Chapter 20.5

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Chapter 20.5: Interlude: Training Camp (No Erotica)

Author’s Note: Sorry for the late update. Perhaps because there’s no H-scene, it took a very long time to write. This is Akane’s perspective during the time when Rin was violating Kaede. It’s a short breather episode.

Also, thank you very much for the typo reports and comments, ETC. Regarding word count, I think it’s best to write until a good stopping point, so I’m thinking of dividing it up to avoid making it too long. Thank you for your opinions.

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Rolling on nature’s bounty as a bed, gazing up at the sky.

Reflected in the clear night sky are countless glittering stars filling the heavens. The stars twinkling in the dark night are each just tiny points of light, but the bundle of light gathered across the entire sky illuminates the earth with breathtaking beauty.

The starry sky that fills her vision feels close enough to touch. But in reality, reaching those stars would take far longer than a human lifetime. Even the light she sees is actually from hundreds of years ago, possibly over a thousand years. Perhaps the stars she sees have long since vanished from this universe. In the blink of an eye, their brilliance might disappear like an illusion.

Magnificent yet ephemeral, and beautiful. It feels somehow mysterious, yet at the same time utterly romantic.

As she gazes at the starry sky in rapture, her eyelids gradually grow heavy.

Her consciousness is drawn into the night sky, as if her spirit alone has separated from her body to fly toward those distant stars.

────Or so it should have been.

“Haaah…”

She opens her eyes with a sigh. What she sees is not the beautiful sparkle of a jewelry box, but the inorganic white light of fluorescent lamps.

“Haaaaaah…”

Akane lets out another big sigh and sits up. Her high spirits from just a few hours ago have vanished completely, and she’s clearly dejected as she hangs her head in depression.

“Well, it’s unfortunate but there’s nothing we can do about this. It can’t be helped.”

“Yeah, yeah. Moping around won’t be fun! It’s a precious trip, so let’s give up and enjoy ourselves!”

As if unable to bear seeing her like this, bright, encouraging voices call out to her.

Looking over, her roommate friends are watching her with wry smiles mixed with exasperation. They’re sitting in a circle around playing cards, apparently enjoying a game of Old Maid.

“But still…”

Even though she understands with her head, her emotions aren’t convincing. She puffs out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

“Well, it really was disappointing. The weather forecast said it would be clear skies.”

“It can’t be helped. They say mountain weather changes rapidly. More importantly, I’m going out with this hand.”

“What, already?! Hitomi-chan, aren’t you too strong?”

Her friends are chattering and having fun, in stark contrast to Akane’s mood. While Misato stares seriously at her cards, Fumino watches the scene with a smile. Having already finished, Hitomi munches on potato chips while spectating the other two.

────Akane and the astronomy club had come to a certain village in Nagano for stargazing.

This village, far removed from the city, is unrelated to exhaust fumes and high-rise buildings, and is famous as a tourist destination for its beautiful starry skies.

For Akane too, this was one of the stargazing spots she had absolutely wanted to visit. She convinced the reluctant club members who found it too rural, made reservations at an inn with a month-long waiting list, and finally achieved this training camp.

However, as if mocking Akane’s efforts, the weather was terrible.

Heavy rain beats against her eardrums, drowning out her friends’ voices. The rain that suddenly started in the evening seemed to have grown even stronger since nightfall.

“Okay, I’m out too!”

“Nuwaaa! I lost again! You guys are too strong!”

“No, Misato is just too weak. You show everything on your face.”

It seems Misato lost at Old Maid again. This makes it five losses in a row. Being fatally bad at poker faces, she’s probably incompatible with these kinds of games. Misato sullenly throws down her remaining cards.

There’s quite a temperature difference from Akane, but that can’t be helped. The astronomy club was originally more like a club that enjoyed traveling under the pretext of training camps. The atmosphere is closer to a university circle.

Those who primarily enjoy stargazing are actually in the minority. At least among the second-years, only Akane was like that.

However, watching her carefree friends makes her mood brighten somewhat. As Misato said, there’s no point in staying gloomy forever, and it would spoil the atmosphere. Akane switches her mindset and wriggles out of her futon.

“Oh, is Akane joining Old Maid too?”

“Hmm, I’ll pass on cards. It would be like bullying Misato.”

Misato mumbles “mugu.” She’s apparently aware of her weakness at card games.

“Then what should we do? Visit the seniors’ room?”

“We’d be in trouble if the teacher found us.”

The time has passed by 11 PM. The official lights-out time had long since passed. The supervising teacher was quite lenient and probably wouldn’t say anything about staying up late, but moving between rooms would likely be noticed.

“I mean, when girls gather, there’s really only one thing to do.”

“I see, talk about love!”

Everyone’s eyes light up at Hitomi’s words. Akane is no exception, of course. There are no girls in this world who dislike romantic discussions.

“How are things with your boyfriend lately, Hitomi?”

She directs the conversation to Hitomi, who brings it up. She’s the only one among them with a boyfriend. He’s a boy with a cute baby face and gentle personality, making a well-matched couple with the cool and strong-willed Hitomi.

“Thanks for asking, we’re doing well.”

Hitomi puffs out her chest proudly. Despite dating since middle school, they still seem so lovey-dovey it’s embarrassing to watch.

She can’t help but smile wryly, but at the same time feels a little envious.

“Oho. Is that so… Specifically, how far have you gone?”

“Well… Let’s see. All holes have been penetrated at least once. Last week we tried doing it in the back hole for the first time, and that was quite good. I came so many times I fainted. When I woke up in the morning, my whole body was sticky with various fluids. So next time we have a date, I’m planning to return the favor by attacking his hole with a vibrator or strap-on. Also, we’re going to try urine drinking──”

“W-wait, time out! I-I get it! That’s enough!”

“Oh, already? I have other stories too, like doing it in the park at night, or being restrained and tormented all night…”

“Show some restraint!”

“Misato was the one who asked.”

Misato had been floating a mischievous smile trying to tease Hitomi, but receives a painful counterattack and becomes greatly flustered. Fumino, who is weak to such topics, covers her face with both hands to cool her bright red cheeks.

Akane herself feels complicated having heard her friend’s debauched sexual affairs laid bare. Knowing the two of them normally makes it even more likely to stir up strange imaginings.

Seeing the innocent reactions of the three, the perverted Hitomi floats a sadistic smile. She had vaguely suspected it before, but apparently she has sadistic tendencies.

Though it’s just been revealed that she’s a hybrid type who can also transform into a masochist, limited to her lover.

“…Geez, how vigorous. I’m scared you’ll seriously report a pregnancy with a straight face someday…”

“How rude. Do I look that thoughtless? I’m properly taking the pill. What about you, Misato? You get confessed to quite a bit, right?”

“Hmm… The thing is, they’re all pretty unimpressive guys.”

Misato is indeed popular. Her words and actions seem obviously ditzy, but her facial features are extremely good. Her outstanding figure and incredibly bright personality also seem to be well-received by boys, making her a beautiful girl popular across grade levels.

Though she frequently changes boyfriends and often hangs out with male friends, making her a target of some female students.

“Then conversely, isn’t there anyone Misato-chan is interested in?”

“Me? Hmm… Suzuki from the same class, Yamazaki-senpai from the basketball club are pretty good options. Also, lately things have been going well with Ito-kun from the soccer club.”

“Misato is still such a face-chaser…”

The names she mentioned are all boys popular for their good looks. There’s even a senior with not-so-good rumors, but apparently as long as they’re handsome, she doesn’t mind minor details.

“Then next is Akane. Akane gets confessed to a lot especially. Won’t you try dating someone?”

“No, not really.”

An immediate answer. There’s no need to think about it. After all, there’s only one person in Akane’s eyes.

“Ah, Kanzaki again?”

“Yeah.”

“…Sigh. Akane really is devoted. Misato should learn from her.”

“What?! Don’t make me sound like a bitch!”

“It’s the truth.”

While Hitomi and Misato start a pointless argument with their “waa waa,” Fumino watches the usual scene with lukewarm eyes. Ignoring such typical scenery, Akane quietly relaxes her cheeks.

────The three of them surely know well how highly competitive Mitsuki is. Naturally, they also know that Akane’s romantic path is by no means easy.

Despite that, they support Akane’s love from the bottom of their hearts. It’s neither pity nor indifference. They understand Akane’s feelings.

Akane’s chest grows warm at her friends’ transparent kindness.

“So, what about Fumino? Have you found someone you like?”

After playfully wrestling for a while, Hitomi peeled Misato off and turned to Fumino.

Of course, the same answer always comes back. Hitomi probably didn’t ask with any real expectations either.

After all, Fumino is so innocent about romance that it’s hard to believe she’s a high school student. Not only no boyfriend, but she’s never even had a first love – such innocence. Pure as a blank canvas, she’s like a young girl who dreams of romance.

Fumino floats a soft, heartwarming smile and returns her usual answer.

“…Yeah, I found someone.”

“Well, of course──────hm?”

“What?”

“What?”

“What?”

There was a sound like the air freezing solid.

Did they mishear? Looking at Misato and the others with wide eyes, they get back confused gazes like mirrors.

“Ehehe…”

Returning her gaze, she stares intently at Fumino’s face.

Fumino is smiling bashfully. Her cheeks are visibly blushing red, her eyes moist and dreamy. She squirms embarrassedly while observing Akane and the others’ reactions.

This is unmistakably the expression of a girl in love from any angle. It doesn’t seem like they misheard.

“Ehhhh?! No way?! Ah! Fumino, you’re joking!!”

“No, it’s true.”

“What──?! W-who is it!! What bastard defiled my angel Fumino!”

“Um, I’m not actually Misato-chan’s property though…”

“Fumino. You’re being deceived.”

“You haven’t even said who it is yet?!”

In the chaotic atmosphere, Hitomi was the first to regain her composure.

“Ahem, I got a bit flustered. Right, so Fumino has someone she likes…”

To hide her confusion, Hitomi rolls those words around on her tongue several times.

Hearing it again is truly shocking, but as a friend this should be celebrated. While love can sometimes be painful, it undoubtedly enriches one’s life.

However, as Hitomi is concerned, they can’t support her wholeheartedly yet. Fumino is a typical sheltered young lady. There’s no saying some unscrupulous person hasn’t approached Fumino with ulterior motives.

“I’ll ask directly – who did you fall for?”

“Um, don’t tell anyone else, okay…?”

Fumino shrinks her delicate body even smaller and looks up at them. She’s clearly nervous.

If any man saw Fumino like this now, wouldn’t he be completely smitten? That’s how adorable and charming her appearance was, stirring up protective instincts.

“Um, you see. I fell in love with Shirojo-san.”

Shirojo-san.

Akane repeats that word several times in her mind.

However, as far as Akane knows, she has no recollection of any male student with the surname Shirojo.

Looking over, Misato seems to be tilting her head too. If she doesn’t know, then he might not be a well-known boy──a so-called Ikemen. Not judging by looks would not be very like Fumino though.

However, only Hitomi was looking at Fumino with a serious expression. Perhaps she knows this Shirojo person.

“Fumino, just to confirm… that’s Shirojo Rin-san, correct?”

“…Yeah, that’s right.”

“────────Huh?”

At that name suddenly appearing out of nowhere, her mind goes completely blank.

Shirojo Rin.

A perfect superhuman who embodies literary and military arts, talent and beauty, good conduct, and stunning looks. Probably a super-celebrity that no one at Yasou Academy doesn’t know about.

Akane knows her better than anyone. She’s been her childhood friend since kindergarten and is also her best friend and greatest confidant.

However, Rin is unmistakably female. Naturally, so is Fumino.

────An indescribable unpleasant feeling wells up in the depths of her chest.

“Ah, I see. Well, Shirojo really is incredibly beautiful. I can understand the feeling. I’d definitely fall in love too if that face came on to me.”

“That’s right. ‘Beauty that transcends gender’ – that’s what you’d call someone like her.”

In contrast to Akane frowning, the two accept it without seeming particularly surprised. That only heightened the restlessness in Akane’s chest.

“What made you fall for her?”

“Um, it was like love at first sight. When I was about to slip and fall down the stairs, she gallantly saved me. She was like a prince, so incredibly cool.”

“Wow, I’m a bit jealous. It’s like something from an Otome game.”

The two gaze at the bashfully smiling Fumino with lukewarm eyes. They show no signs of aversion whatsoever, wholeheartedly celebrating Fumino’s first love.

────She couldn’t stand it. Unknown, murky emotions burst and overflow.

“────That’s weird.”

Those terrible words spilled from her mouth.

She stares into Fumino’s eyes as if glaring.

“I mean, you’re both girls, right? That’s strange.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Despite being told such cruel words, Fumino floats a gentle smile.

Akane’s face contorts. The knife she thrust seems to be carving into Akane’s own heart.

“It won’t work out. Fumino will just get hurt.”

“Maybe so.”

“Besides! …Rin has someone she likes.”

“Kanzaki-kun, right. Yeah, I know.”

“Then!!”

She breathes so roughly her throat might tear. As always, Fumino smiles like a saint.

She was inexplicably angry. Akane herself doesn’t understand what she’s so irritated about. She can’t control her emotions. She can only think of denying the girl before her.

“…Even so, I can’t give up. No, I don’t want to give up. Because I love her.”

Fumino smiles as if troubled, yet happy. So very like Fumino – pure and transparent love to the core.

She finds herself at a loss for words. She can’t think of words of denial on the spot.

“Akane.”

A hand is placed on her shoulder. Looking back, Hitomi shakes her head slightly.

“Fumino. You understand everything, don’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Then it’s not for us to say anything. You understand too, don’t you Akane? Love isn’t about logic.”

This time Akane falls completely silent.

At the same time, she’s assaulted by intense guilt and shame.

Akane and Fumino are essentially exactly the same.

Both Kouki and Rin are equally difficult to have reciprocated love with. Yet Akane said things that denied Fumino’s feelings just because they’re the same gender. Even though Fumino had been supporting her own love.

“…Fumino, I’m sorry. I’m unworthy as a friend.”

“No, I don’t mind. It’s true that it’s very difficult.”

Even though she could rightfully be called ungrateful, Fumino forgives her with a smile. Her own ugliness stands out starkly, and Akane hangs her head in shame.

“──Well then, let’s have a strategy meeting!!”

To repaint the slightly darkened atmosphere, Misato speaks up in a bright tone.

“Huh? Strategy meeting for what?”

“What else? Fumino’s Shirojo conquest strategy, obviously.”

“Eh, ehhhhh? No, I’m not mentally prepared yet…”

“Too naive!! Shirojo likes Kanzaki, right? If you dawdle, they might start dating! Anyway, push push push and keep pushing!”

Romance-brained Misato passionately explains to Fumino with a fighting spirit burning in her eyes.

Fumino looks to Hitomi for help with troubled eyes. Noticing that gaze, Hitomi nods reassuringly.

“That’s right. First we need to make her conscious of Fumino as that kind of love interest. Let’s take advantage of the closeness between girls. For Fumino, appealing to maternal instincts would also work.”

“Hitomi-chan?!”

Come to think of it, this one’s romance-brained too. She’s seriously suggesting seduction tactics to Fumino.

“Come on, Akane, help too. You’re the closest to Shirojo-san.”

This is going to be an all-nighter. Caught by Hitomi’s arm, Akane can’t help but smile wryly as she joins the discussion circle.

────Pretending not to notice something accumulated like sediment in the depths of her heart.

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Author’s Note: Astronomy Club 2nd Years (New Characters):

・Hitomi

A beautiful girl with a cool atmosphere. Baby-faced but has a virile boyfriend.

・Fumino  

A heartwarming beautiful girl who always smiles cheerfully. Fell in love with Rin at first sight.

・Misato

Seems stupid but is an acknowledged beauty. Face-chaser and gets bored easily, frequently changing boyfriends. 

As you can probably tell from their names, they were originally meant to be one-time mobs, but they developed character as I wrote, so I’ll corrupt them eventually. This chapter was quite difficult to write. The writing speed is completely different between chapters with and without H-scenes.

Also, I rewrote this many times because I wasn’t satisfied, so honestly I’m not confident in the quality myself. I’d appreciate any candid opinions. Next time, it’s the famous blonde busty bratty girl arc. I hope you’ll feel Rin’s changes as well.