ALL NOVEL 22: This Guy Has It Tough
After that, we continued to wander around the school building (according to Kamidama, it was an “inside school date”), fiddling with the keys and trying to open various doors. However, we only managed to open a handful.
More than the abundance of keys, it was my lack of luck in finding the right key, combined with our tendency to prioritize chatting, that contributed to this result.
Every time we opened a door, we wasted time inspecting the classroom. Unfortunately, there were no classrooms as interesting as the former library.
Most of them were just empty classrooms with piled-up desks and chairs.
I didn’t expect anything special, but seeing so many familiar classrooms was a bit of a letdown. While thinking it would have been nice if there had been something more interesting, I stuck labels on the keys: “Library,” “Empty Classroom 1,” and “Empty Classroom 2.”
If I also jot down the details of the keys on loose-leaf paper, my report for Mr. Takatsuki will be complete. By handing them over together, I can avoid being looked at like an idiot with “So, which key is for which classroom…?”
Well, honestly, I don’t think this level of effort is necessary, but since I have plenty of time on my hands, there’s no harm in trying to earn some points with the teacher… Though, considering it’s Mr. Takatsuki, it might be a bit late for that.
Mr. Takatsuki is the type of person who, despite being approachable, strictly separates personal and professional matters. He’ll likely evaluate me fairly… probably.
Right? I’m okay, right? Mr. Takatsuki?
Because he ranks number one in my list of adults who are easily swayed by emotions, I’m losing confidence. Kamidama looks at me with a puzzled expression as I shake my head to clear my thoughts.
“You still do strange things out of the blue, huh?”
“Don’t criticize me while picking up on my thoughts; it confuses me.”
“Geez, how many times do I have to tell you it’s not some signal?”
“If you don’t like it, prove it—no, don’t say ‘My love is the proof!'”
“Wow, telepathy! See, we’re perfectly in sync.”
“Are you invincible?”
Whatever I say, I get a fiery response. There’s no way I can win; give me a break.
She already acts like someone whose brain is buzzing with signals, so at least think about where to direct that energy.
If you keep hitting the mark, I’ll die. Seriously, I’ll end up falling for you. And that would be the end.
I really don’t want to… I don’t want to fall for her. I don’t want to be easily manipulated in a situation that seems so suspicious.
I can’t completely dismiss the possibility that this is some elaborate prank.
Even if she genuinely likes me, the reason behind it is too scary.
So, I want proof. Objective proof, not subjective.
With that, I might reconsider the signal claim.
“But, hmm, proof, huh. That’s just like you, Uraku-kun.”
“I don’t know what you mean by that, but yes.”
“Such a troublesome person.”
“Don’t say such rude things with a big smile…”
I don’t know how to scold her. Her dazzling smile almost purifies me.
In another era, Kamidama might have been worshipped as a shrine maiden.
I sighed, feeling I could never win, when the classroom door opened with a loud bang.
“How long are you staying? It’s time to go home—oh, it’s you two.”
“Oh, Mr. Takatsuki.”
“Ugh, Mr. Takatsuki.”
“Nagiura… stop making that face every time you see me.”
Kamidama is the best. With these idiots around, normal behavior seems divine. Said the mature female teacher, Mr. Takatsuki.
She looked even more tired than when I saw her in the staff room a few hours ago, showing how hard she had been working.
I almost bowed in respect, but she lightly smacked my head.
Then, I picked up the completed loose-leaf paper and the bunch of keys.
“Wow, you really went all out. Nagiura, you complain about everything but still do a thorough job.”
“! Yes, exactly! Do you see, Mr. Takatsuki? That’s what makes him so lovable!”
“Your voice is too loud.”
“Nagiura… what did you do to Kamidama? Tell me, I won’t get mad.”
“Why is this being blamed on me?!”
I don’t know! I want to know why Kamidama is like this the most! I protested, and after a difficult look, Mr. Takatsuki sent me a look that said,
‘Is this for real?’
So I responded,
‘Unfortunately, it seems to be real for now.’
She put her hand on her chin and then looked at Kamidama.
“Kamidama, you’re going to have a tough time, I guarantee it.”
“Yes, I know. But even so, it’s Uraku-kun.”
“Are you sure? He has maximum potential to be a freeloader.”
“If that happens… I’ll support him!”
Kamidama replied firmly, clenching her fist. Mr. Takatsuki smiled and patted her head.
“If you’re in trouble, come to me anytime. I’ll always help you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Takatsuki!”
“No, no, no, no, no, that’s too rude! That was totally a roast session about me!”
“No, if it were really a roast, it wouldn’t end like this.”
“Eek…”
I let out a simple scream in fear. If this is less than a roast…
It’s proof of a harsh personality. Girls are scary… though it’s unclear if calling Mr. Takatsuki a girl is appropriate.
Saying this to her would probably make her cry instead of getting mad.
“…Did you think something rude just now?”
“N-n-no, it’s just your imagination!”
“That’s as good as a confession… Well, whatever. Thank you, good work. You can go home now; it’s not urgent, so take your time.”
Mr. Takatsuki pushed us out, saying she still had work to do.
Shortly after, the final school bell rang.
“See you tomorrow, Mr. Takatsuki.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Takatsuki.”
“Yes, see you tomorrow. Be careful on your way home.”