Escape Galge - Chapter 4

Chapter4 Game and Reality

I retired to bed early so that my skin wont get wrinkles from the stress. The next day, I woke up in a good mood.
The unpleasant figure who crushed my efforts is standing on the other side of the door at the entranceway, just like yesterday

Kii, good morning.

Why.
Its scary that nothing seems to get to him even though I rejected him that strongly. Gross.

This, I bought it yesterday. I thought itd suit you. This gem has the same colour as your eyes. Will you accept it?

Perhaps hes confident; what he holds out with a happy-looking smile is a necklace.
A key-shaped charm with a blue gem inserted in it is attached to a silver chain. Its cute.
Certainly, its to my liking.
And thats scary.

No thank you.
Kii!?

To think I can receive such a wonderful thing from senpai, it feels like a dreamI reflexively jumped at it, but then I came to my senses and let go, apologising with a reddened face.Was he expecting such a development?
Hes paying attention to his smartphone, so is he trying to check the favourability rating?
My mood sure turned sour right from the morning. Ignore. Ignore!

Ah, Kii! Wait, this.
I dont need it! ah.

The necklace dropped on the floor from the impact when I shook off his hand that was persistently trying to pass it to me.
The silver chain tangled up, and the key-shaped charm landed in a mess.

Silently picking up the necklace, he looked towards me with an extremely lonely appearance, like an abandoned puppy.
I had never been looked at with such eyes before.
What I had seen had been nothing but serene smiles.

What should I do?

Prick, pain ran through my heart.
Is it simply guilt, or
No good, these eyes are no good, dont look at them.

I see you wont accept it.
I will not. However Im sorry. gomen nasanai

I must escape.
Although I dont know why I must do so, Ive an inkling it will be bad if I remain here like this.
As for what will be bad, I cant express it well.
I broke off into a run as though to shake him off.

Even though I know hes the most despicable scum.
That theres no meaning in the things he do.
That the likes ofa gift for a girlis nothing special.
That theres nothing to be concerned about.
Things more horrible was done to me, so the likes of that extent

Even though I thought so.

I turn back, but he isnt there.
Even though its something to cheer over for some reason Im not happy.

My heart still hurts.
The pain will not fade.
On the contrary, the thing stabbing into my heart sinks deeper whenever I recall his sad-looking face.

Why do I have to feel this way

I give a small sigh to the asphalt my eyes are gazing at as I hang my head down.

()

Breaktime in the interval between lessons.
The chances of bumping into that guy at this time is comparatively lower.
Its terrifying how I used to thinkIts lonely when we cant meetaround this timing.
Im really glad that my eyes are opened now.

I havent recovered from the damage this morning, but I decided to pay it no mind.
Its my loss if I do.
I warned myself that it wasthatkind of tacticsand I cant be moved by them.

I was on class duty that day, and was requested by the homeroom teacher to move the notes and print-outs from the staff room to the classroom.
Theres no problem weight-wise, but the piled-up print-outs seem like theyll slip off anytime and it made walking difficult. Just as I was troubled

Kii!
Yikes.

Its him.
I had let down my guard thinking he wouldnt appear. And because of that, I gave a response of rejection as though a certain scurrying black pest[1] had appeared.
I almost dropped the things I was holding as a result. Close shave!
When I adjusted my posture, that guy stretched his hand out towards what I was holding.

Ill lend a hand.
No thank you!

The heck?
He doesnt appear concerned about what happened in the morning.
Even though Im suffering so much Im like an idiot.
I can only let out dry laughter, haha.

For now, I must escape from gross-man whos saying terrifying things as he approach!
Ah sheesh, I want to punch him!
What should I do? Any ideas? I look around while thinking so, and found a boy whos from my class nearby.
His name what is it?
Hes terribly average Joe, and is much like the exemplar of background characters.
Short black hair, neither ikemen nor unsightly, not too flashy, not too plain
A trueClassmate A.

The A-kun there!
Ei-kun!?

When I called out to him, Classmate A-kun was surprised to the point that he seemed like he would spring up.
Come to think of this, this might be the first time we spoke?

Sorry. Hold half of this, and come with me to the classroom!

For me to suddenly hand him what I was holding, he appeared bewildered.
It may be incredibly pushy, but Im about to get caught by gross-man who is distracted!

Kii!
Lets go! Right now!

We advanced with me urging him on, and somehow evaded contact.
Theres no sign of pursuit. Just as I patted my chest, the classmate who was walking beside me while holding the papers, spoke up.
Ah, sorry.
I forgot about your existence for a moment.

I was surprised that Torida-san called meEi-kun.
I apologise for the abruptness?

I felt apologetic that his name doesnt come to mind even though hes my classmate.
A little more and I think I can recall!

It-its fine. Really! Rather, Im happy, actually Can I also call youKii-chan?
Eh?

The moment I wondered how it come to this, I remembered.
Thats right, his name is Itou Eita.
I saidA-kun, but he heard it asEi-kun.
Its so coincidental that I wonder whether its a good or bad thing?

C-cant I?
Sure thing. Ei-kun.
Thank you! Ki-kii-chan!

Maybe hes shy. His bashful look is cute.
Besides, Im happy to be getting along well with a classmate.
It may have started with my discourtesy, but Im glad it was sorted out well.

Is that be okay?
Is what?

Kagurazaka-senpai. He seemed like he had business with you.
Its okay. BecauseIdont.
I-is that so.

Perhaps the curt way I spoke stunned him; hes giving a slightly-strained courtesy smile.
I couldnt stop that from coming out of my mouth, but hes probably being strangely considerate because he knows that we[2] were on good terms until recently.

Did you guys have a fight? You werent getting along well recently, right?

The question that was asked meekly, was one that gave me a bad premonition.
Had the people around us noticed the change between us?
I dont want to attract too much attention.

S-sorry! Sounding like Im prying. Its just that, its becoming a rumour.
Rumour?

Rumours and the like, please give me a break.
Rumours dont circulate with accurate details, and its perturbing that they say whatever they want for the fun of it.

That Kii-chan wasnt on good terms with Kagurazaka-senpai anymore. To tell the truth, the guys were rejoicing.
?
Ah, because Kii-chan is popular! For some reason, all the popular girls in this school likes Kagurazaka-senpai. Its dull for the other guys, or so to speak

Its my first time hearing Im popular.
Ohh Im a little Nah, Im quite happy.
I feel like Im about to grin while laughingDehehe.
Im also technically a capturable target with a storyline, so it might not be strange to be more or less popular?
It doesnt ring a bell because its about myself though

At any rate its also the first time I find out that the male students are envious of that guy.
Come to think of it, I dont have a close male friend other than that guy.
Perhaps thats why its news to me.
I do chat with some, but its only that guy whose relationship I had with was one whereby we would meet up during holidays.

Its upsetting somehow.
I feel like Im finished in some way.
I dont need aboyfriend, but I do want male friends I can chat with.

Also, theres compliments on how your atmosphere changed and you became prettier, Kii-chan.
R-really!?

Thats delightful, really delightful.
This means that Ive rid myself of the cunning imouto label right!?!
I wonder if I can take it that they do acknowledge things outside of twin tails!

Un! I-I think so too.
Really? Im happy to hear that.
Gasp!

I couldnt repress my happiness, nor the grin that crept up my face.
Ehehe, how embarrassing.
Im getting all shy.

Itd be perfect if only the memory ofthat guy and I are on good termswill disappear too though.

Whats wrong?
N-nothing!

For some reason, Ei-kuns face is completely red.
Could it be, he has never spoken much to girls?
Im the same.
Im not considering that guy as someone ofthe opposite genderanymore; hes a creature known as scum.
The number of boys Im on good terms with is zero.
It seems like Ill become good friends with Ei-kun.

Nn?

The corridor of another building that could be seen from the window.
My eyes caught a person with cream-colored hair who halted his movements.

Its that guy.

U-uwaah
He has a crease between his brows, and is glaring in this direction.
What is he looking at, this person.
Gross as expected.
()

It is Tuesday.
At any rate, gross-man is probably working on upping the favourability ratings today, too.

The one whose favourability rating can be raised easily today is the older sister type upperclassman, Tatsumino Shiori.
She has a mature look with her long, wavy violet hair and golden eyes.
Shes a character I like a lot.
Beautiful even when I look at her in person, how admirable!
I must saveth her from the demons clutches at all costs!

Shiori leaves for school very early in the morning.
Even though shes not from the Horticulture Club, she waters the flowers planted in the courtyard.
Flowers and Shiori, together they create the best combination.
One can only call this the ultimate beauty.
The flowers are probably also delighted to be watered by Shiori.

Come to think of it, gross-man said something similar in the game.
He likely said it in reality too, gross.

In any case, its my chance when Shiori is busy watering the plants.
Sneaking into the classroom that was empty except for Shioris bag, akin to what I did for Akari, I sneak in a letter with photographs into her bag.
I placed it where she will see it the moment she opens her bag, so she should be able to notice it immediately.

Shes the daughter of a conglomerates president.
After graduation she plans to support the company while attending university, and her dream is to contribute to her family.
Rather than a dream, its already a fast-approaching fact.
This should be the time she enriches both mind and body in lieu of the coming changes to her environment, but her head is full of gross-man as Akaris is.
To her who, in particular, has a strong sense of monopolization, simply seeing gross-man talk to other girls is aggravating.
Having gross-man take up her entire field of vision, she did not give a hoot about this situation where her other matters had taken the backseat and how her close ones are worried about her.
I also wrote,Please hold dear the people who truly cherish youin the letter, but I wonder if those words will reach her?

()

Fuu.

Having hid my figure from the scum, class ended safely today too.
Ever since I recalled the memories from my previous life, Ive been living an oddly tense life.
I tidied up as my shoulders drooped from fatigue, and left the classroom.
My friends invited me to hang out, but its dangerous to let my guard down in school.
I regretfully reject the much-appreciated invitation and head to the entrance alone.

My head is full of Shiori.
Perhaps only a letter and photographs are not enough.
Maybe it will be better if I make full use of my knowledge of the game and deal another hand.

You over there!
Eh?

Even as I was surprised, I turned towards the voice that suddenly came from behind.
A truly timely person, a violet-haired goddess with her arms folded, stood there.

Shiori-senpai.

Ahh sure enough, how beautiful!
Shes shining!
A goddess hath descended before me!

Its you, isnt it? The one troubling Aoi!
Eh?
Pretending to withdraw yourself in order to attract his attention, I have seen through you.
N-no way!

It cant be, theres no visible signs at all that the letter is effective.
Rather to think that the goddess had been tarnished by evil this much!
I had predicted this to some extent, but witnessing it right before my eyes, the damage is huge.
I beg you, dont become a disappointing beauty!

I dont have such an intention! Please believe me!
I cant possibly believe that. Youve been hanging so much around Aoi until recently. Its strange that youd change your mind all of a sudden.
Thats

Certainly, its just as she says.
I dont have the confidence that I can give an explanation that will convince her.
I regained my memories from a previous lifeits unlikely shed believe something like that.
Unable to find the words to say, I couldnt open my mouth.
Ahh but, I want to somehow make her understand!

I wonder if you can sayI dont love youin front of him?
I can!
Thats right, you canno eh?

I gave an immediate reply.
I had no hesitance with regards to that; it was an immediate reply at the speed of light.
Its Shiori-senpais turn to be quiet now.
Theres a frown on her beautiful face, and she appear doubtful.

Shiori!? Kii!? Glaring at each other so intensely stop it, both of you!

When I gazed at Shiori-senpai, hoping shed believe me, gross-man made his appearance while spouting absurd words.
Gross.
Perhaps its dangerous to be near Shiori whose favourability rating increases easily today.

He has an expression that saidPlease dont fight over me, but it really is kind of cold.
Its cold enough that one can almost see a snow storm brewing.

Aoi

Ahh, how can this be!
The beautiful goddess, Shiori-sama, also joined in the cold theatrics.
She gazed at gross-man with desolate eyes that seemed to say,You saw something embarrassing however. I dont want you snatched away from me!

Umm I dont have to join in, right?

You arrived at the right time for me to unravel Shiori-senpais misunderstanding.

In order to stop the snowstorm, I opened my mouth and stepped in.
I spoke as I approached Shiori-senpai step by step.
I halted right before Shiori-senpai, who was on her guard as she wonderwhat will I say to her.

I think nothing of this person. Thats why I can say this.I do not love someone like this!Im not doing this because I want to attract his attention. Actually, rather than this person I prefer Shiori-senpai!
Ehh. Eh?

The voices of the two overlapped.
Even the stunned expressions on their faces are the same.
Damn you lowly scum, I wont forgive you for beingthe sameas Shiori-senpai!

I want to be a woman as elegant and dignified as senpai!
Pardon?

Even while knowing its disrespectful, I took Shiori-senpais hands in mine and locked eyes with her.
I admire you a lot!

I want senpai to remain as the lovely Shiori-senpai! Yet, recently

Thereupon, I directed my gaze towards the scum.
With the meaning ofWasnt it this guys fault that things went wrong?.

What istruly preciousto senpai?
Eh?
Senpai. Right now, does senpai have anything you are proud of about yourself? Have you cherished the people who truly cherish you?
!?

Its the wise Shiori-senpai were talking about. She should be somewhat aware of her situation that worries her closed ones.
Even though I, who almost confessed to him, have to right to say this so self-importantly, I sincerely hope that you will open your eyes.

Thats a lovely pendant, isnt it.
!

I looked at the pendant around Shioris neck as I gently let her hands, that I had been holding, go.
From the knowledge of my past life, I know what this pendant is.
She inherited this pendant with a violet crystal from her mother.
Its first owner was Shioris grandmother, the founder of the conglomerate.
Her grandmother gave it to Shioris mother, who married into the family, with the wordsDo support my son who will be succeeding me. After which, her mother gave it to Shiori, telling herIts up to you to support your father.
Its a pendant filled with the feelings of people Shiori holds dear.

Shiori?

Even though gross-man called out to Shiori, she did not move.
She hangs her head as she holds the pendant tightly.
She had most likely seen the letter in the morning.
Please, remember and realise that the people around you are worried about you.

After looking down in rumination for a while, senpai let out a small sigh and turned her back towards us.

Aoi I am sorry. I will take my leave for today

Shiori-senpai departed with an apologetic smile.

While this might not have completely opened her eyes, it should impacted her somehow.
At the very least, she probably wont be spending today with the scum any more.
Itll be fine if its Shiori. I want to believe so.
Its already a huge success to be able to thwart his upping of her favourability rating this week.

Kii, why about me Can you tell me the reason

Beside me who is seeing Shiori-senpai off pleasantly, the scum stood unmovingly with a downcast look.
Fufu the goddess hath left, its my victory!
Since Im in a good mood now, I shall talk to you just a little.

It is because I realised that there is noheartin your words.

Truth be told,I know you tried to capture me! Damn scum!I wanted to rebuke him.
However, I wont do that.
I dont want to know the likes of his circumstances.
Although I dont know whether he had reincarnated or not, its a fact that he used his smartphone to capture us.
If I pursue in that direction, I will end up having to hear his explanation for it.
I dont want to hear something like that.

Have you really beenlooking atme?
Of course!

Thats a lie.
What you had been looking at isdata.
That isntme.

Then pray tell, are you aware of what I do on days other than Fridays?
Eh?

Answer without looking at your smartphone if you had really been looking at me.
Its useless even if you refer to it though.
Tell me about the me who isnt there in the data, the me you had been looking at.

T-thats

His gaze was swimming around the tiny screen.

Enough already.

As expected, I am an idiot.
A part of me had been slightly hopeful.
Something like tears will not surface.
Only a faint laugh did.

W-wait, Kii!
Please dont touch me!

I strongly shook off his hand that tried to hold me back.

Isnt it about time you stopped?
Kii
No one will be able to see you at this rate, you know?

Go ahead and enjoy yourgamein school now.
But, after graduation what will you do in the future thereupon?
If you look at nothing but data and refuse to face people properly, no one will remain by your side.
Perhaps youll be alone by the time you notice.
Who will think of becoming family with a person who will not face them?

He forget to even blink, and is stupefied.
Even his mouth remained shut.

I have no obligation to pay him any heed.
I left him as he is and took my leave.