Chapter_21

The day after my breakdown in the World History Prep room…

On Friday morning in the dining room, Okaa-san tells me something as she moves the breakfast to the dining table.

"Seiji, Tou-san has bought the notebook you asked. It is in our room. Would you like to get it after breakfast?"

I am sitting on a chair, waiting for breakfast to be ready. Meanwhile, Sana, already wearing her uniform under her pink apron, is helping Okaa-san with moving the food.

"I'll get it after school," I answered to Okaa-san.

Since today is Friday, the school will end up early.

After that small exchange, Sana joins me for breakfast. Afterward, we go to school together.

On the way, Sana asks me.

"Sei-kun, why were you asking for a notebook suddenly?"

"I want to try a career as a novelist," I replied to Sana's inquiry.

"Huh? Really?"

"Yes. I'm quite serious about this plan."

"Why do you suddenly want to be a novelist?"

I turned my head to Sana without stopping my walk and see her confused stare.

"After reading a number of novels, I have a lot of ideas in my head. When I see advertisements on the internet about the light novel writing competition, I want to try it. If I win, I can debut as a professional writer."

That was not all the reasons why I want that notebook. However, no matter how I see it, I cannot tell Sana the real reason.

After I visited the alternate future several days ago, I got the memory and experience of the ten years I lived as Sanada Seiji. I understand Neurology and Chemistry, as well as the relationship between the two to create that serum. I also know programming and a bit about engineering.

I have the confidence to hack the cybersecurity of some banks and other significant places. The cybersecurity around this time cannot be compared to the future.

I am sure that I can steal some money from corrupt officials. I even have the list of my future targets in my brain.

After I got the money, I can start concocting that hypnotic serum. After that, I will begin conditioning my body.

I need to reach the physical requirements for the skills I learned from my paid tutor in that alternate future. That tutor was a retired mercenary with vast experience in infiltration and other shady stuff.

I can see that I am going to be very busy in the future. Still, I promise to keep giving Haruka and Sana my attention.

Anyway, Sana and I arrive at school. After that, we get separated as we go to our respective classrooms.

***

Since the school ends early, Sana and I will return home immediately.

I do not have rendezvous with Haruka today. She said that she would be busy finishing her works.

Anyway, let's go back to the present. After I went to Sana's classroom to get her, we are leaving the school.

Right after we pass the gate, Sana pulls my blazer's hem.

"Sana needs to buy something. Accompany Sana to the store, please."

"Anyway, what do you want to buy?" I asked Sana as I look at her face.

"Sana won't tell you," replied Sana curtly.

When I see how determined Sana in keeping her secret, I do not bother myself with trying to know.

Even though I feel curious, I will not force Sana to tell me. I trust Sana, or rather, I trust her brocon mentality.

We make a quick stop at a general store.

"Don't follow Sana around. Got it?"

"Yes, yes. I won't follow you. I got it, alright!" I replied in exasperation.

She should have more faith in me. It is not like I am going to mock her.

Forget that! I will not be able to resist teasing her if she buys something weird.

Then, Sana goes off somewhere. Meanwhile, I stay near the cashier while spending my time surfing on the internet.

It is quite annoying because of the slow connection. I really want to get a smartphone.

(Actually, I can build it, right? I have the information in my head. Well, I think I am going to introduce the wonder of smartphones early to this world.)

I know the ins and outs of the latest smartphone in that alternate future. I can build one, but I do not have the tools for the more complicated process in constructing one.

"Sei-kun, Sana is done. Let's go home."

Sana appeared and told me so.

I missed her paying the item she bought.

When I look at her, I do not see her purchase.

"Sana put it in Sana's bag," said Sana.

It seems like she noticed my searching glance.

After that, we leave the store. Our walk is silent.

"Sei-kun," called Sana suddenly.

"Yes?"

"Did something happen?"

"What did you mean?"

I look at Sana with a doubtful gaze.

Sana looks at me for a few moments before shaking her head in dismissal.

"Never mind that."

I raise my brow and then shrug my shoulders. What was that? I am confused, really.

"Actually," Sana suddenly said. "Sana noticed that Sei-kun has been down lately. But, you seem to be fine today."

I glance at Sana from the corner of my eyes.

I see that Sana looks down at the road as she walks.

So, Sana also noticed that.

Well, if Haruka noticed that, Sana should too.

"I see… well, I am good now. Were you concerned?"

"Who was concerned? Sana never felt concerned at all! Sana never cared if Sei-kun is down or not! Humph!"

Sana turned her head to the other side, hiding her face from my visual field.

I wryly smile at her typical reaction.

A comfortable silence suffuses our walk.

I suddenly stop when I see something.

"Sei-kun? What is it?"

Sana, who feels curious, asked me.

She follows my gaze and sees an arcade.

"Do you want to go there?" asked Sana.

I turn my head to her and carefully contemplate my choice.

After a few moments, I choose to go there. I can use this opportunity to have a date with Sana.

"Yeah. Let's go there."

I grab Sana's free hand and bring her there.

"Wa-wait! Don't suddenly pull Sana! Sana can walk by herself!"

"Come on. Let's have fun there. We can think this as a date."

"D-d-d-date!"

As Sana released a strangled voice that sounded funny.

I snicker at her agitation. She is so easy to please despite her troublesome personality, huh? Well, that is Tsundere for you!

We enter the arcade and have fun together.

We play fighting games, shooting games, and other fun games, either against each other or cooperating with one another. We have our fun. I cannot deny that.

What's more, there is no Haruka to stalk us. She is doing her best to complete her work in school.

Admittedly, a part of me feels a bit guilty for leaving Haruka alone with her workload. However, I push that feeling aside because I have a hunch that Haruka will get her time with me on the Golden Week.

"Wanna try it?"

I asked Sana as her gaze lingered on the crane game machine.

Of course, a date in the arcade will not be perfect without trying this game at least once.

At least, the dates in rom-com anime usually have such events.

"N-No! Sana doesn't want to try it! That thing is a scam, I tell you!" replied Sana in agitation.

Yet, her red eyes are lingering on a particular plushy inside the machine.

When I check my success rate in getting that plushy, I find that I am in luck. No, I suppose my [Devil's Luck] is on the roll today.

"You want that puppy doll, huh? Alright. Come with me!"

"Sei-kun!?"

Sana called me. She sounded torn between reluctance and excitement.

In the end, she follows me there.

After I insert a ¥100 coin, I concentrate on getting that plushy. I never intended to grab it with the loose claws of this machine.

I must agree with Sana that this kind of game is a total scam. However, I have a trick to get it.

I use one of the rounded tips of the claw to catch the plastic string of the tag on the plushy.

After that, I make the claws pull up the puppy plushy and bring it to the exit hole.

I am filled with tension as the claws carry the puppy plushy to the exit hole.

Finally, the claws spread out, and the plushy sways for a few moments. Sana and I are anxiously waiting for the plushy to drop.

Then—

"Goddamnit! Drop Sana's prize you shitty machine!"

Sana roared and slammed the durable glass.

I was taken aback by that. Thankfully, I did not squeak like a little girl.

I turn my head to Sana and look at her with a wide-eyed, gaping expression.

As if sensing my stare, Sana turns her head to me. Her angry expression contorts in shame when she realizes what she has done.

The machine shakes, and the puppy plushy falls into the hole. Sana does not take it because she is writhing in shame. She is crouching down on the floor while holding her head.

She is super cute… like a terrified little animal.

In the end, I get plushy and crouch in front of Sana.

"There, there. No need to be ashamed. It was normal reaction when you got frustrated. Anyway, here is your prize, Sana."

Sana raises her head. Then, I see her red-faced, teary-eyed expression. Her red eyes are shivering with shame.

She moves her gaze between my kindly smiling face and the plushy in my hand. Then, she snatches the plushy and uses it to cover her lower face.

"Please forget what happened…" said Sana as she stood up.

"What did you mean? Nothing happened besides we got your prize, right?" I gave her a refreshing grin.

Sana relaxes when I choose to feign my confusion.

"Yes. Nothing happened…"

Sana furiously nods her head, still hiding her face behind her plushy.

"Also, thanks…"

"You are welcome…"