Chapter 156: Who Are You Going to Recruit?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 156: Who Are You Going to Recruit?
"It's cold."
Chinami said, approaching me as I was cleaning outside the club room.
I turned my head, pausing the side-to-side motion of the long broom I was using to sweep the ground.
"Yeah, it is."
"It's very cold."
Her tone was steady, for Chinami, but she sounded a little angry.
I stopped sweeping and looked straight down at her.
"What's wrong?"
"Hmph. I'm a little disappointed."
"What about?"
"I was wondering if we might have been able to reschedule the appointment we canceled last week. Of course, I was the one who suggested postponing it, but you haven't said a single word about it since, and it seems you're just trying to let it go. I don't feel right about that."
She's talking about the massage.
She must have been anxious because we haven't talked about it since then.
My dear Chinami... is your body becoming unable to live without my massages?
"Master. About that..."
"How can a junior who doesn't understand his master's heart properly fulfill his role as a disciple? I have my grave doubts. Not that I have any intention of excommunicating you, mind you. I'm just saying."
At this rate, she's going to scoff and say "Hmph!"
I let out a soft laugh at Chinami's cute criticism and said.
"You wanted a massage, didn't you?"
"Hmph-hmph..."
"You should have just said so. Should I give you a quick one now?"
"Not that kind of massage. I was talking about the relaxing, languid massage with oil."
She used to call it the heart-pounding massage.
"I see. Come this way."
I led Chinami to the Drying Room.
A clothesline where baggy, navy blue kendo uniforms were hanging.
I led her between them and smoothed down a few strands of her hair that were sticking up, probably from static electricity.
Then, I soothed her in a gentle tone.
"Of course I hadn't forgotten about the massage. I was just wondering when would be a good time."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes, of course."
"I wasn't saying it because I was getting impatient."
"I know."
Just wait a little longer. I'll get Miyuki's approval one way or another.
By the way, the owner of that love hotel must be grinning from ear to ear, right?
Since one sucker has booked two rooms—the massage concept and the prison concept—and hasn't even shown up.
I moved behind Chinami and, with a bright smile, placed my hands on her shoulders.
Then I started to massage them, applying a little pressure with my fingers.
"What are you doing...! I don't want a massage right now...!"
Chinami, who had been turning her head back and forth coyly, pretending to dislike it,
"Mmm..."
let out a pleasant hum as I began to work out the knots in her muscles a few times.
She even relaxed completely, entrusting her entire body to my touch.
After kneading her shoulders for a bit, I slowly moved my hands down and patted her butt.
At that, Chinami, who had become completely languid, asked in a questioning tone.
"Ngh... Why do you keep touching me there...?"
"It's a habit."
"A very bad habit... I'm only letting it slide because it's me. If it were anyone else, you'd be in big trouble..."
Miyuki, you, Renka, and Hiyori... I'll only do it to you four.
But it seems she doesn't mind being touched itself, huh? I should do this more often.
"Alright. That's enough for your shoulders."
"Eung...? Is that all...?"
Chinami expressed her disappointment.
I placed a hand on the small of her back, rubbing it in circles, and said.
"It's about time for the villain to show up."
"Villain...?"
The moment Chinami's head tilted about 15 degrees,
Click.
The drying room door opened.
"Chinami, you in here?"
Hearing Renka's meddlesome voice, I looked down at Chinami and grinned.
"See?"
Her eyes widening to twice their size, Chinami let out a small gasp.
"...How did you know...?"
"I had a feeling she would."
"Are you a fortune-teller...?"
"Maybe I am."
"Oh my goodness..."
She seems to genuinely believe in shamanism. This is why I like Chinami.
I only predicted she'd come around now because Renka gets extremely anxious when you're out of her sight, thinking I'm doing something weird to you.
"Chinami...! Can you give me a hand?"
Through the uniforms hanging on the clothesline, I could see Renka rushing over, having spotted our lower bodies pressed together.
I gave Chinami's back a final pat, then pushed aside a uniform obscuring my face and greeted her.
"Hello, Captain."
"Ugh...!"
Renka grimaced as if she'd seen something she shouldn't have.
Now that my wishes are all used up, she must feel more at ease, because she's not even trying to hide her expression lately. She's going to get a real scolding if she keeps that up.
* * *
"You've looked pale all morning... What on earth is wrong?"
In front of the parking lot. Tetsuya was worried after seeing Miyuki, who had just come from a student council meeting.
Miyuki, who had dark circles under her eyes, gave a weak smile.
"It's just... something tiring happened this morning..."
"Like what?"
"Just something."
Her tone was cold despite its gentleness.
It carried the meaning: don't ask any more questions.
But our clueless Tetsuya completely failed to read between the lines.
"What's with that... Feels like you've been keeping a lot of secrets lately. From me?"
Such childish whining. He's nothing but a brat.
Shouldn't a childhood friend of fifteen years be able to read the subtle changes in Miyuki's expression?
But that bastard is too busy tending to his own feelings to even notice.
That's why Miyuki is starting to distance herself from you.
I was going to give you a special ride for once, but now I'm having second thoughts.
Miyuki and I are going through a crucial period right now.
There's no room for a bastard like you to butt in, so just shut the fuck up, take the ride, and go home.
"It's just a really personal matter. Sorry."
Miyuki soothed Tetsuya.
She's being so kind even though she must be on edge.
If Tetsuya had asked that question to anyone other than Miyuki, the atmosphere would have probably turned chilly by now.
Before Miyuki could get any more uncomfortable, I stepped between them.
"Let's go. It's cold."
"Ah, right..."
And so, after quickly dropping off the dead weight, we were on our way back to Miyuki's house.
She affectionately tapped my arm as I was driving slowly and asked.
"What's gotten into you? Matsuda-kun offering to give Tetsuya-kun a ride?"
What do you think? I'm trying to score more points by doing something you'd like.
If I keep this up, maybe you'll suggest doing something I'd like, right?
Of course, I know the chances are slim just from giving Tetsuya a ride, but at this point, I have to try everything I can.
"I asked him what he was up to, and he said he was just heading home. It's colder today than yesterday, so I offered him a ride."
"How admirable of you...?"
"You look surprised. I'm not actually that bad of a guy, you know."
"You're phrasing that wrong. You are a bad person, but you're gradually becoming a good one."
"Are you joking or serious?"
"Let's say half and half."
Miyuki, who had been joking in a playful tone, stared at me intently when the car arrived at her house.
"Matsuda-kun."
"What."
"Should I sleep over at your place again tonight?"
"Didn't your mom say no? Then it's a no."
"But this morning she told me to stay?"
"Your mom knows you sleep at my place now. She knows exactly what can happen when a girl is alone with a guy in his house, so she must have said that to tell us not to push it... We can't help it. Honestly, it'd be a lie to say I'm not disappointed, but I don't want to insist on it to the point where she dislikes me."
"Why are you being so thoughtful today? It makes me want to praise you...?"
Can't you give me that praise in the form of a threesome?
"Just get out."
"No. I want to talk more. I have nothing to do by myself at home."
"Then do what you want."
"Are you going to watch 'that' again when you get back?"
"I won't."
"Really? Didn't you buy that laptop to watch porn?"
"Do you think I'm some kind of porn addict?"
At that, Miyuki let out a small, awkward laugh, then her expression suddenly turned serious.
"I have something I want to ask you."
"Why are you so full of questions since yesterday? What is it?"
"Hmm..."
Letting out a short sound, Miyuki licked her lips.
Is it time to get serious?
I accept your challenge. Bring it on.
After a moment of silent thought, she carefully began.
"If you had the chance to be with me and another girl, who would you pick for the other girl?"
It's a similar topic to what she asked yesterday, but the question is much more intense.
Is your mind starting to open up? Can I take it that way?
"Why the sudden question?"
"It's not like we're actually going to do it, so what's the big deal? There's nothing wrong with a girlfriend trying to understand her boyfriend's tastes in detail. Hurry up and tell me. And be serious, if you can."
So typical of Miyuki, with her passion for learning.
I have to answer this well, too. What can I say that will appease her?
After thinking deeply with a long exhale through my nose, I scratched the back of my neck and looked up.
"I think it'd be better to bring someone you know."
"So you don't care if you don't know her? Is any girl fine as long as she's a girl?"
Her words felt like they had thorns, and a chill ran down my spine.
Could it be that Miyuki knows my entire scheme?
Is she playing with me? Is that it?
"That's not it. If I brought someone I know but you don't, it would obviously be super awkward for you. Besides, assuming that situation ever happened, you'd be feeling distressed and upset. I figured if it was someone you knew or were close to, you'd at least feel more mentally stable. That's why I answered that way."
"I see...? So you gave that answer for my sake?"
"You're the one making the situation happen, so of course I have to fully consider and be thoughtful of your position."
"What about bringing someone both you and I know? Is that no good?"
No good? Are you kidding me? That's my ultimate goal... I'd love it.
I never even considered doing it with someone that one of us didn't know.
I love you, Miyuki. If you told me to lick your toes like a dog, I'd do it.
"Of course, that would be the best."
"Is there anyone we both know who's into that sort of thing?"
I'll take care of that part. You don't have to worry.
"I haven't thought that far. Are we done now?"
"For now, yes."
That "for now" is bothering me.
Was the answer I gave the best one? Or not?
It'd be nice if she told me... but Miyuki doesn't seem to have any intention of doing so.
"Aren't you going to do something for me before I go?"
Miyuki narrowed her eyes and puckered her lips.
Seeing as she's asking for a kiss, it doesn't seem like she's upset.
Somewhat relieved, I leaned over and gave her the affection she wanted.
Miyuki gave a satisfied smile, got out of the car, closed the door, and waved.
Waving back, I leaned against the seat back. Once she opened the front door and went inside, I released the parking brake.
Every single day feels like it's draining the life out of me.