8I#iot< Gon)t look #irectl2 into their e2es<8 8It reall2 is m2 0irst time seeing them ,4esome man3 the2 actuall2 move ,n# the2)re eating 8 8,h< Crap< I0 4e #on)t get 0urther a4a2 0rom them3 4e)ll also get in0ecte# 4ith the Sakurasou Virus<8 %ust like that3 the2 4ere treate# like 4eir# monsters ,n# that ma#e Sorata uncom0orta7le ,lthough Sorata thought o0 8let)s 7ring Shiina to the street ven#ors then83 7ut just the thought o0 her eating the 0oo# stock at the groceries ma#e him give up even 7e0ore tr2ing So 0or the rest o0 the lunches3 it 7ecame a misera7le #evelopment 4here Sorata con0irme# 4hat &ashiro 4ante# to eat3 an# 0inall2 cooking it in the morning Sorata #i# not reall2 enjo2 cooking3 so it 4as o7vious that he 4as not goo# in it In Sakurasou3 %in 4as a per0ectionist3 an# &isaki3 4ho 4as goo# at almost ever2thing3 4as also rather skill0ulD even Chihiro kno4 more #ishes than Sorata In Sakurasou3 i0 one 4ere to rank Sorata in terms o0 cooking skills3 it 4oul# 7e 0aster counting 0rom the 7ack Initiall23 he #i# look 0or &isaki3 4ho prepares 7entos 0or 7oth %in an# himsel0 8*hen3 together 4ith Kouhai-kun)s 7ento3 let)s make a roulette /ussian (ento< 1nl2 one person has rice 4ith mustar#3 7ring him to
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hell< , shivering an# 0earsome lunch 7reak 4ill 7egin its prologue right no4JJ<8 She jo20ull2 sai# this horri7le i#ea that #i#n)t even soun# like a joke Sorata #eci#e# then to treat this as though it never happene# 17viousl23 li0e 4as never eas2 right 0rom the start 8I0 2ou are making #ishes3 then make the #ishes It gives me a sense o0 #isgust that 2ou are at one moment e=cite#3 an# at the ne=t in miser2 8 Chihiro unkno4ingl2 appeare# in the #inning hall3 an# she took a4a2 all the le0tover vegeta7les 89o4 can 2ou sa2 that a stu#ent is #isgusting< I0 4e reall2 starte# tracing it 7ack3 then isn)t it all 2our 0ault$< Sensei actuall2 gave up on 7eing a guar#ian3 an# pushe# all the responsi7ilities to me<8 8I thought that there 4as this sentence that sai#3 )When 2ou are 2oung 2ou shoul# go through har#ships$)8 Chihiro took a piece o0 0rie# tuna an# put it into her mouth 8,h< Wait<8 8Wo43 it taste# reall2 goo# Kan#a3 I)ll leave mine to 2ou too 8 89o4 can 2ou still 7e so thick-skinne# 8 ,t this point3 another person came in 89uh$ What)s happeningJJWhat)s happeningJJ?ou shoul# also inclu#e me too J8 &isaki sang a m2sterious song3 an# rushe# #o4n 0rom the secon# 0loor 8*una< *here)s the smell o0 tuna<8 *he &isaki3 4ho 4as 0ille# 4ith energ2 earl2 in the morning3 ran to the #inning ta7le like a cat She straightene# her 7ack3 an# 4ith an ama;ing spee#3 she continuousl2 inserte# all the three #ishes into
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her mouth 8Wh2 is ever2one so reckless in the morning 9e2<8 8?umm2JJ&ine an# %in)s 7ento to#a2 is #eci#e# to 7e this<8 8I #i#n)t ask i0 2ou 4ante# it<8 8Gon)t sa2 something so sel0ish 8 Chihiro passe# the 7ento 7o= on the stan#3 an# Sorata re0lectivel2 accepte# it &isaki on the other han#3 4as inserting #ishes into her (ento 7o= 4ith practice# movements (ecause Sorata prepare# 0or the scenario 4here he 0aile#3 he ha# prepare# e=tras just in case3 an# it 4as enough 0or 0ive people to eat It ma#e him a little unhapp2 9e ha# ma#e too much 8What are 2ou #oing3 so earl2 in the morning$8 %in3 4ho rarel2 4elcomes mornings at Sakurasou3 4oke up as 4ell 9e looke# into the #inning hall3 an# silentl2 ju#ge# the situation ,0ter 4hich3 he 0rankl2 sai#> 8Well3 it isn)t 7a# ever2 once in a 4hile 8 8Kouhai-kun can marr2 an2time no43 eh 8 8?eah 8 Sorata unhappil2 ans4ere# 4hile packing Chihiro)s 7ento 9e checke# the timeD it 4asn)t even seven It 4as alrea#2 late ,pril ,0ter entering the 0ourth 4eek3 perhaps 7ecause he 7ecame more 0amiliar 4ith making #ishes3 he 4as a7le to prepare a 7ento 0aster than he ha# imagine# ?ester#a2 4hen he 0inishe# preparing the 7entos3 it 4as alrea#2 past seven-thirt23 the time to 4ake &ashiro up *o#a23 there 4as even more time to prepare
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Sorata thought o0 something su##enl23 an# e=ten#e# his arms to4ar#s the ke27oar# Searching 4ith )Shiina &ashiro) as the ke24or#s 8What3 4hat$ ,re 2ou 4atching an2 ecchi or hentai anime$8 &isaki place# her 0ace closer to the screen 8I can)t seem to get that much energ2 earl2 in the morning 8 *he engine imme#iatel2 #ispla2e# the search results *here 4ere one hun#re# thousan# pages ,lmost all 4ere in Bnglish 81h3 &ashironJJ *hat)s right3 I #on)t think I)ve seen it 7e0ore 8 Sorata clicke# on the 0irst search result It 4as a 0oreign art museum)s o00icial 4e7site %in curiousl2 leane# closer to the screen as 4ell3 leaving Chihiro3 4ho 4as #rinking her co00ee3 as the onl2 one le0t in the #inning hall 8It)s Bnglish3 so I can)t reall2 rea# it3 huh Is this it$8 ,0ter the engine on the site #ispla2e# the results relate# to &ashiro)s name3 the screen 7ecame 7right all o0 a su##en It 4as a 4e7page that ha# a simple #esign *he green 7ackgroun# sho4case# a single painting It sho4case# a single painting on the 4all o0 the ,rt &useum *he moment Sorata sa4 it3 all the pores on his 7o#2 opene# It 4as as though all his nerves 4ante# to 0l2 out o0 his 7o#2 &isaki ma#e praises 4hich 4eren)t 4or#s or sentences3 an# %in s4allo4e# his saliva Sorata)s consciousness 4as sucke# into the small screen
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8Wh2 is this happening$8 9is #rie# throat su7-consciousl2 thre4 out those 4or#s Sorata coul# not un#erstan# i0 this painting 4as goo# ?et3 he 4as still strongl2 a7sor7e# 72 the painting3 4hich 4as 7oth a7stract an# s2m7olic *here 4as no 4a2 to #escri7e it using 4or#s ?ou can see light3 hear soun#s an# even see the 4in# *he painting 4as something like that I0 2ou scrolle# #o4n3 2ou coul# see comments ju#ging the painting *hank0ull23 there 4as also a %apanese translation - Shiina)s perception an# skill3 4hich allo4e# her to e=press things such as light3 soun# an# air 4hich cannot 7e seen 72 the e2e3 4as trul2 4orth2 o0 a#miration It 4as a uni:ue 4orl#vie43 ine=pressi7le 72 logic Shiina &ashiro ha# just use# the painting as an entr24a2 to the cit2 o0 pro#igies 1ur level o0 kno4le#ge is pro7a7l2 no longer o0 use to her &isaki 4as praising Shiina)s painting pro0usel2 It 4as the 0irst time Sorata ha# seen someone praise# to this e=tent 9e then 0elt that he coul# not calm #o4n3 an# shut the computer a little 7oorishl2 8Kan#a3 I think it)s time$8 (ecause o0 Chihiro)s voice3 he su##enl2 came 7ack 8,h< Crap<8 ,0ter preparing the hot to4el3 he pushe# &isaki3 4ho 4as humming another 4eir# song3 asi#e3 an# 4alke# to the secon# 0loor 89e23 Shiina< It)s alrea#2 #a2time< ,lthough3 even i0 I sa2 it it 4oul# 7e still useless3 please hurr2 an# 4ake up<8
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,0ter t4o secon#s3 there 4as still no reaction Sorata opene# the #oor3 an# steppe# into the room *o#a2 there 4as again no sign o0 &ashiro on the 7e# She 4as sleeping un#erneath the pile o0 clothes an# panties un#er her #esk 9er 7e#-haire# hea# 4as poking out slightl2 Sorata 4oke her up 4hile using the hot to4el to press #o4n her gravit2-#e02ing hair &ashiro 4as still not a4ake Krom his e=perience3 he kne4 that it 4as most likel2 going to 7e another 0ive minutes *he room 4as in a terri7l2 mess2 state3 even though it 4as cleane# 2ester#a2 7e0ore she 4ent to 7e# *he computer 4as turne# on as 4ell *he spot Sorata stoo# on 4as the onl2 or#erl2 area in the room ,t this time3 Sorata)s e2es stoppe# at a piece o0 (!-si;e# paper It 4as a printe# piece o0 paper containing an original sketch o0 a manga Cooking closel23 there 4ere sketches all over the room @ntil to#a23 Sorata ha# thought it 7est not to stick his hea# in3 7ut to#a2 his curiosit2 4on out over his sel0-control &a27e it 4as 7ecause he ha# just seen &ashiro)s painting on the art museum)s 4e7site 9e took up the 0irst piece3 an# piece# the rest together casuall2 9e arrange# the pages in accor#ance *here 4ere thirt2-t4o pages in total3 4ith one page as the en#ing 9e looke# at ever2 page in or#er *he art 4as great3 seriousl2 great No matter 4hat angles the
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characters 4ere #ra4n at3 it still looke# suita7le &ashiro ha# ma#e ver2 7eauti0ul sketches3 #ispla2ing an over4helming t2pe o0 art *he scenarios 4ere interesting as 4ell (ecause o0 the casuall2 #ra4n characters an# the 7ackgroun#3 it pro#uce# a st2le that 4as rarel2 seen Sorata rea# ever2 page care0ull2 9e came to the last page3 an# 0inall2 the last column en#e# Sorata or#ere# the sketches an# lightl2 put them #o4n on a si#e ta7le 8 It)s 7oring 8 It 4as so 7oring that it ma#e Sorata surprise# *he stor2 4as so #evoi# o0 content that it coul# make people think that it 4as a joke It 4as a Shoujo manga ,n uninteresting girl 0alls in love 4ith an uninteresting 7o2 ,n# 4ith no plot 4hatsoever3 the result 4as a 8Cet)s go out together8 stor2 8No3 ma27e there might 7e this t2pe o0 scenario3 7ut so 4hat<8 It 4as that t2pe o0 empt2 manga that 4oul# make a person 4ant to scream 8&orning 8 &ashiro slo4l2 cra4le# out 0rom un#er her #esk 1n her upper 7o#2 she 4ore a 7o=-patterne#3 short-sleeve# go4n3 an# her lo4er 7o#2 4as 7are3 as though it 4as tr2ing to tell others that it ha# le0t the pants in its #reams &ashiro)s slen#er an# sno44hite legs ma#e Sorata start to lose his composure 8Shiina< Wear something #o4n 7elo4 too< ,re 2ou tr2ing to tempt me<8
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*he en#s o0 her go4n 7arel2 reache# her upper thighs Bver2 time &ashiro3 4ho ha# slept until she 4as #i;;23 s4a2e#3 the en#s o0 her go4n 4oul# 0ollo4 her movements as 4ell *here 4ere 0lashes o0 some4hat intimate 7areness3 7ut at the same time her most sensual regions eva#e# the e2es *hat heart-racing 0eeling trans0i=e# SorataD he 7ecame una7le to avert his ga;e WIth unstea#2 0ootsteps3 &ashiro 4alke# to4ar#s the #ressing ta7le3 e2es hal0-close#3 an# sat #o4n She 4asn)t 7othere# in the least 72 Sorata)s movements Sorata thought to himsel03 8I0 I can 7ear 4ith this an# pass through m2 4orries like this3 I can 7ecome a celestial 7eing 8 While com7ing &ashiro)s hair3 he kept thinking to 52+6 himsel0 8So 4hat i0 I 7ecome a celestial 7eing$8 With a spra2ing-t2pehair #r2er3 Sorata use# 7rute 0orce to 0orce her hair to su7mit to him 8&isaki sai# 8 8Gon)t sa2 something so su##enl2< It)ll scare me<8 8She sai# that 4ithout pants3 Sorata 4oul# 7e happier 8 8 Cike I sai#3 2ou can)t 7e tricke# 72 her< Senpai)s 7rain is messe# up 8 8&isaki is a 0ormi#a7le person 8 &ashiro 4as 7ack into a trance 8I0 I 4ere a 4ol03 I 4oul# have eaten 2ou 8 /ight a0ter Sorata sai# that3 their e2es met via the mirror 8?ou)ve survive# peace0ull2 until no438 sai# Sorata 8(ecause there is no 4ol0 8 8No3 a 4ol0 is a metaphor It re0ers to men3 7o2s3 males as 4ell 8 8*hen there is still no 4ol0 8
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8Were 2ou in a girls) school last time$ Is it 2ou 0irst time in a co-e# school$8 8Sorata is m2 0irst time 8 89uh$8 8&2 0irst male 8 8*hen shoul#n)t 2ou change 2our 4a2 o0 e=pression< When 2ou sa2 it like that3 it soun#s as though I #i# something< In actual 0act I haven)t #one an2thing3 an# instea# I 0eel at a loss no4<8 8I 0eel luck2 that it 4as Sorata 8 8?ou3 2ou3 4hat are 2ou talking a7out 8 8(ecause 2ou #i# a lot o0 things to me 8 8L-get out o0 2our trance< Ouick3 change 2our clothes<8 8I am a4ake 8 Sorata han#e# a set o0 uni0orm an# 0resh un#er4ear over to &ashiro 9e coul# not look her #irectl2 in the e2e /ight 7e0ore he 4as a7out to leave the room3 &ashiro starte# taking o00 her go4n 8Wait till I get out 7e0ore 2ou change< I)ll reall2 violate 2ou<8 Sorata shut the #oor 9e ignore# 4hatever &ashiro 4as sa2ing 9e reste# his 7o#2 on the 4all 9e 4as 4orn out this earl2 in the morning 8What 4ill happen in the 0uture 8 No one ans4ere# No one kne4
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&a27e even Lo# #i#n)t kno4 Shiina is reall2 talente# It 4as e=actl2 the same as the comments - 1ur level o0 kno4le#ge is no longer o0 use to her It 4as reall2 a comment 72 a person 4ith great ju#gement 9e correctl2 an# completel2 sa4 through &ashiro 8*his is reall2 not a joke 8 9e signe# *hen &ashiro came out o0 her room 9e still ha#n)t gotten use# to her 4earing the school uni0orm 8@m 8 &ashiro calle# Sorata3 4ho 4oul# usuall2 4alk a4a2 4ithout a 4or#3 4ith her 4hisper-like voice 8@n$8 8Was it ver2 7oring$8 89uh$8 8&2 manga 8 Not kno4ing the 4a2 to ans4er3 all Sorata #i# 4as laugh 7itterl2 *he manga 4as in#ee# #ra4n 72 &ashiro 8?ou 4ere a4ake then 8 8It 4as in#ee# 7oring3 huh 8 9er voice carrie# no emotions3 an# no 0acial e=pressions 8JKouhai-kun< &ashiro is a4ake$J8 *hat)s 4h2 he 0elt reall2 luck2 that &isaki ha# rushe# #o4n 0rom the secon# 0loor an# interrupte# them &isaki ha# also change# into the school uni0orm 8We)re gonna 7e late 0or school 8
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8?eah 8 Keeling the 4eak 7reathing 7ehin# his 7ack3 Sorata 4alke# to the 0irst 0loor Bver2one 4as 4aiting there ,0ter &ashiro 0inishe# her toast3 the resi#ents o0 Sakurasou3 4ho usuall2 hea#e# to school separatel23 4ent o00 together 8,kasaka3 *he house)s on 2ou then 8 89o4 can 2ou ask him to take care o0 the house< 9e)s 2our stu#ent<8
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Part 2
,0ter an en#less time3 the &o#ern Canguage lesson in the thir# perio# 4as 0inall2 over /ight 7e0ore the teacher3 Shiro2ama Koharu3 le0t the class3 she knocke# Sorata on the hea# 4ith a loose-lea0 7in#erD he 4oke up 8Gon)t sleep so openl2 4hen 2ou)re sitting in the 0irst ro4 8 She3 the &o#ern %apanese teacher 4ho gra#uate# in the same 2ear as Chihiro3 ha# the looks an# speech o0 an i#iot ol#er sister52.6 *here0ore she receive# criticism 0rom some o0 the girls 4hile 7eing supporte# 72 some o0 the 7o2s She 4as al4a2s seen 4ith Chihiro at school3 an# the pair 4as 0amous *he not so relia7le Koharu3 )4ho 4oul# al4a2s 0ollo4 Chihiro 72 the nose)3 ma#e the stu#ents comment that Chihiro 4as )a relia7le person) (ut Sorata #isagree# 8Sensei)s lulla72 4as too com0orta7leD I coul#n)t resist it an# 8 8?ou are the onl2 person in the 4hole gra#e that #i# not han# in the career surve23 an# 2ou #are to sa2 something so mean-spirite# I)m going to report 2ou to Chihiro 8 Koharu pu00e# her cheeks unhappil23 an# 4alke# out o0 the classroom Sorata ha# no energ2 to even 4atch her leave3 an# just collapse# on his ta7le 8I)m so tire# 8 8Kan#a-kun3 2ou)re reall2 a #o4ner Can 2ou not sa2 something so negative in m2 sight$ It)ll make me 0eel #ispirite# as 4ell 8 *he statement 4as ma#e 72 ,o2ama Nanami3 4ho 4as in the same class as he 4as last 2ear as 4ell Cike her tone o0 speech3 she ha#
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looks that ma#e her stan# out 0rom the cro4# She ha# the attitu#e an# posture o0 an e=cellent stu#ent3 an# i0 she 4ere a cat3 she 4oul# 7e an ,72ssinian 52I6 9er height 4as the average 1". cm an# her 4eight> unkno4n ,ccor#ing to %in)s report3 her three si;es 4ere 53A6 .13 ".3 .3 9er seating num7er 4as 1 ,n# a0ter that 4as ,kasaka3 --3 --3 --3 --3 an# 0inall2 num7er +3 Kan#a Sorata *he seating arrangement o0 the class 4as a '=' s:uare3 an# he en#e# up seate# in the 0irst ro43 right 7esi#e Nanami 9e ha# sat some4here similar a 2ear ago Nanami looke# at Sorata 4ith e2es that sho4e# him that she still ha# a lot more to complain 8Sigh 8 8Sighing is prohi7ite#<8 8*he classroom is some4here 4hich I can rarel2 have the chance to settle #o4n3 so please tr2 to empathi;e 8 8It 4as the thirt2-si=th time just no4 8 89uh$8 ck 1ver0lo4 stackover0lo4 comP Pcrc32-c-or-c-implemen 8Sighing 8 8,o2ama are 2ou a har#core stalker$8 8I)ll hack 2ou 8 8*he people here 4oul# never sa2 something like hacking others 8 8I-I kno4 8 Inclu#ing ,o2ama3 4ho came 0rom 1saka3 Sumei 9igh)s #ormitories house stu#ents 0rom all over the countr2 ,lmost hal0 o0 the class is ma#e up o0 stu#ents 0rom another cit2 that entere# 72 virtue o0 their e=am results I0 Nanami spoke naturall23 her accent 4oul# 7e :uite o7vious3 an# it 4as like that a 2ear ago (ut 7ecause she 4ante# to per0ect her
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language3 she ha# to 7e 4ar2 o0 speaking in an accent an# conceal it (ecause her goal 4as to 7ecome a Sei2uu53163 an# intonations are the 7asics o0 the 7asics 1ver this 2ear3 her accurate 4a2 o0 speech ha# not change# much3 7ut she 4as still not accustome# to pronouncing sentences 4or#-72-4or# clearl2 4ithout her accent 4or#-72-4or# 1n 4eeken#s she 4oul# receive lessons 0rom a training class near the ta= centers3 an# it seeme# that she 4as un#ergoing training in man2 other areas 8*hen3 I)ll smash 2ou38 sai# Sorata 8?ou #on)t nee# to sa2 that particular line again<8 8/egar#less o0 the 4a2 the2 sa2 it3 girls #on)t reall2 kno4 ho4 to use it 8 8Nois2 Gi#n)t 2ou 0orget to han# in the career surve2$8 8Writing it matter-o0-0actl23 like it 4as 2our name3 that 2ou 4ere ,o2ama Nanami 0rom the #rama section3 reall2 gaine# m2 respect 8 8?ou #are to look #o4n on me 8 9e 4as glare# at *he respect that he sai# 4as o7viousl2 the truth 8*hen again3 ho4 long #oes Kan#a-kun plan to sta2 at Sakurasou$8 8I)m the one that 4ants to kno4 8 8I0 2ou #on)t hurr2 up3 it)ll 7e too late 8 *he 4a2 it 0eels3 it 4as alrea#2 too late *he memor2 o0 7eing trappe# in a cage like a pan#a an# attracting others) attention at the ca0eteria3 4as still 0resh *hat time 4hen he 4as 4ith &ashiro3 con0irme# Sorata)s relation 4ith Sakurasou3 an# it 7ecame ne4s that sprea# in the school It 4asn)t 4eir# that Sorata 4ante# to sigh 8I alrea#2 gave 2ou a 4arning 8 *he onl2 reason 4h2 he 4as still intact 4ith the class 4as 7ecause o0 people like Nanami 4ho 4as 4ith Sorata since the 0irst 2ear3 an# thus 4oul# at least talk to him 9e 4ante# to thank them
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,n24a2s3 Sorata place# his palms together3 an# prostrate# himsel0 7e0ore Nanami
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8What$ ,re 2ou pla2ing aroun# 4ith me$8 Nanami)s ice-col# e2es stare# at Sorata 8No3 I)m onl2 tr2ing to conve2 to 2ou m2 thank0ulness 8 8I0 2ou #o too man2 things 0or unkno4n reasons3 7e care0ul that people 4oul# sa2 )no 4on#er he)s 0rom Sakurasou )8 It 4oul# reall2 7e 7a# i0 it 4as like that Sorata coul# onl2 keep his prostrating han#s Nanami 4as still looking at Sorata 4ith the same ice-col# e2es 8What are 2ou looking at$8 8No3 I)m just 4on#ering i0 I ha# an2thing to ask 2ou 0or 8 8What use is it to ask me things like this$8 8%ust joking I o7viousl2 remem7er 4hat I nee#e# to ask 2ou 0or 8 8Which i#iot are 2ou pla2ing as<8 81ccasionall2 I 4oul# al4a2s pla2 #um7 I0 I just tsukkomi)#53263 m2 mentalit2 4oul#n)t 7e 7alance# 8 8Who cares a7out 2our mentalit2$ What #o 2ou nee# me 0or$8 8&isaki-senpai has a re:uest 0or 2ou 8 89earing 2ou sa2 that3 #oes that mean her ne4 4ork is #one$8 81nl2 the animation 8 89o4 4as it$8 8*hat person)s 7rain in#ee# has pro7lems It 4as reall2 goo#3 so goo# that it gave me chills 8 8 I see @n3 I 4oul# reall2 4ant to #u75336 0or it I 4oul# reall2 4ant to3 7ut 8 9er tone an# speech ha# intentions o0 #eclining 4or#-72-4or# 8I0 2ou #on)t 4ant to #o it3 just reject an# it)ll 7e 0ine 8 8No3 I reall2 4ant to #o it It 4as the same as last time3 i0 I 4asn)t
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here3 most likel2 there 4oul# not 7e a chance like this 8 Nanami 4as part o0 the cre4 0or the &isaki-pro#uce# GVG ,nimation that ma#e a &ega-sale o0 a hun#re#-thousan# copies 10 course3 she ha# also re:ueste# help 0rom the senpais 0rom the #rama sector in the universit2 #epartment 8It)s onl2 a little 8 81nl2 a little 4hat$8 8I #ou7t that I coul# reall2 manage it Won)t it attract a lot o0 attention$8 8I0 &isaki-sempai ha# alrea#2 re:ueste# 0or Nanami3 then 4h2 not$8 8,ctuall2 I have no i#ea ho4 to communicate 4ith Kamiigusasempai3 an# I can)t 0igure out 4hat she is #irecting Will 2ou translate 0or me$ 8When #i# I 7ecome the translator$8 8?ou)re not coming$8 8No3 I)ll come 8 8*hen3 2ou can 7ecome the translator 8 8?es3 2es What 2ou sai# is true I)ll sen# a repl2 to her3 1K$8 8@n3 i0 2ou #on)t min# 8 8I)ll contact her right a4a2 8 Sorata took his phone out to te=t an#- I lo0e ou3 &isaki)s message 4as 0ollo4e# 72 the militar2 music o0 a promote# sol#ier Sorata replie# her
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- 4et#s 'reak up* ,0ter that3 he totall2 ignore# her *he sol#ier got promote# again (ut it)ll just 7e a 4aste o0 mone2 to te=t her 7ack3 so he just stoppe# repl2ing to her Nanami looke# at Sorata as though she ha# something to sa2 8What gru#ge #o 2ou still hol# against me$8 89o4 is 9ikari #oing$8 8(etter than goo# 9is shoul#ers gre4 4ell 8 9e 0lashe# the picture on his phone 8Someho43 it 0eels that he has 7ecome 7igger 8 Sorata ha# alrea#2 spent close to a 2ear 4ith the 4hite cat 9ikari Since meeting him #uring mi#-%une last 2ear3 he ha# gro4n use# to the school an# the #ormitories It 4as a0ter school then3 an# there 4ere a 0e4 other cats along 4ith 9ikari3 a7an#one# outsi#e the school gate , 0e4 #o;en stu#ents cro4#e# aroun#3 sa2ing things like )It)s so cute<) an# )9o4 piti0ul)3 7ut no one took the initiative to help them Coinci#entall23 Sorata 4alke# past3 an# Nanami 4as 4ith him 4as 4ell 9aving a7an#one# cats as the topic o0 the cro4# 4asn)t something that ma#e Sorata happ2 *o get ri# o0 that uneasiness3 he took all o0 them 7ack to the #ormitor2 (ack then3 he 4oul# never have imagine# that it 4oul# lea# to the school 7ooting him out o0 the #orms 8Live me this 8 Without Sorata)s consent3 she use# the in0rare# on his phone an# stole the picture
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8It 4as mine originall2 8 8,n# 8 Nanami looke# a4a23 like she still ha# something to sa2 *he cat topic might just have 7een 7ait 8?eah$8 8*he ne4 stu#ent 8 81h 8 8Is she in school$8 8?eah 8 89o4$8 8 8 8Wh2 are 2ou not speaking$8 8I #on)t kno4 4hat to sa2 8 8She)s cute3 right$8 8?eah 8 8She)s reall2 cute3 right$ I caught a glimpse o0 her a4hile ago 8 8@n#er normal circumstances it 4oul# 7e like that 8 8,n# to Sorata$8 8Cike an unkno4n meeting 8 8@nJJI see 8 Nanami shi0te# her hea# a4a2 out o0 7ore#om 8I)m tr2ing to sa2 that it)s 7a# 8 8Wh2 #o 2ou nee# to e=plain 8 Nanami looke# to4ar#s the corri#or 9er e2es su##enl2 0lashe# in surprise Sorata3 4ho 4as l2ing #o4n on the ta7le3 looke# up
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, 7o2 4hose name he #i#n)t remem7er 2et looke# at him 81i3 Kan#a3 someone)s looking 0or 2ou 8 (ecause o0 Sakurasou)s notoriet23 he remem7ere# Sorata)s name &ashiro 4alke# to4ar#s Sorata 0rom 7ehin# that 7o2)s 7ack Sorata coul#n)t help 7ut scream ),h<)3 an# sit up in alertness %ust 72 stepping into the classroom3 &ashiro change# the surroun#ing air *he cro4# gathere# in commotion3 an# passe# 7et4een Sorata an# &ashiro *o those 4ho #i#n)t kno4 her3 the2 4oul# have just thought that she)s a ver2 cute trans0er stu#ent &ashiro)s e=istence ha# alrea#2 7ecome the ne4s o0 the 2ear #uring those 0our months Not onl2 4as she a talente# 2oung artist3 she also ha# an e=ceptional air a7out her that no one else ha# e=perience# 7e0ore *hus3 an2one 4oul# 7e intereste# Kurthermore3 she 4as living in Sakurasou Bven so3 the reason 4h2 no one ever aske# Sorata an2thing a7out &ashiro 4as pro7a7l2 the )?ou)re not allo4e# to talk a7out her) 0eeling that Sorata emitte# %ust no43 Nanami 4as the 0irst one to talk to Sorata a7out &ashiro &ashiro looke# at Sorata3> 8Sorata3 I)m hungr2 8 8,h$ What are 2ou talking a7out$8 8I 4ant to eat a (aumkuchen 853!6 8Wh2 #o 2ou nee# to tell me$8 8?ou #on)t have it$8 810 course not<8
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8(ut /ita 4oul# al4a2s give me one 8 8Who)s that$<8 89o4 regretta7le 8 &ashiro)s stomach ma#e a cute )guchi3 guchi) soun#3 an# she 4as preparing to leave the classroom She stoppe# at the #oor3 an# looke# reluctantl2 at Sorata 8I truste# 2ou 8 *he other stu#ents) lines o0 vision 4ere like nee#les poking through Sorata &ashiro 4alke# lethargicall23 4ith her 7ack sho4ing her sa#ness I0 this countinue# Sorata 4oul# 7e taken 0or a 7o2 that is col# an# merciless to4ar#s a girl3 an# his 0uture t4o 2ears o0 high school li0e 4oul# 7e sunk into #espair It 4as alrea#2 7a# enough that he live# in Sakurasou 81ka2< 1ka2< I get it< It)s m2 0ault<8 Sorata #ragge# &ashiro along an# rushe# out o0 the classroom 8Wait< Kan#a< *he 0ourth perio#)s starting<8 *he moment 4hen Nanami remin#e# him3 the 7ell rung ,n# &ashiro)s stomach churne# as 4ell 8I)ll get 7ack as soon as possi7le3 so just make a ran#om e=cuse to help me get out<8 8Gon)t re:uest something like that 0rom me<8 Sorata ha# #eci#e# to skip the 0ourth perio#)s lession3 to 7ring &ashiro to the snack counter (ig pieces o0 4hite clou#s 0loate# in the sk2 Sorata an# &ashiro 4ere the onl2 ones in the top 0loor classroom #uring the lesson Sorata an# &ashiro
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Sorata la2 #o4n on a long 7ench &ashiro sat 7esi#e3 slicing the (aumkuchen an# eating it piece-72-piece 1ne coul# sa2 that this e=cee#e# an illusion3 e=cee#e# imagination3 e=cee#e# logic ,t 0irst he)# thought that the har#ships 4ere onl2 at the 7eginning3 &ashiro 4oul# most likel2 start to get use# to her ne4 li0e an# rules Sorata ha# such naQve hopes 9e su##enl2 thought o0 all that transpire# these t4o 4eeks I0 he let her use the 4ashing machine3 an# looke# a4a2 0or just a moment3 &ashiro 4oul# thro4 in the entire 7o= o0 4ashing po4#er3 an# the 4hole place 4oul# just en# up in 7u77les an# 0oam It 4as reall2 #i00icult cleaning up Sorata ha# reall2 4ishe# then that he coul# have remove# the #etergent 0rom the 4ashing po4#er I0 he aske# her to ti#2 up the 7athroom3 she 4oul# en# up getting all 4et 9e reall2 coul# not un#erstan# 4hether she 4as 4ashing the 7athroom or getting 4ashe# 72 it I0 he let her out to 7u2 things hersel03 she 4oul# get lost as though it 4as natural Cuckil23 Chihiro ha# given her a han# phone 4ith a LPS 9o4ever3 she 4oul# not even ans4er even i0 Sorata calle#3 so in the en# Sorata still ha# to go pick her up ,n# there 4ere man2 other hea#ache-in#ucing situations o0 that #egree *he greatest pro7lem o0 all 4as3 ho4ever3 that &ashiro ha# no sense o0 sel0-consciousness She thought that she 4as no #i00erent 0rom or#inar2 people ,lso3 7ecause o0 that3 it 4as impossi7le to ask her to remem7er things or make her get use# to them Bver2#a2 Sorata 4oul# 0in# ne4 truths3 an# the pro7lems onl2
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kept increasing an# never #ecrease# 8Shiina3 4hat)s 2our 0ourth perio#)s lesson$8 8P B 853"6 8Is it alright to skip$8 8I coul# onl2 learn the 7asics i0 it)s volle27all 8 8Wh2$ ,re 2ou 0eeling un4ell$ 1r are 2ou injure#$8 8&2 0ingers cannot get hurt 8 ,lthough the ans4er 4as not something in Sorata)s 0iel# o0 un#erstan#ing3 it someho4 soun#e# ver2 convincing *he creator o0 all those ama;ing 4orks3 are &ashiro)s 4hite an# slen#er 0ingers 8(ut I think pla2ing volle27all is 0ine though 8 8@n$8 8(ut m2 teacher sai# no 8 8*hat)s serious 8 8?eah Bven thought it)s serious3 I still can)t 8 Sorata 4ante# to sa2 that he #i# not mean that3 7ut he kept :uiet instea# 8*he /ita that 2ou mentione# just no43 4ho)s that$8 8Krien# 8 8, 0rien# 2ou ha# in Bnglan#$8 &shiro gentl2 no##e# her hea# 8/oommate 8 8?ou must have 7rought her a lot o0 trou7le3 eh$8 8I like /ita 8 8Wh2 is it that 2ou never match our conversations<8
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Sorata straightene# his 7ack an# sat up 8Shiina3 2ou reall2 kno4 ho4 to #ra4 8 8No such thing 8 8No3 reall2 ?ou reall2 kno4 ho4 to #ra4 I sa4 that piece that 2ou got a something pri;e 0or ,lthough I #on)t reall2 un#erstan# art3 I 4as reall2 taken in 72 it)s 7eaut2 an# attractiveness 8 8 8 8I0 it)s learning art3 4oul#n)t it 7e 7etter i0 2ou ha# sta2e# overseas$8 8?eah 8 8*hen 4h2 #i# 2ou return to %apan$8 &a27e it 4oul# have 7een goo# as 4ell i0 she returne# here 4hen she 4ante# to stu#2 at a universit2 No3 i0 she reall2 4ante# to #evelop her skills 0ull23 it 4oul# have 7een 7etter i0 she sta2e# overseas &ashiro took the last piece o0 (aumkuchen an# put it in her mouth3 an# she #rank the milk tea that 4as in an aluminMiNum can 4ith a stra4 Cooks like the topic en#e# like this--at the same time that Sorata ha# that thought 8I 4ant to 7e a &angaka 853'6 &ashiro sai# it ver2 clearl2 Not 8I 4ish to 7ecome a &angaka8 or 8I)m aiming to 7ecome a &angaka as m2 goal 8 (ut she 4ants to 7e a &angaka 8W9?<8 Sorata)s voice 4as so lou# that he himsel0 4as taken 72 surprise
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(ecome a &angaka *his ans4er 4as one o0 the possi7ilities a0ter seeing the sketches this morning (ut it 4as a possi7ilit2 4ith aroun# 1 percent chance 9e still thought that it 4as impossi7le3 a no-4a2 ans4er In Sorata)s 0iel# o0 un#erstan#ing3 it reall2 4as unaccepta7le &ashiro has the a7ilit2 to attract so much attention in the 4orl# o0 art3 an# that talent surpasse# the concepts o0 greatness that Sorata kne4 Bven the art pri;e ju#ge ha# commente# that she 4as a pro#ig2 Isn)t that enough$ &ashiro alrea#2 ha# the things that no matter ho4 much normal people 4ant3 the2 coul# never get *o prove hersel03 it coul# 7e sai# as a uni:ue talent that no one else ha# *hen3 4h2 #i# she 4ant to 7ecome a &angaka$ 8&eaning 2ou 4ant to #o 7oth$8 8&ashiro shook her hea# to sho4 her #isagreement 8?ou onl2 4ant to 7e a &angaka$8 *his time she no##e# her hea# instea# 8Sorr23 I can)t un#erstan# 8 Cike 4hat he sai#3 Sorata raise# his han#s in a surren#ering position3 an# la2 #o4n like that 8?ou t4o< ?ou gu2s are actuall2 skipping class in 7roa# #a2light<8 *he person 4ho opene# the #oor 0orce0ull2 on the roo0 top 4as Chihiro She stoo# 7esi#e Sorata)s hea# 4here he 4as l2ing3 an# 0ol#e# her arms 7e0ore her chest She looke# #o4n on him 8Wait3 sensei3 please #on)t come so close to me< I)ll see it<8 Chihiro 4ore a tight skirt3 so it 4on)t 7e so eas2 to see it 8Letting e=cite# just 72 seeing a pair o0 panties3 I reall2 env2 2ou<8
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8I)ll #e0initel2 turn to stone i0 I see sensei)s panties<8 9e starte# to panic 8Stop sa2ing #um7 things /eturn to 2our lessons :uickl2 8 ,0ter 0inishing the milk tea3 &ashiro stoo# up 0rom the 7ench She 4alke# to4ar#s the school all 72 hersel0 8Kan#a as 4ell 8 8Sensei3 can I ask 2ou a :uestion$8 8?eah$8 8What kin# o0 person is Shiina$8 9is line o0 vision chase# the 7ack vie4 he coul# no longer see Sorata stare# at the #oor *he Chihiro 4ho turne# her hea# 7ack at Sorata3 looke# like she 4ante# to test him out 8I have a7solutel2 no i#ea 4hat she)s thinking 8 8Not like 4e can help it (ecause 4hile 2ou 4ere learning ho4 to laugh3 cr2 an# 0eel angr23 &ashiro ha# alrea#2 starte# to #ra4 8 8Is her 0amil2 7ackgroun# like that$8 89er #a# 4as gi0te# enough to 7e a lecturer at the Bnglan# @niversit2 o0 ,rts It)s just that as a painter he 4asn)t that 0amous 9er mother gra#uate# 0rom an art universit2 too3 so ma27e 2ou can call it an )artist) 0amil2 *he2 are all in Bnglan# no4 8 8Bven then3 she shoul#n)t have 7een that messe# up3 right$8 8Who kno4s I0 I)# learnt to use m2 #ra4ings as a 4a2 to e=press m2sel0 7e0ore I learne# the 4a2 to e=press m2sel0 72 soun#s or emotions3 she might not have 7een so #i00icult to un#erstan# 8 Chihiro sai# all this light-hearte#l23 an# it ma#e Sorata)s thoughts come to a halt
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In other 4or#s3 Shiina &ashiro 4as just #i00erent 0rom others She live# in the 4orl# o0 art &ost likel2 it)s something like that 8Is that 4h2 she #oesn)t kno4 ho4 to laugh$8 8*hat too is a talent 8 8*hen3 is using her talent to #ra4 manga goo#$8 8*hat)s &ashiro)s pro7lemD I have no i#ea 8 8(ut 8 8I kno4 4hat 2ou 4ant to sa23 7ut so 4hat$ I0 she can success0ull2 7ecome an a4esome &angaka3 then isn)t it as goo#$8 8 It isn)t har# to imagine her parents opposing3 eh 8 8@ntil no43 no (ecause she #i#n)t tell them the real reason she came to %apan 0or 1n the sur0ace it looks like she stu#ie# a7roa# to integrate the things in %apan into her 4orks 8Wo4JJWhat an irresponsi7le a#ult What happens i0 the2 0in# out$8 8*hat)s not something 2ou shoul# inter0ere 4ith It)s a pro7lem 7et4een &ashiro an# her 0amil2 Wait3 no It shoul# 7e &ashiro)s o4n pro7lem ,lthough I #i# help her to get into %apan3 the rest is not something relate# to me3 inclu#ing the :uestion o0 4hether or not she can 7ecome a &angaka 8 89o4 casual 8 8Stop 4orr2ing a7out others) pro7lems3 just han# in 2our career surve2 8 81h3 so 2ou still remem7er 8 8I0 2ou still #on)t han# it in3 I)ll get nagge# 72 that class rep 8 Sorata reall2 hope# that she)ll just 0orget a7out it *o eva#e her vision3 Sorata looke# into the sk2 *he gigantic pieces o0 4hite clou#s ha# alrea#2 scattere# an# #isappeare#
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8&ust I reall2 have something I 4ant to #o$8 Chihiro sai# )hm<) an# starte# laughing 8,lthough it)s onl2 a voluntar2 inspection3 7ut a0ter seeing 2ou3 I 0eel that it has more meaning to it no4 8 8,h$ ?ou mean it ha# no meaning originall2$8 8It must 7e to e=cavate those stu#ents 4ho 4rote ),n24a2 just get promote# 0irst)3 eh$ *o give a sense o0 competition among the teachers 8 8Sigh 8 8?ou)ll kno4 4hen 2ou 7ecome an a#ult ,0ter the ),n24a2 just)3 i0 it)s )#rink a 7eer 0irst)3 then it)ll 7e enough 8 ,t the same time3 the 7ell signalling the en# o0 the 0ourth perio# 4ent o00 Chihiro looke# like she 4ante# to sa2 something3 7ut gave up on it an# le0t the roo0 top instea# 8In the 0utureJJ8 It)s still un#eci#e# no4 *here 4as no progress to#a2 either Bven then3 Sorata 4as still searching 0or it 4hole-hearte#l2 8,n24a23 let)s eat 0irst 8
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Part 3
Guring the Lol#en Week53+6 Sorata ha# long 4aite#3 Sorata #i#n-t go an24here 0or 0un or 4ent 7ack to his home at KukuokaD instea#3 he spent his time 4ith &isaki 4ith her soun# recor#ing an# taking care o0 &ashiro Ga2s 4ent past :uickl23 an# the 0inal #a2 o0 the holi#a2 ha# arrive# It 4as the 0i0th o0 &a2HChil#ren-s Ga2 It 4as alrea#2 ten at night Sorata ha# a leisure 7ath3 tasting 0eeling o0 having his min# 0ree o0 thoughts When he 4alke# out o0 the 4ashroom3 a ca77age gar#en appeare# 7e0ore him Lreen 7alls line# through 7oth si#es o0 the corri#or like gui#ing lights in a run4a2 RI-m reall2 e=hauste#3S Sorta sai#3 closing his e2es an# 4aving his hea# It 4as too earl2 0or him to 7e hallucinating Nevertheless3 4hen he opene# his e2es3 things #i#n-t happen the 4a2 he 4ante#> the ca77age gar#en 4as still there R9a# aliens imitate# their invasion at last$ Barth is #one 0or S 9e coul#n-t 7elieve aliens 4oul# #o such #etesta7le an# chil#ish stu00 *hose aliens might 7e ca77age people 4ho ha# come 0rom the planet o0 ca77age &a27e notHthere 4as onl2 one person 4ho 4oul# #o such a stupi# thing in the entire universe *he culprit 4as the 0reak Sakurasou 4as prou# o0HKamiigusa &isaki *here 4ere similar events that ha# happene# a 2ear ago When it 4as 9allo4een3 an# Sakurasou 4as #ecorate# 72 orange pumpkins that came 0rom no4here Guring this perio#3 &isaki 4oul# 4ear special costumes in her #ail2 li0e Kor e=ample3 she 4oul# 7e #resse# as a 4itch in school an# have :uarrels 4ith the li0e gui#ance teacher almost ever2 #a2 When it 4as Christmas3 she 4oul# plant a 0ir tree in the court2ar#3 #ecorate# 72 man2 lighting ,#ults near72 4oul#
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come an# complainD 4hereas chil#ren 4oul# cr2 out in #elight 4hen the2 sa4 the scene She 4oul# 4ear even 4ear a mini-skirt an# put on the Santa costume on that #a23 #istri7uting presents ever24here on the street elate#l23 even to strangers *hese memories 4ere 7eing recalle# in m2 min# one 72 one (e it the Ne4 ?ear3 the 9inamatsuri53.63 the culture 0estival3 or the sports 0estival3 she 4oul# get into high spirits an# #o 4hatever she 4ante# 4ithout pa2ing an2 hee# to the trou7les she 7rought to othersHSorata ha# helpe# her to era#icate the a0termath o0 man2 trou7les she ha# 7rought over the 2ear R(ut 4h2 ca77ages$S ,s 0ar as Sorata kne43 cele7rating ca77ages 4as not a costume in Chil#ren-s Ga2 *he gui#e lights o0 the ca77ages #irectl2 e=ten# to %in-s room Kollo4ing the ca77ages to %in-s room3 Sorata stoo# 7e0ore the #oor an# knocke# on it3 ho4ever3 4ith no response a0ter4ar#s RI-m coming in S *he #oor 4asn-t locke#3 an# Sorata easil2 entere#Hhe ha# entere# the king#om o0 ca77age Bven more ca77ages 0ille# the room3 the smell o0 ca77ages irritating his sense *he 7e#3 the ta7le3 the 7ookshel0 that marke# the 7lack tren#iness o0 %in-s room 4ere no4 all gone %in-s king#om 4as completel2 inva#e# 72 the green ca77ages RWhat a #isaster S 9e coul#n-t see the culprit 7ehin# this green countr2 thoughD he coul# onl2 see a large 4oo#en 7o= use# 0or hol#ing goo#s place# on the 7e# ,pproaching the 7o=3 he coul# hear 0aintl2 sleeping an# 7reathing soun#s> he kne4 4hat it containe# 4ithout even nee# to check R&isaki-san What are 2ou #oing in someone else-s room$S
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R*he :uestion shoul# 7e #irecte# to 2ou What are 2ou #oing in m2 room$S ,lmost shrieking3 Sorata turne# his hea# roun# to see %in stan#ing 7ehin# him impatientl2 RIt-s not m2 0ault S RI kno4 It-s &isaki-s3S sai# %in3 heaving a #eep sigh3 palming his 0ace 4ith a single hea# RI ha# an earl2 0ore7o#ing that &isaki 4oul# #o something like this this 2ear In#ee#3 I 4as right S RIs there a costume in Chil#ren-s Ga2 o0 using ca77ages as #ecorations$S R*here must 7e a costume like this in our 7ig3 4i#e universe3 I guess3S replie# %in3 unintereste#3 entering his room RGi# something like this happen last 2ear$S R?eah When I entere# the room3 I sa4 &isaki #ecorating hersel0 4ith cream 4aiting 0or me insi#e3S sai# %in3 un4illing to tell the tale RI have m2 #eepest con#olence 0or 2our trage#2 S %in 4alke# to Sorata-s si#e3 glancing at the 7o= on his 7e# RIs it 2our 7irth#a2 to#a23 %in senpai$S RI-m a0rai# 2es S R*hen I get it no4 (ut 4h2 ca77ages$S RPerhaps green is a 7eauti0ul colour$ Who kno4s 4hat &isaki is thinking$S R,ren-t 2ou gu2s chil#hoo# 0rien#s$S %in looke# as i0 he 4ante# to sa2 something3 7ut then he restraine# himsel03 letting onl2 a 4r2 laugh %in an# Sorata then looke# at the 7o= together
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R@m I-ll e=cuse m2sel0 here no4 S %in place# his han# on Sorata-s shoul#er RGon-t 2ou 4ant to len# a han# to 2our senpai 4ho has 7een taking care o0 2ou all along$S R?ou haven-t taken care o0 me an2 7it<S RNo I #i# I treate# 2ou 0or lunch S R*hat-s onl2 once< Cet go o0 me<S %in graspe# Sorata-s shoul#ers to the point Sorata-s shoul#ers hurt R?ou #are let me touch this #angerous thing alone 9ave 2ou gone nuts$S R?ou-re the one 4ho have gone nuts 0or pulling someone else in this stu00 It 4oul#n-t e=plo#e3 I guess It-s 0ine<S R?ou-re just guessing< It-s just a guess<S R*hen3 I-m sure it 4on-t< ,t least 0rom a ph2sical point o0 vie43 that is S R?ou-re so irresponsi7le to sa2 that< Go 2ou mean it-ll e=plo#e mentall2$S *he2 coul# imagine 4hat the contents hel#3 so neither o0 them 4ante# to open it RI0 it-s a 7irth#a2 present3 then please take it 4ith gratitu#e< No3 please take it 7ravel2 an# #etermine#l2<S RSorata ?ou-re this kin# o0 a person 4ho 4oul# even help kittens or &ashiro 7ut never me 9o4 #eplora7le I truste# in 2ou all along3 2ou kno4 S R&2 natural instincts are ringing their 7ells< *he2-re telling me I 4oul# see stu00 I shoul#n-t i0 I open it< *he2-re no4 roaring in m2 heart<S RKorget it I0 that-s 4hat 2ou sa23 then let-s #o it another 4a2 S
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RWhat #o 2ou 4ant to #o$S %in let loose o0 his han# that 4as put on Sorata-s shoul#er3 7ut Sorata #i#n-t escape %in then :uickl2 an# mightil2 opene# the #oor RWoah< What are 2ou #oing$S R9aha Who tol# 2ou to 0all 0or it so easil2$S R*his line is e=actl2 4hat the villains sa2<S It 4as the human-s instinct to see stu00 the2 #i#n-t 4ant to see &isaki 4as insi#e the 7o= Kor an instant3 his vision gone 7lack When he thought that something 7a# ha# happene#3 he realise# %in has covere# his hea# 4ith a to4el3 preventing him 0rom seeing 4hat 4as in 0ront o0 him RSorata3 2ou shoul#n-t look S Bven i0 it 4as short glance3 the strong picture 4as still 7urnt into his retina &isaki3 sleeping com0orta7l23 4as hol#ing a hea# o0 ca77age *here 4ere onl2 a catching re# ri77on that covere# her 4hole 7o#2 9er 7reasts3 4ell-roun#e# thighs 4as all sho4n *he most surprising thing 4as the ratio o0 her organs along 4ith her lips covere# in gloss2 lipstick accentuate# the se=iness in her R,h Bh$ What happene# to the space 4ar$S sai# &isaki in her sleep3 slo4ing 4aking up Sorata looke# 0rom the crevice o0 the to4el When &isaki sa4 %in3 she 0lashe# 4ith a7normal gleam R%in3 happ2 7irth#a2<S ,s i0 catching its pre23 &isaki 0le4 out 0rom the 7o= In a split secon#3 %in eva#e# &isaki-s catch &isaki then crashe# into some ca77ages as a result3 7ut she revive# imme#iatel2 like a phoeni= R%in3 happ2 7irth#a2<S &isaki 0le4 again3 2et %in pulle# the sheets an# :uickl2 4rappe#
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her in her trajector2 R&2 e2es hurt 0rom this< Please stop it S R&23 %in3 2ou #on-t have to 7e so em7arrasse# I-ve put much e00ort into this to cele7rate 2our 7irth#a2 Wh2 can-t 2ou 0eel happ2$S RPlease3 cele7rate m2 7irth#a2 4ith the customs o0 Barth S R@m I-ll e=cuse m2sel0 no43S sai# Sorata3 0in#ing the right timing to s:uee;e into their conversation It 4as a7out time to return to the normal 4orl# I0 he 4ere to sta2 in the king#om o0 ca77ages longer3 his min# might 4ent turn 4hack R1h3 4ait< Go 2ou 4ant to escape$ Sorata<S RIt-s enough<S R*hese ca77ages coul# onl2 7e eaten 4ith gusto 72 the sta00 ?ou-re going to help3 right$S RI-m not one o0 the sta00< I have to go<S ,t this moment3 &ashiro came in RSorata S R@h What-s the matter$S &ashiro took her 7ath earlier than Sorata3 2et her hair 4as still all soake# up3 giving o00 a s4eet scent Bven 4hen she 4as 4earing pajamas3 she 4oul# properl2 4ear her pants *his coul# pro7a7l2 7e attri7ute# to Sorata-s e00orts in teaching her ever2 #a2 RI have something to ask 0or 2our help S RSure Cet-s go then<S Shaking %in o003 Sorata s4i0tl2 le0t the room R?ou t4o chil#hoo# 0rien#s shoul# get along sometimes< I 4ish 2ou goo# luck<S
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R9e23 &isaki3 stop pulling me< Please 4ear 2our clothes no4< It might 0all o00 an2 minute<S RI-m the 7irth#a2 present I-ll 7e trou7le# i0 2ou #on-t receive it S (e0ore %in coul# sa2 something else3 Sorata ha# le0t the room an# shut its #oor 9e pra2e# a little pra2er 0or him a0ter4ar#s Still #elving in the jo2 o0 getting o00 0rom that #anger3 Sorata caught &ashiro an# 7riskl2 4ent upstairs RI-m save#S3 Sorata thought as he entere# &ashiro-s room R*ake them o003S sai# &ashiro 4ith #ea#l2 serious e2es Sorata 4as 0ro;en at his spot 9e repeate#l2 4inke# R*ake them o00 S @n0ortunatel23 his ha#n-t hear# the 4rong 4or#s *o pick up his emotions3 Sorata averte# his e2es ever24here aroun# the room 1n the 0loor 4as a pile o0 clothes3 un#er4ear3 an# #ra0ts Whether it 4as the 0irst 0loor or the secon#3 perhaps the2 4ere hells o0 their o4n kin#s R1ka2 Cet me hear 2our reason S RI 4ant to look at TTS RI-m sa2ing the reason 2ou 4ant to look at them S RIt-s a long stor2 S RIs this the attitu#e 2ou shoul# have 4hen asking 0or someone-s help$S RWait a moment S &ashiro took a memo on the #esktop R*his 4as the a#vice ,2ano gave me S Who-s ,2ano$ Gon-t sa2 it like it 4as the suggestion given to me<S RB#itor S R1h3 so 2ou have en e#itor no4 S
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&ashior-s e2es a00irme# 4hat he sai# RI participate# in the 0reshman-s competition last 2ear S RGi# 2ou get a pri;e$S RI lost S It 4as eas2 to kno4 the ans4er3 0or &ashiro ha#n-t 2et pu7lishe# an2thing R,2ano 4ho took a look at m2 4orks sai# the2 4ere great S R1h3 I un#erstan# no4 (ut 4hat attitu#e are 2ou having no4$S RI-m going to join the competition again this 2ear S RCan 2ou still join 4hen 2ou alrea#2 have an e#itor S RSeems so S R1ka2 S It shoul# 7e 7etter to gain 0ame through 4inning a pri;e than to pu7lish stu00 4ith a name that no one kne4 Krom the stan#point o0 the pu7lishers3 the most important thing 4as to make popular 4orks to increase the sales Certainl2 the2 4oul# 4ant to train potential 0reshman RSo3 4hat #i# the e#itor sa2$S RWhat #o 2ou mean$S RI-m talking a7out the a#vice 2ou sai#<S RGo 4e still have to continue that$S RIt hasn-t even starte#< Please #on-t 0orget it<8 &ashiro looke# #o4n at the memo R*his 4as the a#vice ,2ano gave me S RSo 4e-re reall2 starting 0rom the 7eginning again$S RI0 su7tle emotions S
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R?es S R 4oul# trou7le 2ou S R?es S R then go 0or S RWhat$S R e=treme stu00 S R1ka2 S R*his 4as 4hat she sai# S RSo this is 4h2 2ou 4ant to #ra4 the a male-s nake# 7o#2$ *here are some 0emale manga that 4oul# make things tenser (ut3 the a#vice itsel0 is :uite short S R*o#a2-s goal is Sorata-s 7o#2 S RIt 4oul# 7e more erotic i0 there it 4oul# go in circles meaninglessl2 S R*ake them o00 S &ashiro gra77e# Sorata-s shirt 72 its hem RI re0use to #o so S Sorata shook her o00 RI-ve state# m2 reasons S RIt-s 7ecause I kno4 it that I 4oul# 0eel the #anger a4aiting me< Go 2ou 4ant me to 7e a mo#el$S R, nake# one S R(2 the 4a23 #o 2ou mean completel2 nake#$ It 4oul# 7e em7arrassing to #o so S RIt 4oul# 7e 0ine S R9o4 is it 0ine$S
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RI 4on-t 0eel em7arrasse# S R(ut I 4ill<S RI 4on-t tease 2ou S RWhere #o 2ou 4ant to tease at though$S R?ou-re against it no matter 4hat$S RSo3 it can-t 7e helpe# S ,0ter Sorata heave# a sigh3 &ashiro put her han#s on her pajamas RShiina-san3 4hat are 2ou #oing$S RI-m going to take m2 clothes o00 too 9o4 a7out this$S RIt-s not this pro7lem<S RIt 4oul# 7e all right i0 2ou 4oul# take them o00 at the 7eginning S R1h3 please #on-t sa2 it 4ith the U2ou-re so em7arrasse#- tone3 all right$ ,n# please #on-t take 2our o4n clothes o00 4ithout a secon# thought< ?oung girls can-t sho4 their nake# 7o#ies in 0ront o0 others easil2<S RSorata is special to me S RI 4on-t ask 2ou 4h2 I-m special at this moment< ,re 2ou going to sa2 something ran#om again$ I-m onl2 a person 4ho gave 2ou 7aumkuchen3 right<S R/ight S RI tol# 2ou to stop talking a7out that< ?ou-ve ma#e me agonising a7out m2 o4n value ,lso3 please #on-t take them o00<S &ashiro stoppe# moving R,re 2ou 4illing to take them o00 0or me$S It 4as human-s 0irst choice o0 stripping someone else or 7e strippe# RCike hell 4oul# there 7e this kin# o0 a e=tort all right I-ll take
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them o003 7ut I 4on-t take o00 m2 un#er4ear< *his is m2 last re:uirement<S RI-ll take o00 2our un#er4ear 0or 2ou S RWhat kin# o0 logic is that$ ?our 7rain #e0initel2 mal0unctions< Cisten3 oka2 Gon-t take them o00<S R S RWh2 #o 2ou look 2ou-re unsatis0ie#$S R(ecause 4hat is going to happen is the most important S R?ou 4on-t #ra4 to that e=tent in a manga3 4ill 2ou$S R?ou #on-t have con0i#ence S RWhere #o I not have con0i#ence$S Sorata3 4ho onl2 thought o0 en#ing this as soon as possi7le3 took o00 the *-shirt an# his sports pants in the room3 leaving onl2 a pair o0 trunks on him an# nothing else R@m can-t 2ou get a male-s nake# 7o#2 through photos or images$S RNo S RWh2$S RI 4on-t kno4 the te=ture S R S R S RI 4oul#n-t 7e a7le to 0eel its te=ture S RPlease let me return to the countr2si#e S In a panic3 Sorata took his *-shirt an# put it 7ack on himsel03 though &ashiro gra77e# it 72 the collar to stop RKno4ing the te=ture is important> it 7lo4s li0e into the #ra4ing S &ashiro ga;e# at Sorata 7luntl23 calming Sorat-a-s min# strangel2
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,0ter all3 it 4as 4ork instea# o0 a prank She 4as serious3 not here to tease him R1ka23 oka2 I-ll #o it< 9o4 shoul# I #o it$S RCa2 #o4n S &ashiro pointe# at the 7e# ,lthough Sorata 4as still a 7it reluctant3 he kne4 the 7e# ha#n-t 7een slept on 72 &ashiro since she slept un#er the ta7le *hus3 he 4ent to the 7e#3 lai# #o4n3 an# 4aite# 0or 0urther instructions ,s a result3 out o0 his e=pectation3 &ashiro 7ent her knees an# stra##le# Sorata-s 7o#23 RWhat #o 2ou 4ant to #o$S RGon-t move S &ashiro-s long an# thin 0ingers starte# to stroke his a7#omen muscles3 giving him a col# shiver ,long 4ith the strange shiver that ma#e his outer muscles tense an# rigi#3 his inner ones rela=e# RIt 0eels har# an# rigi# S &ashiro-s 7o#2 4as ver2 so0t *hrough the overl2 thin pajamas3 he coul# 0eel her 7uttocks an# thighs *he places that touche# her 7o#2 raise# in temperature 9e 0elt ver2 com0orta7le 4ith the s4eat coming out 7ecause o0 the heat 9e 4ante# to have more contact 4ith her 7o#23 especiall2 4ith his han#s 9is evil #esire gra#uall2 starte# to occup2 his heart3 7ut 4hen he met his e2es 4ith &ashiro-s3 his #esire 4oul# cool #o4n s4i0tl2 like a 7alloon losing its air Cooking at her serious 0ace3 Sorata gave up on sa2ing the 4or#s he 4ante# to sa2 &ashiro-s 0ingers crosse# over Sorata-s neck to his chin> Sorata 4as completel2 un#er her control ,0ter4ar#s3 &ashiro move# her 7o#2 even closer to him She place# her chin on Sorata-s chest3 looking up at him R?our heart is still 7eating S R(ecause I-m still alive S
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R?our heart7eat seems to have accelerate# S RWho-s 0ault #o 2ou think this is$S RBm7race me S RNo S R?ou-re useless S R,ll right I kno4<S Sorata stretche# his han#s aroun# &ashiro-s 7ack3 touching her so0tl2 at 0irst RPlease press har#er S Sorata presse# a 7it har#er 4ith his shoul#ers3 his 7o#2 shivering in nervousness 9is shoul#ers coul# 0eel &ashiro-s 4aistHit 4as ver2 thin 9e starte# to 4orr2 i0 he 4ere to hol# here 4ith more 0orce3 her 4aist 4oul# just snap RIt-s oka2 no4 S Sorata let go o0 his han#s &ashiro sat up3 staring #irectl2 at Sorata-s 0ace R,re 2ou e=cite# no4$S RCike hell I 4oul#<S Sorata coul# see some part o0 her 7reasts through her open collar *hus3 Sorata :uickl2 averte# his e2es in a panic RWhat-s 4rong$S
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R?ou shoul# have at least some sel0-conscious ?our sel0-#e0ence is too 0ragile S &ashiro looke# at her 7reast RGon-t 2ou like them$S RI0 I 4ere e=cite# 72 2our 7reast3 I coul# sleep 4ith a 4ash7oar# all night long S Kailing to un#erstan# 4hat he meant3 &ashiro gave no response RSorata3 have 2ou ever ma#e love 7e0ore$S R S RSorata$S R?ou scare# the shit out o0 me< 10 course not< Not even kissing I-ve never even joine# han#s 4ith a girl3 though m2 stomach 4as sat 72 one<S RIt-s a shame i0 2ou #on-t ?our 7o#2 0igure is so goo# S RWhat logic is this$ *his is just 7ecause I have pla2e# 0oot7all 4hen I 4as stu#2ing primar2 school an# mi##le school S R9o4 a7out no4$S RNo Isn-t it o7vious$S ,0ter I joine# high school3 I ha# never joine# an2 clu7s3 going 7ack home straight a0ter school RGi# 2ou have an injur2$S RNo S Sorata 0ell into silence3 4hereas &ashiro 7egan thinking R*hen3 2ou can start over again S R*here are man2 other reasons apart 0rom having an injur2 S RI #on-t un#erstan# S It pertur7e# Sorata to 7e looke# at 4ith such pure e2es 9e
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4avere# his vision3 0in#ing things he coul# look at3 7ut he coul#n-t 0in# an2 *he 0ace o0 &ashiro that seeme# to 7e looking 0or an ans4er 4as apparentl2 the re0lection o0 her ina7ilit2 to speak 4hat is appropriate in #i00erent situations She coul#n-t even 0eel that Sorata 4ante# to change the su7ject 9elpless3 Sorata coul# onl2 tell her the truth R*his is 7ecause it coul#n-t 7e m2 goal S *hough nine 2ears passe# 4ithout much notice3 he #i#n-t reall2 have an e=plicit goal to pursue When he 4as in mi##le school3 he 4oul# 0eel great 0or participating area-7ase# competitions or pre0ectural tournaments3 7ut he 4asn-t a ver2 smart pla2er3 so he coul# har#l2 imagine getting even 7etter or participating in even larger competitions When he 4as in primar2 school3 he 4oul# #ream o0 himsel0 participating in a competition in the green 0oot7all 0iel#3 as 0re:uent as his e2es getting a 0lu (ut ever since he gra#uate# to mi##le school3 he ha#n-t these #reams an2more R?ou can sa2 I-ve reache# m2 limit in this3 an# hence m2 passion 4as coole# #o4n S 9e 4oul#n-t 0eel regret 0or losing a match ,n# he 4oul# o0ten slack o00 unconsciousl23 even though 4hen he 4as small3 he 4oul# cr2 4hen losing a match *he sports teams in Suikou 4eren-t e=ceptionall2 strong (e it as it ma23 the 0oot7all team still aime# 0or the nationals3 an# the 7ase7all team the Koushien 9e kne4 there 4as meaning to 7elieving in himsel0 an# #oing his 7est3 7ut he just coul#n-t summon his passion again So3 he gave up 9e 4ante# to search 0or something he 4oul#n-t 0in# limits an# coul# 7elieve he coul# challengeHlike the stu#ents in the same gra#e as him 4ho s4eat all over themselves in the sports 0iel#s ever2 #a2 1ver the time3 Sorata #i#n-t join an2 clu7s ,n# gra#uall23 he ha# lost his 4hole 2ear 4ith nothing accomplishe# RKorget it I sai# something 4eir# again S
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*he 4or#s he sai# 4as meaningless to &ashiro &ashiro ha# seen the tip o0 some parts o0 the Barth> she 4oul#n-t un#erstan# normal people 4ho clim7 up 0rom the earth RIs that so$S replie# &ashiro concisel2 Klipping open the sketch7ook she ha# prepare#3 she sat on Sorata-s 7o#23 0lippe# to the page o0 Sorata3 an# starte# to #ra4 RShiina$ Go I have to sa2 like this$S R S R*his is the 4orst t2pe o0 neglecting someone 9e2<S R S She seeme# she #i#n-t hear Sorata-s voice She ha# a #i00erent #emeanour 0rom then3 concentrating on her #ra4ing 4orl# RShiina3 have 2ou ever ha# a 7o20rien#$S R&23 m2 S R 7a#3 too 7a# &2 li0e is too tragic an# 7a# What kin# o0 a punishing game is this$ 9elp I 4ant to cr2 no4 S ,0ter a 4hile3 &ashiro su##enl2 stoo# up3 turne# on the computer3 an# sat 7e0ore the ta7le She then starte# to #ra4 on the screen 4ith the ta7let R*his must 7e ho4 7eing violate# 0eels like Wh2 4as I 7orn$S ,s Sorata heave# a sigh3 he put on his clothes an# peeke# at the screen 7ehin# &ashiro-s 7ack Bver2 time &ashiro-s han#s move3 a male character 4oul# 7e stunningl2 #ra4n on the screen She ha#n-t re#ra4n3 as i0 she kne4 4here ever2thing shoul# lie *he 4a2 her han#s scri77le# 4as like magic to Sorata Su##enl23 he 0elt &ashiro 4as gra#uall2 leaving him She 4as just 7e0ore him3 at a #istance his han#s coul# reach3 7ut the #istance he 0elt looke# like in0init2 *o shake o00 this 4eir# 0eeling3 Sorata picke# up the scattere# #ra0ts *he content 4as #i00erent this time3 7ut the
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atmosphere in 4hole 4as similar It 4as a7out an overl2 normal 0emale high school stu#ent 0alling in love 4ith another overl2 normal male stu#ent3 having overl2 #ull conversations an# 7eginning their love stor2 R@m What is this actuall2$S It looke# as i0 there 4ere no improvement *he characters 4ere too or#inar23 4hich 4as 0atal in mangas *heir e=pressions ha# to 7e more e=aggerate# an# 7ol# *he lo4-energ2 atmosphere at a 4hole 4oul# just make the manga 7oring I0 the pictures ha# no li0e3 it coul#n-t conve2 0eelings No one 4oul# get it a0ter the2 ha# rea# it *his 4asn-t a manga 7ut simpl2 #ra4ings /ea#ers #on-t rea# mangas 0or the 7eauti0ul illustrations3 7ut 0or manga itsel0 *his 4as 4hat Sorata reckone# at least So3 i0 the content 4ere too 7oring3 no one 4oul# spen# the time rea#ing it It 4oul# 7e #i00icult to get a pri;e or start pu7lishing stu00 at this level ,s Sorata thought3 he li0te# his hea# 0rom the #ra0ts3 happening to 0in# &ashiro looking #irectl2 at him R,re the2 7oring$S R*o 7e honest3 2es S ,lthough he hesitate#3 4on#ering 4hether he shoul# skimp her3 he resorte# to telling her 0rankl2 9e ha# given 7luntl2 his a#vice 7e0ore *here 4as no meaning o0 l2ing to her no4 R,2ano sai# this too S ,s Sorata 0elt he shoul#n-t 7e 7la77ering much a7out this3 he silentl2 returne# the #ra0ts R?ou can take care o0 them S RIs it oka2$ *he2 are manuscripts a0ter all S RI have a cop2 o0 them (esi#es3 the2 are just #ra0ts S R,h$S
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Gra0ts are the 7asic structure o0 mangas *he2 are #ra4n 72 pencils an# 4oul# 7e use# in #iscussions 4ith the e#itor to #eci#e 4hat shoul# 7e a#opte# RI0 2ou #ra4 it like the 0inishe# #ra0t3 it 4oul# 7e ine00icient S R*his is 7ecause I-m not too use# to #ra4ing 4ith the computer I-m still practicing S R(ut 4h2 not paper$S R,2ano sai# that i0 I use paper3 there 4oul# 7e too man2 lines *he #ra4ings 4oul# 7e too heav2 S RWoul# it 7e that 2ou have #ra4n them too 4ell$S RNo It-s 7ecause I-m not ver2 skille# in #ra4ing people S Sorata coul#n-t get 4h2 she sai# she 4asn-t skille# *he lines use# to #ra4 the characters on the screen 4ere even less then 4hat he sa4 7e0ore3 seemingl2 like a 4ell-practise# manga st2le &ashiro-s #ra4ing strength shoul# 7e a7out the top in the in#ustr2 (esi#es3 there 4ere a lot o0 mangas 4ith 4orst #ra4ings out there (e it as it ma23 she still claime# she 4asn-t goo# at this 9e coul#n-t help 7ut 4on#er i0 there 4as something 4rong in her nerves *he 0eeling o0 averting his e2es rushe# into him once again> &ashiro-s #ra4ing appearance slippe# a4a2 0rom him :uickl2 *his 4asn-t a misperception> &ashiro 4as hea#ing to her #estination #irectl23 her spee#3 in Sorata-s e2es3 the same as the spee# o0 light *here 4as no 4a2 he coul# catch her ,lthough the2 4ere in the same room3 &ashiro 4as in#isputa7l2 in a #i00erent place 0rom the place he 4as in &isaki3 %in3 an# /2uunosuke3 too3 4ere hea#ing to their respective #estinations *he onl2 one stan#ing in his original position 4as he , pain that came 0rom no4here 4ent through his chest3 causing pain in him Sorata le0t &ashiro su7consciousl2 an# sat on the 7e# Since some time3 loneliness an# 0ear ha# 7een stirring up in his stomach Keeling pertur7e#3 Sorata sai# to &ashiro3 RSa23 4h2 #i# 2ou choose manga$S
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R S 9e #i#n-t get an2 response in#ee# It 4as not onl2 7ecause she 4as too concentrate# on her 4ork that she #i#n-t hear his voice3 7ut also that she ha# even 0orgotten his presence Silence 0ille# the room 0or a 4hile3 4ith onl2 :uick scri77ling soun#s o0 the #ra4ing pen com0orta7l2 rever7erating aroun# his ears3 stealing a4a2 his a7ilit2 to think 9e coul#n-t think an2thingD he merel2 looke# at &ashiro-s 7ack 7lankl2 0or a long 4hile R(ecause it-s interesting S , soun# o0 astonishment leake# out o0 Sorata-s mouth upon this 7elate# repl2 RBh$S &ashiro turne# her hea# to him R(ecause it-s interesting S RCan-t 2ou just #ra4 pictures$S RGra4ing pictures isn-t interesting S RIt-s not goo# to sa2 such things S RIt-s the truth S R@m i0 2ou #on-t min#3 then please give me 2our artistic a7ilities S RSure S R9o4 can that possi7l2 happen$S RIt-s 4hat 2ou sai# S 9e 4as certain o0 these things RIt-s Sorata 4ho 4ants something he #oesn-t 4ant S Sorata 4as naile# right at his 4oun# 9e ha# no i#ea o0 4hat he 4ante# to #o Bven i0 he ac:uire# a skill3 the skill 4oul# onl2 #eteriorate in his han#s &ashiro imme#iatel2 turne# her hea# 7ack an# continue# her 4ork It 4as as i0 the2 ha#n-t talke# a 4hile
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ago 9er 7ack occurre# apathetic to him It 4as as i0 he 4as rejecte# Nevertheless3 this 4asn-t the truth It 4as 7ecause o0 Sorata-s 7eing timi# an# sh2 that ma#e him caught in a 7a# position &ashiro ha#n-t an2 0eelings or thoughts It 4as onl2 Sorata 4ho lamente# over his proposition o0 letting her talent 7e his 9e 4as such a jerk 9e murmure# in his mouth 9e hate# himsel0 0or kno4ing nothing a7out himsel0 RSorata S RWhat$S R?ou can-t put on 2our clothes S R,h$S RWe-re still continuing S R9ol# on a minute What #o 2ou 4ant to #o to me no4$S RIt-s reall2 S R reall2 4hat$S R reall2 #i00icult to tell 2ou S R*hen #on-t ask 0or me to #o it<S RI 4on-t let 2ou sleep tonight S R?ou shoul# have sai# this line se=ier<S RI 4ill not let 2ou sleep tonight S RIt-s just the same<S
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Part 4
%ust as 4hat &ashiro ha# sai#3 she #i#n-t let Sorata sleep @ntil 0ive on the morning 4hen &ashiro 4ent to sleep3 Sorata 4as instructe# to #o all kin#s o0 stu00 on the 7e# or 7ecome her e=periment o0 #i00erent poses It 4as all thanks to this that Sorata coul#3 at last3 ha# a glance o0 4hat Shiina looke# like 4hen she 0ell asleep 9e 0elt it 4as a 4on#er o0 ho4 she coul# creep 7elo4 the ta7le (e0ore the last moment she 0ell asleep3 she 4as still #ra4ing manga on the ta7le *hen3 she 4oul# slo4l2 #o;e o003 an# at last3 she 4oul# roll o00 the chair #e=terousl2 out o0 her instinct ,0ter that3 to prevent the light shining on her3 she 4oul# use her last strength to cra4l on the 0loor into the stack o0 clothes an# un#er4ear She #i#n-t reall2 sleep out o0 her o4n 4ill 7ut more like3 as a ha7it much like an animal3 o0 4orking until she 4ore hersel0 out an# 0ell asleep She #i#n-t even have the strength to cra4l onto the 7e# 7ut use# the last #rop o0 9P le0t in her in #ra4ing *his is 4h2 her 4a2 o0 sleeping 7ecame so chaotic Cooking at &ashiro coile# an# sleeping3 Sorata #roope# his shoul#ers R?ou shoul#n-t sleep in 0ront o0 a 7o2 ?ou-re #e0enceless S She ha# a sleeping 0ace at complete ease She hi# her hea# 7ut not her 7uttocks an# 0eet Sorata covere# her 4ith sheets3 an# she ma#e an anno2e# noise as i0 she 0elt itch2 ,lthough he 4ante# to thro4 a 4or# or t4o o0 complaint3 it 4as too 0orlorn to speak to himsel0 Sorata coul# onl2 4alk out o0 the room3 #ragging along his heav2 7o#2 Kresh morning air 0ille# the corri#or o0 Sakurasou Sorata just #i#n-t have an2 resi#ue po4er to 0eel this 7ree;e though Staggering #o4nstairs3 he kne4 his holi#a2 ha# en#e# an# he ha# to start school again tomorro4 ?et3 Sorata 4as still thinking o0 going 7ack to his room to sleep I0 an2one 4ere to kno4 4hat happene# to him3 the2 4oul# #e0initel2 s2mpath2 him ,t this
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stage3 he coul# sleep 0or the 4hole long #a23 Sorata thought3 7ut he soon stoppe#3 as he hear# a voice 9is pu;;ling min# tol# him it might 7e a thie03 7ut he 4as too tire# to cautious Sorata just 0ollo4e# the soun# an# 4ent into the living room RNo I-ve repeate# m2sel0 man2 times alrea#2> &isaki coul# not complete something 4ith other groups She 4as the person 4ho 4oul# #o ever2thing in her min#3 inclu#ing cutting o0 scenes an# #ra4ing ?es I #on-t mean to occup2 her alone It-s 0ine i0 2ou 4ant to communicate 4ith her #irectl2 ,n24a23 I-m not her manager or an2thing Please #on-t call me 0or this an2more<S It 4as %in 4ho 4as shouting 7e0ore the ta7le *urning o00 his phone an# placing it on the ta7le along his 4ill3 leaning against the chair slante# %in-s e2es 0loate# ever24here3 spotting Sorata at some point RWhat-s all 2our 4ear2 0ace a7out$S RShiina 4oul#n-t let me sleep S Sorata let out a 7ig 2a4n In0ecte# 72 him3 %in also let out a 2a4n RI coul#n-t imagine I 4oul# have an a#ult conversation 4ith 2ou so soon S RI #on-t have an2 kin# o0 2our interest I-m just ai#ing her in her manga pro#uction S RWhat$ Won-t 2ou 0eel shallo4 4hen 2ou sa2 this$ ?ou-re a health2 high school 7o2 S RGon-t mention it It 4oul# just make me more #epresse# S %in-s e2es also re0lecte# %in-s tire#ness RWhat a7out 2our 7irth#a2 part2$S R*hanks 0or running a4a2 I 4as le0t there having a ca77age carnival> eating ca77age san# puking a0ter4ar#s3 an# then eating ca77ages again *he toilet has no4 7ecome m2 loving comra#e
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When it 4as past 0our3 I starte# to 0eel the roun# shape o0 the toilet 4as se=2 S R?ou-re heavil2 sick S R*he ca77ages le0t 4ill 7e eaten tomorro4 oh3 it-s to#a2 I nee# to take them to the stu#ents at school S Cetting a #r2 laugh3 %in shoul# 7e imagining ho4 it 4oul# look like to 7ring 4ith him a large pack o0 ca77ages to school Sorata 4oul# inevita7l2 7e a00ecte#3 so he 4ante# to reject him no4 RWhat 4as the phone call a7out$S RIt 4as the pro#ucer o0 an anime compan2 4ho sai# he 4ante# to let &isaki make animes 4ith 7etter scripts Nevertheless3 it is o7vious he 4ants the 4ork to 7ecome his an# upli0t their 0ame S R(ut 4h2 #i# he call at this time$S RIt-s normal in this in#ustr23S sai# %in3 his e2es impl2ing that Sorata shoul# sit #o4n Sorata sat on a seat one-seat 0ar 0rom %in-s 9e 4ante# #esperatel2 to sleep3 7ut he coul#n-t help talking 4ith %in upon seeing him RWhat happene# an24a2$S R9o4 #o I put it although Shiina 4as a chaos3 she 4as reall2 strong S RWh2 #i# 2ou mention this no4$S RI #on-t mean her talent in #ra4ing 7ut the 4a2 she concentrate on 4orking It-s this 0eeling that ocurre# to me S RI see So 2ou 4oul# get all jitter2 4hen this appears 7e0ore 2ou S R S 9e #i#n-t 4ant to a#mit it3 so he remaine# silent RIt looks like it-s onl2 me 4ho isn-t capa7le o0 an2thing in Sakurasou S
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&isaki pro#uce# animes %in 4rote the scripts /2uunosuke 4orke# as a programmer3 &ashiro #re4 mangas 9o4 a7out Kan#a Sorata$ What 4as he capa7le o0$ 9e #i#n-t kno4 4hat to 7ecome or 4hat to #o R?ou are mistaken S RBh$S RI #i#n-t 4rite scripts 7ecause I 7elieve# it 4as the jo7 o0 m2 li0e S RIs that so$S RI onl2 starte# 7ecause o0 a 7it o0 interest *hen3 4hen I reall2 starte# #oing it3 I 0elt it 4as even more interesting I gra#uall2 0elt it 4as prett2 goo#3 getting more serious an# serious It-s pro7a7l2 this 0eeling that gave me the urge to continue I 4oul#n-t 7e as goo# as &ashiro or &isaki3 7ut perhaps 4hen the time comes3 or 4hen a thought 0lashes over m2 min#3 I 4oul# give it m2 all3 though I 4on-t :uestion 4h2 I 4oul# #o it ?eah *hat-s a7out it S RI #on-t even have that S R*hat-s just 2ou 7raking %ust like ho4 ramen shops start learning Chinese chille# noo#les in the summer3 2ou onl2 nee# to #o stu00 as 2ou like S RPlease apologise to all the ramen shops in the countr2 S R10 course it-s Chinese chille# noo#les i0 2ou 4ant to start #oing something S RWhat logic is in there$S R?ou-re such a 0reak I can-t get 2ou sometimes S RI think I-m prett2 normal compare# to ever2one else in Sakurasou S RWhen 2ou meet the a00airs o0 others3 2ou 4oul# act so s4i0t as i0 it 4as a re0le= (ut 4hen 2ou meet 2our o4n a00airs3 2ou-re as slo4 as a turtle S
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RIt isn-t true S R?es3 it is *he masses 4ill preten# the2 #i#n-t see an2thing 4hen the2 meet a7an#one# cats ?ou #i#n-t ,lso3 2ou-ve 7een taking goo# care o0 &ashiro all this month even 4hen 2ou-re 0orce# to #o so ?ou 4oul# 4ake up earl2 to make lunch 0or her an# give her 7aumkuchen 4hen she 4ants it> 2ou 4oul# literall2 #o an2thing to help her I0 I 4ere 2ou3 I 4oul#n-t spen# all m2 e00ort like 2ou Sorata3 2ou-re like a hero 4ho lives to help others S R*his is 7ecause no one 4oul# help others<S R(utS %in-s tone lo4ere#3 R2ou-re asking 0or reasons ?ou 4oul# get others in 2our a00airs 7e0ore #eci#ing stu00 so 2ou coul# 7lame them 4hen 2ou 0ail I kno4 it-s pain0ul i0 2ou #on-t #o this3 0or it-s all 2our 0ault i0 2ou 0ail *here-s no escape S R*his isn-t 4hat I meant S RI0 it-s not3 then please leave Sakurasou3 Sorata S %in-s su##en 4or#s ma#e Sorata-s heart to 7ounce vi7rantl2 *his shoul# 7e sai# as his 4oun# 7eing hit *o calm himsel0 #o4n3 Sorata imme#iatel2 0oun# an e=cuse> RShiin an# the cats are still here I can-t help it S RI-ll help 2ou 0in# the cat-s 0ee#ers an# take on the jo7 o0 taking care o0 &ashiro S 9e coul#n-t just skimp him 72 just sa2ing3 R?ou-re ki##ing3 right$S %in-s ra;or-sharp e2es pierce# through Sorata3 not permitting him to avert his e2es *hose sharp e2es 4ere telling him he coul#n-t escape R(2 then3 all the pro7lems 4ill 7e solve#3 4on-t the2$S %in shrugge# his shoul#ers like joking aroun# RNo3 7ut S R?ou kno43 I actuall2 like 2ou S
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RI coul#n-t 7elieve m2 li0e-s 0irst con0ession 4oul# come out 0rom a male-s mouth S R?ou are 4illing to get along 4ith that trou7lesome &isaki3 have a prett2 goo# relationship 4ith /2uunosuke3 an# even sho4e# no hate to people like me 4ho are hate# 72 7o2s in general ?ou #i# 4ell 4ith &ashiro-s a00airs too (esi#es3 2our retorting skills are prett2 goo# S RWell3 let-s 0orm a come#2 group S RCet-s make it the #ream o0 our ne=t lives3 m2 comra#e S %in smile#3 7ut Sorata coul#n-t %in ha#n-t sai# the 4or#s he nee#e# to 9e ha# to prepare 0or the 4or#s a4aiting him RI0 2ou can-t #eci#e on 4hat to #o3 I-ll help 2ou3 7ut at least choose 4here 2ou-ll sta2< I0 2ou 4ant to go 7ack to normal #ormitories3 go ahea# S R S R?ou kno4 4hat I have to sa2 I-m not ki##ing I0 2ou leave3 I-ll take care o0 &ashiro an# the cats S R@m S RSo3 make the #ecision 2oursel0> leave or sta2 Gon-t take an2one as 2our e=cuse I0 2ou can #o this3 then 2ou can easil2 0in# 2our target It-s just a simple , or ( #ecision S 9aving that sai#3 %in stoo# up Sorata coul#n-t li0t up his hea# 9e just stare# at the ta7le3 his 7o#2 not moving an inch %in-s 0ootstep soun#s le0t him3 though the ine=plica7le thing 4as that his presence #i#n-t vanish along 4ith him Sorata ha# lost his 4ill to sleep It 4as right that he 4ante# to leave Sakurasou an# return to normal #ormitories an# let %in take care o0 &ashiro an# the cats since Sorata ha# no more reasons to sta2 at Sakurasou 72 then Wasn-t this something to 7e happ2 a7out$ 9e 4ante# it so 7a#l2 *here 4ere no reasons to 7e hesitating (ut 4h2 #i# his 7reathing 7ecome
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#i00icult no4$ ,s i0 sinking into a s4amp3 he thrashe#3 tr2ing to move his heav2 han#s an# 0eet3 though he coul#n-t 0in# the e=it an24here @na7le to take it an2more3 Sorata lapse# onto the roun# ta7le It 4as #epressing an# pain0ul *ime ticke# a4a2 slo4l2 RSorata S Su##enl2 a transparent voice came over him It ha# a 4eak 7ut clear tone 9e realise# the presence he ha# 0elt 4as not %in 7ut &ashiro Coul#n-t even move his hea#3 Sorata just la2 there3 his e2es close# R,re 2ou going to leave$S RIt 4as m2 plan since the ver2 start to leave3S Sorata s:uee;e# a voice3 grasping his past sel0 tightl2 &ashiro le0t the living room silentl2 4ithout leaving an2thing3 not even a 4or# RWhat the hell is this$S 9e punche# the ta7le 4ith his shivering han#s3 giving him a slight pain sprea#ing o00 0rom the 7ack o0 his han#s ,t this instant3 Sorata 4oke up3 7ut then he 0ell 7ack #o4n into a tur7ulent vorte= o0 his o4n thought Bven pain ha# le0t him ,ll that 4as le0t 4as a stick2 0eeling similar to guilt3 though he coul#n-t remem7er the name 0or it
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Chapter 3 - 5une !s 1elanchol!c Part 1

8I can)t sleep 8 ,0ter rolling aroun# in his 7e# countless times3 Sorata trie# to e=press his situation 4ith his 0ace 7urie# in his pillo4 Bven i0 he #i# so3 nothing 4oul# happen3 an# nothing 4ill change either 9e checke# the time on his phone *4o o)clock at night It)s alrea#2 7een t4o hours since he trie# to sleep Sorata ha# no choice3 so he got up un4illingl2 an# turne# on the light *he 0luorescent light 4as too 7right 9is e2es coul#n)t a#just to the 7right light an# a sense o0 light hea#e#ness hit him 9is e2es 4ere telling him to sleep3 7ut his min#3 0or no apparent reason3 4as still e=tremel2 clear *his 0eeling ver2 much prevente# him 0rom calming #o4n *he 7ro4n ta772 cat *su7asa raise# its hea# in an anno2e# manner It glare# at Sorata 0or a 4hile3 an# then close# its e2es a0ter giving o00 a 7ig 2a4n Kutilel2 sitting up on his 7e#3 Sorata curle# up in a pra2er-like position 8I 7eg o0 2ou please share some sleepiness 4ith me 8 Bven a0ter closing his e2es 0or a 4hile3 he #i#n)t 0eel sleep2 at all I0
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an2thing3 his 7rain 4orke# har#er tr2ing to 0in# the 4or#s to critici;e his 0oolish action ,0ter sighing3 he ru77e# his e2es Wh2 4as he still una7le to sleep3 even though it 4as pain0ul to keep his e2es open$ Kor the past 4eek3 ever2 night 4as like this 9o4 #o I 0all asleep$ ,n# ho4 #i# I 0all asleep usuall2$ ,0ter pon#ering a7out these meaningless things3 his thoughts someho4 starts to s4i0ts to4ar#s the issue o0 4hether or not he shoul# move out o0 Sakurasou Kno4ing that the issue 4on)t 7e resolve# 72 just thinking a7out it makes him tr2 to enter the 4orl# o0 #reams3 7ut this process 4as repeate# over an# over again *he ans4er 4as o7vious 9e #i#n)t kno4 4h2 he 4as even 4orr2ing a7out it Worries give 7irth to ne4 :uestions 4hich then stompe# Sorata #o4n 9e 4as losing his sleeping hours continuousl2 8,h3 #amn it<8 Not #oing an2thing 4ill result in him 7eing too engage# in his o4n thoughts an# have negative e00ects So thinking that he shoul# at least #o something3 he took #o4n his laun#r2 an# he 0orme# a little hill on his 7e# 9e starte# to 0ol# them one 72 one 4ith a lot o0 care While he 4as 0ol#ing3 he #i#n)t nee# to think at all (ut soon enough3 he ran out
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o0 laun#r2 to 0ol# an# onl2 &ashiro)s remaine# 9e 0ol#e# the school 7louse so that it 4oul#n)t get crease#3 an# he place# the 7lack3 school socks into pairs 9e 4ante# to 0ol# the remaining un#ergarments thoughtlessl23 7ut a0ter picking up the 0irst item 4hich happene# to 7e a 7lack lace# camisole3 Sorata 0ace# instant loss It)s just a piece o0 0a7ric Bven 4hen he tol# himsel0 that he coul#n)t resist his instincts as a man3 an# he 0oolishl2 imagine# &ashiro 4earing it onl2 to 7e 0eeling guilt2 instantl2 ,s i0 it 4ante# to #eliver the 0inal 7lo43 the ne=t opponent 4as 7lack panties 4hich matche# the 7lack camisole It 4as a complete loss ,0ter gathering his thoughts3 he inspecte# himsel0 8I0 someone looks at me3 most likel2 the2)ll think that I)m a pervert 8 9e :uickl2 0ol#e# the en#s an# rolle# the panties up 9e san#4iche# the un#ergarments 7et4een the 7louse an# the to4els so that the2 4oul#n)t 7e notice# Bven i0 it 4as certain that the2 4oul# 7e all over the 0loor in &ashiro)s room3 regar#less o0 Sorata helping to maintain or#er Cleaning the room up 4as also Sorata)s jo7 as the person 4ho has the &ashiro Gut2 I0 Sorata move# out o0 Sakurasou3 %in 4oul# 7e the one 4oul# have to 7e responsi7le 0or all these things %in 4oul# 7e use# to touching un#ergarments an# such3 an# 4oul#n)t 7reakout in col# s4eat like Sorata No matter 4hat the situation is3 he 4oul# 7e a7le to pull through smartl2 %in 4as that kin# o0 a gu2 9o4ever3 he #i#n)t even 4ant to imagine %in taking care o0 &ashiro
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8(ut 4hat am I even thinking a7out *his isn)t it 8 What he reall2 shoul# 7e thinking a7out 4as 4hether or not he shoul# move out o0 Sakurasou 9e ha# the #ut23 7ut this 4as his o4n issue3 so &ashiro shoul#n)t have an2 e00ect on his #ecision (ut 0or some reason3 he 4as al4a2s thinking a7out &ashiro When Sorata sai# that he 4as going to move out3 &ashiro #i#n)t sho4 an2 emotions 4hat so ever Whether she 4as happ2 or upset3 it 4as the same as usual So he #i#n)t kno4 4hat she 4as thinking /eali;ing that he 4oul#n)t 7e a7le to keep his sanit2 4hile going aroun# in circles in his hea#3 he jumpe# up I0 he coul#n-t sleep3 he coul# onl2 sta2 a4ake I0 he sta2e# in his room 0urther3 he thought something 7a# might happen to him3 so he 4ent to the kitchen to get a glass o0 4ater Surprisingl23 someone 4as alrea#2 there t4o o)clock at night , sha#o4 o0 someone sitting in 0ront o0 the 0ri#ge 0illing up their stomach It 4as pajama-cla# &ashiro She ha# a tire# an# a sleep2 0ace3 7ut she took out a carrot 0rom the 0ri#ge an# checke# it care0ull2 She apparentl2 #i#n)t like it an# place# 7ack the snack 4hich ra77its love3 an# took out a cucum7er this time Same as the carrot3 she checke# it over care0ull23 an# thought a7out it 0or a 0e4 secon#s ,s soon as she 0inishe# thinking3 she :uickl2 took a 7ite at the cucum7er 8,re 2ou a kappa53I6<8 (itting on the cucum7er3 &ashiro turne# to 0ace Sorata 4ith a straight 0ace She #i#n)t get surprise# at all She kept taking 7ites at
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the cucum7er 8Coul# it 7e that 2ou)re hungr2$8 &ashiro no##e# her hea# 4hile eating the cucum7er 8I get it3 so stop eating< I)ll cook 2ou something<8 &ashiro s4allo4e# the cucum7er 8I)m not a kappa 8 8I kno4 that<8 Letting &ashiro to sit #o4n at the kitchen ta7le3 he looke# insi#e the 0ri#ge 0or &ashiro)s sake /ecentl23 thanks to taking care o0 &ashiro3 his cooking skills have improve# an# his menu increase# as 4ell 9o4ever3 cooking something at this hour 4oul# make Chihiro angr2 0or sure3 so he #eci#e# to settle 4ith a cup-ramen 0rom the cup7oar# ,0ter 7oiling some 4ater in an orange colore# electric pot 4hich &isaki 7ought3 he poure# the 4ater in to the cup 9e place# it on the ta7le 4here &ashiro 4as 4aiting &ashiro trie# to eat the ramen as soon as the cup touche# the ta7le so he ha# to hol# her 7ack 8Wait 3 minutes<8 *o his surprise3 it looke# like she #i#n)t kno4 a7out cup ramen 7e0ore Sorata set ne=t to &ashiro *he 3 minutes o0 4aiting 0elt longer than usual &ashiro 4ho 4as intensel2 staring at the cup #i#n)t sa2 a 4or# Sorata 4as una7le to sa2 an2thing either It 4as clear 4h2 &ashiro 4as a4ake until this late It 4as 7ecause she 4as #ra4ing her manga as usual She just came out 7ecause she 0elt
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hungr2 *his 4as &ashiro)s #ail2 li0e ,0ter her arrival at Sakurasou3 her usual activities #i#n)t change much She #re4 her manga until she almost 0ainte#3 got 4oken up 72 Sorata an# 4ent to school3 an# 4hen she comes 7ack home3 she locks hersel0 insi#e her room an# resume# #ra4ing ,t her age3 it is normal 0or a girl to gossip a7out having a 7o20rien#3 or 7reak up 4ith a 7a# gu2 like him3 or getting a reall2 7eauti0ul hair#o3 or 7u2ing some clothes 0rom some place3 or going to the karaoke3 or sa2ing the2)re 7roke3 or the2 nee# to go on a #iet3 or it)s 7oring these #a2s3 or it)s 0rustrating these #a2s3 or talking a7out someone 7ehin# their 7ack all #a23 ever2 #a2 (ut &ashiro #isregar#s these things an# 4orke# to4ar#s her goal 4ith her o4n han#s *o Sorata3 &ashiro 4as shining so much It 4as almost pain0ul to 4atch her I0 there)s a strong light in 0ront o0 2ou3 an2one 4oul# start to s:uint an# pit2 themselves 8Sorata 8 8,h3 2eah What$8 83 minutes$8 8?ou can eat no4 8 *aking the li# o00 the cup ramen3 &ashiro starte# to slurp a4a2 at its contents (eing uncom0orta7le 4ith the silence3 Sorata trie# to speak 8Sa2 that rookie a4ar#s 4hich 2ou mentione# 7e0ore3 4hen #oes it close$8
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8 8
*o4ar#s the en# o0 %une 8 ?eah 8
8/ight I see 8 It 4as a7out a month an# a hal0 a4a2 8Well 2ou kno4 uh3 there isn)t that much time le0t 8 8 8 8No3 not that it matters or an2thing 8 8 ?eah 8 8*hat remin#s me 9o4 man2 people participate$8 8+AA or .AA 8 8I see 8 8 ?eah 8 *he tempo o0 the conversation 4as o00 *he one 4ho #rove it #o4n hill 4as Sorata - I)ve got nothing to sa2 to Sorata 4ho)s going to leave an24a2 *he possi7ilit2 o0 her con#emning Sorata 4ith such line ma#e him to 7e a0rai# unconsciousl2 Bven 4hen &ashiro 0inishe# eating3 she sat on her seat ,n a4k4ar# silence 0ell upon the t4o Sorata just coul#n)t look at &ashiro)s 0ace I0 their e2es met3 Sorata might utter out strange soun#s 9e 4ante# to get a4a2 0rom the ta7le imme#iatel2 (ut 4hile thinking this3 leaving 0irst ma#e him 0eel as i0 he 4as 0leeing3 so he sta2e# still - Go 2our 7est 9e can just return to his room i0 he sa2s that line 9o4ever3 he coul#n)t #o it /ather3 he 4as a7le to sa2 an2 other lines apart 0rom that line It 4asn)t the time to com0ort others *he one 4ho ha# to
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#o his 7est 4as Sorata &ashiro ha# a clear goal3 an# she 4as running to4ar#s that goal She 4as #oing her 7est alrea#2 It 4as too piti0ul to sho4 his empt2 sel0 no4 ,s he 4as 0alling #eeper into his sel0 re0lection3 there 4as a noise 0rom the entrance *urning aroun# to see 4ho it 4as3 it 4as 4ho %in stoo# there hol#ing 7ack his 2a4ns ,s usual3 there 4ere lipstick kiss marks on his clothes %in sa4 Sorata an# &ashiro together an# aske# an o7vious :uestion 8What)re 2ou gu2s #oing$8 8No3 4e)re just38 8What #o 2ou mean3 )4e)re just)3 it looks like 2ou)re a7out to sign o00 the #ivorce papers 8 8,h3 reall2$8 89e23 is it must 7e reall2 7a# i0 2ou aren)t re7uking m2 joke 8 ,t that moment &ashiro stoo# up 8*hanks 0or the 0oo# 8 She le0t the kitchen leaving onl2 those 4or#s 7ehin# She must have her manga to 4ork on in her room upstairs Silentl2 4atching &ashiro return to her room3 an# she 4as almost out o0 sight3 %in spoke to him 89e2 Sorata 8 8?es$8 8I0 2ou #on)t have the heart 0or it3 I)ll take &ashiro 0or m2sel0 2ou kno4 8 8 @ghh<8 9e coul#n)t e=press himsel0 in 4or#s3 7ut his 7o#2 respon#e# 72 looking straight at %in No3 he glare# at him %in 4as enjo2ing Sorata)s reaction 4ith a smile on his 0ace
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8?ou)re tr2ing to sa2 )What #o 2ou 4ant me to #o$) right$8 8What #o 2ou 4ant me to #o$8 8I0 2ou #on)t 4ant to lose her3 gra7 hol# o0 her 4ell 8 8Shiina isn)t reall2 8 8*hen 4hat$8 8What #o 2ou mean $S 9e thought he 4as a7le to ans4er3 7ut he #i#n)t have the con0i#ence I0 he sa2s it3 he 4oul# 7e una7le to #en2 it 9e)s una7le to run a4a2 (ut #i# that mean that he kne4 4here his heart 4as 8J9uh$ %in3 2ou)re 7ack Welcome 7ackJ8 *he one 4ho save# Sorata 4as &isaki 4ho still looke# sleep2 9ol#ing on to a long pencil 0or no reason tol# him that she 4as 4orking on some kin# o0 a manuscript 8?eah3 I)m 7ack 8 8JI)m thirst2J8 Ignoring the atmosphere3 &isaki 4alke# to4ar#s the 0ri#ge3 took out a 2 liter plastic 7ottle an# starte# to #rink 0rom it Cooking over3 &isaki o00ere# the plastic 7ottle to4ar#s him 8Goes Kohai-kun 4ant to #rink as 4ell$8 ,s Sorata reache# out to gra7 the 7ottle3 %in intercepte# it %in #rank all o0 the remaining 4ater an# han#e# over the empt2 7ottle to &isaki an# le0t3 sa2ing goo# night &isaki stare# at the 7ottle mouth an# 0ro;e in her seat 8Wha3 4hat shoul# I #o Kohai-kun 8 She 4hispere# as i0 her heart 4as some4here else 8It 4as an in#irect kiss 4ith %-%in 8
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It seeme# like she #i#n)t e=pect an ans4er 0rom Sorata3 as she got up an# starte# to 4o77le to her room3 7umping into the 0ri#ge3 ta7le3 an# the 4all Sorata 4ho ha# just 7een le0t 7ehin# 4as e=hauste# an# collapse# into his chair *he 0ri#ge 4ith the #ut2 roster on it 4as 4hat he 4as 0acing *he 0irst thing that caught his attention 4as the )&ashiro Gut2) la7el I0 he sta2e# close3 he 0elt as i0 he 4oul# 7urst into 0lames 72 &ashiro)s 7rilliance (ut he #i#n)t 4ant to leave Sakurasou an# leave ever2thing in %in)s han#s I reall2 4ante# to run a4a2 0rom this situation as soon as possi7le I0 he kept thinking a7out it more an# more3 his emotion an# his ethics 4oul# colli#e3 causing #isor#er It 4as alrea#2 passe# 3 o)clock *he clock han#s energeticall2 move# on to4ar#s the morning at the same slo4 pace &orning 4ill arrive 0or an2one 9o4ever3 0or Sorata 4ho 4as una7le to escape 0rom the night3 it 4oul# arrive much3 much later
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81h3 give it a rest3 2ou 8 It 4as a certain #a2 in %une 4hen Chihiro calle# out Sorata a0ter school to the teacher-s o00ice 8I)ll just sa2 one thing 8 Chihiro ha# her legs an# arms crosse# an# sat on the chair 4ith the 0ace that sai# that she 4asn)t in a goo# moo# 8What a coinci#ence I 4ante# to give it a rest alrea#2 8 *he joke that 4as suppose# to loosen up Chihiro)s moo# actuall2 7ack0ire# an# ma#e her glare at him 8It)s not a7out that career choice surve2 is it$8 1nce more3 he thre4 the 7all to ju#ge the situation 8I #i#n)t call 2ou out 0or such a small thing 8 8No3 7ut I think it is as important as an empt2 carton o0 eggs 8 What Chihiro 4as actuall2 4orrie# a7out 4as the 0act that Sakurasou)s atmosphere 4as clou#2 just like the 4eather in %une Bven 4hen the 7lue sk2 is visi7le3 #ark clou#s soon covere# the sk2 *he rain0all 7rought humi#ness an# the heav2 air that coul#n)t 7e avoi#e# clung on to the skin 0or the past month3 making it stick2 It 4as 7ecause o0 Sorata - I)ll escape It 4as 4hat I 4ante# to #o since the 7eginning It all starte# 0rom that line 9e recalle# it a numerous times3 an# each time3 it ma#e him 0eel upset 9e kne4 that it 4oul# 7e easier to move i0 he state# the 0acts 0irst 9o4ever3 4hether or not he)s
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actuall2 a7le to make that #ecision 4as a #i00erent matter %in on the other han#3 starte# to come 7ack to Sakurasou on a ! #a2 per 4eek 7asis just to prove his 4or#s ,lso3 4orking har# over the past month to 0in# ne4 o4ners pai# o003 as he 4as tol# that there 4ere ! possi7le can#i#ates It must 7e the #i00erence in personalities3 7ut ever2 morning3 instea# o0 a greeting3 %in aske# him i0 he ma#e the #ecision 2et 8I)m still thinking a7out it 8 When I ans4ere# him like that3 he patte# m2 7ack an# replie# 8*hink har# a7out it3 Kohai-kun 8 *hanks to %in3 Sorata 4as a7le to sta2 a4a2 0rom the sea o0 gloominess an# hol# on &isaki 4as still treating him the same 4a2 as 7e0ore3 an# he o0ten chatte# 4ith /2unosuke via mail (ut three #a2s ago3 /2unosuke gave him a notice o0 some sort - Kan#a hol#s the poisonous 4eapon that circles aroun# Sakurasou I re:uest a 0ast #ecision *here)s no nee# to repl2 %ust sho4 the results *hat 4as the su##en message that came through 9e coul#)ve sai# hun#re#s o0 other things to me3 7ut 4hen he replie# in such pu;;ling 4a23 - I0 2ou continue to sa2 such 7oring things3 I)ll #rop 2ou at Sagami (a2 Krom &ai#-chan 4ho suggests Sagami (a2 as it is closer than *ok2o (a2 Was the repl2 4hich 4asn)t ver2 0unn2$ (ut the real pro7lem 4as his circumstance 4ith &ashiro Waking her up in the morning3 making lunch3 getting her 7aumkuchen 4hen she sa2s that she 4ante# to eat some 4as their unchanging #ail2 li0e3 7ut #uring their conversation3 the2 4eren)t speaking at the same pace 8It)s morning3 Shiina 8
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8 8 8
&orning 8 8 8
8?eah3 morning 8
*here 4as an a4k4ar# silence that al4a2s crept in #uring their conversation 8*o#a2)s 4eather is reall2 nice 8 8?ou)re right 8 8 8 8 8 9e 4on#ere# i0 she 4ante# to sa2 something 7ut 4as hol#ing 7ack 1n the other han#3 i0 she #i#n)t 0eel an2thing at all3 that itsel0 place# Sorata in a con0using situation *he gap 7et4een them3 4hich Sorata #i#n)t reall2 think a7out3 gre4 larger over time an# eventuall2 covere# Sakurasou like some heav2 atmosphere ,n# so3 a0ter reaching her limit3 Chihiro calle# Sorata out It 4as serious enough 0or Chihiro 4ho usuall2 #i#n)t care a7out an2thing to step in It 4as reall2 unhear# o0 8Kan#a3 are 2ou listening$8 9e respon#e# to Chihiro 4ho soun#e# some4hat #runk 8What are 2ou so sa# a7out so that even I nee# to live in the atmosphere o0 a 0amil2 just 7e0ore a #ivorce$8 8*akatsu3 4hose 4i0e 4ent 7ack to her 0amil2 last month is glaring at 2ou like as i0 2ou)re his enem23 so please 4atch 2our 4or#s 8 8*he 4i0e ran a4a2 7ecause the2 got marrie# 8 8&23 ho4 7lunt 2ou are 8 8?ou kno43 0or me3 I #on)t care a7out other people-s trou7les3 7ut #on)t #rag me into it 8
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8Is that something a teacher shoul# sa2 insi#e the teacher)s o00ice$<8 8*here)s no point 7eing consi#erate to others3 i0 I haven)t gotten marrie# 2et 8 8(ut3 2ou tol# me that 2ou 4ante# to 7e0ore 8 8Gon)t s4eat the small stu00 8 8Please pa2 more attention to little things as 4ell<8 Bver2 teacher an# stu#ent in the room ha# their attention on Sorata an# Chihiro Bver2one 4as preten#ing to #o their o4n thing 4hile listening an# taking :uick glances at them 1thers 4ere just looking on Sorata)s trou7le 4ith in#i00erence No7o#2 chose to cut in 8J?a23 he)s 7eing tol# o00 Its the #ivine punishment 0or sleeping in m2 class J8 No3 there 4as just one person Sitting in 0ront o0 Chihiro It 4as Koharu Shiro2ama 4ho taught %apanese3 enjo2ing the scene She 4asn)t even tr2ing to hi#e it She 4as enjo2ing hersel0 to the 0ullest 8?ou 7e :uiet Stu#ents sleep in 2our class 7ecause the2 think 2ou)re a 0ool 8 8*hat)s so mean Wasn)t Chihiro on m2 si#e$8 She pu00e# up her cheeks like a chil# 9e 4on#ere# i0 it goo# or 7a# that these t4o3 thirt2 2ear ol# 4omen 4ere acting like this 8Kan#a 8 8Wh2$8 8I)ll give 2ou an assignment 8 8Bh3 4h2$<8 8It)s 2our punishment 0or making me upset 8
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8Wo43 2ou)re a7using 2our authorit2 as a teacher 8 8It)s 2our choice i0 2ou 4ant to leave Sakurasou3 7ut clean a0ter 2our mess No matter 4hich #ecision 2ou make I 4oul# hate to clean up the mess that 2ou)ve ma#e 8 8,lright 8 8I0 2ou can)t I)ll give 2ou the punishment o0 getting marrie# to either me or Koharu 8 8Wo43 that)s the 4orst punishment 8 8Kan#a3 care to e=plain 2oursel0$8 8?eah3 Kan#a ,s 2ou can see3 I)m a 0ine 4oman an# although Koharu #oesn)t look like it3 she 4ill surel2 tr2 her 7est in 7e# so she)ll #e0initel2 please 2ou 8 8What are 2ou sa2ing insi#e the teachers o00ice$<8 8It)s 1K *eachers are all a#ults3 so the2 can tell that it)s just a joke 8 *hen3 4h2 is the histor2 teacher choking on his s4eet potato 2okan$ It)s also strange that the ph2sics teacher is jumping aroun# 7ecause he spille# his hot tea Was it just Sorata)s 0eeling that ever2 male teacher 4ere looking at Koharu in a strange 4a2 89mm3 Kan#a3 it)s m2 pre0erence 0or the gu2s to 7e cute (ut I can let 2ou 7arel2 pass No7o#2 has an2 interest in me an24a2 8 8Sensei3 please stop Shiro2ama She)s completel2 out o0 it<8 8No3 I can)t 7e 7othere# 8 9e kne4 it 8*hat asi#e3 isn)t she 4aiting 0or 2ou$8 Cooking outsi#e the 4in#o43 &ashiro stoo# there near the #oor She stoo# there hol#ing a re# um7rella 4hich #i#n)t reall2 suit her 8Gon)t anno2 me an2more 8 Sorata hear# her 7ehin# his 7ack as he e=ite# the o00ice
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9e 4ent to his class room to 0etch his 7ag3 an# as he 4alke# out the school3 he coul# hear &ashiro)s 0ootsteps 7ehin# him Sorata continue# to 4alk on the asphalt3 4hich has 7een #2e# 7lack #ue to the rain3 at his o4n pace When the #istance 7et4een them gre4 larger3 &ashiro 4oul# jog 7ehin# Sorata to catch up Bven though he kne4 it3 Sorata continue# to 4alk 4anting to leave &ashiro 7ehin# 9e coul# 0eel that &ashiro 4ante# to sa2 something (ut he #eci#e# not to look 7ack Soon enough3 the guilt insi#e him gre4 4ith each step an# he gave up even 7e0ore reaching hal0 4a2 to Sakurasou 9e stoppe# near a pla2groun# 4hich onl2 ha# a san#pit an# some tires 4here he use# to pla2 a lot in 4hen he 4as a chil# &ashiro)s 0ootsteps also stoppe# 8?ou)ve got something to sa2 to me right$8 I0 he trie# to lure her to talk3 she might tell him not to move out 0rom Sakurasou3 7ecause since that #a23 &ashiro hasn)t sai# an2thing a7out it Sorata #i#n)t sa2 an2thing either 9is hope o0 moving out o0 Sakurasou has 7een pause# 4ithout an2 change Since she #i#n)t repl23 Sorata turne# his attention on the re# um7rella 8*hat um7rella3 it #oesn)t suit 2ou 8 8It)s 7ecause it)s &isaki)s8 8Where)s 2ours$8 8(roken 8 8*hen 7u2 a ne4 one 8 8I)ve 7een 7anne# 0rom shopping 8 8I kno4 8 Who kno4s 4hat she might #o i0 she 4ent 72 hersel0 8I0 Sorata comes 8
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8When I 0eel like it 8 8 1k 8 8?ou)ve got something to sa2 to me right$8 She 4as making Sorata 4ait on purpose ,0ter thinking 0or a 4hile3 &ashiro sai#3 8I)ve 4ante# to sa2 this 0or a 4hile 8 She looke# into Sorata)s e2es a0ter mum7ling that 9e prepare# his heart 0or 4hat 4as a7out to come ne=t 8I)ve thought o0 )mangrove) as an perverte# 4or# until no4 8 8Sorr2 Please give me some time I 4ant to 0in# the realities an# compromises 8 Sorata crouche# #o4n on that spot an# 4rappe# his arms aroun# him 3A secon#s o0 intense thinking 1 minute o0 collecting his thoughts 8Gi# 2ou tell that joke 0or m2 sake$8 8 8 &ashiro #oing that 4as almost impossi7le So that means that she sai# it naturall23 speaking her honest thoughts So he 4aite# It 4as impossi7le 0or Sorata)s 7rain to un#erstan# it 8Is that something that)s appropriate to sa2 no4$< It)s not right$ *here)s no 4a2 right$<8 8*hen 4hen can I sa2 it$8 8I0 possi7le3 just keep in 2our heart an# #on)t let it out<8 9e starte# to get use# to it3 7ut to#a2)s 7lo4 4as :uite strong 1n the other han# he 4as some4hat grate0ul that she #i#n)t ask a7out 4hat he #i#n)t 4ant to hear ,s Sorata starte# to 4alk again3 &ashiro stoppe# him 8Wait 8
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8Wh2$8 Sorata onl2 looke# ahea# an# 4aite# 0or &ashiro)s 4or#s 8Come 4ith me on Sun#a2 8 8 8 8*here)s some4here I 4ant to go to sketch 7ackgroun#s 8 8Is that 0or 2our rookie a4ar#s$8 8?es 8 8I see 7ut sorr2 I)m 7us2 on Sun#a2 8 9e 4as actuall2 :uite 0ree 9e just #i#n)t have the leisure to care a7out other people)s matters ,lso3 i0 he 0ollo4e# her3 the2 4oul#n)t 7e ver2 pro#uctive 9e #i#n)t 4ant to jump into a 0iel# o0 spikes 72 his 4ill 8,sk %in instea# 8 9e sai# it in a )#o 4hat 2ou 4ant to #o) matter 9e 4ante# to sa2 something 7etter3 7ut 0or no43 ever2thing 4as going the 4a2 that he #i#n)t 4ant it to 7e 8,lright I)ll #o that then 8 &ashiro starte# to 4alk ahea# I0 possi7le3 he #i#n)t 4ant to sa2 an2thing3 7ut seeing &ashiro #i#n)t let him 89e23 Shiina 8 8Wh2$8 8Where are 2ou going$8 8I)m going 7ack to Sakurasou 8 8*he #orm is in the opposite #irection<8 8 I kne4 that 8 8Gon)t lie< ?ou 4ere 4alking 4ith certaint2 8 8No 8
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8?ou #i#<8 8I #i#n)t 8 8?ou reall2 can)t 7e helpe# I)m a7out to 0aint 8 8Sorata shoul# have his e2es checke# 8 8?ou shoul# get 2our hea# e=amine#<8 *hat #a23 Sorata an# &ashiro continue# to talk as usual 4ithout the conversation 7eing 7roken all the 4a2 to Sakurasou
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Part 3
Kour #a2s later3 on Sun#a23 the 4eather 4as great Sorata 4ho 4as enjo2ing his nap3 a0ter 4aking up in the morning3 4as su##enl2 4oken up a0ter 7eing hit 72 the #oor that 4as kicke# o00 its 0rame 72 an e=ternal 0orce 8What on earth are 2ou #oing<8 9e cra4le# up an# ru77e# his 0orehea# that ha# 7een hit an# let his 0rustration out onto the cute 0ace# alien 8JNot goo#< Not goo#< Not goo# I sa2<J8 Sorata kne4 that 0or &isaki to #rag other people into this )not goo#) situation meant onl2 one thing Bver since moving into Sakurasou3 there has onl2 7een 3 times 4here a similar event took place 8No4< 9urr2 up an# get change# Kohai-kun< *he 7attle has alrea#2 7egun<8 &isaki 4as alrea#2 all goo# to go She 4as 4earing a long sleeve# top 4ith a skirt 8Gi# %in-senpai get a ne4 girl0rien#$8 8It)s a #ate< , #ate3 I tell 2ou< Sneaking mission start<8 8?ou mean stalking 8 Sorata pushe# 7ack his 2a4ns an# starte# to 0it the #oor 7ack to its hinges No matter ho4 much he 0i=e# it3 the scre4s 4ere completel2 o0 no use 8I 7etter call in a pro0essional an# tr2 to 0i= it up properl2 8 While he 4as checking the #amage on the #oor3 &isaki 4as tr2ing to take o00 Sorata)s t-shirt an# his pants 8Stop< ?ou)re gra77ing m2 7o=ers as 4ell< Senpai3 it)ll 0ling out 2ou kno4<8
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8JI #on)t care<J8 8I care<8 Someho43 he shook her o00 an# 0le# to the living room Bven in the mi##le o0 the #a23 Chihiro 4as having a #rinking part2 72 hersel0 1n the ta7le3 there 4ere alrea#2 hal0 a #o;en o0 empt2 7eer cans It ha# just increase# to seven cans 8JKohai must 7e 4orrie# as 4ell right$ /ight$ *here)s no 4a2 2ou)re not< Let rea#2 an# let)s go< Lo< Lo< Cet)s go *ogetherJ<8 8Kamiigusa3 onl2 someone like me 4ho as age# a 0air 7it3 can sa2 )Lo go go) What 2ou)re sa2ing soun#s reall2 ecchi 8 89earing that 0rom someone 4ho #rinks in the mi##le o0 the #a2 isn)t reall2 convincing 8 8Is there a la4 that sa2s #a2 #rinking is 0or7i##en$8 9er e2es 4ere alrea#2 out o0 0ocus She must 7e in a 7a# moo# 7ecause she 4asn)t getting an2 meetings these #a2s 8No3 there isn)t 8 *o get a4a2 0rom the #runken talk3 Sorata 4ent to the 0ri#ge an# took out the milk 8I0 Kohai 4on)t come3 I)ll go 72 m2sel0< I)ll go<8 8?ou #o that It #oesn)t reall2 7other me 4ho %in #ates 8 When %in #ate# a nurse 72 the name o0 Noriko3 Sorata 4ent along 4ith &isaki to stalk them3 7ut hmm3 it 4as :uite tiring It 4asn)t har# to 0ollo4 them or stop &isaki 0rom #oing an2thing to them3 7ut 4hat 4as tiring 4as 4atching the #epresse# &isaki Bach time %in smile# at a girl an# 4hen the girl smile# at %in3 &isaki)s smile starte# to #isappear When the2 gra77e# their han#s3 put their arms aroun# each other)s 4aist3 &isaki)s usual energetic atmosphere #isappeare# 4ithout a trace 8Wrong3 4rong I tell 2ou kohai-kun< I0 2ou keep acting like this3
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then 2ou)ll get #umpe#<8 8I)m not sure i0 I)m 0ollo4ing 2ou 8 8*o#a2)s #ate is 4ith &ashiro<8 9earing the une=pecte# name3 Sorata stoppe# 4hat he 4as #oing 8,h3 right 8 9e #rank some milk to calm himsel0 #o4n Calm #o4n %ust calm #o4n 0irst 9e #i#n)t reall2 nee# to calm #o4n i0 &ashiro 4as going just to #ra4 the 7ackgroun#s ?eah3 it 4as just 0or some re0erences She sai# that she 4ante# to get some goo# re0erences3 so that must 7e it Well3 it #oesn)t reall2 matter #oes it$ When Sorata sighe# in relie03 &isaki gave some ne4 in0ormation 8*he2 sai# that the2)re going to a love hotel< I0 he steals her3 I)m not responsi7le<8 9e spat out all o0 the milk in his mouth &isaki 4ho 4as stan#ing in 0ront o0 him 4as hit 4ith the milk3 s:uare in the 0ace 8JWo43 ho4 erotic Spitting it out on her 0ace J8 9e coul# hear Chihiro)s criticism 0rom some4here 0ar a4a2 8Co3 love hotel$< ?ou mean a love hotel$<8 8What are 2ou sa2ing love hotel3 I #on)t kno4 something like that<8 8Neither #o I<8 8,ren)t 2ou gu2s 4orking up too much o0 a s4eat$ So 4hat i0 the2 go to a hotel 8 Chihiro reache# out 0or a ne4 can o0 7eer 810 course there)s a pro7lem<8 8(ut I hear# it 4as onl2 to get some re0erences$8 *his person 4ho calls hersel0 a teacher #i#n)t have an2 sense o0
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#anger 8Go 2ou reall2 think that )&aharaja) o0 a gu2 4oul#n)t #o an2thing at the hotel$< ?ou #on)t right$< It)s impossi7le right$<8 8Well3 2ou)re right I guess 8 8?ou see< It)s almost as impossi7le as 2ou 0in#ing a marriage partner<8 8What$ Gi# 2ou just sa2 something reall2 ru#e$ Gi# 2ou sa2 it thinking that I 4as #runk$ Gi#n)t 2ou$ I hear# it 0or sure 8 Kor no43 he ignore# Chihiro She 4oul#n)t 7e a7le to remem7er it an24a23 since she 4as that #runk 8Wash 2our 0ace Senpai< I apologi;e 0or putting 2ou in such a perverte# situation<8 8?ou get change# an# meet up at the #oor Kohai<8 8I)ll #o it in 'A secon#s<8 8&ake that 3A secon#s Kohai-kun<8 8/oger<8 ,s Sorata ran to his room an# &isaki to the 7athroom3 Chihiro opene# her 1Ath can 8,h3 I 7etter prepare some sekihan5!A6 0or tonight (ut the2 might come 7ack tomorro4 morning 8 ,s soon as the2 4ent out3 Sorata an# &isaki caught a ta=i an# 0ollo4e# the LPS on &ashiro)s phone to an ol# station that 4as 7eing 0i=e# up 0rom 2ears ago ,0ter pa2ing 4ith a 1A3AAA 2en note3 &isaki #i#n)t even ask 0or the change an# ran into the giant shopping centre 8,h3 2our change<8 8Gon)t nee# it<8 ,s she ran a4a2 he 2elle# 7ack in a manl2 4a2 Sorata :uickl2
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0ollo4e# her *he change 4as onl2 1AAA 2en3 7ut he 0elt that her attitu#e on the ta=i 4as 7a# enough to tip the #river the change Sa2ing things like> 8Let here in 3 minutes< Its ok3 i0 it)s 2ou3 then 2ou can #o it< I 7elieve 2ou< Lo3 go3 go3 step on it< Where)s the Nitro &ethane< Sho4 us 2our strength<8 &isaki 4ho 4as alrea#2 0ar ahea# turne# aroun# at the entrance an# looke# to4ar#s Sorata She 4as 4aving her han#s at him 8?ou)re too slo43 Kohai-kun< @nlock 2our limits< @nlock that limiter on 2our arm3 2ou can #o it<8 8,m I some kin# o0 a ro7ot$ I)m alrea#2 running as 0ast as I can<8 8I can trans0orm 4hen I reach level 3<8 8What$< ,re 2ou going to trans0orm 0urther no4$<8 When he caught up3 &isaki starte# running again3 so he ha# to stop her 8We mustn)t 7e i#le *he2 might 7e having a love2 #ove2 #ate as 4e speak<8 8*he signals telling us that the2)re close3 so 4e must 7e care0ul 8 8J,lright3 trans0orm into sneaking mo#e<J8 &isaki attracte# people)s attention an# hi# in the sha#o4 o0 a near72 plant 8?ou actuall2 stan# out even more<8 8Kohai3 4hich 4a2$8 9e checke# the phone 1n the map3 it 4as sho4ing that the2 4ere :uite close &ashiro)s signal 4as coming 0rom a shop in the southern #irection 9e motione# &isaki to come an# 4ent to 4here the signal 4as coming 0rom *he2 4ent on the escalator an# 4ent upstairs an# hi# themselves
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8,re the2 there$8 &isaki poke# out her hea# 0rom Sorata)s shoul#er 4ho 4as crouching 9er 7reath tickle# his ears 9e coul# still smell some milk 0rom her 8Senpai3 2ou still smell like milk 8 8It 4as Kohai-kun 4ho 4as the one 4ho spat onto it<8 8Please avoi# the usage o0 the 4or# )spat) *he college girl 4ho 4as 4alking 72 is looking at us strangel2 8 8,h3 0oun# them<8 (ecause o0 e=ite# &isaki pressing #o4n on him3 he 0elt some happiness on his 7ack 9e 4ante# to laugh3 7ut 4hen he sa4 &ashiro3 all o0 his attention 0ocuse# on her %in an# &ashiro 4ere 4alking together checking out the shops *he tall han#some man an# a slim 7eaut2 couple caught not onl2 Sorata an# &isaki)s e2es3 7ut man2 people)s e2es as the2 4alke# 72 as 4ell &ost o0 them took a secon# look at them as the2 continue# 4alking *he couple stoppe# at a 0anc2 shop an# %in covere# the #ispla2 4in#o4 an# 4hispere# something to &ashiro *he2 coul#n)t hear 4hat he sai# 7ecause o0 the #istance &ashiro o0ten move# her lips3 7ut most o0 the time3 it 4as %in talking to her It 0elt like she 4as just ans4ering %in)s :uestions like she #i# 4ith Sorata *here must have 7een no item that caught their attention at the shop3 so the pair 4ent to #i00erent shops I0 something caught their e2es3 the2 4oul# stop an# talk a 7it more *he2 continue# to repeat it over an# over again 8Is this re0erence gathering$ 9uh$ Is this just going aroun# 0or re0erences$ Shoul#n)t the2 7e at the love hotel looking 0or it$< *his is a shopping centre< What are the2 #oing<8
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*his looks like a #ate to me 8
8It)s 7ecause Kohai-kun is stupi#< ?ou i#iot<8 8?ou aren)t 0unn2 8 8?ou i#iot<8 8Wh2 #i# 2ou have to repeat 2oursel0$<8 9e 0elt 0rustrate# No3 he 4as 7oiling insi#e 9e 4ante# to shove his arm #o4n his throat an# take out all the unpleasantness3 7ut he kne4 that it 4asn)t something that coul# 7e hel# It 4asn)t 0unn2 What 4as it$ It 4as %in an# &ashiro)s shopping When the #istance 7et4een them gre4 shorter3 he 0elt like screaming 9e 4ante# to run a4a2 4hen their shoul#ers touche# (ut he coul#n)t 8Kohai-kun3 I)ve reache# m2 limit<8 ,s &isaki trie# to leap out3 he gra77e# her shoul#er strap an# pulle# her 7ack 8I0 2ou #o3 2ou)ll get caught<8 8It)s 1K< I)ll just sa2 that I 0elt like shopping<8 8*hat plan has too much holes in it<8 8(ut< (ut< I can)t hol# on an2 longer< I 0eel like e=plo#ing< It)s a7out to leak< It)s a 0loo#<8 Letting her 0eelings out3 &isaki hea# 7utte# Sorata)s chest a 0e4 times 8Please sta2 still<8 8(ut<8 &isaki 4as in tears 4hen she looke# up at him Sorata took &isaki 72 her han#s an# 4ent to a near72 pillar %in an# &ashiro 4ere looking at an accessor2 store 8I0 2ou 4ant3 I can 7u2 it 0or 2ou 3/eall2$ (ut I 0eel 7a# a7out it 3It)s 1K3 I 4ant to 7u2 it 0or 2ou to cele7rate our 0irst #ate 3
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*hank 2ou3 I)ll treasure it is 4hat the2)re pro7a7l2 sa2ing 0or sure<8 8It might 7e true 0or %in-senpai3 7ut 0or Shiina3 it)s impossi7le 8 8Well3 to repa2 2ou3 I)ll cook something #elicious ne=t time 3 /eall2$ I can)t 4ait 3Is there an2thing that 2ou 4ant to eat$ *ell me3 tell me 3I 4ant to eat 2ou 3BhJ3 2ou)re reall2 perverte#J 3What can I #o$ ?ou #o look #elicious 3Stop it3 sa2ing such ecchi things3 I)ll get upset 3,h ha ha3 sorr2 I)m sorr2 is 4hat the2)re sa2ing 0or sure3 the t4o o0 them<8 8Stop sa2ing such ri#iculous things< %in-senpai might sa2 that to others3 7ut Shiina isn)t that t2pe o0 a character<8 8*hen 4hat t2pe is she$ Wh2 #on)t 4e hear it 0rom the &ashiro specialist$8 %in an# &ashiro reache# a shop 4ith um7rellas #ispla2e# at the 0ront &ashiro pro7a7l2 0oun# one that she like#3 7ecause she opene# the sk2 7lue coloure# um7rella up 89mJ3 it suits 2ou 3 3Shoul# I 7u2 it 0or 2ou$3 3 Gon)t 7u2 it$3 3,h3 2ou)re not going to 7u2 it sort o0 0eel 8 8Kohai-kun)s imagination is lacking< It)s not interesting this 4a2<8 8Were 2ou e=pecting humour$8 8&ore than that3 &ashiro #oesn)t even sa2 an2thing<8 8Shiina reall2 #oesn)t sa2 an2thing at all< It)s surprisingl2 realistic<8 %in an# &ashiro stoppe# at a utensil store 4here the2 sol# 0anc2 utensils ,s %in 4as looking aroun#3 &ashiro looke# 7ack at the um7rella 0rom the previous store Gi# she actuall2 4ant to 7u2 it$ (ut 4hen %in talke# to her3 her interest shi0te# to some mug cups 8Kan#a-kun3 4hat are 2ou #oing here$8 Sorata 2elpe# at the su##en voice It 4asn)t &isaki)s voice ,s he
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turne# aroun# slo4l23 he sa4 Nanami ,o2ama looking at him strangel2 Wearing a simple3 cream coloure# s4eater 4ith #enim skirt an# leggings3 hol#ing a large 7ag on her shoul#ers It must)ve 7een 7ecause he onl2 sa4 her in her school uni0orm3 he almost #i#n)t recogni;e her 8,hJ3 Nanamin< 9ello<8 8Kamiigusa-senpai3 I)ve tol# 2ou 7e0ore3 7ut please #on)t call me that 8 8Go 2ou pre0er Nanapun$8 Nanami scrunche# up her 0ace 8Please just call me ,o2ama 8 8Wh2 not ,o2an 8 It soun#e# like some ki# 4ith a runn2 nose 8%ust call me ,o2ama like normal<8 8Live it upD it)s just 7etter to stick 4ith Nanamin 8 When it came to nicknames3 Sorata ha# a 7a# e=perience as 4ell Krom Soratan3 Sorapun3 an# Soranin there 4ere more 7ishoujo character names that 4ere suggeste#3 an# eventuall2 the2 #eci#e# on the current Kohai-kun (ut the2 #i#n)t have the time to pla2 aroun# Sorata an# &isaki ha# to 0ollo4 %in an# &ashiro Noticing Sorata)s tire# 0ace3 Nanami #re4 #eep 7reaths 8%ust call me Nanamin then (ut 4hat are 2ou gu2s #oing here$8 8No3 same to 2ou 8 8I)m o00 to m2 part time jo7 ,t that ice cream place over there 8 8Ice cream$< Cet)s eat some ice cream Kohai-kun<8 &isaki sho4e# instant reaction 8Gon)t think like a 4il# animal< @se 2our 7rain more<8
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9er shoul#er strap that 0elt more like a lea# 0or a #og RGangerous3 #angerousV I nearl2 ran a4a2 0rom the realit2 *hank 2ou3 Kohai-kun<S RIt looks like Kan#a an# Senpai have a goo# relationshipS She 4as looking at a #i00erent #irection as she sai# that It seems like she has not seen %in an# &ashiro 2et Someho43 the2 might 7e a7le mum7le it over It 4as reall2 7a# to sa2 that the2 4ere 0ollo4ing someone-s #ate R,hJ3 #on-t 2ou go to the aca#em2 #uring the 4eeken#s$S R*o#a2-s lessons alrea#2 0inishe# S RSo 2ou-re 4orking on 2our 4a2 home$S 9e thought that it must 7e har#3 7ut #i#n)t sa2 it out lou# 9e kne4 4h2 Nanami 4as 4orking so har# Kor Nanami to live 72 hersel0 an# 0or her to stu#2 to 7ecome a voice actor3 he hear# that her parents3 especiall2 her #a# 4as against it So the2 pai# the high school tuition 0ees3 7ut #i#n-t pa2 0or the 7oar#ing 0ee or the voice acting aca#em2 She ha# to make up the gap 72 4orking part time ever2 #a2 Kor this reason3 she live# a poor li0e3 an# to4ar#s the en# o0 each month3 she #i#n-t have mone2 to eat3 so her stomach 4oul# make gro4ling noises ever2 no4 an# then 9e ha# treate# her to lunch at the stu#ent ca0eteria a 0e4 times3 7ut she pa2e# him 7ack each time 1ne coul# sa2 that she 4as reall2 strict a7out mone23 7ut to Sorata3 it 0elt like she ha# a lot to learn RSo3 2ou-re 0ollo4ing Shiina an# &itaka-senpai-s #ate$S Nanami sai# that in a some4hat anno2e# tone R9o4 #i# 2ou kno4$<S 9e reali;e# the ans4er 4hen he looke# aroun# &isaki 4ho 4as leaning against the pillar 4ere looking at %in an# &ashiro
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RWhat a 7a# ha7it S 9er e2es 7ecame slit like as she sai# that to him RI can-t reall2 tell 2ou the #etails3 7ut there-s #eep stor2 to it *here-s no personal 0eeling3 pro7a7l2 S RGo 2ou have an e=cuse to tell me$S Nanami 4alke# a4a2 4ithout looking 7ack R,h3 4ait<S RI-m going to 7e late 0or 4ork S R,h3 1K Go 2our 7est S Nanami turne# aroun# 4hen he sai# that RI #on-t nee# 2ou to tell me3 I-m going to #o m2 7est an24a2 S Smiling gentl23 Nanami turne# a corner an# 4alke# out o0 sight Seeing her go3 the2 resume# 0ollo4ing the #ate (ut 4hen he move# to a #i00erent pillar3 &isaki #i#n-t 0ollo4 him RSenpai$S RKohai-kun S RWh2$S &isaki sat in the sha#o4 o0 the pillar looking #epresse# R&2 chest hurtsVS It 4as #i00erent 0rom usual 9e #i#n-t 4ant to see &isaki like this Bven Sorata starte# to 0eel #epresse# Whenever the2 stalke# %in-s #ate3 it al4a2s en#e# up like this 9e #i#n-t kno4 4hat to sa2 in repl2 an# since &isaki #i#n-t 4ant Sorata-s concern in the 0irst place3 onl2 silence came upon them It 0elt like Sorata ha# a 7roken heart as 4ell (ut this time3 he #i#n-t get in0ecte# 0rom &isaki3 7ut he 0elt the pain himsel0 9e 0elt sick 4atching &ashiro 4ith %in
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RIs Senpai-s illness contagious$S RWhat$S R9o4 can I sa2 this3 it-s also :uite har# 0or me as 4ell S *ruth0ull23 %in an# &ashiro 4ho 4ere moving 0urther looke# 4ell together %in 4as skille# at 4ooing a 4omen-s heart It 4as a col# realit2 (ut this pain ha# nothing to #o 4ith the &ashiro Gut2 It 4as 7ecause he 4as Kan#a Sorata3 an# that his personalit2 ma#e his heart hurt 9e #i#n-t 4ant to think o0 a clear reason 9e 4asn-t stupi# enough to look a4a2 0rom his heart though RIs someone 4ho is prett23 some4hat a#ult-like3 an# calm %insenpai-s t2pe$S ,sami3 4ho 4as in the acting clu7 ha# a generous heart *he nurse Noriko3 helpe# people to calm #o4n *he 1C /umi3 ha# a mature 4omen-s charm 9o4ever3 all o0 them 4ere ol#er than %in RIt-s pro7a7l2 true Kuuka3 his 0irst girl0rien# 4as like that as 4ellVS RGi# 2ou stalk him 0rom the 7eginning S RI kne4 4ithout stalking him (ecause she 4as m2 ol#er sister S RBh$< Wait$ Sister$<S R*he2 7roke up 4hen %in gra#uate# mi##le school *he2 4ent out 0or a7out hal0 a 2ear S Sorata 4asn-t a7le to 4atch &isaki3 4ho 4as 4atching her crush 0rom a0ar3 an2 longer RKuuka is reall2 prett23 I-m reall2 prou# o0 her S 9e coul#n-t sa2 an2thing &isaki 4as cute as 4ell It 4as something hal0 o0 ever2 male across the 4orl# can accept (ut there 4as no point 0or him to tell her that &isaki coul# onl2 hear %in-s
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voice ,ll she 4ants is %in *hat-s 4h2 she longs 0or him3 gets upset 7ecause she can-t have him3 7ut still 4on-t give up R*here 4as pro7a7l2 something 7et4een them S RWhat$S R,7out %in When he entere# high school he su##enl2 starte# to #ate man2 people @ntil then3 he onl2 ha# his heart on Kuuka S RI see S 8 9a Wh2 can-t it 7e me$ 9o4 un0air S &isaki 4as just a7out to 0aint (ut the2 coul#n-t just stop 0ollo4ing %in an# &ashiro 9e aske# 7e0ore3 an# she replie# that it 4as pain0ul to 4atch them It 4as even more pain0ul to sta2 home #oing nothing 4ith a serious 0ace Sorata 4as still una7le to un#erstan# her that 4ell3 7ut he accepte# that &isaki coul# onl2 live like this %in an# &ashiro 4ent #o4nstairs via the escalator &isaki traile# them R,h3 4ait 0or me<S Sorata 4ent to the shop 4here the2 4ere selling the um7rellas an# took the one &ashiro 4as looking at to the counter RKohai-kun< %in an# &ashiron are getting out<S RIt-s 1K i0 4e lose them 0or a 7it We-ve got LPS S Pa2ing 4ith a "AAA 2en note3 he got the um7rella *he 4orker 4ho 4as 0ocuse# on his jo7 thought that it 4as a present an# 4rappe# it up 0or him3 causing him to e=it the shop latter than he 4oul# have like# &isaki 4ho 4aite# 4as upset R,hJ3 reall2J *he2 just #isappeare# S RWe can catch up :uickl2<S *aking out his phone3 the2 4ere a7le to 0in# &ashiro-s location *he2 4ere a7le to see the roa#s3 7ut the map it 4asn-t loa#ing
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properl2 *he icon that in#icate# 4eak coverage 0lickere# R9uh$S RWhat-s 4rong$S It sho4e# that it 4asn-t a7le to locate it 9e trie# again3 2et the same message sho4e# up RShiina-s phone3 the 7atter2 must 7e #ea#VS RWhatJ< I thought 2ou can track themJ<S &isaki gra77e# his collar an# shook him violentl2 RNo3 no< It-s 1K< *he2 4ent #o4nstairs3 so the2 must have 4ent out< *he onl2 love hotel near here is the one that looks like a castle near the high4a2<S RIt-s there then< 9urr2<S Krom the shopping centre3 the2 ran to4ar#s the high4a2 an# spotte# %in an# &ashiro 4alking over to the other si#e on the overpass *he2 silentl2 clim7e# up the stairs so that the2 4oul#n-t 7e seen ,0ter con0irming that %in an# &ashiro 4ere on the other si#e3 the2 hi# themselves an# looke# #o4n on them *here 4as a 4hite castle shape# love hotel right in 0ront o0 them RWill the2 reall2 go in$S &ashiro 4as emotionless as she looke# at the castle When she sai# something3 %in laughe#3 an# 4hispere# to &ashiro-s ear RSenpai3 4e reall2 nee# to stop them< *he2-re actuall2 going to go in<S *he 4eight o0 &isaki leaning on him su##enl2 #isappeare# RSenpai$S *urning aroun# to see her3 she 4as stan#ing up She 4as a7out to 7e notice# 72 %in an# &ashiro RSenpai<S
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R*hat-s enoughVS It 4as small s:ueak2 voice It 4as har# to 7elieve that it 4as actuall2 &isaki-s voice RI-mV going to go 7ack no4 S 1n his cheeks3 a large rain#rop 0ell *he sk2 4as clear3 7ut the rain #i#n-t stop *he rain#rops kept on 0alling It 4as &isaki-s rain RI-m going 7ack S &isaki3 looking #ejecte#3 repeate# hersel0 an# 4alke# 7ack the 4a2 that the2-# came 9er pace picke# up an# she starte# 4ith jogging3 running an# then sprinting Sorata trie# to 0ollo43 7ut he caught &ashiro-s e2es R@gh<S %in gra77e# &ashiro3 4ho 4as hesitating3 an# trie# to 7ring her in 72 0orce *hinking like a human en#e# there &isaki just #isappeare# 0rom his hea# Sorata starte# to scream out like an animal an# jumpe# #o4n the stairs %in an# &ashiro turne# aroun# *he2 sai# something3 7ut he coul#n-t hear it With all that he-s got3 Sorata lashe# out his 0ist %in 9is clenche# 0ist 7ecame hotter 9is neck 7ecame hotter 9is 4hole 7o#2 4as on 0ire *he straight punch 4ent to4ar#s %in3 7ut 7e0ore he ma#e contact 4ith %in-s chin3 Sorata-s vie4 shook 9e coul#n-t un#erstan# 4hat ha# just happene# It 4as o7vious3 7ecause he 4asn-t e=pecting a counter 0rom %in , counter to the chin 0rom someone 4ho 4as taller 4ith a longer reach than Sorata shook his 7rain 9is 7o#2 re0use# to 4ork 9e coul# onl2 4atch as he sa4 the groun# came into his sights *he concrete move# to4ar#s him 9e #i#n-t even realise that he 4as 0alling *he 4orl# starte# to 7en# ,s he 4as tr2ing to process 4hat he 4as seeing3 Sorata-s consciousness 4ent out
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Part 4
When he regaine# his consciousness3 there 4as a mirror 7all It 4as re0lecting pink an# purple lights to4ar#s Sorata 4hile spinning 8,re 2ou a4ake$8 (locking the light3 &ashiro-s upsi#e-#o4n 0ace poppe# up into his vie4 9er 4hite skin 4as slightl2 #2e# 7ecause o0 the lighting in the room Still 0eeling clou#23 Sorata looke# at &ashiro 7lankl2 What happene#$ Wh2 4as this strange girl upsi#e #o4n$ What 7ran# 4as this com0orta7le pillo4$ 9e 4ante# to ask3 so that he can 7u2 it 0or himsel0 (ut it 4as time to come 7ack to realit2 R9e23 Shiina S RWhat$S RCoul# this 7e a lap pillo4$S R?es S ,s the2 spoke3 his min# 7ecame clear an# his conscious came 7ack to realit2 Sorata :uickl2 pulle# himsel0 up3 an# as he #i#3 Sorata acci#entl2 hea#-7utte# &ashiro-s 0orehea# Sorata coul#n-t even scream an# he rolle# on the 0loor in pain &ashiro3 on the other han#3 #i#n-t seem to 7e in pain an# ru77e# 4here the2 ma#e contact RIt hurts S R*hen sa2 it in a 4a2 that sa2s that<S RIt #oesn-t hurt S R*hen #on-t speak<S 9e 4as una7le to un#erstan# *his creature 72 the name o0 Shiina &ashiro 4as someone he 4as una7le to comprehen# ,n# 4asn-t she giving a lap pillo4 to a gu2 too easil2$
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RWhat are 2ou thinking$<S R,7out the earth S RWhat< *he scale is too large<S RVS RNo3 never min# S &ashiro kept silent an# just 7linke# at him R(ut3 hereVS Where the2 4ere sitting on 4as the 7e# , #ou7le si;e# 7e# 1n top o0 that3 it 4as shape# like a giant pink heart3 taking up almost hal0 o0 the room It 4as a room speci0icall2 0or the 7e# *he same coul# 7e sai# 0or the 4hite 4alls (ecause o0 the lighting3 it gave o00 a some4hat erotic 0eel Gecorate# 4ith anti:ue items3 it 4as like a room 0or a princess 0rom 0air2 tales 9o4ever3 instea# o0 a prince on a 4hite horse coming to a pure3 hum7le princess3 it 4as more like a princess looking a0ter a 7o=er 4ho trie# to 4in the princess-s han# in a 7o=ing match insi#e the castle 9is e2es hurt an# his hea# 4as spinning *he t4o o0 them3 Sorata3 4ith his e2es staring 7lankl23 an# &ashiro3 sitting #o4n on the 7e# 4ith her legs 0ol#e#3 looke# like some innocent ki# 4ho 4an#ere# into the 4rong place R, love hotel S &ashiro looke# at Sorata 7lankl2 RIV 4as knocke# out 72 %in-senpai a0ter that counterVS ,n# 4hen he opene# his e2es3 the2 4ere at a love hotel %in 7rought them insi#e 0or sure R*hat remin#s me Where-s %in-senpai$<S R9e 4ent 7ack S
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RWh2$<S R9e sai# that Sorata 4ill #o the rest S RV 1k Well then let-s go 7ack S RNo S R*hink 0or a 7it< Go 2ou even kno4 4hat people #o here$<S RI-m going to sleep here S ,t &ashiro-s 7ol# ans4er3 Sorata shrank 7ack RWhat< Wh2 #o 2ou$3 2ou resiste# himVS RVS RIn 0ront o0 the hotel S R%in tol# me S R*ol# 2ou 4hat$S RI0 I #i# that3 Sorata 4oul# come S Sorata 4oul# come What #i# that mean$ 9e 4asn-t some superhero3 4ho 4oul# come to someone-s recue3 that 4as ri#iculous 9o4ever3 it 4oul# 7e #i00erent i0 %in notice# Sorata an# &isaki 0ollo4ing them RGi# 2ou notice$S RWhat$S &ashiro-s e2es #i#n-t sho4 an2 signs o0 l2ing So 4as it onl2 %in 4ho notice# R?our phone3 #i# 2ou turn it o00 hal0 4a2 through$S &ashiro no##e# her hea# R%in-senpai tol# 2ou that as 4ell$S &ashiro no##e# her hea# once more *here 4as no #ou7t a7out it %in kne4 it *he2 4ere caught
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7rilliantl2 %in kne4 4hat Sorata 4as #oing an# 4hat he 4as going to #o3 so he teste# him 9e might have planne# to leave Sorata an# &ashiro together at the hotel 0rom the start RI-ll get him 0or this S R%in is a goo# gu2 S RI kno4 that (ut the place< ?ou shoul# think more 7e0ore 2ou act<S RVS R*here 4as no nee# to go on a #ate just to collect some re0erences S Sorata spoke more than he shoul# have 9e spoke 4hat 4as insi#e his heart3 7ut it 4as too late RIt 4asn-t a #ate S R?ou 4ent shopping together S 1ther people thought o0 that as a #ate R%in aske# me to S RKor 4hat$S RIt-s our secret S ,t that sentence3 his anger rose once more R,h3 1k then<S &ashiro su##enl2 stoo# up RWh3 4hat$S She ignore# Sorata an# 4ent to the 7athroom RWait<S RWh2$S RI haven-t 0inishe# talking<S Not ans4ering 7ack3 &ashiro took o00 her one piece RWh2 are 2ou stripping<S
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R*o 4ash m2sel0 S RI can see that< @n#erstan# the situation a 7it more< What am I suppose# to #o<S RWant to 4ash together$S R1k3 I got it< I-ll continue m2 lecture in the 7athroom S RVS RVS R*ake o00 2our clothes then S RI-m 7egging 2ou3 please stop<S RI #on-t un#erstan# Sorata 4ell S RI-m telling this to 2ou clearl23 the one 4ho-s strange is 2ou &ore than that3 give it a rest<S When he spoke harshl2 to her3 &ashiro-s movement stoppe# R*hink a7out it< What i0 something 7a# happens<S When the heav2 silence that came3 Sorata-s 0rustration pollute# the atmosphere &ashiro looke# in#i00erent an# starte# to 4alk to4ar#s Sorata3 4ith her one piece hal0 o00 R*here-s no point S 9er voice soun#e# reall2 col# RWh2$S RIt-s the same S RSa2 it in a 4a2 that I can un#erstan# S RVS RVS RBven i0 I thought a7out it3 I 4oul# have gone to gather re0erences an24a2 S
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R?ouVS 9is clenche# mouth gave o00 an unpleasant soun# RWhat a7out Sorata S RWhat$S RWhat happene#$ ?ou sai# that 2ou-ll 7e 7us2 S RVS ,t that instant3 his rage an# 0rustration melte# a4a2 &ashiro-s point 4as spot on an# Sorata-s e2es 4ere a7le to see the #ejecte#ness in her e2es R*he one 4ho acte# 4ithout a reason 4as Sorata S R*hat-sVS 9e kne4 *here 4as a goo# reason 9e reali;e# it insi#e the shopping centre 9e 0inall2 reali;e# it It 4as pain0ul 4atching &ashiro together 4ith %in3 an# he #i#n-t like it at all It 4asn-t something that he #evelope# over night It starte# a long time ago Possi7l2 on the #a2 that the2 met3 Sorata starte# to 0eel that 4a2 *hat 4as 4h2 he 4as 4orrie# 9e #i#n-t 4ant to put her in #anger 9e #i#n-t 4ant her to get hurt 9e 4ante# to see her smile an# al4a2s sta2 72 her si#e Bven i0 he 0elt this 4a23 he coul#n-t sa2 it RIt #oesn-t matter S 9e coul#n-t take his e2es o00 her RIt #oesn-t matter 0or Sorata3 4ho-s going to leave Sakurasou S She spoke out the 4or#s he #i#n-t 4ant to hear Sorata coul#n-t repl2 4hat he 4ante# to 9e #i#n-t have the right to sa2 ho4 he 0elt
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RI nee#e# to #o this to #ra4 m2 manga S *here 4as no point giving cheap ans4ers to a #etermine# &ashiro She 4oul#n-t hear them It 4oul#n-t reach her She 4as living 72 her o4n 4ill3 an# like her true sel0 She 4as just e=pressing hersel0 Kor her3 living 4as to create 4orks She 4as carr2ing that out 9er top priorit2 4as to create things It 4as something that he learnt as he sta2e# 72 &ashiro-s si#e She 4as the t2pe o0 person 4ho 4oul# give up her o4n smile 0or her 4ork She 4as here3 7ecause she 0elt that she nee#e# to collect some re0erences 9e 0elt 7a# 0or telling her to think 7e0ore she acte# &ashiro 4as thinking She ma#e this #ecision a0ter thinking a7out it an# so she #i#n-t hesitate She 4asn-t shaken *he one 4ho ha# to think 7e0ore acting 4as Sorata himsel0 R(2e S Sorata 4asn-t a7le to see 4hat her e=pression 4as 4hen &ashiro sai# that Kor Sorata #i#n-t have the courage to look into &ashiro-s e2es When &ashiro came out o0 the 7athroom3 he 4ent in an# just stare# at the 0loor as he 4as taking a sho4er Nothing goo# happene# to#a23 7ut 0elt his s4eat an# the 7a# things that happene# to him to#a2 7eing 4ashe# o00 When he returne# to the run3 &ashiro 4as sleeping on the heart shape# 7e# She 4as #e0enceless 4ith onl2 a 7ath to4el aroun# her Sorata 4ante# to tell her to 4ear something3 7ut he coul#n-t 9e just silentl2 place# a 7lanket on top o0 her While &ashiro 4as in the sho4er3 he thought a7out leaving (ut he 4as 4orrie# a7out leaving her 7ehin# in a place like this3 so he #eci#e# to sta2 an# look 7ack on himsel0 9e #i#n-t 4ant to sleep on the same 7e# as her3 so he settle# into a spot a4a2 0rom &ashiro 9e sat in 0ront o0 the #oor Pressing a 0e4
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7uttons on his phone3 he calle# %in an# he ans4ere# straight a4a2 R9e23 ho4-re 2ou 0eeling$S R*erri7le S R9a ha Sorr2 I 4as going to take the hit3 7ut the 4a2 that 2ou ran at me like a monster So I thought 2ou might 0orgive me 0or hitting 2ou3 an# s4ung 4ithout thinking a7out it S RI #on-t care a7out that S RWhat3 2ou #i#n-t call me 7ecause 2ou 4ere angr2$S RI-m not in the moo# S R,hh3 #i# 2ou have a 0ight 4ith &ashiro$S %in kne4 things ver2 4ell Sorata 4ishe# that he ha# the same a7ilit2 as 4ell RWe #i#n-t 0ight I just receive# a 0atal 7lo4 S R,n# &ashiro$S RShe-s asleep S RIn 2our arms$S R9o4 can that 7e i0 4e just ha# a 0ight$ She-s sleeping on the 7e# 72 hersel0 S RWhat a7out 2ou$S RI-m san#4iche# 7et4een a 4all an# a shoe rack S %in starte# to laugh RWhat #i# 2ou #o$S RI-# like to kno4 as 4ell S RI 0eel sorr2 0or &ashiro S RV What a7out me$S RI #on-t have an2 s2mpath2 0or 2ou S
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Sorata 0elt that 0or himsel0 as 4ell3 7ut to hear it 0rom %in 4as a #i00erent matter 9e 4ante# to retort3 7ut he #i#n-t 4ant to stra2 a4a2 0rom the topic so he let it pass RI-ll 7e leaving Sakurasou S RGi# 2ou call me just to sa2 that$S R,m I not allo4e# to$S RNo3 it #oesn-t reall2 matter I0 2ou think that it-s 2our path3 then it-s up to 2ou S RI #o think that S RWell3 0or me3 I can-t 7ear to look at a cute girl upset S RWho-s going to 7e upset 7ecause o0 me$S R,n# i0 no one recognises m2 e00orts3 it has no merits S R?es S RKirstl23 I 4as continuousl2 tol# o00 S R(2 4ho$S R&ashiro S RWh2$S R*o not 7other 2ou an2more S RWhat$S RShe #i#n-t sa2 that e=actl23 7ut a0ter leaving the hotel3 I-ve thought a7out it an# I came to that conclusion S RWhat the hell #oes that mean$S R@nlike 2ou3 I-m not a &ashiro specialist So it 4as har# to communicate 4ith her to#a2 S RConsi#ering that3 2ou gu2s seeme# to have a nice #ate S R, #ate3 huh$S
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It 4as an empt2 response *he conversation 7roke as %in thought to himsel0 RGi# &ashiro sa2 an2thing a7out to#a2$S RShe sai# that it-s a secret 7et4een 2ou t4o S Without meaning to3 4hen he sai# it out lou#3 it soun#e# like a complaint RI tol# her to sa2 that *o keep it a secret S RWhat 4as the point in that$S RGon-t sa2 it like that ,ll 4e reall2 #i# 4as just go shopping3 72 m2 re:uest S RWhat #o 2ou 4ant 0rom me then$S RGon-t pout I reall2 #i#n-t 4ant to sa2 it3 7ut tomorro4 is &isaki-s 7irth#a2 I aske# 0or her help to choose a suita7le present No4 #o 2ou get it$S RVS RI tol# her that3 she can sa2 it i0 2ou aske#3 7ut she 4as 7eing consi#erate o0 me S RSo 4hat$S *here 4as no point in hearing that 9e-# alrea#2 #eci#e# to move out o0 Sakurasou R,lso3 there 4as something that caught her e2e at the um7rella shop S *he um7rella that he 4as talking a7out 4as 4rappe# up ne=t to the #oor R*he shop assistant an# I recommen#e# it3 7ut she sai# that she 4on-t 7u2 it to#a2 What #o 2ou think her reason 4as$S R9o4 shoul# I kno4$S RI-ll 7u2 it 4ith Sorata is 4hat she sai# ?ou gu2s ma#e a
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promise$S When he hear# that3 his chest starte# to hurt 9e #i# sa2 that 0or sure3 7ut he #i#n-t consi#er it to 7e a promise 9e onl2 sai# it3 7ecause he coul#n-t 7e 7othere# #ealing 4ith &ashiro (ut &ashiro thought o0 it to as an important promise 9e coul#n-t un#erstan# 4h2 &ashiro 4oul# think o0 it like that3 7ut it tore at Sorata-s heart an# rippe# it apart RI0 2ou #on-t 4ant someone else to take her a4a23 #o 2our jo7 as the master an# look a0ter her 4ell S RWhat #o 2ou mean a masterV I mean Shiina is like a 0ascinating animal3 7utVS R?ou-ll regret it3 i0 2ou #on-t take a goo# hol# o0 it S R,re 2ou sa2ing that I shoul# put a chain or a leash on her to tie her #o4n$S R*hat-s a goo# i#ea It-s arousing S Sorata 4ho just imagine# &ashiro in a leash :uickl2 pushe# the image a4a2 RGon-t think o0 it in the 4rong 4a2<S R(ut 4h2 #on-t 2ou tr2 it$ *he2 shoul# at least have things like leashes 0or 2ou to rent over there S RI-m not #oing it<S RIs it 7etter to #o it normall2 0or 2ou 0irst e=perience$S RStop talking a7out that<S R&23 4hat a pure gu2 S When he #roppe# the su7ject3 Sorata looke# at the 7e# 4here &ashiro 4as sleeping RI-m hanging up no4 S R,h3 4ait S
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RIs there something else 2ou 4ante# to ask$S RSenpai3 4here are 2ou$S R&e$ I-m at /umi-s house S RCan 4e talk a 7it more$S R?eah sure3 she-s having a sho4er right no4 an24a2 S Sorata 4as a7le to hear the 0aint soun# o0 the sho4er running in the 7ackgroun# RIt-s prett2 clear S RSo3 4hat #o 2ou 4ant$S RLo 7ack to Sakurasou tonight S RVS Bven 4ithout sa2ing it3 %in shoul# kno4 4hat it meant 9e kne4 that the2 4ere 0ollo4e# an# 4ho Sorata 4as 4ith R?ou shoul# kno4 it 7etter than IVS RKa23 S*1P35!16S R%in-senpai<S R?ou)re not allo4e# to sa2 the thing I trie# m2 7est not to talk a7out as 4ell S RI can-t look at &isaki-senpai like that S R,hJJ,n# 2ou actuall2 sai# it S %in-s ans4er 4as :uite lighthearte# 9e pro7a7l2 sa4 this #a2 coming an24a2 RKor me3 it-s too much S RWh2 can-t it 7e &isaki-senpai$S RVS R%in-sempai$S
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RGo normal people ask like that$S R(ecause I #on-t have a choice S RWh2 7other asking i0 2ou kno4 S RI0 2ou 7ought her a 7irth#a2 present3 it means that it)s like that3 right$S Living %in the time to ans4er3 he 4aite# %in starte# to ans4er RV I can-t right no4 I0 I see her #epresse# look3 I might eat her up S RWhat< ?ou 7east<S RInsi#e me is a 7east that 4ants to hurt &isaki @sing all o0 m2 lust3 I 4ant to corrupt her I 4ant to 7reak herV Bven 0or a moment3 I 4ant to have a sense o0 superiorit2 S 9is voice 4as :uiet an# shak2 R(ut to me3 she is a precious person I cannot #are to even put m2 0inger on her She is ver2 ver2 precious to meV I just can-t #o an2thing a7out it S 9e 4as sho4ing an unusual si#e to him Bven 4hen he #oesn-t 7other to come 7ack3 he 4as al4a2s thinking a7out &isaki When he sa4 &isaki an# Sorata together3 he also got upset a 0e4 times RI realise# it m2sel0 4hen I hear# it 0rom m2 0irst girl0rien# S RV ?ou mean &isaki-s sister$S RNo 4a2 right3 #i# &isaki tell 2ou that too$ I)m starting to 0eel a little unhapp2 S RI-m sorr2 S RIt 4as right 0or me to punch 2ou S RI 4on-t 0orget it 0or eternit2 S RCet-s just sa2 that it never happene# S
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RNo3 I nee# to hear the reason 4h2 2ou 7roke up S R%ust 0lush that #o4n in the toilet S %in ma#e a 7itter smile 9e #i#n-t resist (ut most likel2 he 4asn-t going to stop talking here RI can still remem7er 4hat Kuuka sai# to me No3 I can-t 0orget it I-m just a su7stitute 0or &isaki ?ou choose me 7ecause 2ou-re a0rai# to hurt &isaki3 an# 4ant her to sta2 pure 72 2our si#e right$S R9o4 humiliating S RI never thought o0 it that 4a2 until I hear# it (ut 0or some reason3 I coul#n-t give an2 e=cuses In the en# she sai# ,t least make an e=cuse an# s4ung her 0ist at me S R9a ha S RIt-s nothing to laugh a7out I got a 7loo#2 nose as 4ell then S Imagining %in 4ith a 7loo#2 nose on the 0loor ma#e Sorata laugh even more RI reall2 can)t un#erstan# %in-senpai-s romance S I0 2ou like someone3 isn)t it normal 0or 2ou to have a caring emotion an# em7race that love# one$ (reaking or #irt2ing that person is a total opposite R,n24a2s3 come 7ack to Sakurasou tonight S RIJ amJ tellingJ 2ou3 i0 I go 7ack3 I 4ill jump on &isaki S R*hen just jump on her S RSorata3 #i#n-t 2ou just hear me$S R?eah3 that senpai loves &isaki-senpai S RI#iot< ?ou actuall2 #are sa2 it<S RIt-s m2 revenge 0or punching me S
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RIt-s impossi7le 0or meVS RWh2$S R(ecause I reali;e# 4h2 I 4ant to hurt her S R*hat-sVS R,h3 sorr2 /umi came out3 so I-m hanging up S RWait3 senpai< Come 7ack to Sakurasou<S %in #i#n-t ans4er 9e coul# onl2 trust in him Kor no43 there 4as Chihiro still at Sakurasou3 so he #i#n-t 4orr2 a7out it too much3 7ut he 4as still 4orrie# It 4as his 0irst time 4atching &isaki cr2 I0 4as like an2 other #a23 she 4oul# just 7ite on her lips an# resist it It 4asn-t like to#a2 4as special *o#a23 ever2thing that she hel# onto e=plo#e# So it 4asn-t ver2 simple to un#erstan# 9e close# his phone an# put it on top o0 the shoe rack 9e put his legs together an# close# his e2es *he night 4as :uiet an# the silence ma#e him 0eel lonel2 9e starte# to think a7out 4hat %in ha# sai#3 as 4ell as &ashiro3 the um7rella an# the #ate 9e coul# hear &ashiro 7reathing3 so he trie# to use that as a lulla72 9e #eci#e# to apologi;e to &ashiro a7out to#a2 4hen he 4akes up tomorro4 So that he can move out o0 Sakurasou 4ith no harsh 0eelings i0 &ashiro 0orgives him
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Part 5
9e 4as 0eeling terri7le 4hen he 4oke up Sleeping crouche# #o4n 4as not suit suita7le 0or a satis02ing rest 9is 7o#2 4as hurting all over3 an# he coul#n-t move his 7o#23 let alone get up 9e massage# his sore han#s an# 0eet an# cra4le# out 0rom the space 7et4een the 4all an# the shoe rack When the o00ice gave the morning call3 he hurrie# to check out o0 the love hotel3 #ragging &ashiro 7ehin# him When the2 4ere outsi#e3 it 4as raining *he temperature 4as :uite lo4 consi#ering that it 4as onl2 %une3 so it 4as :uite col# &ashiro looke# up at the gre2 sk2 Sorata 4as ver2 tire# *he t4o o0 them #i#n-t even sa2 an2thing to each other 4hen the2 4oke up *he2 misse# the opportunit2 to sa2 goo# morning3 so 4hatever the2 #one 0elt a4k4ar# an# unnatural Bven 4hen checking out o0 the room Sorata pointe# to4ar#s the #oor 4ith his chin Bven in the elevator3 the hall4a23 returning the ke2 to the unatten#e# o00ice3 the2 #i#n-t speak at all &ashiro #i#n-t even tr2 to talk to or look at Sorata *hat attitu#e o0 I-m not going to give up an2time soon took a4a2 Sorata-s intention o0 apologi;ing 0irst UI0 2ou-re going to pla2 like that3 it-s 4hat I 4ante# I-m moving out o0 Sakurasou an24a2 I 4ill no longer get involve# 4ith &ashiro Shiina &ashiro must-ve thought that the rain 4asn-t going to stop an2time soon3 7ecause she starte# to run through the rain Watching her small an# 4eak 0igure running3 Sorata calle# out to her 4ithout thinking
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RShiinaS RVS &ashiro hal0-turne# to look3 7ut she 4as looking at the 0loor3 not Sorata In or#er 0or him to get into her sights3 Sorata took out the long an# thin package *he um7rella that he 7ought 0rom the shopping centre 4as insi#e R@se this S Korcing it into her han#s3 Sorata starte# to 4alk up the overpass stairs 72 himsel0 9e enjo2e# the col# rain It 4as 4ashing a4a2 all the unpleasantness 9e 4as punishing himsel0 72 getting #renche# in the rain *here 4as no one to 0orgive him3 7ut he 4as a7le to 0eel 0orgiven in the rain 9e slo4l2 4alke# across the overpass Cooking up at the rain2 sk2 (ut su##enl23 a 7lue sk2 appeare# in his sights It 4as &ashiro 4ho caught up to him 4ith the um7rella that he 7ought 0or her *he sk2 7lue um7rella *he sk2 7lue um7rella 4ith pictures o0 sk2 sketche# insi#e It 4as too 7right 4hen &ashiro 4as hol#ing it3 7ut it 4as a lot 7etter than the re# um7rella she 7orro4e# 0rom &isaki R9o4 #i# 2ou get this$S RI sa4 someone 4ho looke# at it 4ith a 4anting e=pression3 so I 7ought it as a present S RI see Well3 then I-ll return it to 2ou S RNo3 I-m giving it to 2ou S RWhat a7out the present that 2ou 4ere going to give$S R,ren-t 2ou misun#erstan#ing something$S RI-m not S
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RI meant 2ou 4hen I sai# someone S Starting to 0eel em7arrasse#3 Sorata starte# to 4alk a4a2 &ashiro skippe# to his si#e3 an# covere# him 4ith the um7rella It 4as reall2 uncom0orta7le to 4alk R*hanks S RV It-s 0ine3 #on-t min# it S R?eah S &ashiro no##e# her hea# RSorataVS R?eah$S &ashiro looke# up at him *hat #a23 their e2es met 0or the 0irst time ,s she opene# her mouth to sa2 something3 someone 7ehin# them calle# out to them R?ou3 over there S *he ones that calle# out to them 4as a policeman 4earing a raincoat 9e #i#n-t have an um7rella3 so he 4as 4earing a plastic covere# cap R?ou gu2s look like high school stu#ents S *he #ou7ting e2es It 4as 7est to assume that he sa4 them coming out 0rom the love hotel R?es S RNo3 4e-re college stu#ents S Sorata-s ans4er an# &ashiro-s ans4er overlappe# *he policeman looke# at them in a suspecting 4a2 an# noticing that the2 4ere l2ing3 he steppe# to4ar#s Sorata R1i3 this is a situation 4here 2ou lie S 9e 4hispere# to &ashiro-s ear
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RWh2$S *here 4as no point talking to &ashiro secretivel2 Sorata 0elt all o0 his energ2 escaping his 7o#2 RBven i0 2ou are a couple3 it-s not goo# 0or 2ou to 7e skipping on lessons an# #oing in#ecent things S RWe-re not a couple S R,h< Shiina3 2ou just sta2 :uiet S RWhat kin# o0 a relation #o 2ou have 4ith each other$S ,s Sorata trie# to think o0 a goo# e=cuse3 &ashiro spoke out once more RSorata is m2 o4ner S , su##en 7li;;ar# came upon them *he policeman looke# at Sorata in a strange 4a2 RIt3 it-s a misun#erstan#ing< Shiina3 4hat are 2ou sa2ing$<S RPutting a leash on me S R9o4 #i# 2ou$< Were 2ou a4ake 4hen I 4as on the phone 4ith senpai$S *hen she must have hear# him sa2ing that he 4as leaving Sakurasou I0 so3 it ma#e Sorata even more uncom0orta7le RVS &ashiro #i#n-t sa2 an2thing R?ou sai# that 2ou-ll tie me up in chains S 9e #i#n-t have to courage to look at the coughing policeman RNo no3 4ait< Gon-t just sa2 the critical 7it 72 itsel0< Wh2 #o 2ou #o this to me$ Go 2ou have a gru#ge against me$ Is it 7ecause o0 4hat happene# 2ester#a2$ I-m sorr2< I 4on-t 7e arrogant an# tr2 to lecture 2ou< Please resolve this police man-s misun#erstan#ing< I0
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this continues3 it-ll 7e recor#e# on m2 recor#s<S RI-ll hear 2ou e=cuses at the station3 so 4h2 #on-t 2ou 0ollo4 me3 master S R100icer< 9o4 can 2ou sa2 that to a goo# citi;en$< I-m a master$ I0 I prove m2sel0 to 7e innocent3 I-m going to sue 2ou 0or #e0amation *he ne=t time 4e meet 4ill 7e at the court<S RGon-t talk 7ack an# come along<S 9e 4as #ragge# #o4n the stairs 0rom the overpass 72 the policeman RShiina<S RWe nee# to hear 2our si#e o0 the stor23 so 4ill 2ou come along$S R1k S RSolve the misun#erstan#ing 0irst<S B=plaining their situation 0rom the start to the en# at the police station took nearl2 t4o hours3 an# 4hen it 4as resolve#3 Sorata 4as out o0 energ2 It 4as #i00icult to e=plain their situation in simple terms3 so 4hen the2 e=plaine# ho4 &ashiro 4as an aspiring mangaka 4ho 4as collecting re0erences 0or her manga3 the2 0inall2 let them go When the2 ha# 0inishe# e=plaining themselves3 Chihiro came to pick them up *he2 7o4e# their hea#s to apologi;e 0or the misun#erstan#ing3 7ut 4ere too a0rai# to sa2 an2thing else ,n24a2s3 the2 4ere a7le to avoi# 7eing charge# It #i#n-t leave an2 criminal recor#s either (2 the time the2 e=ite# the police station3 the rain has alrea#2 stoppe# an# the sun 4as visi7le 7et4een the clou#s RI reall2 #i#n-t think that sekihan 4oul# 7e 0or 2ou S
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R/eall2 no4< Gon-t 2ou have an2thing else to sa2$S R10 course I #o3 7ut I-m stopping m2sel0 2ou kno4$S Suppressing her stresse# 0ace3 Chihiro 4alke# to4ar#s him RI-I kno4 S Sorata 4alke# 7ack4ar#s 72 three steps RI #on-t care 4hat 2ou #o3 7ut clean up the mess properl2 like &itaka S RIt-s 1K3 as long as 2ou #on-t get caught in an antagonistic logic S RWhat$ Go 2ou 4ant to 7e a goo# person$S R*hat-s m2 plan S RI0 2ou #on-t get 2our act together3 2ou-re going to have a 7a# time S Cooking at &ashiro 4ho 4as 7ehin# her3 Chihiro turne# aroun# an# spoke R,hJah3 I can-t 7e 7othere# going 7ack to school S Chihiro 4alke# to4ar#s the station Watching her go3 Sorata turne# aroun# an# sai# to &ashiro R9e23 Shiina S RVS She hear# him 7ut #i#n-t repl2 RI-m sorr2 a7out 2ester#a2 It 4as 4rong o0 me to sa2 4hat I-ve sai# S RVS RI kno4 that 2ou #one 4hat 2ou-ve #one a0ter thinking #eepl2 a7out it S RVS R(ut even 0or gathering re0erences3 the place 4asn-t ver2 suita7le S
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RVS RI 4ill move a4a2 0rom Sakurasou3 7ut I 4ill listen to 2ou *ell me ever2thing ,n# tell me e=actl2 4here 2ou 4ant to go an# 4hat 2ou 4ant to #o S I0 he kne4 4here she 4ante# to go3 Sorata 4oul#n-t have let %in take her RI-m 0ree an24a2 S It 4as :uite em7arrassing 0or him to sa2 it3 7ut &ashiro still 4asn-t repl2ing Nothing coul#-ve 7een #one3 so he trie# to 0ollo4 Chihiro3 7ut &ashiro gra77e# his jumper 0rom 7ehin# RShiina$S 9e trie# to look 7ack 7ut he coul#n-t RGon-t go S It 4as :uiet3 7ut he hear# it clearl2 R(ut IVS I0 he #i#n-t sa2 an2thing no43 his heart 4oul# 7reak #o4n RIVS 9is 7rain 4oul#n-t 4ork 9e coul#n-t sa2 4hat he 4ante# to sa2 9e just ha# to sa2 that he 4as moving out once more3 7ut he coul#n-t 9e trie# 7reathing #eepl2 to collect his thoughts I-ll turn aroun# an# sa2 it clearl2 ,s he #eci#e# to #o so3 &ashiro leane# on him 4ith her 0orehea# touching his 7ack When she #i#3 Sorata-s 7ack 7ecame sti00 an# 4asn-t a7le to move at all *he contact 4arme# up his 7ack slightl2
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9e coul# 0eel her 7reath on his 7ack &ashiro 4as just 7ehin# him Without sa2ing a 4or# the2 just stoo# like that 0or a 4hile (ut he coul# 0eel &ashiro-s 4orries 7ehin# his 7ack3 an# he coul#n-t just let it 7e 9e ha# to #o something a7out it RV &oving is S R?eah$S R&oving is har# S RV It is S RIt-s 7othersome to change a##resses as 4ell S R?eah S R, normal #orm is a t4o people per room s2stem3 so it-s har# to manage m2 things S R/ight S R,n# Sakurasou isn-t that 7a# S RI like it S
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9e 0elt like it 4as something he 4as telling himsel03 so his heart 7eat 0aster &ashiro pro7a7l2 0elt it as 4ell RI think I like it as 4ell S (ut he thought that 7eing honest #oesn-t solve an2thing 9earing other people sa2ing that this 4as a hi#eout 0or the pro7lematic people ma#e him 0ool himsel0 like as i0 it 4as 9e kept telling himsel0 that it 4as important not to stick out 0rom the cro4# ,t the start3 he #i# think that Sakurasou 4as a pro7lematic place It 4as 0ille# 4ith strange people an# even the teacher 4as 7e2on# 4hat 4as consi#ere# normal (ut that 4as enjo2a7le Sakurasou 4as a lot more enjo2a7le than a normal stu#ent #orm Bach #a2 0elt like a school trip &ost o0 his classmates 4oul#n-t 7e a7le to un#erstan#3 an# most teachers avoi# it3 Sorata kne4 it 0rom the start It 4as un#enia7l2 true It 4as the realit2 *he truth R9elloJ$S Chihiro 4ho 4as 0ar ahea# stoppe# an# pulle# a 0ace at them RGi# 2ou 0orget that I 4as here$ What are 2ou tr2ing to #o here$ *hink a7out the people aroun# 2ou3 it creeps me out 4a2 too much<S RWe-4e-re not #oing an2thing 7a#<S What ma#e Sorata to sa2 4hat he sai# 4as 7ecause o0 &ashiro 4ho 4as still attache# to his 7ack RWhat is up 4ith this I think I like it as 4ell$ It-s reall2 too chees2<S RWaahhhhh< Gon-t repeat that #angerous sentence<S RIt-s reall2 unpleasant I-m 0rustrate#3 7ecause I can onl2 see 2ou in
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m2 e2es S RGon-t thro4 salt at m2 4oun#s< ?ou-re suppose# to 7e a teacher<S RI have a lioness-t2pe o0 teaching st2le<S RBven so3 2ou-re too much<S RI0 2ou have so man2 complaints3 then 1K< *onight 4e-ll have a Sakurasou meeting<S RBh$ What a7out 4hat$S RI-m going to put out a rule 0or no romance insi#e the #orm<S @n#er the 7lue sk2 in %une3 Chihiro-s suggestion echoe# out Chihiro starte# to 4alk again at a 0aster pace It 4as to tell them to hurr2 up Ignoring her3 Sorata suite# &ashiro-s slo4 pace 9e looke# 7esi#e him &ashiro also looke# at Sorata RWhat$S RNo3 nothing S 9e actuall2 4ante# to ask 4h2 9e #eci#e# not to3 7ecause he #i#n-t 4ant to hear an ans4er like Uit 4oul# 7e pro7lematic i0 someone 4ho give me 7aumkuchen #isappears9e 4as happ2 4ith ho4 things 4ere 0or no4 1!th o0 %une 1n the recor# o0 Sakurasou-s meeting3 the 0ollo4ing ha# 7een 4ritten - (anning all romance in the #orm ha# 1 in 0avour3 an# " against We spent time to#a2 0or no reason as usual Secretar2> /2uunosuke ,kasaka
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Chapter 4 - .e!ng Ser!ous !sn#t a .ad ,h!ng Part 1

1n the night o0 the event at the police station3 Sorata rippe# up the paper 4hich ha#&2 goal> Bscape 0rom Sakurasou< 4ritten on it3 an# #eclare# in 0ront o0 ever2one that he 4ill sta2 at Sakurasou RI am #eepl2 sorr2 0or #isrupting the atmosphere *hanks to 2our help3 I came 7ack to m2 senses I 4ill continue to live here at Sakurasou3 so please look a0ter me 0rom no4 on S %in smile# kno4ingl2 to Sorata3 4ho ha# his hea# 7o4e#3 an# Chihiro #rank 7eer3 4hile telling him not to sa2 such em7arrassing things &isaki change# the su7ject like she #i#n-t have an2thing to #o 4ith it an# 4hen it came to /2uunosuke3 4ho 4as o7viousl2 in his room3 - ?es3 goo# 4ork Krom &ai#-chan 1r#ering the electronic mai# to #o his jo7 an# 4asn-t even participating in this meeting himsel0 *he reason 4h2 #eci#e# to sta2 at Sakurasou 4as 7ecause o0 &ashiro3 7ut she 4asn-t participating either3 4orking on her manga as soon as she came 7ack home So Sorata #i#n-t kno4 4hat she 4as thinking It must-ve 7een 7ecause o0 the #ea#line #ra4ing near3 7ecause &ashiro-s concentration rose higher than 7e0ore3 an# i0 he trie# to talk to her3 he 4as ignore# Bven 4hen telling her that the 7athroom 4as empt23 R9eJ23 Shiina *ake a 7ath S RVS
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R, 7ath S RVS RIt seems like I can sa2 4hatever I 4ant to I0 2ou #on-t ans4er me3 I-ll grope 2our 7reasts S RVS RI-m sorr23 that 4as just a joke S %ust like that3 &ashiro sho4e# no reaction Sorata #i#n-t actuall2 have the guts to grope her 7reasts3 so he gave up an# returne# to his room3 re0lecting 7ack on his air-like presence Gi# Sorata-s 5!26 USora- 5!36 reall2 mean air5!!6V *hen it 4as something to complain a7out to his parents *he ne=t #a23 Sorata regrette# his #ecision that he ma#e 2ester#a2 When he opene# the #oor3 &ashiro 4as still at her #esk 4orking on her ta7let *he sunrise ha# shone upon &ashiro-s slen#er 0igure in a hol2 4a2 Since she #i#n-t repl2 4hen he trie# to talk to her3 he #ragge# her out o0 her seat an# someho4 7rought her to school 10 course3 in the state that she 4as in3 she 4asn-t a7le to pa2 attention in class When Sorata visite# her in the art room #uring his 7reaks3 he sa4 her sleeping 7ol#l2 on her ta7le Krom 4hat he hear# 0rom the art stu#ents3 &ashiro apparentl2 #i#n-t 4ake up3 no matter 4hat the teachers sai# to her 9e thought that he 4oul# have to 4ait a0ter school3 7ut on the contrar23 it 4as &ashiro 4ho came to him 4hile Sorata 4as packing up 9er 0orehea# still ha# a re# mark 0rom sleeping3 an# her hair 4as tangle# up Nevertheless3 &ashiro tugge# at Sorata-s 7elt telling him to take her to the #orm right a4a2 *hanks to that3 the2 cause# a lot o0 misun#erstan#ings among their classmates3 an# Sorata ha# to leave 7e0ore getting a chance to e=plain himsel0
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,s soon as the2 came 7ack to Sakurasou3 &ashiro turne# on her 4ork mo#e an# locke# hersel0 up in her room to 4ork on her manga She #i#n-t sa2 8thank-2ou8 or an2thing to Sorata as 4ell It seeme# like she 4as 4orking on a page o0 Name5!"6 per #a2 She sent it to her e#itor via email an# ha# small meetings on the phone ,s time passe#3 the rejecte# Name prints 4ere scattere# across the 0loor *o clean it up3 Sorata ha# to peek into &ashiro-s room perio#icall2 &ashiro-s names 4ere almost goo# enough to 7e calle# manuscripts5!'6 *he characters 4ere #ra4n in soli# lines3 an# there 4ere no visi7le rough patches *he calen#ar on the 4all ha#/ookie ,4ar#s #ea#line4ritten on the 3Ath o0 %une in re# letters an# at this stage3 4ith onl2 a7out hal0 a month le0t till the en#3 she coul#n-t a00or# to have an2 rejecte# names She ha# to 7e getting 1Ks 0or her names an# start on her manuscript as soon as she can 9o4ever3 even in this t2pe o0 situation3 &ashiro 4as #i#n-t slack on her #ra4ing practices Bven though Sorata 4asn-t e=pecting a repl23 he aske# &ashiro a :uestion RShoul#n-t 2ou cut 7ack on 2our practice 0or no4$S RI nee# to practice no4 It-ll 7e the same in the 0uture as 4ell S &ashiro ans4ere# :uickl23 still 0acing her #ra4ings (ut no matter 4hat he aske#3 he 4as still ignore# 72 her Bven though &ashiro-s hea# 4as onl2 0ille# 4ith her manga3 she sometimes came up to Sorata an# sai# a 0e4 things that #i#n-t make sense She ignore# him 4hen Sorata trie# to talk to her 0irst3 2et she onl2 spoke 4hen she 4ante# to sa2 something *he 0irst time it happene# 4as 4hen she came up to Sorata an# &isaki 4ho 4ere pla2ing a 0ighting game together an# sai#3
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RSorata3 I-m going to m2 room S ,n# she reall2 4ent up to her room a0ter she sai# that 9e looke# aroun# #uring the 0ight roun#3 7ut she 4as alrea#2 gone 9e #i#n-t kno4 4hat she 4as tr2ing to sa2 RKohai-kun3 4hat 4as that a7outJ$S RWho kno4s S *he ne=t #a23 4hen he 4as a7out to sleep3 RSorata3 I-m going to take a sho4er S She came to his room an# tol# him on purpose3 an# the #a2 a0ter that3 RSorata3 toilet S 9earing that ma#e Sorata spit out the juice that he 4as #rinking RWhat are 2ou tr2ing to get across here<S RSorata 4as the one 4ho tol# me to sa2 ever2thing S RI #i#n-t mean it that 4a2<S 9e #i# sa2 it on the #a2 o0 the love hotel event 9e #i# sa2 it3 7ut he #i#n-t mean it in a 4a2 4here she reports ever2thing 0rom her #ail2 li0e RWhat a7out 7rushing m2 teeth$S R?ou #on-t nee# to tell me<S RWhat a7out getting change#$S RChange into 4hatever 2ou 4ant<S RV Sorata is #i00icult S RIt got even 4orse to#a2< *his is even more 7othersome than tr2ing to e=plain o00si#e5!+6 to m2 mum<S R100si#e$S RGon-t ask<S
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&ashiro t4iste# her lips an# complaine# RShoul#n-t I tell 2ou that I passe# m2 names$S R*ell me things like that<S RI passe# m2 names S R?e3 2eah Congratulation S R*hank 2ou S It 4oul# 7e 4orrisome i0 she #i#n-t tell him these t2pes o0 important ne4s3 so he tol# &ashiro to tell him ever2thing that has happene# 10 course3 4hen she sai# that her perio# starte#3 he 4ante# to #ie3 7ut other than that it 4as 7eara7le RWhat a7out the o00si#e$S RI tol# 2ou3 2ou #on-t nee# to kno4<S Nine #a2s remaine# until the #ea#line Guring that time3 &ashiro ha# to #ra4 32 pages3 so he #eci#e# to put o00 &ashiro-s training until then 9e #i#n-t e=plain a7out o00si#e either , 4eek has passe# since then3 an# it 4as the 2Ith o0 %une When he came out o0 the sho4er an# 4ent to his room3 he sa4 &isaki3 4ho 4as trespassing as usual in shorts an# a t-shirt pla2ing a game 4ith her e2es glue# to the *V , single pla2er /PL *he pla2 hours 4ere over 3A3 an# she 4as in the 0inal #ungeon It 4as &isaki-s pla2ing st2le to avoi# all the 4eak minions3 the NPCs an# su7-:uests3 so her levels in /PLs 4ere al4a2s e=tremel2 lo4 ,s he e=pecte#3 she 4as 4alking into the 0inal #ungeon 4ith an e=tremel2 4eak team that coul#n-t even 7eat the minions insi#e She kept pressing the reset 7utton to repeat the process over an# over RIt 4oul# 7e 0aster 0or 2ou to level up 0irst S RI 4oul# rather give up than get stronger 72 harassing the 4eak<S R1h3 reall2$S
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(ut her level 4as lo4er than the U4eak-V R,n24a2s3 there-s a game that I 4ant to pla23 so move over a 7it please S &isaki #i#n-t even look at Sorata an# 7rilliantl2 avoi#e# attacks 0rom the minions an# e=ite# the #ungeon RI see3 just ignoring completel2VS It 4as an e=cellent techni:ue 0or 0leeing3 RI-m sure this 4asn-t a game like that S RNo3 no3 Kohai-kun< ?ou just nee# to pla2 the 4a2 that 2ou 4ant to pla2< It-s no 0un pla2ing 72 the 4a2 set 72 others< I 4ill make m2 o4n st2le o0 pla2<S RBven so3 #on-t start 7etting 2our li0e on this game S While shouting nonsensical things3 &isaki arrive# in 0ront o0 the 0inal 7oss-s room I0 she avoi#e# one last mo7 o0 minions3 she 4oul# arrive to the last 7oss With &isaki-s ma= 9P3 she 4oul#n-t 7e a7le to survive a hit 0rom the last 7oss an24a2 It #ealt close to 3AAA #amage per hit3 7ut &isaki #i#n-t even have 2AAA 9P *here 4as a 2A level gap 7et4een them *he last 7oss also ha# a secon# 0orm3 4here its attacks ha# poison or petri0ication mi=e# in 4hich #ealt #evastating #amage &isaki3 4ho #i#n-t kno4 an2thing a7out this3 7roke through the mo7 an# reache# the save-point in 0ront o0 the last 7oss She sighe# in relie0 an# opene# the save menu ,t that moment the screen #ie# an# the2 7ecame silent *hen3 the machine-s logo sho4e# up R9uh$ What happene#<S Sorata an# &isaki checke# the game console3 an# sa4 Ko#ama3 the calico cat3 giving a cat punch at the po4er 7utton ,n une=pecte#3 cat reset in this situation ,n# in this game3 7eing in0amous 4ith its so0t4are #esign3 it #i#n-t have an2 saving option
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unless at a save-point So &isaki ha# to go 7ack to the entrance o0 the #ungeon an# start 0rom the last save-point &isaki 4as shocke# an# lai# 0lat on her 7ack staring 7lankl2 R&2 t4o hours o0 e00ort just 0le4 a4a2 I can-t #o it no moreJ I 0eel like m2 soul has 7roken into a thousan# pieces It-s not a heart 7reak3 7ut a soul 7reak I #on-t 4ant to #o it an2more S RI kno4 ho4 2ou 0eel S Sorata o0ten got the same cat reset 9e picke# up Ko#ama an# smile# at it RSighJ S &isaki su##enl2 sighe# R?ou kno4J3 Kohai-kun S R,re 2ou going to sa2 some 4eir# things again$S RCursing a :ueen to 7ecome a #og is some4hat erotic S RWhat are 2ou sa2ing no4<S R9a ha ha< I shall turn 2ou into a #og<I shall not 7ack #o4n no matter 4hat<9o4 much longer 4ill that continue$ No43 turn into a #ogJ<K2aaaV an# just like that3 the :ueen 7ecame a #og<S R*hat curse soun#s too %apanese S R9o4 #oes it 0eel to 7e a #og WhineJ I0 2ou-re a #og3 then act like one3 ans4er 4ith a 4oo0<V 4oo03 4oo0V 4oo0VPa4<Woo0 Sit Woo0 9o4 cute3 I shall take care o0 2ou 0orever &ha ha ha haVWhineJV like that< 9o4 is it3 isn-t it reall2 erotic$ It-s 7e2on# 7eing a7le to see panties or going comman#o<5!.6 *his is it3 the true ero< *he name itsel0 is the 7rilliant B#en<S R?ou shoul# get sue#<S
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&isaki sighe# once more 9er e=citement 0rom 7e0ore #isappeare# 4ithout a trace RI just can-t #o itJ Bven pla2ing games an# talking to Kohai-kun #oesn-t make it go a4a2 S RWhat #oes$S R&2 thirst 4on-t go a4a2 S R,re 2ou some kin# o0 an a##ict$S &isaki covere# her 0ace 4ith her arms It 4as pro7a7l2 to come 0ace to 0ace 4ith her emotions an# not to cover her e2es 0rom the light R&2 7o#2 is going cra;2 4anting 0or it S 9er voice 4as slightl2 se=2 RI 4ant to #o it I can-t hol# it in an2 longer3 Kohai-kun<S RSa2 that to %in-senpai<S RI #i#J S RBh3 reall2$S 9e thought that that 4as reall2 pro7lematic RI keep mailing him to 0inish the ne=t script :uickl2 I-m even te=ting him<S RWhat$S What he hear# an# e=pecte# 4asn-t :uite the same RNe=t time3 I 4ant it to 7e 3A minutesV hmm or ma27e longer Will I 7e a7le to make a movieJ ,hJ3 I 4anna tr2 itJ<S RV Were 2ou talking a7out animation$S RWhenever I see &ashiron3 I can 0eel m2sel0 7urning upJ ,hJ3 I 4anna #o it :uickl2J<S &isaki 4as rolling on the 0loor Sorata 0elt #i00erentl2 Whenever he sa4 &ashiro3 he 0elt nervous
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*hat 4as ho4 he 0elt IAW o0 the time3 an# the remaining 1AW 4as the same 0eeling that &isaki 4as having3 4anting to actuall2 #o something RSenpai3 i0 2ou-re not going to pla23 pass me the controller S Krom the lai# #o4n &isaki-s chest3 a silver accessor2 coul# 7e seen It 4as a cute necklace 4ith a 7ear mascot When she gave the controller to Sorata3 she gra77e# the accessor2 care0ull2 an# 0ol#e# her han#s on top o0 it *he corners o0 her mouth 4ere slightl2 up3 making a happ2 smile R*hat-s prett2 cute S &aking a surprise# e=pression3 &isaki smile# like a girl in love an# no##e# her hea# 9e kne4 4ithout hearing that it 4as a 7irth#a2 present 0rom %in She starte# 4ear that necklace an# #ance 4ith jo2 0rom the #a2 a0ter the love hotel inci#ent She also #i#n-t sho4 an2 tears like she #i# on that #a2 either ,t least3 Sorata 4asn-t a7le to see them Sorata s4itche# his vie4 to the *V3 an# starte# the game 4ith the controller Krom the s2stem page3 he 4ent into the net4ork an# starte# to #o4nloa# an action pu;;le game that 4as release# a long time ago ,0ter #o4nloa#ing3 it starte# to install on to the har# #isk an# it took aroun# 3A secon#s 9e 4ent 7ack to the s2stem screen an# starte# the game *he nostalgic logo came up an# the screen transitione# into the title screen Since the game came out almost 1A 2ears ago3 the graphics 4ere tack2 (ut 4hen he controlle# it3 there 4eren-t an2 pro7lems 4ith it It 4as onl2 a game 4here 2ou 4alke# aroun# an# #e0eate# the same enemies3 it 4as :uite a##icting R,h3 this one3 it-s that right$S &isaki got up an# poke# her 0ace at the screen
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RI0 2ou sa2 this an# that3 I 4on-t 7e a7le to un#erstan# 2ou S RWhat 4as it$ *he one 4here a normal person plans out an i#ea an# makes it into a game$ *hinkJ<S RIt-s Cet-s make a game S It 4as an au#ition hel# 72 the console makers to scout 0or people 4ith creative a7ilities Whether it-s a team or a solo i#ea3 the2 4ere a7le to participate 4ith an i#ea 0or a game in a report 0orm or a presentation to the compan2 an# 4hen 2ou get accepte#3 2ou receive an incre#i7le amount o0 support to pro#uce the game 0rom the #eveloping 0ees to the la7ouring 0ees *he sales an# a#vertisements are #one 72 the console maker3 so the2 onl2 ha# to #evelop the game 4ithout an2 other 4orries *he e=pectation 0or the au#ition 4as e=tremel2 high3 so even a0ter 1A 2ears since it starte#3 there 4ere onl2 a han#0ul o0 games that 4ere actuall2 #evelope# an# sol# ,s e=pecte# 0rom the high e=pectation an# the :ualit2 o0 the game pro#uce#3 the2 4ere a hit 4hen the2 4ere release# 1ne o0 them 4as the one Sorata just #o4nloa#e#3 an action pu;;le game that 4as #evelope# 72 a team o0 ! people 0rom the Suimei @niversit2 o0 the ,rts *his game sol# more than 13AAA3AAA copies3 so it 7ecame the poster 7o2 0or Cet-s make a game an# each o0 the team mem7ers receive# 1A3AAA3AAA 2en5!I6 Bven no43 there 4ere a lot o0 hope0uls 4ho #reame# o0 that success3 4hich ma#e the competition even har#er (ut over the last 1A 2ears3 other things have change# as 4ell (ecause o0 the 7etter #evelope# har#4are an# appearances o0 #i00erent gaming companies3 all these hur#les ma#e it #i00icult to pro#uce a 7ig hit So no43 the games 4ere availa7le on #isks an# packaging 0or a short perio# o0 time3 an# then 4ere availa7le to #o4nloa# at a
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lo4er price on the net What hasn-t change# so 0ar 4as that the competition 4as still all a7out creativit2 an# i#eas RCoul# it 7e that 2ou)re making a game3 Kohai-kun$S &isaki ha# an UI 4ant to kno4- 0ace an# covere# the screen RSenpai3 2ou-re in the 4a2 S R?ou kno4J3 2ou kno4J< ,re 2ou making a game$ Wh2 #i#n-t 2ou tell me$< Wh2< Wh23 4h23 4h2J< When 4e-re this close to each other< Gon-t I mean an2thing to 2ou$<S 9ol#ing 7oth o0 her han#s up in the air3 &isaki 4as talking to him like as i0 he 4as her 7o20rien# 4ho 4as cheating on her She starte# to shake Sorata 7ack4ar#s an# 0or4ar#s RI-m telling 2ou3 I can-t see the screen<S RI0 2ou 4ant to 7e 0ree3 come at me< *ell me<S RGon-t strangle meJ<S &isaki 4as a7out to thro4 him o00 the 7e# 4hile 4restling him 4hen a 0amiliar voice interrupte# them RSorata S (eing hal0 hugge# 72 &isaki3 Sorata looke# to4ar# the silhouette 72 the #oor an# sa4 &ashiro stan#ing there She 4as still in her school uni0orm 4ithout getting change# 7ack into her casuals &ashiro-s e2es scanne# across Sorata-s room an# looke# up an# #o4n at Sorata an# &isaki 4ho 4ere glue# together RNo We-re not #oing or tr2ing to #o an2thing<S RVS RI3 I-m not l2ing S RVS RWell3 2ou pro7a7l2 4on-t think o0 it that 4a23 so it #oesn-t matterVS
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9e 4as a7le to see the tire#ness in &ashiro-s e2es (ut she ha# a happ2 e=pression on her 0ace RKohai-kun< 1nl2 the un4orth2 give up hal0 4a2 through< ?ou nee# to take responsi7ilit2 an# see it through the en#<S RWhen 2ou put it that 4a2 4ith the responsi7ilit2 an# see it through the en#3 it soun#s completel2 #i00erent 0rom the true meaning<S 9e 7roke 0ree 0rom &isaki 9e kne4 that &ashiro #i#n-t min# 4ho Sorata 4as 4ith3 7ut it 4as 7a# 0or his health i0 she stare# at him emotionlessl2 &isaki stare# at him 4ith her cheeks pu00e# up like a s:uirrel RSenpai3 tr2 to rea# the moo#<S RKohai-kun3 the moo# is 0or people to enjo2<S She retorte# at him 4ith a serious 0ace 9e pushe# a4a2 &isaki 4ith a pillo4 She trie# to talk 7ack3 7ut he o7viousl2 ignore# her RWhat #i# 2ou 4ant Shiina$ Is there something 4rong$S RI 0inishe# S When she sai# I 0inishe# it coul# onl2 mean one thing Sorata trie# to think o0 4hat coul# sa2 R&ashiron3 4ell #oneJ< Sho4 me the manuscript3 sho4 me<S (ut his opportunit2 to sa2 something 4as snatche# a4a2 72 &isaki 4hen she jumpe# at &ashiro RWhat shoul# I #oJ3 ho4 e=citing< I-m reall2 h2pe# 0or it< So e=cite#<S It looke# like she #i#n-t care a7out Sorata-s stor2 alrea#2 R,h3 goo# 4ork S
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9e reache# his han# out to4ar#s &ashiro 4ho ha# 7een knocke# over m2 &isaki R?eah S &ashiro #uste# o00 her skirt that she 4ore &isaki ran up the stairs thinking that she ha# the permission to rea# &ashiro-s manuscript R,re 2ou going to sho4 her the manuscript$S RI can-t S R,re 2ou not allo4e# to$S RNo S R*hen 4h2$S RIt-s em7arrassing S R?ou-re l2ing<S RI-m not S R*here-s no 4a2 2ou 4oul# have human like emotions<S R?ou-re so unreasona7le S R*he one 4ho-s unreasona7le is 2ou<S RV Go 2ou 4ant to see it$S R?e3 2eah S R*hen I-ll sho4 2ou S &ashiro turne# her hea# a4a2 It 0elt like she 4as going to sho4 something else RKollo4 me S Sorata 0ollo4e# &ashiro-s lea# an# came out o0 his room When Sorata entere# &ashiro-s room3 he sat 4here he 4as tol# to sit3 0acing the 7ig #ispla2 9e sat on the cushion an# 0elt the
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so0tness an# the 0lu00iness 9e 0elt uncom0orta7le sitting on the 0lu002 cushion3 7ecause it remin#e# him o0 &ashiro It 4oul# 7e sill2 to run a4a2 no43 7ecause he 4as the one 4ho aske# to see her manuscript3 an# sa2ing that he #i#n-t 4ant to sit on the chair 4oul# 7e ru#e to4ar#s &ashiro *he computer turne# on 4ith soun# o0 the har# #isk spinning3 an# Sorata #i#n-t even have the time to calm #o4n &ashiro leane# to4ar# the computer to control it 4ith the ta7let (ut she kept her #istance not to touch Sorata When he realise# that she 4as #oing this 0or him3 he 0elt 7a# a7out himsel0 While he 4as critici;ing himsel03 &ashiro-s manuscript loa#e# up on the #ispla2 R9ere S When &ashiro steppe# 7ack3 Sorata reache# 0or the mouse R9urr23 hurr23 Kohai-kun<S (ecause o0 &isaki pressing #o4n on him 0rom 7ehin#3 his han# stoppe# shaking 9e scrolle# #o4n to rea# the pages one 72 one *here 4as no #en2ing it3 the #ra4ings 4ere super7 It must 7e 7ecause o0 all the practice that she-# #one3 the 7ackgroun#s an# the people-s perspective 4ere 7etter an# the e=pressions 4ere a lot more e2e catching 9e coul# 0eel a lot more emotion in it an# the #ialogs 4ere shorter an# easier to rea# *he :ualit2 o0 the illustrations #re4 the most attention (ut hal0 4a2 through3 Sorata-s han# stoppe# R9e23 Shiina S RWh2$S RI 0eel like I-ve seen this some4here 7e0oreVS
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R*he gu2 looks like Kohai-kun an# the girl looks like &ashiron S RIt-s just 2our imagination S ,s i0 it 4as just his imagination It 4asn-t just the illustrations *he content 4as similar as 4ell It 4as a7out a girl 4ho picke# up an# looke# a0ter a 7o2 4ho e=celle# at painting 7ut ha# no common sense *heir roles 4ere reverse#3 7ut this 4as just like Sorata an# &ashiro in the nutshell %ust like 4hat &isaki ha# sai#3 the characters looke# like them an# he 4asn-t happ2 a7out it 9e 0elt uncom0orta7le 4ith each page an# 4hen the scene o0 the girl 4ho looke# like &ashiro 4ashing the gu2 4ho looke# like him3 it 4as too much 9e 4ante# to shout out that it 4as all 0alse R,n# 4here-s the love hotel 7it$S 9e rea# through it once more3 7ut coul#n-t spot it RIt 4as taken out 0rom the name S RWh2$<S R*hat-s 4hat ,2ano #eci#e# a0ter #iscussing a7out it S RWhat a7out that time 4hen I 4as strippe# nake# an# 2ou sketche# me$S RPage 3 S RIt-s onl2 0or a little scene 4here he gets 4ashe# like a #og<S RI-ll change it to a cat ne=t time S R*hat-s not m2 point<S ,0ter thinking 0or a 4hile3 &ashiro reache# out 0or a notepa# on the ta7le She 0lippe# through the pages an# sho4e# Sorata a memo RIt-s ,2ano-s suggestion S
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RWasn-t there another one 7e0ore$S RIn Shiina-s case3 strong #ialogues S R?eah S RWere har# to un#erstan#3 so S R@h huh S RGon-t 0ocus on the stor2 too much3 an# strategi;e a7out the illustrations an# Sorata S RI seeV 4ait3 4hat$< Wh2 #i# m2 name get mentione#$<S RI tol# ,2ano a7out the #orm S RSo 2ou coul#n-t think o0 an2thing else S R,2ano sai# that it 4as 0unn2 S R?ou mean 2ou an# not me$S R,2ano sai# that I shoul# use it as m2 theme S *hat a#vice 4as spot on3 7ecause the characters certainl2 4ere likea7le an# the tempo o0 the manuscript 4as 0un an# enjo2a7le Comparing it to the previous stor23 the ne4 one 4as much 7etter *here 4as a 4orl# o0 #i00erence 7et4een them ,lso3 72 0ocusing on the art more than the #ialogues ha# a ver2 positive e00ect When the male character appeare# to4ar#s the en# on a t4o page sprea#3 4hich 4as rarel2 #one in a shoujo manga3 it 4as almost electri02ing It 4asn-t enough to sa2 that it 4as goo# on a 4hole3 7ut it 4as possi7le to sa2 that each page 4as o0 value &ashiro 4as a7le to #ra4 7rilliant illustrations &ainl2 7ecause this 4as her previous 0iel# 4as e=pertise RWo4J3 &ashiron3 this is almost cheatingJ S &isaki looke# strangel2 happ2 4hen she sai# that
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When Sorata rea# to the en#3 he took his han# o00 the mouse R9o4 4as it$S RIt 4as interesting S R?eah *he concept is goo#3 so it-ll #e0initel2 4in the pri;e<S Sorata coul# alrea#2 imagine that 0uture 9e #i#n-t kno4 4hat the e=pecte# :ualit2 0or the rookies a4ar# 4as3 7ut he #i#n-t think that this 4ork looke# amateurish Sorata scrolle# 7ack up to take a look at one o0 the pages3 7ut the computer starte# to make mechanical noises an# 7ecame unsta7le *he scrolling starte# to slo4 an# the #ispla2 starte# to 0ree;e up *he screen turne# o00 *he three o0 them #i#n-t sa2 an2thing Col# s4eat starte# to 7reak out 0rom Sorata-s 7ack 9e reache# out 0or the po4er s4itch an# turne# it on *he memor2 check starte# an# even 4hen it 0inishe#3 the screen sho4e# no change RIt might 7e 7rokenJ %ust no43 that 4as the har# #isk making those noises S &isaki reache# out to the ke27oar# an# starte# to press some ke2s , 7lue 7ios screen came up It 4as in Bnglish3 so he 4asn-t sure3 7ut un#er the har# #isk section it sai# that the har# #isk coul#n-t 7e #etecte# RWhaV 4hat happene#$S Insi#e o0 his mouth starte# to #r2 up R*he har# #isk #ie# 0rom that crash S &isaki hal0 laughe# RShiina3 #i# 2ou sen# this to 2our e#itor$S RNot 2et S
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9is heart #roppe# RWhat a7out a 7ack up$S RWhat-s that$S R?ou #on-t even kno4 4hat it is$<S &ashiro #i#n-t seem to un#erstan# RIt means that the #ata has all 7een #elete# S *hen &ashiro opene# one o0 the #ra4s an# took out some paper an# pens R@h3 Shiina$S RI-ll #ra4 it again S R(ut the #ea#lineVS RIt-s tomorro4 S R9o4 can 2ou make it in time<S R(ut I haven-t got a choice S RNo3 4ait *here has to 7e another 4a2 S &ashiro 4orke# har# on this3 enough to see the tire#ness on her 0ace *he2 coul#n-t give up just 7ecause the #ata 4as gone ,lso3 as the last person 4ho touche# the computer3 he 0elt guilt2 a7out it It 4oul# 7e 7etter i0 &ashiro 7lame# him3 7ut she 4as tr2ing to #ra4 again *here 4as no 4a2 0or her to meet the #ea#line RSenpai3 isn-t there an2thing that 4e can #o$<S RI0 it-s /2uunosuke3 4oul#n-t he 7e a7le to #o something$S R*hat-s it<S &isaki ran out 0rom the room an# came 7ack 4ith a 0ull2 charge# net7ook *he chatting program 4as alrea#2 running /2uunosuke 4as alrea#2 logge# on 9e even spoke to them 0irst 7e0ore Sorata 4as a7le to ask *he three o0 them looke# at the small screen
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-- No pro7lem I0 it-s 7ack up3 I-ve alrea#2 #one it RWhat$S Sorata an# &isaki looke# at each other &isaki also ha# a pu;;le# 0ace *hat meant that &isaki #i#n-t tell /2uunosuke a7out it 0irst (ut then3 ho4$ &ashiro #i#n-t kno4 4hat 4as going on an# tilte# her hea# si#e4ar#s -- 9o4 #i# 2ou kno4$ Wh2 is there a 7ack up$ -- What a useless :uestion I hacke# it o0 course -- Gon-t get cock2 4ith me< -- I hacke# it lol -- *hat-s even 4orse< 9o4 #i# 2ou kno4 a7out the situation an24a2< -- ,gain3 such a useless :uestion I 7ugge# the rooms -- I tol# 2ou not to get cock2 4ith me< -- I 7ugge# the rooms Mhe heN RIs is joking aroun#$<S -- Gon-t 4orr2 I-m al4a2s serious *he2 4ere certainl2 having a conversation R*hat-s even 4orse< Gon-t 7ug the rooms an# 7e serious a7out it<S -- No 4orries I)ve onl2 #one it to see 4hether i0 7ugging a room 4as actuall2 possi7le3 I #on-t care a7out the conversation itsel0 R?ou-re prett2 7ol# 0or a criminal<S -- I-m repenting m2sel0 R?ou-re just sa2ing that<S &ashiro gra77e# his shirt sleeve RGata S
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R,h3 that-s right ,kasaka3 #o 2ou reall2 have the #ata 0or the manuscript$S -- I-m al4a2s looking a0ter the Sakurasou net4ork So Kamiigusa-s animation #ata3 Kan#a-s treasure# photos an# vi#eos are automaticall2 save# onto the server 4henever the2 are loa#e# Gon-t 4orr2 (lin# spots #on-t e=ist 0or me RI 4ish 2ou #i# have some S -- I-ll loa# up the manuscript #ata onto a @S( It-s in 0ront o0 m2 room /2uunosuke logge# out R,h< Wait< *ell us 4here 2ou-ve 7ugge# the room<S &isaki 7olte# #o4n the stairs She came 7ack almost instantl2 4ith a @S( in her han# RIt 4as a goo# opportunit2 to gra7 /2uunosuke3 7ut the #oor 4as alrea#2 close# S *he2 checke# the contents o0 the @S( on the net7ook3 an# the manuscript #ata 4as reall2 on there RI guess 4e shoul# 7e thank0ul to ,kasaka a7out thisV (utVS R(ut$S RWe-re not sleeping until 4e 0in# that 7ug S *hat #a23 &ashiro use# &isaki-s computer to sen# her 4ork to the e#itors3 an# the2 looke# 0or the 7ugs in Sakurasou until past mi#night Guring that time3 &ashiro pulle# out 0irst 72 sleeping on the stairs3 an# a0ter a 0e4 minutes3 &isaki lost interest an# starte# to 4atch some vi#eos on the net 9e coul#n-t let &ashiro just sleep on the stairs so he trie# to 4ake her up an# get her to sleep in her room3 7ut she 4oul#n-t 4ake up
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RSorataV *hank 2ou S 9e coul#n-t 4ake her up 7ecause his heart 4as 7eating rapi#l23 so he gave a4a2 his 0irst princess carr2 to &ashiro *he moment 4as 4itnesse# 72 Chihiro an# she took a photo o0 it3 causing Sorata to 7ecome e=tremel2 em7arrasse# R?ou-re going to 7ecome m2 slave 0or a 4hile S R, teacher shoul#n-t sa2 the 4or# slave so loosel2<S 9e 7egge# her to #elete the photo3 7ut it 4as meaningless as one 4oul# e=pect &ashiro ha# a care0ree 0ace3 not kno4ing 4hat 4as going on 4hile she slept3 as she 4as lai# on to her 7e# 72 Sorata 9e ha# a goo# chance to o7serve &ashiro-s sleeping 0ace3 an# 4hen he 4as satis0ie#3 he came out o0 the room 9e set out once more to 0in# that 7ug (ut no matter ho4 har# he looke#3 he 4asn-t a7le to 0in# it3 so it gave up an# aske# /2uunosuke via the chat room *he 7ug 4as plante# in one place onl23 an# that 4as Sorata-s mo7ile phone -- When #i# 2ou #o it$ -- /emem7er 4hen 2ou le0t 2our phone in the #orm 4hen 2ou 4ent to school$ 9e certainl2 #i# 9e use# his phone as a 4atch3 so he remem7ere# it 4ell3 7ecause it 4as reall2 uncom0orta7le that #a2 -- Gon-t 0orget that #uring the #a23 4hen no one is in the #orm3 Sakurasou is un#er m2 control -- 1JK3 come out o0 2our room no4< /2uunosuke o7viousl2 #i#n-t come out o0 his room
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Part 2
9aving 0inishe# her manuscript3 &ashiro 4as completel2 out o0 motivation 0or the 0irst 3 #a2s o0 %ul2 Krom the time she 4akes up to go to school3 to the time she comes 7ack to Sakurasou3 she 4as like a cap27ara5"A6 su7merge# in a hot spring3 4ith her min# 0ar a4a2 in a completel2 #i00erent 4orl# So it 4as :uite har# looking a0ter her (ut on the !th #a23 her motivation starte# to come 7ack3 an# the #a2 a0ter3 she 4as 7ack to her usual sel03 &ashiro Shiina3 4ho 4as al4a2s #oing her 7est 72 #ra4ing 9er eagerness ru77e# o00 onto Sorata 4ho 4as the closest person to her So it 4as all &ashiro-s 0ault When Sorata turne# on the computer just to rea# a game #eveloper-s 7log3 he 0oun# himsel0 asking /2uunosuke a :uestion - 9o4 #o I 7ecome a game creator$ When Sorata looke# at 4hat he ha# 4rote on the screen3 he starte# to get nervous It 4as his 0irst time e=pressing his thoughts in 4or#s 9e #i#n-t reall2 have a speci0ic nee# to ask It ha# just caught his interest 7ecause o0 4hat %in ha# sai# to him 7e0ore *hat interest gre4 in Sorata an# continuousl2 looking at &ashiro ma#e his interest gro4 signi0icantl2 9e 4ante# to test himsel0 *hat 0eeling continuousl2 rage# insi#e o0 him 9e 4ante# to get ri# o0 that 0eeling3 so Sorata aske# /2uunosuke that :uestion ,0ter a little 4ait3 /2uunosuke ans4ere# 7ack - I0 2ou get emplo2e# at a game compan2 as a #eveloper or a
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planner3 then 2ou coul# call 2oursel0 that - No3 I #on-t mean it as a title3 7ut as a career Isn-t there an2thing I can #o no4$ ,nother 4ait ,0ter 4aiting 0or aroun# 3A secon#s3 /2uunosuke ans4ere# 7ack - *o start 4ith3 2ou 4oul# nee# to learn a programming language ?ou shoul# 7e 4ell verse# in C 5"16 It also helps to kno4 a7out har#4are an# the 7asics o0 so0t4are movement - 9o4 4oul# I learn all that$ - ?ou can start 72 rea#ing up a7out them I can len# 2ou some o0 m2 7ooks aime# at 7eginners - *hanks - ?ou #on-t nee# to thank me a7out it I sa4 this :uestion coming an24a2 - What #o 2ou mean - I kno4 that the home page 0or Cet-s make a game has 7een a##e# to 2our 0avourites ,lso3 2ou-ve 7een checking the #eveloper-s 7log perio#icall2 It 4as eas2 to un#erstan# 2our thoughts 9e 4asn-t reall2 surprise# at /2uunosuke an2more 9e 4as the one 4ho 7acke# up other people-s computer 4ithout their permission ,##ing pages to the 0avourites 7ar #i#n-t reall2 matter to him - I see - I can ask someone that I kno4 4ho runs a #e7ugging compan2 0or 2ou - No3 tell me so that I can contact them m2sel0 - *hat might 7e 7etter I0 2ou actuall2 4ant to #evelop something3 there-s something calle#Creators Kamil2as 4ell
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- I kne4 that alrea#2 It 4as a s2stem3 4here the console makers 4oul# release the game #evelopment tools an# 4hoever 4ante# to create a game 4oul# 7e a7le to utilise it to their hearts content Not onl2 creating games3 7ut the2 4ere also a7le to uploa# it on the site3 so that other people 4ere a7le to pla2 an# ju#ge the game3 4hile tra#ing in0ormation an# ne4s Sorata ha# #o4nloa#e# a 0e4 amateur games 7e0ore 0rom the site an# 0oun# them to 7e varie#3 ranging 0rom 4ell ma#e games to utter ru77ish ones - I0 2ou #on-t kno4 ho4 to program3 then there-s no point - I kno4 that3 it 4on-t happen overnight I-ll take a look at the programming 7ooks 0irst - 1k3 I-ve le0t it in 0ront o0 m2 #oor - ?ou-re prett2 4ell prepare# - ?ou might 0eel like giving up the 0irst hour3 7ut un#erstan#ing 4ill come at a later stage - Gon-t sa2 such things When /2uunosuke ju#ge# that the conversation 4as over3 he logge# out 9e 4ent to /2uunosuke-s room to collect the 7ooks 9e 4as e=pecting t4o or three 7ooks3 7ut there 4ere 1A times more than 4hat he ha# imagine# 1n the top o0 the pile 4as a help0ul note 0rom /2uunosuke telling him to rea# the 7ooks 0rom the top 9e 7rought them 7ack to his room an# opene# the 0irst 7ook on the top 9e skippe# the intro#uctions page an# starte# to rea# 0rom chapter one3 4here all the technical things a7out programming 4ere 4ritten RV Gamn it3 I haven-t got a clue S
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It 4as #i00erent 0rom an2 su7jects that he 4as learning at school 9e kne4 that the 7ook sho4e# the steps that he nee#e# to go through to #ispla2 9ello Worl# 5"263 7ut he 0elt like sa2ing so 4hat 9e coul#n-t imagine himsel0 creating a game 72 learning things like that RI-ll #o m2 7est 0rom tomorro43 I guess S 9e #i#n-t even make it through the time perio# o0 1 hour that /2uunosuke pre#icte#3 an# in gave up un#er 2A minutes 9e returne# the 7ook to the top o0 the stack3 an# hear# someone knocking on his #oor 0or the 0irst time in months I0 it 4ere &isaki3 she 4oul# 7arge into the room3 an# so 4oul# &ashiro *hen it shoul# 7e %in or Chihiro at the #oor RCome in S 9e shoute# at the #oor *he #oor opene# slo4l2 an# stan#ing there 4as &ashiro R,hVS Sorata stoo# up an# 0ro;e 4ithout realising it himsel0 &ashiro 4as there Wearing a ?ukata5"36 No4 that he thought a7out it3 he remem7ere# 4hat &isaki sai# 2ester#a2 *hat-s rightD it 4as the *ana7ata 0estival part2 9e remem7ere# 7eing tol# that the males ha# to 4ear a %in7ei 5"!6 an# the 0emales ha# to 4ear a 2ukata *he2 ha# to have a Sakurasou meeting just to make it o00icial &isaki supplie# the %in7ei an# ?ukata 0or ever2one 2ester#a2 an# also plante# a giant 7am7oo tree 4hich 4as almost 1A meters It 4as plante# ne=t to the cherr2 tree an# a tree 4hich 4as plante# the 2ear 7e0ore 0or Christmas It stoo# among those trees an# let o00 a strange sense o0 the seasons It 4as clearl2 visi7le 0rom Sorata-s 4in#o4
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&ashiro 4ore a monochromatic ?ukata that accentuates her slim 0igure an# hel# onto a small 7ag in her han# She ha# her hair up3 so her 4hite neck 4hich 4asn-t usuall2 visi7le stoo# out , nice 0ragrance coul# 7e smelt 0rom her neck Without sa2ing an2thing3 &ashiro just looke# at Sorata RWha3 4hat-s 4rong$S Sorata #esperatel2 stoppe# himsel0 tr2ing to sa2 that she looke# reall2 goo#3 an# he trie# his 7est to keep a calm 0ace R%ustVS RSo3 4as there an2thing that 2ou nee#e#$S RNo S R*hen 4hat #i# 2ou come here 0or$S RVS It coul#-ve 7een his imagination3 7ut &ashiro looke# upset She 0i##le# 4ith her 0ringe an# continue# to look at Sorata Kor some reason3 it 4as 1.A #egrees #i00erent than the usual &ashiro3 7ut he thought that it 4as 7ecause o0 the ?ukata When Sorata stoppe# talking3 the 7oth looke# like the2 ha# something to sa23 7ut coul#n)t sa2 it R&ashiron ho4 4as it$S
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,t that moment3 4earing a re# 2ukata an# speaking 4ith a clear voice3 &isaki came &isaki looke# 7oth at Sorata an# &ashiro an# ma#e a 0ace as i0 she un#erstoo# 4hat 4as going on R9uh3 4as I 4rong$S RKohai-kun is the 4orstJJ< Stupi#JJ<S &isaki3 4ho just insulte# Sorata3 took &ashiro 72 the han# an# trie# to take her out Bven &ashiro joine# in an# sai# this on her 4a2 out RStupi# S *he soun# o0 their 0ootsteps 0a#e# a4a2 Sorata3 4ho ha# just 7een le0t 7ehin#3 thought to himsel0 that a 4oman coul# not 7e un#erstoo# an# turne# o00 his computer Keeling guilt2 a7out it3 he poke# his hea# outsi#e to take a look at the hall4a2 (ut as e=pecte#3 &ashiro an# &isaki 4ere not in sight RWhat 4as that a7out$S R)Something like it looks goo# on 2ou3 I can-t hol# 7ack an2 longer3 I 4ant to take 2our clothes o003 I 4ant to #o the t2rant pla2) is 4hat she pro7a7l2 4ante# to hear S *he o4ner o0 the voice 4ho 4as leaning against the hall4a2 4all 4as %in 9e 4as 4earing a 7ro4n %in7ei that 0itte# his is tall 0igure R%ust no43 there 4ere traces o0 se=ual harassment mi=e# in3 4eren-t there S RWhen I-m the one 4ho-s talking3 the girls seem to like it though S R*hat-s 7ecause Senpai is Senpai<S RI0 2ou 4ant to complain3 then at least think o0 a reason S %in chuckle# an# 4alke# to4ar#s the #oor4a2 R?ou shoul# get change# an# join us :uickl2 S
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R,h3 4ait< What #o 2ou mean$S %in kept 4alking 4hile 4aving his han# 7ehin# his 7ack RWhat the heck-s going on$ ,n# 4h2 is ever2one participating an24a2$S Lrum7ling to himsel03 he took out the %in7ei that he receive# 0rom &isaki the #a2 7e0ore an# 7e0ore he even reali;e# it3 he starte# to get e=cite# When he got change# an# 4ent out to the gar#en3 he sa4 &isaki 4ith #o;ens o0 ki#s 0rom the neigh7ourhoo# hanging up their 4ishes on the 7am7oo tree 5""6 *he2 4ere enjo2ing themselves sometimes telling each other 4hat the2 ha# 4ritten or tr2ing to keep it a secret *he2 ha# a similar event last 2ear-s Christmas as 4ell &isaki 4as al4a2s popular 4ith the ki#s3 so she 4as the centre o0 events It 4as surel2 7ecause she ha# a similar mentalit2 as the ki#s I0 it 4as her3 she 4oul# have 4rote something like I 4ant to 7e a7le to shoot 7eams as her 4ish (ut on the 7ack 4oul# 7e a #esperate small 4riting that sai# I 4ish that he 4oul# look 7ack some#a2 Sorata-s heart starte# to hurt , 2oung kin#ergarten ki# reache# out to &isaki-s 0ull 7reasts , #ivine punishment 4oul# 0all upon him i0 he 4as an a#ult3 7ut &isaki just gentl2 hit him on the hea# an# ever2one starte# laughing 9e 4atche# the commotion 0rom a0ar 4ith ice like e2es RI0 that ki# actuall2 touches them3 I 4ill make him 0l23 not onl2 over the &ilk2 Wa23 7ut the /iver St2= as 4ell S RSenpai3 2ou #o reali;e that 2our opponent is just a ki# S R9e23 #o 2ou think a per0ect crime is possi7le$S
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RGon-t joke aroun# 4ith such a serious 0ace S RWhat are 2ou sa2ing$ I-m not joking S R*hat-s even 4orse<S R9a ha3 I-m onl2 ki##ing S 9is e2es3 ho4ever3 4eren)t laughing at all Bven no43 his e2es 4ere 0ocuse# on &isaki an# &isaki alone R9ere3 this one is 2ours S %in han#e# over a 4ishing paper an# a pen to him R, 4ishVS Cooking over to &ashiro 4ho 4as sitting #o4n at a #istance a4a2 0rom the ki#s3 she 4as 4riting #o4n a 4ish 4ith a serious 0ace (ehin# her3 Chihiro 4as #runk as usual an# 4as gulping #o4n some more 7eer She 4as having a small 7an:uet 4ith some o0 the mothers o0 the chil#ren *he + cats that Sorata ha# raise# 4ere ne=t to them eating some o0 the 0oo# given &isaki 4as still 4ith the ki#s un#er the 7am7oo tree *he present she got 7e0ore 4as re0lecting o00 the moonlight R&isaki-senpai like# it S R9uh$ ,h3 that-s goo# S Cooking up at the starr2 sk23 %in replie# 4ithout looking at him Watching him ma#e Sorata 0eel like asking him a7out that time What happene# on that #a2 *he #a2 4hen he calle# %in at the love hotel3 (ut 7e0ore Sorata coul# speak3 %in opene# his mouth RSorr2 S Sorata #i#n)t kno4 4h2 %in 4as apologi;ing an# looke# to4ar#s him
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%in 4as still looking up at the sk2 RIt 4as me 4ho put pressure on 2ou3 4hen 2ou 4ere still #eci#ing i0 2ou shoul# move out S Kinall2 seeing %in-s 0ace3 his e2es ha# a 7itter smile to it R*hat-s not something Senpai shoul# apologi;e a7out S R*hat #a2V m2 ju#gment 4as t4iste# S RGi# something happen$S RI 4as criticall2 injure# 72 the animation compan2-s pro#ucer ?ou kno4 ho4 it is 9o4 m2 screenpla2 is critici;e# *he reputation online is so-so as 4ell S Sorata no##e# his hea# in silence 9e #i#n-t sa2 an2thing out lou# *here 4as a #i00erence in people-s opinions3 7ut most o0 them 4eren)t satis0ie# 4ith &isaki-s animation-s screenpla2 (ecause o0 the high :ualit2 visuals3 the some4hat poorl2 4ritten screenpla2 is notice# too much 1n the revie4s3 there 4ere comments such as U*he visuals an# the screenpla2 are not o0 the same :ualit2- an# U*he screen4riter himsel0 shoul# 7e replace#R,ccor#ing to them3 I 4as like 4eights hol#ing &isaki #o4n I-ve hear# it 0rom numerous people3 7ut it 4as the 0irst time hearing it in person *he stor2 is average *he characters are also average *he #ialogues aren-t interesting *he pro#uction 0ees 4ere there3 7ut an amateur)s 4ork is notice# 9earing all that #amage# me a lot *hat 4as 4h2 I trie# to take it out on someone else to recover m2sel0 S R*hat 4as 4hen I came in right$S R?up , san#7ag-like person3 4ho 4oul# 7e knocke# out 4ith a single punch S R*hat-s too much S RI-m re0lecting on m2sel0 that 7ull2ing a #epresse# person 4asn)t
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a#ult like S RI0 2ou-re re0lecting on 2oursel03 then tell me the restV 10 4hat 2ou 4ere going to sa2 S RWhat I 4as going to sa2V I guess ignoring it 4oul#n)t 7e right S %in laughe# 4eakl2 Kor %in3 even a po4erless position 4as :uite a picture RWh2 can-t it 7e &isaki-Senpai$S Coving her enough to 7e jealous o0 a ki#3 %in treasure# her so much3 2et he 4oul#n)t attempt to approach that route (e0ore3 he sai# that it 4as 7ecause he #i#n)t 4ant to hurt &isaki ,n# 4hen he 0oun# out the reason3 he put a #istance 7et4een them R, talent is something that #ra4s people an# impoverishes them *he closer 2ou #ra4 to4ar#s it3 it mercilessl2 tears 2ou apart S R,re 2ou talking a7out &isaki-Senpai$S %in agree# 4ith his e2es R*he2 live in a #i00erent 4orl# 0rom us , monster 4ho is nothing like me Kor a normal person like me3 the2 are 7e2on# the sk2 I can-t even see them 7e2on# the clou#s S %in kept looking up at the sk2 R&isaki lives in a 4orl# like that S RVS RSo sometimes3 I 4ant to 7reak her S R*hat-sVS RWhat a7out 2ou$ Which si#e #o 2ou think 2ou-re on$S ,sking that :uestion3 %in looke# to4ar#s &ashiro 4ho 4as hanging up her 4ishing paper
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&ashiro turne# her hea# to see Sorata Sorata looke# at her ?ukata 0igure3 an# he ans4ere# %in R*he talents an# skill 4on-t matter to &isaki-Senpai S RI think so too (ut I can-t think o0 an2 metho#s to shorten the gap 7et4een me an# &isaki3 apart 0rom giving up3 so I #on-t kno4 ho4 to accept her @ntil I can stan# prou#l2 ne=t to her3 I can onl2 act 7a#l2 S RSo is that 4h2 2ou sta2e# a4a2 0rom her$S RGo 2ou 4ant to sa2 that it-s 0utile$ I kno43 I can-t possi7l2 love an2one apart 0rom &isaki S RSa2ing that 2ou can-t change the 4a2 that 2ou 0eel3 2et still #ate man2 girls an# #o 2our 7est to tr2 to hurt &isaki-s 0eelings is something that I just can-t un#erstan# S RI0 2ou kno4 that much3 then #on-t talk S 9e remem7ere# 4hat &isaki 4rote on the 7ack o0 her 4ishing car# R&isaki-Senpai-s 0eelings 4on-t change It 4oul# 7e 0aster 0or 2ou to 7e sta77e# 72 someone S R9a ha3 that might 7e true S RGon-t hurt &isaki-Senpai an2more S RI0 2ou like &isaki so much3 make her happ2 2oursel0 S R?ou-re joking right$S %in #i#n)t ans4er 7ack a7out it an# change# the topic R@ntil I 4ill 7e a7le to stan# up to &isaki)s talentsV I can-t go near her S 9e 4asn)t a7le to ask i0 he 4oul# 7e a7le to 7e in that position one #a2 9e #i#n)t 4ant to hear a negative response
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%in en#e# the conversation an# starte# to 4alk a4a2 ,s he #i#3 as i0 the2 4ere s4itching shi0ts3 &ashiro 4alke# to4ar#s Sorata When &ashiro stoo# ne=t him3 his throat #rie# up RWhat #i# Sorata 4ish 0or$S 9is 4ishing paper 4as still 7lank RWhat a7out 2ou$S RNot telling S &ashiro looke# at the 7am7oo tree RWish 0or the pri;e S RGon-t nee# to S R1h3 4h2 not$S RI can #o it 4ith m2 strength S She 4asn-t sho4ing o00 at all 9er clear e2es 4ere 0ull o0 con0i#ence an# her ?ukata cla# 0igure looke# #epen#a7le RV ?ou-re reall2 ama;ing S RWhat is$S R*hat con0i#ence S R(ecause Sorata sai# that it 4as goo# S RI0 2ou #on-t 4in3 #on-t 7lame it on me S R,2ano sai# that it 4as goo# as 4ell S R/eall2$S RIt 4oul# come 0irst or secon# Gepen#s on the 0inal evaluation It 4oul# get a special mention at least So I 7elieve her S RWhen #oes the result come out$S R*he 0irst roun# is on the 1Ith S R10 this month$S
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&ashiro no##e# 4ithout a change in her e=pression *hat 4as less than 2 4eeks a4a2 Kor some reason Sorata starte# to get 4orrie# *he2 #on-t kno4 ho4 the result 4oul# 7e unless the2 announce it *he total num7er o0 people 4ho participate are +AA to .AA *he pri;es 4ere the gran# pri;e3 gol# pri;e3 silver pri;e3 an# 2 special mentions So in realit23 the num7er o0 people 4ho 4ins a pri;e is :uite small It 4as a narro4 #oor to pass through So Sorata #eci#e# to 4ish 0or &ashiro-s #e7ut an# 4rite it on the 4ishing paper 9e #eci#e# to hang it as high as he can so that &ashiro 4on-t 7e a7le to see it &ashiro stoo# ne=t to Sorata an# 4or#lessl2 looke# at the 7am7oo stick3 tr2ing to spot her 4ish 9er thin lips that re0lecte# some o0 the moonlight caught Sorata-s attention 9e 4ante# to look at them more 9e 4ante# to reach out an# touch them RWhat$S RNothingVS 9e coul#n)t sa2 that he 4as checking her out *o hi#e his increasing heart 7eat3 Sorata trie# to s4itch the topic RShiina looks reall2 goo# in a ?ukata S RVS RVS (oth the speaker an# the listener su##enl2 0ro;e R*herV there 4asn)t a special meaning to it reall2<S R?eahVS Wh2 #i# he sa2 that$ Wh2 #i# he tell another truth to stop himsel0 0rom telling the truth$ 9e 4ante# to hi#e in a hole (ut running
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a4a2 no4 4oul# 7e even more em7arrassing RIt-ll come true right$S 9er voice 4as too small 0or Sorata to hear it properl2 RWhat$S RIt-s nothing S ,s he 4as going to ask3 Chihiro attacke# his 7ack R9e23 2ou S She put all o0 her 4eight on Sorata-s 7ack like a #runkar# RWhoa3 Sensei3 2ou stink o0 7oo;e<S R?ouJ3 #i#n)t 0orget a7out the career choice surve2 #i# 2ou$S RLet a4a2 0rom me<S RSo 4hat i0 m2 7oo7s are touching 2ouJ #on-t get too e=cite# S RWhoa3 #on-t touch a stu#ent-s 7utt< I-ll sue 2ou 0or se=ual assault<S
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Volume 1
Part 3
Although the weather station had announced that the rainy season had finished, the rain continued to fall and it wasn't until the latter half of July was the blue summer sky was isible! "uring that #eriod, the semester e$ams had finished and when the results were #osted, they felt the disa##ointment and the ha##iness, but that was already of the #ast! %he 1&th of July! %oday is the national holiday 'arine "ay ()*+ so they didn't go to school! ,t was also the day before the summer break! So really, the summer break had already started! - eryone.s heads were full of joy, #lanning out what they were going to do during the holidays! Sorata would' e been the same if it was last year! /owe er, this year was a bit different! /e didn't ha e anything #lanned for that day, but he woke u# early in the morning and was restless! %his feeling wouldn't lea e him e en when he was ha ing lunch and his afternoon snack, but it grew instead as time #assed! %o ha e a change of mood, he started to #re#are dinner, but when he came back to his senses, his hands had sto##ed working! /e knew why he was like this! ,t was because today was the day when the winners of the rookies. awards were being announced! /e heard that the first round was easy to #ass, but when the day actually came, he couldn't sit still! /e had nothing to do with it, but he just couldn't concentrate at all! 0n the other hand, 'ashiro was woken u# by Sorata, under the desk as usual and after that, she continued to draw manga! She didn't mention anything about the first round! She just came out of her room, and was feeding the cats in the
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kitchen 4ith &isaki No3 the onl2 one 4ho 4as 0ee#ing them 4as &isaki Kor some reason3 the cats #i#n)t 4ant to eat out o0 &ashiro)s han# ,ll seven cats surroun#e# &isaki RBat a lot an# gro4 up to 7ecome great tigers S &ashiro #i#n)t 4ant to lose an# trie# to 0ee# them3 7ut 9ikari3 No;omi an# Ko#ama turne# a4a2 :uickl2 RSorata3 4hat #i# 2ou #o to them$S RWh2 me<S RSorata)s cats *he2-re 7eing mean to me S RGon-t 7lame that on me<S RI 4ant them to 7ecome tigers S RCats 4on-t 7ecome tigers< *he2)ll just 7ecome 0at cats<S 1riginall23 all seven cats 4ere use# to people3 so the2 4ere reall2 0rien#l2 Sorata 4as the one 4ho 4ante# to ask 4h2 the2 onl2 avoi#e# &ashiro &ashiro continuousl2 trie# to 0ee# the cats3 7ut she #i#n)t succee# When the #isappointe# &ashiro sat at the kitchen ta7le3 the phone starte# ringing *he ringtone 4as still set to the presente# soun# It 4as &ashiro)s phone R?es$S With a machine-like movement3 &ashiro picke# up her phone Sorata unconsciousl2 checke# the time It 4as '>1A P & %u#ging 72 the timing o0 the call3 it 4as 0rom the e#itors 0or sure No3 he ha# never seen &ashiro get a call 0rom an2one else Sorata 0elt his 7o#2 7eing s:uashe# 72 an invisi7le 0orce 9e 7ecame thirst2 an# 4ante# to run a4a2 9e got a 7a# 0eeling a7out it 9is vie4 starte# to get clou#2
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&ean4hile3 &ashiro #i#n)t notice an2thing an# kept repl2ing 2es a 0e4 times 4ithout actuall2 sa2ing an2thing else 9er e=pression #i#n)t sho4 an2 emotions 9e coul#n)t rea# an2thing 0rom her e=pression Gi# that mean that she passe# the 0irst roun#$ R*hank 2ou S With that3 &ashiro hung up the phone Sorata3 &isaki an# the seven cats 7ecame silent an# looke# at &ashiro &ashiro-s han# that 4as gripping on to her phone starte# to sag RIt #i#n)t :uali02 S It 0elt like &ashiro)s voice 4as coming 0rom a 0ar It 0elt like she spoke in a 0oreign language 9is 7rain 4as una7le to process 4hat she ha# just sai# &ashiro stoo# up 0rom her chair RI-m going to m2 room S Ceaving onl2 those 4or#s 7ehin#3 &ashiro starte# s4a2ing as she 4alke# to4ar#s her room R,h3 &ashiron<S &isaki starte# to 0ollo4 her an# looke# 7ack at Sorata RKohai-kun<S &isaki-s voice 0elt #istant as 4ell 9e hear# the lou# 0ootstep noises coming to4ar#s him &isaki pulle# at his han#3 7ut he coul#n-t move 9is 0eelings starte# to rage insi#e him an# immo7ili;e# him 9e 0elt his 7o#2 7eing 4rappe# aroun# an# 7e #isconnecte# 0rom the outsi#e What is this$ Wh2 is this happening$ Wh2 #i# his heart 0eel like this$
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It #i#n)t :uali02 &ashiro #i#n)t pass 9e thought that it 4oul# 7e nice i0 she got through 9e 4ante# her to 4in (ut no4 he #i#n)t kno4 4hat to 0eel 9o4 4as his 7o#2 reacting right no4$ 9e 0elt his heart 7eating to the rh2thm o0 time (ut apart 0rom that3 he coul#n)t hear an2thing else 9e 4as laughing 0rom the sha#o4s 9e 4as looking at himsel0 4hile laughing 9e 4as laughing his ass o00 4atching his sorr2 0ace Sorata coul#n)t resist it 0or an2 longer an# pushe# &isaki asi#e an# starte# running 9is #estination 4asn)t &ashiro-s room It 4as the #oor4a2 9e ran out o0 the #orm 9e 4ante# to escape even 1 secon# earlier R9e23 Sorata$S 9e crosse# paths 4ith %in 4ho 4as taking his shoes o00 9e coul#n)t sa2 an2thing 7ack 9e coul# onl2 look #o4n an# run 9e #i#n)t 4ant to sho4 it to an2one else 9e #i#n)t 4ant them to kno4 *hat he 4as relieve# 4hen &ashiro #i#n)t :uali02V When Sorata came to his senses a0ter 0leeing 0rom the #orm3 he 4as sitting on a tire at the pla2groun# 9e 7o4e# his hea# #o4n to the groun# an# pointlessl2 stare# at the line o0 ants that 4ere going 7ack to their home 9e #i#n-t kno4 ho4 long he sta2e# there 0or *he #a2 ha# alrea#2 en#e# an# the #2ing streetlight 0lickere# 9e cheere# &ashiro on 0or sure 9e 4ante# her to 4in the pri;e 9e 4ishe# that her har# e00orts 4oul# 7e re4ar#e# *hat 4as 4hat he 7elieve#
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(ut then3 4hat 4as that 0eeling 0rom 7e0ore 9e 4on#ere# 4h2 he 4as relieve# 4hen he hear# that &ashiro-s #i#n)t :uali02 9e 0elt like he 4as cra;2 to 7e 0eeling gla# a7out someone-s mis0ortune3 an# to make it 4orse3 a7out &ashiro-s results 9e 0elt like he 4as a terri7le human 7eing RI-m the 4orstVS 9e put his han# in his han#s 9e 4ante# to cr2 9e 4ante# to #isappear 9e 4ante# to kill himsel0 RWhat-s the 4orst$S Surprise#3 he looke# up an# sa4 %in on the tire ne=t to his Sorata :uickl2 looke# a4a2 9e #i#n)t 4ant to sho4 him a piti0ul sel0 9e #i#n)t 4ant others to 0in# out a7out his t4iste# sel0 I0 others 4ere to 0in# out3 he 4oul#n)t 7e a7le to return to Sakurasou RI 4ant to 7e 72 m2sel0 S RGon-t tr2 to act cool S With light-hearte# 4or#s3 %in sat on the tire 9e kne4 that much 4ithout nee#ing to look up R&isaki-s ne4 animeV ?ou)ve seen it right$S Sorata #i#n)t repl2 7ack3 an# neither #i# %in e=pect a response R*he critics are raving a7out it Kor a " minute anime3 there ha# alrea#2 7een three #i00erent talks 0or a GVG version It-s 0rustrating S RCeave me alone<S RWithin the 0irst three #a2s3 there 4ere over 13AAA3AAA vie4s Bver2one 4as e=cite# a7out &isaki)s ne4 4ork S RI-m telling 2ou3 Senpai<<S When he looke# up3 %in 4as looking straight ahea#3 7itting on his lips
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RIV I thought that it 4oul# 7e a 0ailure *hat-s 4hat I 4ishe# 0or S %in-s 0ists starte# to shake RI reall2 4ante# her to 7e 7roken this time S RV Senpai S @nlike his usual calm sel03 %in-s 0ace 4as in #istorte# in pain Sorata no4 kne4 that he 4as suppressing his 0eelings until no4 RI #on-t un#erstan# people 4ho are happ2 7ecause o0 someone else-s success S %in looke# up an# put on a 0orce# smile as he sai# that RSorr2 It-s just that I kno4 ho4 2ou 0eel S RIVS RGon-t 4orr2 a7out it &ashiro or &isaki 4oul#n)t 7e a7le to un#erstan# it an24a2 S RV I-m sorr2 S R,7out 4hat$S %in laughe# out lou# 9e starte# to pat Sorata-s hea# messil2 RShoul# 4e eat some ramen on our 4a2 7ack$ &2 treat S RIsV Shiina 1K$S %in #i#n)t sa2 an2thing 7ack 9e trie# to 4alk a4a2 0rom the pla2groun# like that RIt might 7e sill2 to 4orr2 a7out that no4 though S It is true that he 4ante# to see &ashiro)s happ2 0ace i0 she 4on the re4ar# (ecause he thought that &ashiro 4oul# 7e a7le to laugh 0or hersel0 9e 4ante# to see that RWell3 it #oesn)t matter (oth o0 them are 2our true 0eelings It-s not that simpleV those t2pes o0 things S 9e coul#n)t 0ull2 agree3 7ut thanks to %in3 he 0elt a lot 7etter
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Part 4
In the en#3 that night3 &ashiro #i#n-t come out o0 her room She kept silence locke# up in her room Bven on the last #a2 o0 the semester3 Sorata 4ent to her room to 4ake her up as usual 7ut there 4as no response 0rom the room Sorata #i#n-t have a choice 7ut to leave &ashiro 7ehin# an# came out 0rom Sakurasou It 4as his 0irst time going to school 72 himsel0 ever since &ashiro came3 so it 0elt like he-# le0t something important 7ehin# When the en# o0 semester ceremon2 en#e#3 Sorata got s4ept up 72 his classmates an# 4ent to a karaoke 9o4ever3 he 4asn-t in the moo# at all3 so he got out 72 himsel0 4ithin the 0irst 3A minutes ,n# 4hile aimlessl2 4an#ering aroun#3 he took the long 4a2 7ack to Sakurasou When he arrive#3 it 4as slightl2 over 3 o-clock an# the sun 4as still up high 4ith the heat 7lasting at him ,s he 4as taking o00 his shoes 4hile 4iping a4a2 his s4eat3 &isaki3 4ho 4as 4earing a camisole an# a mini skirt3 ran to him R9e23 he23 &ashiron hasn-t come out o0 her room 2et S RBven i0 2ou tell that to meVS RKohai-kun is on &ashiron #ut2<S I0 it 4as something that he coul# #o something a7out3 he 4oul#-ve #one it alrea#2 9o4ever3 since there 4asn-t an2thing that he 4as a7le to #o3 he coul#n-t #o an2thing a7out it RI0 she-s stuck insi#e 4ithout eating3 she might #ie< &ashiro is too thin< She-s 4eak<S
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R1k S Sorata ans4ere# 7ack an# 4ent up stairs 4ithout changing &isaki3 7eing consi#erate to4ar#s him3 #i#n-t 0ollo4 Sorata &ashiro-s #oor 0elt un4elcoming to Sorata 9is han# that 4as a7out to knock stoppe# 9is mouth that 4as a7out to talk 0ro;e What shoul# he sa2$ 9o4 shoul# he sa2 it$ Bven a0ter racking his 7rain 0or something suita7le to sa23 he coul#n-t think o0 an2thing sensi7le to sa2 9e ha# nothing 9e coul#n-t think o0 an2thing &ashiro 7ecame silent 4hen she hear# a7out the result (ut she 4oul#-ve 7een upset 0or sure She sacri0ice# her sleeping time on it She pro7a7l2 ha# the con0i#ence to 4in a pri;e 1n the *ana7ata3 she sai# that she 4as a7le to #o it 4ith her o4n strength ,h3 that must 7e it *hat 4as 4h2 she 4as upset She 4as surel2 upset 9ar#er 2ou 4ork on something3 more that it hurts 4hen it 0ails *he time spent3 the care taken an# the high e=pectation on a 4ork 4ill come crashing #o4n i0 it 4as to 0ail 1nl2 those 4ho 4ere a7le to take on that 7ig risk ha# the right to challenge *hose 4ho think o0 the 0ailure 0irst an# 7ecome a0rai# o0 getting hurtD a0rai# to kno4ing the truthD re0use to kno4 their limits an# think o0 it as a 4aste o0 time 4on-t 7e a7le to stan# on the same stage as someone like &ashiro I0 2ou ha# #one it hal0 asse#3 then 2ou can give an e=cuse to 2oursel0 &ashiro Shiina 7locke# that escape path3 so that she can onl2 7lame hersel0 i0 she 0aile# She kne4 that might not pass3 7ut never the less3 she still 0ought 0or that pri;e Going 2our 7est 4on-t guarantee a re4ar# ,t the same time3 since there are people 4ho #o their 7est3 those people make the
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competition gets har#er an# more competitive3 7ecoming &ashiro-s rivals *he 4orl# 4as like that It 4asn-t a 4orl# 4here t4o people are a7le to 4in hol#ing han#s *here coul# 7e onl2 one num7er one It 4as o7vious that someone like Sorata 4ho ha# 7een 4atching 0rom the si#elines 4asn-t a7le to sa2 an2thing What can a spectator can sa2$ 9e coul#n-t put on an un#erstan#ing 0ace an# preten# to s2mpathiseD that 4oul# 7e stupi# o0 him @nsightl2 is a 4or# that 4oul# #escri7e him per0ectl2 i0 he #i# so Since 2ou trie# her 7est3 it can-t 7e helpe# ?ou can tr2 again It-s alright3 there-s al4a2s ne=t time *here 4as no 4a2 these comments 4oul# 7e help0ul to &ashiro Never &ashiro kne4 that alrea#2 Without an2one telling her3 she kne4 it 7etter than them *he reason 4h2 it hurt an# she kne4 the 4orth o0 that pain She 4oul#n-t share it 4ith Sorata Bver2thing inclu#ing the memories o0 the 0ailure 7elonge# to &ashiro *he han# that 4as a7out to knock starte# to shake 9e kept his mouth shut I0 he #i#n-t he thought that he might cr2 out What 4as I #oing$ What #i# I #o 4hile I 4as 4atching &ashiro$ 9e coul# onl2 think o0 the negative things that he-# #one 9e reall2 4asn-t help0ul at all 9is emotions starte# to thrash a7out Is heart 4as in prickling pain Kno4ing all this coul#n-t make him just stan# still
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RV Gamn it3 I just nee# to #o it<S Sa2ing that out lou#3 Sorata reali;e# that he 4as smiling 9e coul#n-t press #o4n his 0eeling an2 longer Stan#ing in 0ront o0 the #oor 4on-t start an2thing Nothing 4ill change &ashiro 4on-t 7e a7le to hear an2thing here 9e ha# to step into the room to speak to her /ight no43 it 4as some4here 0ar a4a23 7ut i0 he ran3 he 4ill 7e a7le to get there With a stomp3 he accelerate# 0rom the 2n# 0loor to his room 9e searche# his 7ag 9e took out the career surve2 0orm With his han# shaking in e=citement3 he starte# to 4rite in the 4or#s that he onl2 imagine# a7out Shoving the 0orm 7ack to his 7ag3 Sorata ran out o0 the #oor R,hJ3 Kohai-kun<S RI-m going to school< I-ll 7e 7ack soon<S Sorata ran to the secon# 0loor to the teacher-s o00ice an# 4ithout knocking3 he slamme# the #oor open , 0e4 teachers s:ueale# in surprise (e0ore an2 o0 the teachers coul# talk to him3 Sorata 4alke# to4ar#s Chihiro 4ho 4as sitting on her chair R?ou look hot S 9is 7reathing 4as irregular an# his school uni0orm 4as stuck to his 7o#2 an# his s4eat 4as #ripping on to the 0loor Cooking 7ore#3 Chihiro e=ten#e# her arm as i0 she 4as treating a #og an# aske# R?ou-ve 7rought it right$ Career surve2 0orm S Kor some reason3 Sorata 7ecame happ2 an# smile# RStop smiling an# han# it over S
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9e took out a crumple# sheet o0 paper Chihiro took a glance at it an# place# it insi#e a paper4ork 0ol#er RSo 2ou-ve 4rote I0 it-s compulsor2 to sa2 it3 0urther stu#ies Well3 I guess I shoul# 7e happ2 4ith this 0or no4 S R*hank 2ou S R(ut the #egree 0or contents #esign in the me#ia 0acilit2 is too much 0or 2our gra#es even 4ith the escalator s2stem 5"+6S RI-ll stu#2 S 9is 7reathing starte# to come 7ack to its usual pace RGo 2ou think that 2ou-ll 7e a7le to #o it$S RI0 I can-t3 I-ll sit an e=ternal test S RI see Well then #o 2ou 7est ?ou can go no4 S (o4ing in response3 Sorata sprinte# 7ack to the #orm When he came 7ack to Sakurasou3 %in-s shoes 4ere at the #oor4a2 Krom the kitchen3 he coul# hear some voices It 4as pro7a7l2 &isaki or %in 9e 4ent upstairs to &ashiro-s room an# stoo# in 0ront o0 the #oor once more 9e gathere# his 7reath3 7ut his 7o#2 that 4as 7egging 0or o=2gen 4oul#n-t calm #o4n 9is s4eat #rops 4ere 0alling 9e 4as #2ing 7ecause o0 the heat (ut he #i#n-t have the intention to put &ashiro 7ehin# on his priorities 9e onl2 ha# that thought in his hea# *he close# #oor 4as un4elcoming Sorata (ut 0or some reason3 it 0elt more 4elcoming than 7e0ore Sorata leane# 7ack on the 4all 4ith his legs stretche# out an# sat
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#o4n 0acing the #oor RShiina$S *here 4as no ans4er *he #oor kept shut an# kept its silence R,re 2ou asleep$S *hen there 4as no point talking *here 4as no 4a2 she 4oul# ans4er 7ack i0 she 4as sleeping Sorata slightl2 laughe# at his stupi#ness RWell3 that #oesn-t matter S 9e onl2 ha# that thought Whether she 4as sleeping3 a4ake3 ignoring or listening3 that #i#n-t matter RI-m talking to m2sel03 so 2ou #on-t have to ans4er 7ack S *hat-s rightD it-s alright even i0 I-m talking to m2sel0 RIt might not mean much3 7ut I han#e# in m2 career surve2 0orm I 4as the last one S 9e 0elt lassitu#e on his legs3 7ut it 0elt goo# 9e ran at 0ull spee# 0or the 0irst time in a 4hile *o #o one-s 7est at something 4as goo# RI-ll go to 2ou I-ll stu#2 to #o the things that I 4ant to #o S *here 4as no response She might reall2 7e sleeping RI-m also thinking a7out learning ho4 to make games I al4a2s ha# the interest3 7ut I 4as too a0rai# S ,n# also3 some4here insi#e him3 he #i#n-t 4ant to #o his 7est at something 9e kne4 that it 4oul# 7e goo# 0or him3 an# it 4as thanks to &ashiro that he 4as a7le to make that #ecision RI-m going to have a tr2 at the game au#ition It-s thanks to 2ou that I-m a7le to think like this S Silentl23 Sorata spoke 0or the last time
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R*hat-s itV Sorr23 0or sa2ing all that 4eir# stu00 S 9e got up an# looke# at &ashiro-s #oor 0or a 4hile It 4asn-t like he 4as e=pecting an2thing Sorata #i#n-t think o0 4hat he sai# to 7e that meaning0ul 0or &ashiro 9e hasn-t actuall2 starte# an2thing 2et 9e #i#n-t leap out 0rom the starting line So he coul#n-t reall2 e=pect an2thing *he #oor #i#n-t even move *his 4as the realit2 It 4as pain0ul3 7ut he ha# to #eal 4ith it &ashiro 4oul# 7e in a greater pain than his Sorata starte# to #rag his 0eet #o4nstairs ,t that moment3 &ashiro-s #oor slo4l2 opene# 0rom the insi#e Sorata stoppe# an# 0ro;e 4ith his mouth 4i#e open *he vie4 that came into his e2es 4as &ashiro-s room in a state 4hich he #i#n-t imagine it to 7e in 9e thought that the room 4oul# 7e #ark 9e imagine# her in her 7e# crest0allen hugging her knees 9e thought that her e2es 4oul# still 7e pu00e# up 7ecause o0 all the cr2ing (ut all that thoughts 4ere all 4rong What Sorata sa4 4as a 4hite 4orl# *he 0loor 4as covere# in her clothes an# on top o0 that 4as printouts o0 her names *here 4eren-t a 0e4 pages o0 names 9e coul# tell 72 the amount there 4as on the 0loor , t4o #igit num7er 4oul# 7e an un#erestimate ,ll o0 them 4ere pages that Sorata ha# never seen 7e0ore *he2 4ere ne4 pages In the mi##le o0 that stoo# &ashiro3 she 4as looking at Sorata3 7ut
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looke# 0urther than that She 4as looking to4ar#s tomorro4 She chose her ne=t goal She 4asn-t #istur7e# at all I 4ill 4in the ne=t pri;e I 4ill 4in it 0or sure *hat 4as 4hat her clear e2es 4ere sa2ing *hat-s right 9e ha# 0orgotten something ver2 important *he tenant 4ho live# in Sakurasou room 2A2 4as &ashiro Shiina She 4as a 4ol0 in sheep)s clothing She 4alke# the path that she-# chosen an# she got the things that she 4ante# 4ith her o4n strength She 4as a 7east 4ho ha# nothing 7ut the #etermination to succee# Bven i0 she 4as to get hurt3 she 4oul# shake it o00 an# 7ounce 7ack up &ashiro kne4 it alrea#2 1nl2 her e00orts 4ere nee#e# to succee# RSorata3 I-ll 4in it ne=t time S RI kno4 S 9e coul# onl2 put on a 7itter smile 9e 0elt like he-# #one something signi0icant3 getting all s4eat2 in the process3 7ut in comparison to &ashiro Shiina3 it 4as nothing 9e #i#n-t #o an2thing at allD &ashiro 4as too 0ar ahea# o0 him 9e #i#n-t 4ant to lose *hat thought su##enl2 7lossome# in his heart 9e #eci#e# to treasure that thought in his heart Who kno4s3 he might 7e a7le to catch up to her some#a2 No3 he 4ill catch up to her *o un#erstan# &ashiro-s jo2 an# pain3 he ha# no choice 7ut to catch up *o talk on the same level as her3 it 4as some4here 0ar a4a23 7ut he ha# to get there one #a2 RSorata S RWh2$S &ashiro-s stomach su##enl2 gro4le#
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RI-m so hungr2 S RWell i0 2ou haven-t eaten 0or the 4hole #a23 then it-s normal S &ashiro-s leg su##enl2 lost its strength an# she sat #o4n R9e23 are 2ou alright$S RV I 0eel goo# It-s strange S R?ou sure 2ou-re alright$S 9e avoi#e# the names an# 4alke# to4ar#s &ashiro &ashiro-s stomach gro4le# once more RSorata3 0oo# S RI kno4 S When he 4as helping her to get up3 &ashiro-s phone rang Sorata #ug aroun# the pile o0 clothes an# names an# passe# the phone to her 1n the screen it sai# ,2ano on it It 4as her e#itor With a voice that ha# no emotions3 &ashiro ans4ere# her phone ?es3 2es While talking on the phone3 &ashiro-s e2es su##enl2 lit up 4ith surprise When she hung up3 she looke# po4erless Sorata close# her phone 0or her RWhat #i# she sa2$S &ashiro-s e2es that 4ere out o0 0ocus looke# to4ar#s Sorata She looke# at him an# 7linke# a 0e4 times RSorata S 9er voice 4as hollo4 0or some reason (e0ore he coul# ask i0 she 4as ok3 she ran to him It 4as too su##en3 so he coul#n-t catch her properl2 &ashiro 4rappe# her arms aroun# Sorata an# 0ell to the groun# *he sheets o0 paper 0loate# up an# 0luttere# #o4n Sorata 4as
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enjo2ing &ashiro-s 7o#2 heat 4atching the unusual sight 9e coul# 0eel &ashiro-s heart7eat *he mi=e# smell o0 shampoo an# s4eat pierce# his nose It 0elt like he ha# a thick 7lanket on top o0 him an# he 0elt com0orta7le an# nervous at the same time 9e coul#n-t speak even i0 he 4ante# to 9e ha# a similar e=perience 7e0ore3 7ut it coul#n-t 7e compare# to 4hat ha# happene# 7e0ore It 4as 7ecause he coul# 0eel &ashiro more 9is 7o#2 4asn-t a7le not to react RV Shiina$S 9e s:uee;e# out the name that he-# gotten use# to 9e coul# 0eel &ashiro-s arms that 4ere shaking as i0 she 4as tr2ing to hol# something 7ack She 4as shaking in a 4a2 he #i#n-t recognise It 4asn-t 7ecause she 4as scare# or col# It 4asn-t 7ecause o0 angriness either *hen 4hat 4as it$ What other reasons #i# people shake$ RSorataVS RWhat happene#$S ,t the 0air voice3 Sorata #esperatel2 use# a gentle voice RIt 4as ,2ano S RI coul# tell S RI got tol# o00VS RKor 4hat$S R*o pick up the phone She sai# I shoul# listen to the en# S 9e checke# &ashiro-s phone an# it sho4e# that it ha# over 3A misse# calls Was there something that ha# to 7e sai# so urgentl2 a0ter it #i#n-t :uali02$
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R,part 0rom that$S RShe tol# me 4h2 it #i#n-t :uali02 S 9er voice 4as shaking Sorata coul#n-t think o0 a reason 4h2 it #i#n-t :uali02 RWhat #i# the e#itor sa2$S RShe sai# that it-s going to 7e printe# in the ne=t month-s issue S 9is heart starte# to 7eat so 0ast that it hurt RSomeone 4as una7le to 0inish their manuscript3 so in their placeVS RI see S (oth o0 his arms 4ante# to hug &ashiro tightl2 RI0 it-s this manuscript3 then it #oesn-t nee# reall2 nee# an a4ar# *hat-s 4hat the e#itors ha# sai#VS RWhatV so it 4as like that S So that 4as 4h2 it #i#n-t :uali02 It #i#n-t nee# to3 7ecause it 4as goo# enough to #e7ut RI #i#n-t listen to 4hat she 4as sa2ingVS R/eall23 2ou-re reall2 goo# at surprising people S RI 0eel some4hat strange S RWh2$S 9e coul# hear that &ashiro 4as tr2ing to sho4 o00 slightl23 7ut he 4ante# her to continue so he nu#ge# her on RI-m happ2 7ut I-m cr2ing S RPeople are just ma#e that 4a2 S When &ashiro sat up3 her tears starte# to 0lo4 9er e=pression #i#n-t change3 7ut her tears ran #o4n her cheeks an# 0ell RCongratulations S
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&ashiro 4asn-t a7le to speak so she no##e# her hea# a 0e4 times3 still cr2ing 9e thought to himsel0 I-ll let her still sit on m2 stomach until she stops cr2ing3 7ut at that moment3 part2 poppers 4ent o00 on top o0 his hea# Streams o0 paper 0luttere# #o4n an# ma#e &ashiro-s 4hite room colour0ul *here 4as onl2 one that 4oul# #o something like this R&ashiron3 congratulations on 2our #e7ut<S RCongratulations S R?eah3 congratulation S (ut to#a23 there 4ere three people Stan#ing ne=t to &isaki 4as %in an# Chihiro 4ho must-ve come 7ack a 4hile ago Ca2ing 0lat on his 7ack3 he looke# up at each o0 them 9e ha# a 7a# 0eeling a7out it 9o4 #i# the2 appear at such a goo# time$ 9o4 #i# the2 kno4 a7out &ashiro-s #e7ut$ Setting o00 the part2 poppers as 4ellV RBhhV Can I ask a :uestion$S *he 3 pairs o0 e2es aske# him to go on RWhen #i# 2ou start listening$S RKrom I-m talking to m2sel03 so 2ou #on-t have to ans4er 7ack 7it$S R?ou-ve 7een listing 0rom the start<S *his is the 4orstV %ust thinking a7out it ma#e him 4anting to kill himsel0 9e sai# some prett2 em7arrassing lines in the prime time o0 his 2outh RI-ll stu#2 to #o the things that I 4ant to #o S &isaki thre4 salt at his 4oun#s 72 sa2ing that in a 4eir# 4a2
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RI-m 7egging 2ou3 please stop< I 4ant to kill m2sel0< I might reall2 #ie<S &isaki trie# to speak 0urther3 7ut %in stoppe# her (ut he 4as clearl2 hol#ing 7ack his smile RWo4J that 4as reall2 0un to 4atch S RI 0or7i# 2ou to look at me like that<S ,ctuall23 it 4oul# 7e 7etter i0 the2 #i#n-t sa2 an2thing at all RSee3 i0 ever2one agree# to m2 motion o0 having no romance insi#e the #orm3 then 2ou 4oul#n-t 0eel that pain S 9e coul#n-t laugh at all Sorata-s energ2 4as #raine# RWell then3 I-ll get some groceries ?ou can cook3 &isaki S RWe-ll live it up tonightJ It-s a part2 to cele7rate &ashiro-s #e7ut<S &isaki ran a0ter %in 4ho hea#e# #o4nstairs3 an# Chihiro 0ollo4e# them R,hJ3 &ikata3 get some 7eers as 4ell 3 #o;ens 4oul# #o S 9e #i#n-t have the strength to sa2 that that 4as too much 9e aske# &ashiro to move an# Sorata got up *hinking that he shoul# help %in 4ith the shopping3 he trie# to leave the room3 7ut &ashiro trie# to 0ollo4 him3 so he gave up RShiina shoul# get change# 0irst S 9e averte# his ga;e an# trie# to stop &ashiro Bven insi#e the #orms3 her p2jama 4as too #e0enceless 9e 4ent out o0 the room an# close# the #oor 7ehin# him (ut a0ter a7out 1A secon#s3 it opene# again 0rom the insi#e RSorata3 4hich clothes$S She took o00 her clothes 0rom the lo4er hal03 an# he 4as a7le to see her 4hite legs (ecause o0 the p2jama top3 he 4as una7le to see her
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panties3 7ut he 4asn-t sure as to 4here he shoul# 7e looking at RSa2 that 7e0ore 2ou strip<S Sorata 7ecame too em7arrasse# an# turne# his hea# aroun# Watching Sorata3 &ashiro looke# at hersel0 an# pulle# her top #o4n She trie# to pull it #o4n as much as she coul# to cover her legs up Slightl2 7en#ing 0or4ar#3 &ashiro stare# that Sorata ,s i0 she 4as sh23 she pu00e# up her cheeks an# sai# R9urr2 up an# pick the clothes 0or me S R9uh$ ,h3 2eah3 right S Seeing an une=pecte# response3 Sorata hesitate# a 7it an# pointe# at a 7lack one piece RWear a 4hite t-shirt un#erneath that S RWhat a7out m2 panties$S R?ou-re 4earing them<S RVS She averte# her e2es an# slightl2 shook her hea# R?ou took them o00 as 4ell<S R9urr2 up an# choose one 0or me S &ashiro-s cheeks 7ecame slightl2 pink R*hen 4ear that 7lack one 4ith the lace S 9e 4as a7out to give up RI-ll get change# S R?eah S RGon-t look S
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RI 4on-t look<S Sorata shut the #oor as he sai# it What 4as that a7out$ 9e-# never seen &ashiro act like that *he poute# lips ,verting her ga;e *he image o0 her 7lushing 0ace 4as stuck in his 7rain an# it 4oul#n-t go a4a2 Was she nervous$ No3 there 4as no 4a2 &ashiro Shiina 7eing sh23 especiall2 in 0ront o0 Sorata 4as almost as unreal as the earth 7lo4ing up She ha# to ask 0or Sorata-s a#vice on 4hat panties she 4as suppose# to 4ear on the #a2 (ut i0 so3 4hat 4as that a7out just no4 9is 4orries 4oul#n-t go a4a2 *o lo4er his heart rate3 he took #eep 7reaths numerous times 7e0ore &ashiro came out ,0ter " minutes ha# passe#3 &ashiro 4as 0inall2 change# an# she came out o0 her room Surprisingl2 her mess2 hair 4as no4 com7e# an# neat 9e stare# at &ashiro-s 0ace 72 re0le= RWhat$S RNothingVS Krom &ashiro the em7arrassment 0rom 7e0ore coul#n-t 7e 0elt Was he seeing things 7e0ore$ R9e2 Shiina S She aske# 4h2 0rom the si#e RI-m repeating m2sel03 7ut reall23 congratulations S R?eahV thank 2ou S She averte# her ga;e 0rom Sorata again in a sh2 manner R9e2 Sorata$S R?eah$S RI have a re:uest S
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R,re 2ou going to ask 0or a present 0or 2our #e7ut$S RSa2 m2 name S RShiina S RNot that S RV Bhh S Gon-t tell me she 4ante# me to sa2 &ashiro5".6$ ,n24a2s3 it 4as too su##en (ut then again3 &ashiro 4as al4a2s su##en to 7egin 4ith RNo3 that-s too much 0or me S RWh2$S RI-ve never calle# a girl 72 her 0irst name S R?ou sa2 &isaki though S R*hat-s an alien S RChihiro as 4ell S R*hat-s an ama;oness S RWhat a7out me$S R*hat-sVS 9e coul#n-t think o0 4hat to sa2 RIt-s un0air S R13 ok I-ll call 2ou that ne=t time S RNo4 S &ashiro steppe# up to him an# #i#n-t look like she 4as going to 7ack #o4n When she shortene# the #istance3 he 0elt like as i0 his 7rain 4as a7out to 7urst &ashiro even looking at him ma#e it har# 0or him to sta2 calm RCall me S
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,s &ashiro aske# him 0urther3 Sorata ha# to give up 9e reall2 0elt piti0ul at himsel0 Sorata silentl2 took short 7reaths so that &ashiro 4oul#n-t notice it It 4as just calling each other 72 their 0irst name *hat 4as it Sa2ing that to himsel03 he hel# 7ack his shak2 voice an# sai# RV &ashiro S RI kne4 it S R?ou kne4 4hat$S RCan-t sa2 it S &ashiro-s repl2 4as short as usual She 4as pla2ing aroun# 4ith him Pla2ing 4ith people 4ith this attitu#e 9o4ever3 Sorata #i#n-t :uestion a7out it No3 he coul#n-t :uestion it 9is sights 4ere capture# 72 her 9e 4asn-t a7le to #o an2thing In 0ront o0 Sorata-s e2es 4as &ashiro3 4ho #i#n-t even smile 4hen she hear# a7out her #e7ut3 4as smiling happil2 When he sa4 that3 he kne4 that nothing reall2 mattere# 9e just 4ante# to see &ashiro smile Sorata 4ho 4as thinking that3 a silent laughter coul# 7e hear# in his ears 9e turne# aroun# an# sa4 %in3 &isaki an# Chihiro 4ho 4as hi#ing on the stair4a2 looking at him RIt-s the prime time o0 his 2outh< It-s 2our 2outh Sorata<S %in 4ho 4as una7le to hol# it in an2 longer shoute# RI shoul#n-t have looke# *hat 4as so col#D it gave me too much #amage S Chihiro starte# to ru7 her arms even 4hen it 4asn-t col# &isaki 4ho 4as stan#ing in the centre 4as hol#ing a large amount o0 part2 poppers %in helpe# her to pull the strings
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RBat this3 Kohai-kun<S (e0ore he coul# sa2 stop3 there 4as a 7ang noise an# Sorata an# &ashiro 4as covere# in pieces o0 paper RWhat happene# to the shopping an# the cooking preparation<S RWe looke# at the roster3 7ut this 4eek-s shopping #ut2 is Kohaikun3 an# the cooking #ut2 4as also Kohai-kun<S R?ou shoul#-ve #one it 0or me 72 rea#ing the moo#<S R*hat-s that3 an# this is this S Chihiro sai# col#l2 RSorata S &ashiro pulle# at his sleeves RI-ll go shopping instea# S RI-ll just go m2sel0 S ,s usual3 Sakurasou 4as nois2 1ver here3 that 4as the stan#ar# *here 4as a jo2ous event to 7e remem7ere# a7out3 an# something else 4ill happen tomorro4 0or sure ,n# the #a2 a0ter that as 4ell ,n# the 4eek a0ter3 an# the month a0ter an# so on *here 4ill al4a2s 7e something interesting going on ,0ter all3 the place Sorata live# in 4as Sakurasou EBn# o0 (ook 1F
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Authors Notes
*o those I-ve never met 7e0ore3 nice to meet 2ou *o those I-ve met 7e0ore3 long time no see With the start o0 the 2ear3 I 4as a7le to start a ne4 series I 4oul# like to 4rite #o4n m2 resolutions 0or the Ne4 ?ear3 7ut it-s onl2 the mi##le o0 Novem7er3 so I can-t even 0eel the Christmas spirits 2et3 let alone the Ne4 ?ear resolutions I haven-t even taken out the coats 2et I0 I 4as to sa2 RNe=t 2ear3 I-llJS the ghosts 4oul# laugh at me It agitates me to think that I 4oul# 7e laughe# at 72 ghosts that I #on-t even kno43 so I 4on-t sa2 an2thing unnecessar2 ,n24a2s3 ho4 #i# 2ou 0in# Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo$ I 4oul# 7e happ2 i0 2ou enjo2e# it *his time3 there are no 7attles in space nor are there 7attles 4ith special po4ers *here are no mur#er cases3 nor are there girls #ropping 0rom the sk2 ran#oml2 Gon-t e=pect 7eams coming out 0rom the e2es either *he 4orl# #oesn-t get rescue# ,ctuall23 the 4orl# isn-t even in #anger in the 0irst place So 4hat is this stor2 a7out$ It)s just 2our normalV 4ell3 not too normal teenagers 4ho are enjo2ing their colour0ul 2outh0ul li0e Pro7a7l2 *o 7e honest3 the i#ea 0or this novel ha# 7een in m2 min# 0or :uite a 4hile It 4as al4a2s on m2 9ope0ul 4riting topics list I-m ver2 happ2 that I 4as a7le to 4rite it an# pu7lish it as a 7ook like this
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,n# as I 4rite this3 I 4oul# like to thank the man2 people 4ho-ve helpe# me to pu7lish this 7ook *hanks to 2our help3 the 7ook 4as a7le to 7e sol# 4ithout a hitch &an2 thanks to Keeji &i;oguchi 0or the 4on#er0ul illustrations ,n# thank 2ou to m2 e#itor ,raki I hope to see 2ou all again in the ne=t volume
'a(ime Kamoshida
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References
1 X *he Sakura Gormitor2 2 X , tatami MN is a t2pe o0 mat use# as a 0looring material in tra#itional %apanese-st2le rooms 3 X *hese are the names o0 Shinkansen trains MShinkansen is also re0erre# as Super B=press an# (ullet *rainN ! X Sakura 9all " X Koshien MN is the location o0 Koshien Sta#ium3 4here the %apan National 9igh School (ase7all *ournament is hel# ' X National Inter-9igh School Sports &eeting + X *he pre0rontal corte= MPKCN is the anterior part o0 the 0rontal lo7es o0 the 7rain3 l2ing in 0ront o0 the motor an# premotor areas *his 7rain region has 7een implicate# in planning comple= cognitive 7ehaviour3 e=pression o0 personalit2 3 #ecision making an# mo#erating social 7ehaviour . X Senpai is roughl2 e:uivalent to the Western concept o0 a mentor3 though it #oes not impl2 as strong a relationship as 4hat the 4or# means in the West &ore simpl23 it ma2 7e translate# as senior I X (W9 is the a77reviation 0or a 4oman)s measurement3 namel2> 7ust3 4aist3 an# hip 1A X Crosstalk is a tra#itional Chinese come#ic per0ormance in the 0orm o0 a #ialogue 7et4een t4o per0ormers3 or3 much less o0ten3 a solo monologue or3 even less 0re:uentl23 a multipla2er talk sho4 *he language3 rich in puns an# allusions3 is #elivere# in a rapi#3 7antering st2le 11 X Sumo sta7les are organi;ations 4hich train sumo 4restlers in %apan Bach sumo 4restler shoul# 7elong to a sumo sta7leD other4ise3 he cannot 0ormall2 pla2 in a match Sumo 4restlers live a group li0e 4ith other sumo 4restlers in the sta7le 4hile the2 are traine# 12.X )&e) soun#s similar 4ith loincloth an# scru77ing 7rush in
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%apanese 13 X corpus cavernosumD also calle# cavernous 7o#2 o0 penis 1! X Kouhai is roughl2 e:uivalent to protYgY3 though it #oes not impl2 as strong a relationship as 4hat the 4or# means in the West &ore simpl23 it ma2 7e translate# as junior 1" X 8*he Night (utter0l28 is a movie a7out some 4omen living in the Lin;a MN 9otel 1' X ,n In#ian ancient #eit2 that has great po4er an# strength 1+ X &entaikoMN> co# roes 0lavoure# 4ith re# pepper sauce 1. X Kukoako so0t7ankha4ks is a %apanese pro0essional 7ase7all team 1I X 1ne o0 man2 %apanese terms use# to re0er to an el#er 7rother or el#er male cousin or 72 2ounger ki#s to re0er to an2 el#er male as a 0orm o0 respect Please note that the %apanese language carries #i00erent 4a2s o0 re0erring to the same relative3 each carr2ing #i00erent levels o0 a00ection3 respect3 etc *here0ore this has 7een le0t as it is 2A X ,n en#angere# su7species o0 the leopar# cat3 native to %apan 21 X propert2 o0 a sur0ace that changes colour 4hen seen 0rom #i00erent angles 22 X (o#2 position 4here 7oth han#s are place# on the si#es o0 the 4aist 23 X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP(aumkuchen 2! X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP&aharaja 2" X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP(ento 2' X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP?amatoZna#eshiko 2+ X %P version 4as M tsukkomiNhttp>PPvn#7 orgPi'+. 3 so this 4as the closest &onkei11 an# Pu##ing123 helpe# me to get 2. X (aka Nee-san 2I X http>PP444 catso0australia comPa72ssinian-cat htm 3A X (ust3 Waist3 9ip
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31 X Voice ,ctressP ,ctor3 the ones 2ou hear in anime 32 X Same as the 1st3 no #irect translation 33 X Gu77ing an ,nime 3! X https>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP(aumkuchenD , multila2ere# cake that)s usuall2 2ello4 in color 3" X Ph2sical B#ucation 3' X &anga ,rtist 3+ X national holi#a2 in %apan 3. X Lirl-s Ga23 a holi#a2 on &arch 3 3I X , m2thical creature in %apan that is kno4n to like cucum7ers !A X /e# 7ean rice eaten 4hen there)s something to cele7rate !1 X 9e sai# 8S*1P8 in Bnglish !2 X Spelt like this> !3 X Spelt like this> !! X Spelt like this> !" X &anga manuscript !' X *he 0inal #ra0t o0 a manga !+ X 1ne o0 the soccer rules !. X Not 4earing panties !I X ,ppro= [12A3AAA @SG "A X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiPCap27ara "1 X , programming languagehttp>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiPCZMprogrammingZlanguageN "2 X 1ne o0 the most 7asic things that 2ou learn 4hen 2ou start programming http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP9elloZ4orl#Zprogram "3 X *ra#itional %apanese Clothing "! X Not the gu2 0rom 1ne Piece3 7ut a tra#itional %apanese clothing 4orn mostl2 72 males an# small chil#ren "" X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP*ana7ata\Customs "' X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiP&arineZGa2 "+ X http>PPen 4ikipe#ia orgP4ikiPBscalatorZschool
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58.X
@nless 2ou #i#n-t kno43 in %apan3 calling each other 72 their 0irst name is onl2 #one 7et4een close 0rien#s3 lovers an# 0amil2
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Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo

Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo

Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo

Chapter 1 - Welcome to Sakurasou Part 1

Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo

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When can I return to m2 regular li0e$ Who can save me$8

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&s Shiina$ Woul# 2ou min# getting up$8

She gave no response

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