This story takes place a few days after Keima Katsuragi and Ikumi Yoshino joined forces.
That day, Yoshino Asami... my younger sister told me this story when she came home.
"Tomorrow is a holiday, and I'm going to a place called Gakkan Land with my friends. Do you want to come along, sis?"
To be honest, I wasn't really keen on it. But then Ikumi told me,
"Look, think of this as part of your training to be able to date someone your older sister is working hard for."
When someone says that, you can't just dismiss it.
However, my sister knows very well that I have trouble with socializing, so I don't think she'll get upset just because I decline.
I've not been feeling very well lately, so I was about to say no.
"Oh, that's right. I heard that Katsuragi-kun is coming too♪"
"...picture?"
A foolish voice escaped from my mouth as I parted to refuse.
Why? How?
Whether she sensed it before I could say it, or whether she had prepared her lines in advance, my sister gave the reason.
"Apparently, a friend of a friend of mine happened to be Katsuragi-kun."
Oh, so what do you want to do? Are you going?
Just a moment ago, I was so determined to refuse.
"go"
I answered that way reflexively.
And my sister nodded with satisfaction upon hearing that.
the next day.
I had arrived at the meeting place, the large bronze statue in front of Gakkan Land.
It's a very conspicuous location, so it's probably often used as a meeting place. Several complete strangers, who I have no connection to whatsoever, have gathered there.
But I don't know anyone there.
That's right, there's no one there. Not even Ikumi.
I naturally assumed I would go with my sister, but she left ahead of me, saying she had some errands to run or something.
I'm not going to be strict and say that I should come along because Ikumi invited me, but still...
...By the way, has no one arrived yet? It should be around the meeting time...
Actually, I don't know who's coming today. I only know Ikumi and Katsuragi-kun.
I don't think Ikumi, or even Katsuragi-kun, are the type of people who would be late...
Could it be that they're already nearby and I just haven't noticed?
I looked around with that in mind, but there was no one who looked like that.
I checked the back of the statue, just in case.
And there he was.
As usual, Katsuragi-kun was standing there playing a mobile game.
Should I speak to them? But is it okay to speak to them?
After hesitating for a while, I finally mustered the courage to speak.
"Um, Katsuragi-kun"
"Hah!"
Almost simultaneously with my call, Katsuragi-kun took the bizarre action of pointing the handheld game console he was holding towards the sky.
Without showing any concern for my startled reaction, he lowered his outstretched arm back to its original height.
"Hmm, it went in properly on the first try. This is a surprisingly good spot."
"that..."
"Since we're at it, let's download the other events too. It's great that they're giving away additional content for free."
"..."
Are they engrossed in their game...? It seems they haven't noticed my presence.
"Okay, but what is this?! Is this the worst quality event I've ever seen?! Even if it's free, they're treating the users like idiots! I'm never buying another game from this company! Only the regular edition!"
When Katsuragi became indignant about something, he looked up.
Then, our eyes met.
What should I do? I have to say something.
That was the first thing they said to me when I remained silent, lost in thought.
"What, you were here?"
It was a very laid-back and self-centered statement.
...Keima Katsuragi.
Do I really love him?
I find myself staring at him during class and lunch breaks.
I was incredibly flustered when he turned around and our eyes met, and when he called out to me on the way home from school that day, I managed to act calmly on the surface, but my heart was beating so fast you could almost hear it.
Is this... love?
The only thing I can say is that I'm incredibly interested in him.
But I don't really know why.
One of the reasons I came here today was the hope that I might finally understand the true nature of this inexplicable feeling.
I felt like I'd understand if I talked to him directly, but...it's a rather unsettling start.
"Okay, then let's go."
"Huh? Huh? Um!"
As Katsuragi-kun tries to quickly enter the building by himself, I stammer and somehow manage to say what I want to say.
"Wait, where's my sister? What about the others?"
"Huh? What, you didn't hear me?"
Your sister and Elsie will be there in an hour, and the others will be even later.
"It's just the two of us at first, okay?"
...picture?
I carefully considered Katsuragi's words, even though I was on the verge of becoming confused.
and...
"Whaaat
I couldn't help but yell, but I don't think I'm in the wrong.