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Volume 3 Chapter 1: Chihaya Anon’s Joy
🕑 Added 2025-05-12 12:26:11 +0000 UTCIf I could marry Wakaba Mutsumi… maybe I wouldn't need to work at all?
Such was the passing thought in Kazami Haru's mind today.
Yesterday's date with the little wooden doll had been his first real one-on-one date with a girl in real life. Compared to the simulations of just text, vague feelings, and fragmented memories, this had been on an entirely different level.
From start to finish, Cucumber-san's cuteness soothed the wounds left on his heart by those brutal simulations.
It was like King Crimson cutting through time itself, the stress and fatigue Haru had built up over the past few weeks vanished in an instant.
He hated to admit it, but he was kind of falling for Mutsumi's adorable awkwardness.
Even when eating ramen, when she could've sat across from him, she chose to sit right beside him. That subtle clinginess? It really felt like he had a little girlfriend.
Let it be said again: Kazami Haru just had a soft spot for cute girls. That's all!
Because Mutsumi, a well-bred, schedule-bound daughter of wealth, had never eaten unhealthy, high-calorie ramen before, she was completely lost. She just stared at the big bowl, unsure where to begin.
Her dazed, unsure expression was too cute, so Haru naturally started guiding her, even feeding her.
The ramen shop owner, "Boss," started giving Haru odd looks and when they left, he even offered some strange fatherly advice like, "You young folks better take it easy, alright?"
It was all very bizzare.
Clack…
The cucumber-shaped plastic keychain dangled lightly in Haru's hand.
Just seeing it brought him right back to the end of that date.
The usually silent Mutsumi had suddenly turned into someone else—hugging him head-on, rubbing her cheek against his chest, clearly asking for another date.
Someone who had always struggled to express herself had finally voiced what she wanted. That alone gave Haru an overwhelming sense of achievement, like he'd finally unlocked a character's hidden route.
Though, admittedly, he was a bit surprised by how bold she'd been. He knew Mutsumi liked him and was dependent on him, but he hadn't expected her to go that far. It was basically aggressive.
Still, the way she hugged him... soft, fragrant, warm. It felt really nice. If he hadn't activated his "inner comedy routine loop," he might've actually fallen under her spell right then and there.
One way or another, he couldn't help but look forward to their next date.
"Man, it's really hot today…"
Sunlight poured through the glass windows, casting a harsh glow on the wooden desks. The rising temperature made it hard to focus. The classroom was stuffy, filled with the faint scent of sweat.
Even Haru, who usually passed time during class with his eyes closed in meditation, found it hard to endure.
Before he realized it, more than a month had passed since that first simulation.
The weather hadn't changed much since July, still hot. The teacher's half-hearted lecture paired with the oppressive heat only amplified that unique summertime drowsiness.
Still, the heat wasn't all bad.
Sitting right in the middle of the classroom, Kita-san was staring intently at the equations on the blackboard.
Maybe it was the heat or the mental effort, but her brain must've been overheating. Her sunny, beautiful face was now glistening with beads of sweat, and the faint blush across her cheeks made her already-cute expression even more captivating.
Despite that, she still radiated energy. Her slim figure beneath the thin white blouse was on full display, giving Haru quite the nice view.
Always cheerful, always glowing… she made him curious about what her crying face might look like.
Not far away, Gotoh Hitori, Bocchi was sitting stiffly in that weird pink tracksuit, even in this heat.
She was wearing the school's summer JK black pleated skirt, but thanks to her full tracksuit underneath, the skirt served no purpose at all. That bulky outfit completely obscured her figure, unlike Kita.
Was she not hot?
No, judging by her almost-melted expression, Bocchi was definitely suffering.
"…Hmm."
Haru turned his gaze again, this time openly admiring Takamatsu Tomori, who sat beside him.
Her sweet, innocent face now glistened with a fresh sheen of sweat from the heat. The flush on her cheeks looked like delicate flower petals, and her summer uniform exposed the soft curve of her white neck.
Tiny drops of sweat clung to her nose. The light fabric of her uniform hinted at the soft lines of her slender figure. More than any other time, the summer uniform revealed just how beautiful she truly was.
She was adorable, like a little animal, but with far more potential than Kita.
And compared to the pink-haired nuisance sitting behind her…
Her waist-length hair had been pulled up into a high ponytail with a snow-white ribbon, turning her usual look into a lively pink tail that swayed with energy. A few playful strands framed her flushed cheeks, youthful vitality radiating from every angle.
Anon-san had somehow acquired a thick sheet of white paper, which she'd folded into a makeshift fan. Even after tying up her long hair, she kept fanning herself, muttering softly about how hot it was. Her slightly open lips revealed a flash of those adorable little fangs.
When it came to body comparison…
Let's just say, the difference was obvious.
"Hm?"
Chihaya Anon sharply noticed Kazami Haru's lingering gaze. Actually, it was more like he wasn't hiding it at all, it was blatant enough that even Anon couldn't ignore it.
Their eyes met in the air. She shot him a sharp glare in return.
Can you blame her? Chihaya was just a little ticked off.
After all, Haru had turned down her invitation, only to go on a fun little date with another girl the next day!
Especially the way he smiled so softly while talking to that girl, it made Anon's heart clench in frustration. She half wanted to tie him up and throw him into her family's basement.
"Idiot."
"You damn flirt!"
Anon grumbled under her breath, annoyed and bitter.
Sure, Haru explained the situation the moment he arrived today, saying that girl was just a friend, and he only took her out to cheer her up after a fight.
But still! She was the one who got rejected!
Plap!
A crumpled ball of paper smacked her clean on the forehead.
She turned her head sharply to find Haru smiling apologetically. Puffing her cheeks in protest, she unfolded the little paper.
Inside, in his neat handwriting, it read:
[After school, I'll treat you to a strawberry parfait.]
…Huh?
A strawberry parfait? You think that's enough to win her over?
That was the thought in her head, but her face gave away the subtle, creeping joy she couldn't quite suppress.
She hadn't been that mad, really. Since Haru had properly apologized and even brought a "tribute," she, Chihaya Anon, could be the bigger person. She'd forgive him. Just this once.
Seeing the shift in her expression, Haru let out a sigh of relief.
If this were a manga, there'd probably be a big pink tail wagging happily behind her. Guess she wasn't too upset after all.
Truly the easiest girl to handle at Haneoka.
…
Maybe it was the oppressive heat that made time crawl slower than usual.
When the final bell rang, Chihaya Anon was so drowsy she could barely keep her eyes open.
But the moment the teacher announced the end of class, she instantly perked up. Shaking off her overheated brain, she grabbed her guitar and stood up.
Yes! Finally, school was over!
According to plan, today was the day Haru would teach her guitar.
She'd even asked her mom to head home to the countryside early, just to make sure nobody would interrupt them at night. That way, she could fully enjoy her sweet one-on-one time with Haru.
"Guhehe~"
Anon's smile curled up with unrestrained glee. She already felt like she was halfway to victory. Whatever that other girl was planning with Haru yesterday didn't matter anymore.
Because tonight… was her night to shine.
Private weekly lessons at home? No way she could lose!
Time to claim that shy little boyfriend, victory was hers!
She'd tease Haru a little, show him how much she liked him, and then follow the "dream route" step by step until he completely fell for her.
Then she could crush all the love rivals and enjoy their happily ever after, hand in hand.
"Hehe~ ehehe~"
Tonight's target: a sweet, romantic hug!
Not too fast, though, if she acted too aggressive then Haru might think she was an easy girl, but next time? Maybe a kiss. Then, who knows…
Since it was Friday and there was no school tomorrow, maybe he'd even end up staying over?
And if that happened—
"Uwahhh! I'm getting ahead of myself!"
Flustered, Anon shook her head violently, trying to cool down her burning cheeks—but it only made steam puff from her head like a cartoon character.
"Anon-chan… your face is really red… Are you okay?"
Sitting in front of her, Takamatsu Tomori turned around, worry written all over her face.
"I-I'm fine! Totally fine!"
"It's just… the heat! Once I cool down a bit, I'll be totally back to normal!"
Under Tomori's concerned gaze, Anon's eyes darted around nervously.
Her heart was caught in a tangled mess of nerves, embarrassment, and a secret thrill that made her brain practically buzz.
Sure, she was overheated but not in the normal way! How could she possibly explain that to pure, innocent Tomori?
"If you're not feeling well, why not rest up today, Anon-chan? I'll work extra hard during guitar practice for the both of us!"
"Thanks, Kita-chan… wait, huh?"
Anon turned around to find Kita Ikuyo standing right beside her, guitar slung over her back, flashing that ever-sunny smile.
The words "guitar practice" made Anon's brain stall.
Something felt… off.
"Umm, Kita-chan, what do you mean by guitar practice?"
"Huh? Didn't Haru-san tell you?"
Kita tilted her head curiously. The moment the name "Haru" left her lips, a chill ran down Anon's spine. Her eyes snapped to Haru across the room.
No… No way…
Under her near-despairing gaze, Haru spoke calmly:
"Oh, I must've forgotten to mention it."
"Since the band's live is coming up, Kita still isn't stage-ready with her guitar, so she asked me to give her some intense lessons. You don't mind, right, Anon?"
Eh?
Wha…?
I—I've never heard about this!!
"I-I don't mind… not at all…"
Her answer came out through gritted teeth, barely hiding her frustration.
Darkness clouded Anon's vision. How could her perfect plan fall apart like this?! She'd worked so hard to set up alone time and now this random Kita girl was butting in?!
Damn you, you red-haired homewrecker!!
Of course, being socially sharp came with the territory of being a popular sunshine girl. Kita Ikuyo picked up on Anon's resentful glare immediately.
To be fair, Kita hadn't originally known their practice was supposed to be private.
But now that she did? There was no way she was going to let Anon hog Haru all to herself!
You pink-haired wolf, not on my watch!
…
"Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. Idiot…"
Anon's mumbled curses echoed in Haru's ears, but every time he turned around, she'd immediately look away, presenting him only with her icy side profile.
Is she actually in love with me or something?
Haru found it amusing.
Just like he promised, he presented the peace offering: one strawberry parfait.
The cool sweetness helped lift Anon's mood, just a little.
But she still kept throwing him side-eyes filled with bitter resentment.
If it were only Kita Ikuyo, Anon wouldn't be that upset.
She already considered Kita a rival, someone she could battle openly. That was far better than someone trying to sneak around behind the scenes stealing his heart.
The real problem was…
"Bocchi's here to help teach guitar. Her skill is way higher than mine."
"Huh? Bocchi-chan's that good?"
Always quick with nicknames, Anon instantly took to calling her Bocchi.
She'd always thought of Gotoh Hitori as shy and hard to approach. To hear that she was better than even Haru at guitar? That did make Anon take her a little more seriously.
"Totally! Gotoh-san is amazing!"
"N-Not really…"
Being praised by both Haru and Kita made Bocchi visibly flustered, her mouth twitching into a shy little smile. Even her walk had a new spring in it.
She really was easy to flatter.
And before long, they arrived at Chihaya Anon's home.
"W-Whoa! So this is a real JK's room?!"
Bocchi looked around in amazement. Honestly, it was her first time visiting a friend's house—let alone stepping into another girl's bedroom. It was… different than she imagined.
Surprisingly plain.
Anon blinked. "What's wrong with my room?"
"Well, I thought someone as popular and trendy as you would have like, party lights, piles of fashion magazines, makeup, boba tea everywhere…"
Boba tea?
Haru gave Kita a pained look, only to see the same look mirrored on her face. Even Anon burst into laughter.
"Pfft! That's such a stereotype!"
Turns out, Gotoh-san was kind of funny.
"Anyway, let's not waste time, let's start practice."
Haru gently set down his guitar bag, drawing the room's attention.
Especially when he pulled out his distinctive fender guitar.
The moment she saw it, Chihaya Anon froze in place.
