Onna Doushi to ka Arienai deshou to Iiharu Onna no ko wo, Hyakunichi kan de Tetteiteki ni Otosu Yuri

I ate my breakfast across from Aya, and we both grabbed our bags while leaving the room. I locked the door, went down the elevator together, and spent the rest of the time chatting on our way to the station.

It was an ordinary morning before the winter break. But the reason why today feels so special is that Aya is next to me.

[You’re working part-time today right, Marika?]

[Ah, that’s right. Aya, you’re going home first, right? I’ll be home around eight o’clock, so I’ll give you my duplicate key.]

[Duplicate keys]

On the platform of the station, crowded with commuters, I gave Aya the duplicate key to my apartment, which I had removed from the key ring. She took the key as if it were a piece of jewelry.

I was tickled by her exaggerated reaction.

[So, yeah. You can go ahead and go home first. Don’t forget to turn on the heater and make yourself at home.]

[I, I understand.]

Aya wraps the key in a handkerchief and tucks it deep into her bag. That key is not important evidence, Aya…

[Do you want me to pick you up at the station?]

[It’s fine, eight o’clock is still just in time for my curfew. I’ll be fine.]

[Ok then, I’ll pick you up. Call me when you get to your part-time job]

Oi, Aya. You need to listen to what others say!

Well, it’s not like I hate the fact that Aya’s going to pick me up or anything.

[By the way, Marika, do you ever go out to eat at night?]

[I don’t think I go out that much, why?]

[I thought I’d make something since I’m staying at your house. Moreover, I don’t have a part-time job today. So I’ll have to borrow your kitchen, if that’s okay.]

[Eh?! That sounds great!]

Aya’s home cooking! My first!

Then a train came to the platform in front of us. Aya was surprised at my sudden excitement, but she made a throaty, [Uhm] sound.

[Well then, I’ll think of a menu. Is there anything you don’t like?]

[Nothing in particular! What I like the most is Aya, though!]

Aya laughed at me when I said that in a cheerful mood as we boarded the train. The strap on her bag, Benjamin Baroque, swayed. I also have a matching Benjamin Baroque in my bag.

I wonder if Aya will welcome me with a home-cooked meal in the evening.

Ah, mou! Such happiness~!

Aya’s sweet and gentle atmosphere made me think, “Wow, this is going to happen tonight… Maybe she won’t let me sleep… Aya loves me so much~!”, my heart swelled with happy anticipation.

I arrived at the classroom with a light step, like a newlywed. I left Aya and went to my seat. I was smiling and wondering if school would end soon.

Three of my classmates arrived. Hm?

It wasn’t Marika’s group that was there.

[Good morning, Marika.]

It’s Reina Nishida, a party person. It’s unusual for her to talk to me. And why is she bringing two of her friends along with her? Nishida herself is 160cm tall, so she’s intimidating.

[Good morning, Nishida]

She waved her hand lightly with a cool look on her face. With the atmosphere of a mature girl around her, Nishida is the class leader in a mature fashion. If Fuwa Aya is the queen of the moon, then Nishida is the Queen of the sun. Moreover, she’s an active fashion model. She’s even been on TV before. In summary, she has a strong presence in the class.

She’s tall, thin, has a pair of wide eyes, and is always surrounded by four or five people around her. So she doesn’t have much contact with the other groups.

[So? How can I help you?]

My classmates…, Kishinami and Tomatsu, are looking at me alternately. No, no matter how you think about it, I thought Nishida’s the one who’s going to talk. I’m suspicious of their intentions, so I made a confused face and tilted my head.

Then, Kishinami stepped in between us.

[Nothing special, It’s just… the name Sakakibara has been under the radar lately. To tell you the truth, she’s losing her presence.]

[Ah, yeah, I totally understand that]

Tomatsu agrees, claps her hands, and starts to laugh.

Hey, hey! I don’t mind if the one telling me that is Nishida. But you guys are just her subordinates! I don’t need to be told like that by someone who’s just getting closer with Nishida to stand out in school! It’s true that since Aya joined our group, she’s the only one who stands out, but still!

　But Still!!

[Eh~ Is that so?]

Nishida screamed, and Kishinami and Tomatsu looked at me in horror.

[I think Reina-san has gotten more beautiful lately. That color contact is a new color, right? What do they look like?]

[Ah, yeah, I do agree with you. It looks natural even in darker places. But I think a light brown would be better for Nishida-san though.]

[You’re right, Marika. I’ve always thought that you’re the only one who understands Reina-san]

[Ahaha, What are you talking about?]

Nishida unfolded her arms and laughed, and the two behind her looked at each other awkwardly, as if she had made them follow her. I don’t know what’s going on, but I think I’ve stepped on the Queen’s tail. I’m sorry for your loss, Queen.

[What I mean is… do you have a boyfriend or anything by any chance?]

[Eh? Of course not, what are you talking about?]

[I wonder why are you panicking]

That’s because it’s not a boyfriend, it’s a girlfriend!

I remembered that Aya had said that she wanted to announce it. But I convinced her to knock that idea off. 

But of course, I couldn’t tell Nishida that I was dating Aya, so I decided to just play it off.

[Oh well, it’s fine. I broke up with my boyfriend, so I’m single now.]

[Ah, are you talking about your photographer?]

[Yeah, that one. He said that he wants to get married to me after High School and he told me that he’ll make me happy for the rest of my life. But of course, I ain’t going to be a housewife at that age, right? I’m planning on going to college after high school, and then I’m going to work.]

[Oh, so you’re the type of person who works hard, huh? I’m not that kind of person]

[He’s not a bad guy for sure. But… we have different values, so we just parted ways. Though, I’m sure he will find his sleeping beauty soon. And then there’s this thing]

Nishida looks down at me meaningfully. I suddenly got nervous because of the way he looked at me. Is it..possible…eh?

Suddenly, my eyes met Shirahata Hinano as she entered the classroom. Her hair was tied with a two-piece knot and hung down in front of her, dyed in blue to top it off. She symbolizes freedom of our high school rules, and a charismatic shopkeeper in Harajuku. 

She stares at me intensely, with no understanding of the situation, I raise my thumbs and nod deeply. She had a look in his eyes that said, “You’re a woman who can mess with a woman, and you should know it.

Wait, no, no, no. It can’t be right.

I mean, there’s no way I can confess that in front of her and her two cronies! How am I supposed to show my face when I meet Aya!

And then, Nishida smirked

[Hey, how about you go out with me for a while?]

[Where to?!]

I rattled my hands on the desk and stood up.

Nishida squirmed a bit and answered my question.

[A mixer]

a…

Yep, I expected this much.

　Marika-san、Your standards were a bit out of context weren’t they?. It’s weird, isn’t it? Up until recently, I was on Nishida’s side. Why are two women going out becoming my standards as of lately… I’d usually blame Aya for this. 

And then, I sat down on my chair.

[Nee, it’s fine, right? I can’t get excited without you. Well, Reina-san can have lots of fun on her own, but how about we match you with our school “pinch hitter”, how about that?]

Nope. sorry. I have a girlfriend already.

I’ll tell you what, Who in the world is he?　What kind of guy?　But If I start to say those kinds of stuff, it’ll lead to a situation where I’d end up lying. So I decided to encourage Nishida while giving off an unreasonable girl vibe.

[Ehmm… When?]

[December 24th]

It’s Christmas eve. Definitely not. It makes it easier for me to say no, which is a huge advantage.

[I’m sorry, but I have a prior engagement]

I put my hands together and I bow my head.

And then, for some reason, the two people behind Nishida-san looked relieved.. Well, since the Nishida group has quite a few people, why did she bother to invite me?

As I was thinking about that, Nishida came close to my face.

[Eh? But, you said that you don’t have a boyfriend, right? Did you falsely report this to Reina-san? That..](TN: I think Nishida refers to herself as Reina here)

The words were joking, but Nishida’s eyes weren’t smiling at all. Please don’t suddenly get grumpy and look at me like a wolf to its prey just because I rejected you. It’s scary

I held up both of my hands to calm Nishida down.

[I’m having a Christmas party with my friends. It’s at a restaurant I know]

[Oh, with your friends. Are you aiming to find someone there?]

[Ahaha, that might be the case. But unfortunately, it’s a girls-only Christmas gathering this year.]

Nishida lifts her eyebrows naturally.

[Isn’t it lonely doing a women-only party?]

There’s a part of me that thinks, “Sure, it’s only natural for someone like Nishida to respond in that way.” I mean, I was thinking about the same thing until half a year ago.

I don’t know what I need to say in these situations.

Maybe I would’ve laughed like an idiot and said, “That’s right!” to follow up her conversation. But the current me can’t possibly say that. Is this what they call evolution… but backward? I don’t understand anymore. For the time being, I answered Nishida with, “Nope, I love my friends!”. (This is a fact, a fact!)

Nishida looked like she didn’t understand at all.

[But it’s your only Christmas in second grade. You can always party with your friends, right? Is it okay to waste an event like that?]

Who are you to call it a waste!

It’s an insensitive and blunt thing to say. But I guess that’s the normal way of thinking in this school or even the world in general

I know that if we’re going to read the atmosphere and act like some safe popular-people actions, we should gently move on and go aim for laughs.

I understand that but…

[Isn’t it fine? It’s up to each person to decide which makes them happier. Spending Christmas with their dearest friends… or spending Christmas at a party laughing at a total stranger.]

The words that came out of my mouth were somewhat sharp for Nishida-san.

[Ha? What in the world is that?]

She narrowed her eyes on me.

[WHo are you to talk carelessly to me?]

This is bad, by the time I had realized that, I was too late.

I mean, I’ve rejected Nishida’s invitation, right? Moreover, in front of her cronies as well. Now I’ve done it.

Oh well, now that I’ve done it, I guess there’s no turning back!

[It can’t be helped, right? Nishida’s friends have high standards, right? If I were to join your party, I’d get nervous.. In that case, I’d rather hang out with my friends, I know it’s 100% fun]

Nishida crossed her arms again.

[I think you’re being too defensive. Reina-san also cares about her friends, but we’re not talking about that right now, we’re talking about Christmas. Wee, I guess that can’t be helped if you have a prior engagement, though~]

Nishida smiled openly as the people around her began to pay attention to her.

She already says what she wants to say, and then she backs off. In this sense, Nishida is similar to me. She’s always concerned about her position and stands her ground.

Aya and Hinano are the types who are willing to fight until the last point. There’s no fear in themselves.

I patted my chest and said, “Well, I guess it’s okay if we both end up with the same level of pain”.

There are times when I have to fight to maintain my popularity in class. But it’s not that I like to fight! I did it because I have to!

[Well then, let me know if you change your plans for christmas]

Nishida waves her hand and walked away with her cronies. I replied it with, [Oh…], and the scene was finished with a somewhat mended feeling.

But…

[Marika, let’s discuss the Christmas party]

And then, Chisaki came over and said something like that, as if to change the topic between us.

　Chi, Chisaki!

Nishida and Chisaki are like cat-and-dog. I don’t know the details but, apparently, they had a serious fight when they were in first grade. 

Nishida turned around and stared in my direction.

[Ha, what’s with the sudden appearance? Disgusting.]

See! Just look at how she reacted to Chisaki.

[Mari’s been getting into trouble with some annoying women, I’m worried about her.]

[I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I didn’t remember inviting you to our conversation, how annoying. Marika, I think you should choose your friends properly.]

[Ha ha ha…]

Nishida, followed by Kishinami and Tomatsu went back to their seats, making the atmosphere worse. Chisaki then clicked her tongue.

[It’s up to us to decide whether we want to go out with other women or not. If Yume hears something about this, we’ll be in trouble again]

[Ah, so that’s your reason?]

Chisaki is going out with a girl from her class, Yume. So that’s why she’s against Nishida’s opinion.

However, as high school girls, we have no choice but to get along with it. It’s not that I’m giving up my relationship, but I’m trying to adapt to the school system.

In essence, “Air” is the power of numbers by the majority. It’s not good to fight against it with your own power.

Well, there are some special cases, like Aya, who can take on the “air” by herself. That’s why she can easily vent out the “air” without having trouble, you know.

In fact, Chisaki usually spends her time being careful about the “air”, so I think the reason why she’s upset right now is her annoyance towards Nishida.

[But Chisaki, don’t get involved in a conflict by yourself, okay?]

[Unless you want me to. Anyway, you’ve changed, Mari.]

[Eh? What is?]

Chisaki’s frown turned into a smile.

[Nothing big. In that kind of situation, the old Mari always going along with the other person. The old Mari is the type of girl who’s trying not to make conflicts. I used to think of you that way, and it’s not like I’m bothered by it. But lately, Mari’s always trying to say what she wants to say, right?]

[Eh, really?]

I’m not really aware of it. Because I’ve been saying whatever I want to say for a long time.

[I couldn’t do anything to rebel against Nishida. So I wonder if you’ve changed since you went out with Fuwa. I thought you must really like her.]

That last part was conveyed in a hushed voice so that I could hear it.

Huh? Is that so? Well, it’s true that I’ve started to say whatever I want to Aya.

I glanced at Aya, who was sitting in a corner of the classroom with her textbook spread out.

[Hmm..]

I’m not sure about that statement… But if Chisaki says so, then I guess it’s true…

Well, that’s okay. I’m sure that Chisaki was worried about me and came to rescue me. I’ll try to lighten the mood here.

[I didn’t think that Chisaki loved me this much, though]

When I said this while smiling, Chisaki was embarrassed and looked confused.

[Well, in what context? As a friend, right?]

[Are you concerned that Yume will be jealous of me again?]

She’s somewhat annoyed.

And then, Chisaki started to stare at my face.

[Eh? Nani?]

[Mari, you don’t seem to be constrained by your lover, right? She seems to think that it’s enough to have fun when you meet each other]

[What’s with the sudden question? Anyway, I guess so]

[Mari, do you have any plans to break up with Aya?]

[Can you please stop?!]

Why are you trying to hit on me?! I don’t want to build such a complicated relationship with you, I swear!

　and then Chisaki was laughing as if she was going to reveal something.

[That’s a lie. Mari is not my type]

I don’t care about what you like, I don’t care!

I thought it was going to be awkward because of the atmosphere. But during the next break, Nishida came over to make small talk with me in a normal way. She had this, “I don’t really mind about it again” appeal. That’s one of the points that I like about you, Nishida. You have a big heart that doesn’t let things drag you.

Her diplomatic skills are as good as a group leader. I’ve always thought that Nishida and I really have the fundamental way of thinking. 

During the whole talk, Chisaki and I didn’t even make single eye contact!

The same thing happens after school, It ended peacefully. I went to the family restaurant where I worked after school.

As soon as I entered the break room while saying “Thanks for your hard work~”. I was dragged into the changing room by Sae who was standing by.

[hii, That stings.]

[Depending on your answer…]

　Seriously?

Sae thrusts her phone at me. There was an SOS message on it that I had left unanswered. Ah, I totally forgot about that…

[What’s this? What are you doing? Is it fun to cut off my sleep time?]

[I’m sorry, but I couldn’t get to sleep either, so I guess we’re even]

[I don’t want to hear your reasonings!]

Sae who misunderstands something closed her ears with a bright red face.

　She looks like a neat and composed young lady, but she’s actually as noisy as ever. Sae Enomoto, a senior in high school, has been through a lot with Aya back then in Middle School, and a lot with me too. But we’re friends now. We’re going to be friends at least until Sae and Aya make up.

[Oh well, I’m glad that you’re alright]

[Hahaha], I laughed seeming lonely

[Is that not the case?]

I told her how Aya had come to stay with me, saying that my mother had actually been hospitalized. Sae listened attentively. She’s basically a kind and honest girl. But she’s so honest that she often gets out of control.

[That’s how it was… In the end, Aya didn’t lay her hand on me…]

When I remembered that, I started to feel less excited… Aya came to stay with me, but I ended up masturbating while thinking about her.

[I wonder why, Sae?]

[I don’t know, since I’m not a woman that has a face of the so-called “national treasure” face. But are you sure that she’s not cheating on you?]

[Nope, Not at all]

[Aren’t you too quick to say that?]

[That’s… Because Aya likes me]

[You don’t know how popular she was in Junior High, so you can’t say that]

[Please don’t talk about a person’s girlfriend as if she’s only good looking]

Even though I was annoyed, I couldn’t help but listen to Aya’s past.

[But Aya didn’t even have any friends, did she?]

I started to change my clothes into the uniform of the family restaurant, and Sae was changing hers as well

[What are you talking about, Marika-chan? A girl can have a boyfriend even if she doesn’t have any friends.]

[What a nasty thing to say!]

I can’t help but imagine all the men and women who are attracted to Aya’s looks and try to hit on her.

Of course, if such a beautiful were to be alone every day, there would be people who wanted to take a chance and confess their love for her. Aya herself isn’t the type to talk about love, and since she has no friends around her, there’s no way for people to find out that she’s been rejected. It’s a very safe tile. (safe tile = no-risk choice)

[Hmm, what a convenient woman, Fuwa Aya…]

[That’s right, she didn’t make any excuses when I was questioning her. After that, I went back to my classroom.]

[Reflect on it]

[I’m sorry]

Sae bowed his head deeply. I’ll keep telling you to reflect about that forever

[Oh well, jokes aside…]

As I stared at her, Sae broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly returned to her story.

[Well, if I were Aya in that same TPO, I think it would be hard for me to lay my hands on you.]

[Eh, Why?]

[I mean, your mother was in the hospital and she came to stay as your aide, right? She pretended to be your friend, and hid the fact that she’s your girlfriend. That’s why she’d feel guilty if she were to lay a hand on you.]

Nope, there’s no such thing as… eh?

I stare at Sae as she unbuttons her shirt.

Her breasts are huge no matter how many times I’ve seen them. Isn’t it?

[I wonder if Aya cares about that]

[It’s true that Aya Fuwa is an impudent and self-centered woman, who never loses her mind at any time. She’s a sorceress who uses her beauty, which is said to be one of the best in 10.000 years,  to devour all kinds of women and make them fall in love with her]

[Who in the world is that?]

[A sorceress who’s built up a reputation]

Sae repeated that in a serious tone. Is that your only view towards Aya? Look at the reality!

[Anyway, as far as I can see, it seems that Aya has a special place in her heart for Marika. I think Marika is the only one she cherished.]

Said Sae about her opinion. Then, I looked up at Sae.

[That’s why she didn’t lay a hand on you, am I wrong?]

[I don’t know…]

Sae finishes changing into her uniform, pouting. The -checked apron skirt in pale blue and the white blouse are impressive and clean, but when Sae puts it on, it emphasizes her voluptuous breasts and is a bit erotic.

[Anyway, I don’t think you have any sense of decency when you ask me about Fuwa Aya]

[Really?]

[Let’s see… I’m the woman who tried to stab Fuwa Aya and was thrown away. It is an abomination to both of us. It is true that I am the only one who understands Fuwa Aya at the core, perhaps more than anyone else in the world]

But Aya doesn’t build any empire though?

[Eh, then, since you’re an abomination, how about not coming to the Christmas Eve party?]

[That’s just mean!]

She screamed like a little puppy, I smirked.

[I’m sorry, I’m sorry, but thanks for the consultation session]

[Mmm, I don’t mind. In fact, I used your invitation as a reason to turn down the manager’s invitation to a Christmas concert.]

[Oh, really? I see, so you had other plans, huh? I’m sorry. As expected…]

[I’m going!]

I’m sorry for teasing you, Sae. But teasing you acts like a healing spell for me.

After I finished changing, I tied my hair back with a hair band and candy shaped pins.

[Speaking of which, the manager was having a Christmas concert? I didn’t get invited]

[It’s because I told her that I had business with Marika-chan. It seems that most of the other part-timers are going. Maybe the manager’s piercing will increase again.]

[What in the world is that?]

[About The Manager… I heard that every time she goes out with a girl, she makes her partner pierced her own ear.]

[W-What the…]

It’s kind of amazing. Instead of piercing the ear of the partner, she makes them pierce her own ear. What kind of sexality is that?

[Ehm, Is the manager that type of person in the first place?]

Our conversation changed topics to the manager’s story.

Maybe because Sae listened to me, my heart felt much lighter.

I mean, I knew that Aya cared for me, and it made a lot of sense now.

But if that’s the case, why didn’t you just say so, Aya?

Oh well, for now. Today too, let’s work hard! 

After my part-time job, the manager praised me saying, “You were more energetic than usual today, and your voice too, not to mention your smile either.” 

Of course I did, I mean, my girlfriend who cares about me is waiting for me at home!