When I woke up in the morning feeling troubled, if someone were to ask what calms my heart the most, I would answer without a moment’s hesitation that it’s gazing at the sleeping face of the cute girl next to me.
But unrelated to that, Kuzunoha managed to throw me into deep contemplation with just a few words.
Thinking deeply, it wouldn’t be the case that the story ends with the descent of color alone. In the world of Blue Archive, there were still countless unresolved stories left, and I was in a position to experience those stories in real-time.
If stopping the descent of color is the conclusion of Chapter 1, then it’s only natural that there exists Chapter 2 to follow.
It’s merely a question of whether it’s related to color or not; it meant that it was inevitable that some incident would occur in any case. Being reincarnated in a world of unfinished tales meant having to prepare for such scenarios.
…Thanks to that, I felt a deep empathy for Rion’s heart.
At least, from what I know, the only potential crisis would be with the seer of Decagramaton. That part will eventually fall to the Supernatural Special Forces, but I thought it would be nice if I could lend my support in my own way.
The artificial angel series that Gematria is researching, Communio Sanctorum… No matter how much I lend a bit of my Shinpi, how much stronger can it really get compared to the original?
Honestly, I don’t think there’s much to worry about. The teacher will just have to roll around a bit more, right? No way it could be more troublesome than Vina, who’s maximally adjusted for the desert.
While I was lost in these thoughts, the two next to me woke up. Even after that, they clung under the blanket, sharing each other’s warmth for a while.
After getting their wits about them, Haruna shared that she had contacted the other members of the Gourmet Research Club and arranged to meet for lunch after checking out. So we decided to get ready after quickly washing up, but then…
“Mika-chan…”
“Huh? Why did you call me?”
“My legs really hurt. Would it be too much trouble to get a little massage?”
Noa pointed to her legs with an awkward smile. Regardless of the unexpected request, my body was already seated next to hers naturally.
“Ahaha, well, you should have just rested when you had the chance.”
“Huh? Mika-chan, what do you mean by that? It’s just that I’m sore from walking too much yesterday!”
“Heueng…”
Did we really walk that much yesterday? I didn’t really feel it.
Noa’s stamina isn’t exactly top-notch, but still, it shouldn’t have been that bad. Nagisa isn’t that poor either… is she? Well, with Nagisa, I suppose that could be the case.
“How about you come up with a more convincing excuse next time?”
“…Phew. But if Mika-chan looks at me with such pleading eyes, what else can I do? Next time, I should probably take a photo to show you…”
“No no, even so, that’s a bit much.”
I’m secretly curious, but honestly, I’d be too embarrassed to look at it. I can shrug off everything else, but tastefully provocative photos? Taking them is embarrassing, and looking at them is even more so.
“Still, if my little trouble made Mika-chan happy, then it was worth it. Yes, as long as you’re happy, that’s enough for me.”
“Then next time, I’ll take care of Noa-chan—”
“No, no. Please, let’s avoid that if possible, Mika-chan. If you did that, I wouldn’t be able to record anything!”
“Uh, I don’t even get why you’d want to document that…”
“Isn’t it interesting? Someday in the distant future when I reminisce about my first night with Mika-chan… February 29th, 10:42 PM, when Mika-chan first reached climax in my embrace was unbelievably adorable. I can only imagine how entertaining the reaction would be.”
“Nooo… that’s totally private! That’s not something to share with others…?”
“Of course, it was just a joke♪”
Yeah, it’s definitely a joke. Since Noa is one of the more sensible ones in Kivotos, it must be a joke. It should be just that.
“By the way, Mika-chan, you seem to have a knack for massages too… you give off that all-rounder vibe? Hehe.”
“Huh? I’m not particularly that great. I have my weaknesses too. Like Jenga…”
Seriously. Jenga is hopeless. That game absolutely despises me.
“Heu, it’s getting a bit warm sitting like this…”
“Hey, you do realize we’re short on time, right? And someone not wearing any clothes saying they’re hot sounds a bit… eh, maybe that was a step too far.”
What’s her name again? Was it Amy, the member of the Supernatural Special Forces? I think it’s somewhat problematic to try and seduce someone with words like that.
“Then… before Haruna-chan arrives, just one more time?”
“…”
It seems like the kids are turning into sexually obsessed monsters, is Kivotos really going to be okay like this?
As soon as Haruna finished washing up and returned, I felt a twinge of guilt for what I witnessed a moment after as I wanted to wash myself again.
*
“Ah, they’re here, they’re here! President, over here!”
Seeing Akashi Junko, who was waving her hands excitedly from afar, a small smile graced Haruna’s face. Naturally, she waved back, showing how much she cared for the newly arrived junior.
Beside her was Izumi, munching on something, and another girl who was smiling. Occasionally, I wondered about one thing.
Out of those three, who among them had stolen my waffle and coffee?
“Hello, Junko-san. And Akari-san and Izumi-san. I received the gifts you sent well.”
“Ufufu, I’m glad to hear that they pleased the president☆”
“Waaah, president! What did you think of the hamburger-flavored chocolate gift set I gave?”
“…Unfortunately, I haven’t tried it yet, Izumi-san. Later on, I’ll savor it with a solemn heart.”
Haruna replied with a face that clearly showed she wouldn’t touch it ever again, while she gently patted Junko’s head. After all, to a normal former techie like Haruna, Junko must look incredibly cute. The other two seem to be fundamentally twisted in some way.
“Oh, is this our vice president?”
“That’s right, Junko-san. This time, we even managed to get her formal membership application.”
“Hmmm… she looks like a Trinity person through and through.”
“Hehe. It’s just a feel-good thing. By the way, since we’re the same age, treating her like an underclassman is…”
“Che.”
Junko, who had been glancing my way, squinted her eyes. Then, she sniffed the air.
“Hey, president, and vice president. I have a question.”
“Huh? What is it, Junko-chan? You can ask me anything☆”
“Why do I smell the two of you on each other? And from the person next to you as well.”
“…”
Haruna and Noa exchanged panicked glances. What’s this, they both froze with smiles plastered on their faces.
Junko looked at me with sparkling eyes, as if she was eager to see what kind of reaction would come out of this. Izumi, on the other hand, was busy focusing on the yakitori in her hand.
“Uh, um, that’s because we share a room and sleep together? Yeah, I’m not good at recognizing smells but that must be it.”
“…Heu.”
Junko gazed back and forth between us in silence for a while, nodded, and then smiled.
“Well, that doesn’t matter. Let’s go eat something delicious! I heard the vice president has loads of money and buys tasty things every time we meet!”
…Well, it feels like I managed to avoid that disaster somehow?
With that meaning in mind, I shot a glance at Haruna, who shrugged and smiled awkwardly.
After all, Junko isn’t some kid. There’s no way she’d fall for such a flimsy excuse.
It feels a bit odd to have my private life laid bare to someone who’s just met me for the first time. Usually, it’s termed the worst first meeting.
Besides, Junko, I feel like the way I’m being treated is a bit strange.
“Um, did Haruna-chan say that…?”
“Huh? So?”
I glanced at Haruna again. No, I glared.
This time, she shamelessly sent a kiss my way with a cheeky grin, even wagging her tail.
Seriously, how can I possibly refuse that?
Though it’s a bit disappointing to be treated like a silly subordinate on the first meeting…
“So what, Junko-chan? Is there anything you’d like to eat?”
“Uh, um? I get to choose? I’d be okay with something like dumplings…”
“Huh? You’re settling for just dumplings when I’m offering to treat you? As our beloved president said… I have loads and loads of money.”
“R-Really, can I pick anything? Sushi, tuna, wagyu, abalone, or crab dishes…?”
“Yes☆ Just tell me what you want. I’ll buy it all.”
“Vice president… you really are a great person?!”
They say that money can be a way to win people over, but isn’t this just a tad over the top…?
Well, that’s beside the point.
“But speaking of which, I have something I’ve been wondering about since yesterday. Well, it’s not a big deal.”
Now’s my chance to bring up what I was curious about all along.
“Who among you three ate my chocolate waffle and coffee?”
“…”
The three members of the Gourmet Research Club, excluding Haruna, froze at the same time.
“Aha. So you’re all accomplices? Since it’s Junko-chan’s first time meeting me, I’ll let it slide this time☆ Yes, you can also choose today’s lunch.”
I’m not petty enough to get angry over something like this… but if it were anyone else, that’s one thing, but Akari? Seriously… did you really end up scarfing down a measly piece of waffle when it wouldn’t even be a passing snack for you?
Please, save some of that stuff for Junko!
