Volume 1 Chapter 40 Interlude (Hikari & Chinatsu)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Scene 1- Confession in the Quiet Room
”Thanks for coming, Takumi-kun,” Hikari said, brushing her bangs behind one ear. Her cheeks flushed slightly. “Lately… I’ve felt like I’ve become a different kind of girl. I wanted to relive those innocent days, wearing my school uniform and spending time with you… but somehow, even that wasn’t enough. I dressed up more boldly today, but still couldn’t wait. I kept thinking about you, imagining how it might feel to be close to you again.”
Takumi’s eyes softened. “You’re incredibly beautiful, Hikari-chan… and very brave to say all that.”
”I’m glad,” she whispered with a nervous smile. “Because I don’t want to wait anymore. Let’s share something special tonight, Takumi-kun. Let’s hold each other close, without pulling away. Even if it gets late, let’s stay like that—together, the whole night through.”
Takumi chuckled, brushing her hand gently. “With you, Hikari-chan… that’s kind of how it always ends up, doesn’t it?”
* * *
Scene 2 – Pajama Party and Power Games
”Hikari-chan,” Takumi asked, puzzled as he took in her outfit. “Where did you get that? It’s… different.”
She nodded, running a hand along the fabric. “Oh, this? It was for the class trip. Last-minute plan to do a pajama party. I didn’t really have any cute sleepwear, so… I brought what I usually wear at home.”
Takumi looked away, slightly flustered. “Still, this is kind of bold.”
Hikari leaned forward with a teasing smile. “Says the one giving commands like a proper gentleman. Or maybe… a certain someone enjoys watching his loyal companion go out of her way to please him?”
He blinked, caught off guard. “W-Wait, what?”
Hikari giggled, playful but unwavering. “If I perform well enough, maybe you’ll reward me with a little affection? Just don’t be too surprised if I get a little carried away.”
”…You really don’t hold back, huh,” Takumi said, half-laughing.
She grinned. “I’m not mad. If anything, it makes me happy to be the one who gets to tease you like this.”
* * *
Scene 3 – The Rain and the Question That Lingers
”It’s starting to rain,” Chinatsu murmured as droplets tapped against the nearby roof. “Guess we’ll have to stay under cover for a while.”
Takumi nodded. “Yeah… by the way, why are you standing like that?”
Chinatsu glanced back, amused. “Well, you see, I thought if I looked extra adorable—just enough to show off a little without trying too hard—even someone as hesitant as you might finally make a move.”
He looked flustered. “I’m not hesitant, just… cautious.”
”Sure, sure,” she said, waving a hand. “Then explain this: how come you still haven’t confessed to Hikari-chan?”
”…That’s…”
”You see?” she grinned, poking his shoulder. “You’ve got all this initiative and charisma when it comes to big decisions, but when it comes to relationships, you’re hopeless.”
Takumi looked away. “It’s not that simple.”
Chinatsu folded her arms with a sly smile. “Well, unless you’re planning to go live in some fantasy world where having multiple girlfriends is normal, you’re going to have to make a choice—Hikari-chan or Aria-chan. That’s how it works in this world. And if you need a third option… I don’t mind being in the friends-with-benefits zone.”
”That’s… you just contradicted yourself.”
She laughed. “Oops, got rejected again. Anyway, Takumi-kun, want to play rock-paper-scissors?”
”Not a chance. That sounds dangerously suspicious.”
* * *
Scene 4 – Alternate Route: Chinatsu’s Playful Delusion
(Alternate IF route – if Takumi accidentally plays rock-paper-scissors)
”Wait, what’s going on?” Takumi asked, frozen in place. “Chinatsu-chan…?”
She turned, her expression unusually formal. “Ah, you’ve arrived. I’ve been waiting, dear.”
Takumi blinked. “When did I become your husband?! And more importantly—can you please cover up?!”
She sighed dramatically. “Unfortunately, I can’t. I had Mom tie it securely. You see, I’ve been waiting here, as the girl who once lost to you in both heart and resolve. I’m here to accept that defeat, to dedicate myself completely, and to ask you to see me—as a woman.”
”Wait, hold on—”
”…But if you ignore me completely, it ruins the scene!” Chinatsu whined, breaking character for a moment. “You’re not supposed to skip the monologue of the tragic beauty! Come on, play along a little!”
Notes:
• Hikari – 4th Division leader. Stressed, relies on Takumi.
• Hikari-chan – 4th Division leader. Stressed, relies on Takumi.
• Chinatsu – Hikari’s party. Frustrated, jokes about prostitution.
• Chinatsu-chan – Hikari’s party. Frustrated, jokes about prostitution.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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