CHAPTER 3 (PART 2/3): The 'Date'

POV : Kyotaka

After a short walk of a few minutes, we found ourselves in front of a small restaurant named "Angel Mort," which Rena had told me about. Apparently, she had never set foot inside, but she had often seen it during her previous visits to Okinomya and had always wanted to try it. However, it seemed that she hesitated to go alone, considering the apparently peculiar clientele of this establishment. I could understand why as soon as we entered.

Inside, I only saw men with rather shady appearances, who seemed to be there for reasons other than just eating. The inquisitive looks and suggestive comments spoke volumes. Although I didn't know the exact reason, I could easily guess that it was related to the "cute uniforms" of the waitresses Rena had told me about earlier.

Finally, a waitress wearing a very suggestive outfit came to greet us, confirming that it was indeed the distinctive uniform of this small restaurant. I now understand why the customers seemed so uneasy, as this outfit certainly highlighted the assets of the waitress. Observing the scene, I couldn't help but sigh. Apparently, it was exactly the kind of restaurant I had imagined. I still hope that it doesn't influence the quality of the food offered here too much.

Waitress: Hello, dear guests~! Follow me, I'll seat you at a table just for the two of you.

Rena: Alright, thank you, we're coming! She then murmured something that just made me sigh, as she seemed completely excited. Too cute, Hau...

After greeting us with a respectful bow, apparently following a well-established choreography to please the customers, the waitress smiled and led us to a table. We took seats across from each other. Rena seemed visibly excited about the waitress's outfit, which she deemed "cute." I was starting to understand the reason for her curiosity about this restaurant.

Nevertheless, the place seemed quite pleasant to me. After all, I had never really had the opportunity to spend leisure time in this way, in a small restaurant, in the company of a friend. It was a welcome change, a rather enjoyable experience, all things considered.

Waitress: Here's the menu. One of my colleagues will come over to take your order~!

Rena: Thank you so much, Hau~!

Kyotaka: I appreciate it, miss.

After my response, maintaining my usual impassive expression and characteristic tone of voice, the waitress gave us a smile. She delicately placed two menu cards in front of us before engaging in a somewhat unusual action. A light, sweet laugh escaped her lips, a laugh that seemed almost forced. With a wink of her right eye, accompanied by a slight tilt of her head, she turned a quarter turn, then, after waving at me, gracefully headed towards another table. It was evident that this behavior was one of the attractions for the customers, although I couldn't observe any other waitress adopting such an approach with other guests. I had to admit, despite the strangeness of the situation, that this little display was both cute and pleasant.

Rena: So, Kyotaka? What do you think of this place, huh? Don't you think the waitresses are super cute too? Look, I'd love to take one of those outfits home, Hau...

Kyotaka: It's true that this little restaurant has a nice atmosphere. And as for the waitresses, I can only agree, they have their charm... But seriously, do you really think they'd give you an outfit just because you find them "cute"?

Rena: Ehehehe... Well, I'm sure I could find one somewhere ☆! I'm sure Mion must have one at home or in her locker in the classroom.

Kyotaka: Why on earth would Mion have something like that at home... Well, coming from her, I guess it's not even surprising.

Rena: Oh, and I completely forgot to tell you, eheheh... Sorry, yeah, there are only desserts here. Is that okay, h-hau? She asked me in a somewhat embarrassed manner, lowering her head a bit, her cheeks slightly reddened by embarrassment.

Kyotaka: That's fine by me. I like desserts, pastries, sweets, all of it. So, no problem on my end, I guess.

Rena: R-Really? Y-You too, you have a thing for pastries and cute stuff? Hau ~ Hau! I didn't know you were like that, Kyotaka. We understand each other well then. So, what's your favorite dessert?

Kyotaka: I see. It's funny, we all have our little weaknesses. As for me, if I had to choose a favorite dessert, it would probably be ice cream. And you, Rena, what's your favorite dessert?

Rena: Ice creams? Ehehehe, I didn't know you secretly liked that, Kyotaka!! It's super cute. Well, I love everything cute, yeah, all the cute little desserts. But if I had to choose, I'd say I really like strawberry, so desserts with strawberries are probably my favorites~.

Kyotaka: Well, I guess even the most serious individuals can appreciate a bit of cuteness from time to time. Strawberry, a delicious choice. Let's go over the menu now before deciding on our order, once the waitress presents it to us, of course.

Rena: Ehehehehe, yeah, you're probably right! I bet even the most rebellious rebels would like at least a bit of cuteness... It's true, no one can resist the power of cute stuff ☆! After giving me a little wink while sitting in her own unique way, she resumed in a more normal manner. Yeah, let's check out the desserts! I really want to try lots of super cute things. We're going to enjoy ourselves, I'm sure.

Well, I'm not used to such deliberately misleading nutritional approaches, but I suppose it's necessary to explore new experiences. Desserts, especially ice cream, were one of the discoveries I enjoyed at ANHS. I have enough money on me to allow for this little indulgence. After all, freedom is also about that, isn't it?

I certainly don't regret this day, at least not so far, despite a few events. Spending a free day in this small town with a girl like Rena, tasting desserts and ice cream, is not something I could have imagined three days ago. Yes, I certainly don't regret my life before.

Maybe I'm starting to adapt little by little to this new world. And maybe I'll learn more about this new group in the future. It's still too early to say.

In three days here, I've experienced more pleasant things than in a whole lifetime in my world. So, even if I don't know what your true intentions or actions are, Rubiscarl, I can at least thank you for that.

After debating the various desserts available on the menu, a waitress, dressed in the distinctive uniform of Angel Mort, came to interrupt our discussions and reflections. The natural beauty of the waitress didn't leave me indifferent, and I must admit that her outfit cleverly highlighted her generous curves.

What particularly caught my attention was the striking resemblance to someone I already knew: Mion Sonozaki. Despite her demeanor, place of work, and attire, it was evident that this waitress was not Mion. However, it was hard to ignore the blatant resemblance. Could she be a twin or a person with familial ties? The question of the resemblance remained unanswered.

Rena, sitting across from me, initially appeared confused, then surprised. It seemed like she had come to a similar conclusion as I did. The difference was that Rena probably believed it was indeed Mion, right? Well, I easily understand why she might think that, in any case...

Young Waitress: Uh... ummm...

As she approached our table, the young waitress immediately tried to say something, but she seemed extremely shy and embarrassed, perhaps due to her new outfit that wasn't conducive to dispelling awkwardness. A more experienced waitress offered some advice over her shoulder. It was evident, given her appearance close to that of Rena and mine, that she was fairly new to her job, explaining her reserved behavior.

The contrast with Mion was striking, although I could discern a hint of resemblance between the two. Could my theory about twins have some merit? Only time will tell. I could hear the experienced waitress whispering something like "Just calm down and say 'Sorry for the wait...!'" Useful advice, no doubt.

Young Waitress: Ummm... I'm terribly sorry for the wait...

"That's it, that's it, just like that! Do your best!" After whispering these encouragements in her ear, the more experienced waitress finally left. It was evident that the new employee had just been hired. Her very shy demeanor contrasted undoubtedly with Mion's, and I could see some similarities between them, especially after observing Mion earlier.

I understood how embarrassing this could be for her, especially considering the bewildering behavior of most customers, focusing on the waitresses rather than the food and desserts the restaurant had to offer. The outfit certainly didn't help things for our new employee, who must have been around our age.

With an obvious lack of confidence, she moved hesitantly, almost awkwardly. Watching her was a bit unsettling, so I sighed inwardly. As for Rena, she looked at her with confusion and concern, giving her a small encouraging smile. It was classic Rena, staying true to herself despite the situation.

Young Waitress: Uh, excuse me... C-Can I take your order, please?

After making this remark, I saw Rena smile warmly, which seemed to confuse the young waitress for a moment as she timidly responded with a nod...

"Sorry, Rena, but this isn't Mion..."

Before placing my own order, I wanted to see Rena's reaction. If she thought it was Mion and started talking to her in a friendly manner, then I could really know who she was and if she had a connection with Mion. It would look more like a misunderstanding on Rena's part, I suppose.

Rena: I'll have a Strawberry Parfait and um... And and a small strawberry tart! She said it in an excited way to the young waitress. But I didn't know that Mii worked at Angel Mort! You're too cute in that outfit, hau! I want to take you home!

As I expected... Rena is really convinced that it's Mion. I can see the young waitress becoming more and more nervous as the conversation continues. Before intervening to end this confusion, I prefer to observe patiently, crossing my arms and leaning back in my chair.

And as expected, the waitress becomes more and more nervous, playing with her hair and showing signs of panic by stammering slightly.

Young Waitress: Eh? Uh, Ah, Ummm, ... I-I help out at my uncle's store.

"That wasn't really the wisest response for this situation. My apologies for what's about to happen..."

She should have immediately denied being Mion, or at least phrased her response more clearly. I have to admit that this response will only make things worse, and Rena's growing enthusiasm will quickly take over. I can already anticipate her repetitive "Hau ~ Hau!" as she usually does, on loop. She even starts fidgeting frantically from side to side in her seat across from me.

... As a mere observer of this embarrassing scene about to unfold before me, I might as well enjoy it, undoubtedly.

Rena: H-Hau ~ Hau ~ Hau ~ Hau! Mii is really, really cute! Oh yes, oh yes, I want to take her home so much! Ehehehe! Mii is just too cute when she's all embarrassed... Hau ~ Hau!

Young Waitress: N-No, not thaaaAAAAt!

I was truly curious to see where this situation might lead us. With all the time I had, might as well use it to immerse myself in new experiences, like having a bit of entertainment. So, I chose to participate in the game proposed by Rena and the young waitress. My usually impassive and expressionless tone didn't seem to be the main concern for the rookie waitress.

But there was also another motivation behind this decision, a kind of disguised kindness. Facing challenges from the start is a real way to learn, isn't it? It was essential for her to break out of her shell and overcome her shyness sooner rather than later, or the world might quickly overwhelm her.

In addition to that, I had already gained crucial information: she mentioned working in her uncle's store, and I had learned earlier that Angel Mort belonged to one of Mion's uncles. Since this waitress wasn't Mion, she must surely be related to her in some way. I'll just play along with Rena until she reveals her identity herself, which could be very useful in the future if she's connected to the Sonozaki family and lives in Okinomiya.

Kyotaka: Well, to be honest... That outfit suits you, and I must say you're really cute after all.

Young Waitress: At my sudden intervention, a small squeal escaped her. Um, t-that's wro--

Rena: D-Did you see that, Kyotaka? You agree too, right? L-Look, Mii is so, so cute... I-I can't help it, hau! It's decided, I'm bringing her to my room tonight!

Young Waitress: I-I said it's wrong!!

Suddenly, the face of the young waitress flushed intensely, and she finally managed to release the words that seemed stuck in her throat. Her voice suddenly rose, expressing her sincere confession.

This impromptu reaction immediately caught Rena's attention, who now looked at her with a mix of confusion and perplexity. Rena adopted an innocent expression, tilting her head to the side, posing a simple but curious question to the waitress.

Rena: Eh? What do you mean by that, Mii? What do you mean, huh?

Young Waitress who is not Mion: I'm not! ... Mion!!!

And there it is... Things progressed faster than expected, it seems. She probably wanted to end this misunderstanding as quickly as possible, which makes sense in itself. Now, everything will follow its course. So, who are you really? Of course, the fact that they are twin sisters is already clear to me, but it is still necessary to know her real identity, her name for example.

Observing Rena in front of me, I could see that she was rather bewildered after the revelations of the young waitress. Out of the corner of my eye, I also noticed that she was starting to feel a bit embarrassed... Well, that's entirely understandable, considering she shared intimate details with someone she thought she knew as a friend.

Rena: U-Ummm... What do you mean by "you're not Mii," huh? Huh? Does that mean... hau, something weird is going on?

Young Waitress who is not Mion: Uh... I'm sorry. I should have said it earlier, but...

Now, the young waitress seemed to have calmed down, wearing a small smile. It seemed like she was showing a bit more of herself to us, ready to reveal her true identity... Well, this might be more of a surprise for Rena than for me. I could sense a slight additional awkwardness in her, probably wondering what would happen next.

Shion: My name is Shion Sonozaki... Mion is my older sister.

Rena: EEEEEeeeh?

Rena seemed even more bewildered, blinking several times as she looked at Shion with an expression of incomprehension.

"Shion Sonozaki then... I see..."

Thinking back, I should have anticipated this. It was rather logical, especially if you examine Mion's name... Although their names have distinct meanings, they form a meaning that follows. Their parents were quite clever, I must admit, giving them names with double meanings. I had the opportunity to see Mion's name written on the only day I went to class. She used the kanji "Mi" (魅) for demon and "On" (音) for sound... So, her name could be interpreted as "The sound of the demon" (魅音), which is rather unusual... But it suits her well when you think about it. As for Shion, her name would probably be written with the hiragana "Shi" (詩) for poem and the kanji "On" (音) for sound, forming "The sound of the poem" or even "the sonorous poem," in my opinion. That suits her well as I look at her closely.

On the other hand... Their two names also have another meaning. Mion's name could also be written with the hiragana "Mi" (み) for three and the kanji "On" (音) for sound, forming "the third sound" (み音). Thus, as Mion is the twin sister of Shion, one could assume that Shion's name could be written with the hiragana "Shi" (し) for four and the kanji "On" (音) for sound, forming "the fourth sound," in continuation.

I found it rather amusing, truly... It was a clever ingenuity, with these double meanings.

Kyotaka: Shion Sonozaki, then... You're Mion's twin sister, if I understand correctly?

Shion: Y-Yes... I'm often mistaken for my sister...

Rena: H-Hau... R-Rena is sorry... I-I mistook you for Mii... Sorry then... She seemed rather touched by that, lowering her head in embarrassment.

Kyotaka: No problem, I apologize as well. We didn't know that Mion had a twin sister...

Shion: Ah, um, ummm... N-No, it's okay, it happens often, so don't worry.

Rena: But, earlier when we met, Shii responded in a way, you know, not really like it was the first time we saw each other... So Rena thought that... Hauuu...

Kyotaka: Well, I guess since she's Mion's sister, she probably already talked about you. So, it's not surprising that she recognizes you based on the description she might have given.

Rena: Really? Is that right, Shii? Is it? Hauuu.... Why didn't I think of that earlier. Then she quickly recovered, offering one of those big warm smiles she's known for. Well, nice to meet you, Shii!

Shion: Ah, um, it's really nothing, okay. She often talks about the club and everything, so I'm starting to get to know everyone a bit... especially this Keiichi Maebara. B-but anyway, it's nice to meet you, Rena!

Kyotaka: Yeah, nice to meet you too... Shion. You must run into Mion frequently, right? After all, Keiichi hasn't been here for very long either.

Shion: N-Nice to meet you too, ummm... Kyotaka Ayanokoji, is it? You've just arrived here recently, so I don't know you as well as the others, but my sister told me there was a mysterious newcomer in Hinamizawa that surprised her... W-Well, yes, we do run into each other quite often, and since I live in Okinomya, it's not that far. She talks about this Keiichi often, yeah. Every time we meet, she somehow manages to bring him up... It's quite cute, I think... Maybe one day, I'll have the chance to meet him in person.

Rena: H-Hau... Keiichi and Mii... Cute together... Hau... Rena seemed to drift into strange reveries after Shion mentioned that Mion talks a lot about Keiichi.

Kyotaka: Well, you'll probably get the chance to see him at some point... And I moved to Hinamizawa only three days ago, so it's understandable...

So, Mion and Shion met three days ago, apparently... It surprised me a bit that she already knows me, considering I've only been here for three days and she lives in Okinomya. However, as Mion's sister, it doesn't surprise me as much now.

What also caught my attention is that Mion frequently mentions Keiichi to Shion... Whatever the meaning behind these exchanges. Rena seemed to be in pink clouds after sharing this information, but knowing Rena, she tends to interpret everything as some kind of romance. So, maybe I shouldn't rely too much on her judgment to understand the reasons behind all this. Shion doesn't seem, at first glance, to be as close to Keiichi, although a bit... If we remember her reaction at the Seventh Mart when she left in a hurry, then it could make sense. However, I can't rule out the possibility of another reason, especially given her status as the heiress of a very influential family that controls the entire region...

But maybe I'm thinking too much. Well, I guess I don't really find it interesting to dig into this source; it's probably trivial anyway... I suppose I still can't just stay calm and enjoy my new freedom with my new friends, with Rena... Can I? In the end... I'm still stuck in "this place"... Deep down, it doesn't change... I remain the same.

Shion: A-Anyway, I'm sorry, but... I still have work. So, c-can you give me your order, please?

Rena: Ah! Yes, right, we're sorry, ehehehe... Well, I wanted a Strawberry Parfait and a cute little Strawberry Tart ☆!

Shion: She murmured softly while taking notes in her little notebook. So, ummm... A Strawberry Parfait and a Strawberry Tart. Then, she turned timidly to me. And, ummm, for you sir... Well, would it bother you if I call you like my sister does too, um, Kyo-chan, is that right?

Kyotaka: After sighing, I answered her in my usual manner. For my part, I'll just have an ice cream cake and an affogato, and... no, it doesn't bother me, I suppose.

Shion: While taking notes on what I told her. Alright, we'll come back to you to bring your orders, then~!

After waving to us, she finally said goodbye, showing a bit more confidence in this last part of our interaction. It seems that after getting to know each other better, she gained more confidence. However, the use of the strange nickname given by Mion surprised me a bit.

Rena had returned to her usual behavior, still a bit excited. We resumed our discussion on various topics. Rena was mostly focused on how cute Shii was compared to Mii and imagined how well this outfit would suit her, being sisters. It seemed that just imagining it made her go into her "cute mode," as I would call it.

"This day is going to be really exhausting..."

...

Young Waitress: P-Please, gentlemen, um, could you please leave our establishment...?

With Rena, we had finished our meal and were about to leave after this pleasant moment in her company. Talking with her in this way was actually quite enjoyable. Perhaps spending time with a friend was what I was starting to feel. For now, I couldn't be sure.

As we were about to leave, a commotion broke out where we had entered, also the place through which we had to exit. Intrigued, Rena and I headed towards that place to understand what was happening.

Perverted Man 1: Come on, seriously! We're not doing anything wrong; we just wanted to grab a bite to eat here with our buddies, that's all.

Perverted Man 2: Yeah, besides, you're just losing three loyal customers!

Delinquent: What the hell is this damn story again? We just want to eat here, and you're telling us to piss off like it's nothing... Seriously, what's going on? You're happy to have customers in your crappy restaurant, right?

Young Waitress: I-I'm really sorry, gentlemen... But, um, you've been blacklisted from Angel Mort because of your inappropriate behavior towards the waitresses and the noise you cause here. S-So, excuse me, but could you please leave...

In this unexpected encounter at Angel Mort, I would hardly have anticipated being plunged into such an improbable situation, and this just after the pleasant moment shared with Rena and the parfait. However, it seemed that fate had decided to give me one of the most peculiar turns.

Since our intrusion into this place, where we met Shion, the waitress I had encountered earlier, trying to untangle the situation with these three problematic individuals, she seemed obviously embarrassed and struggling with these three men, one of whom had a particularly imposing stature.

Yet, such a situation wasn't beyond the realm of unlikely scenarios, right? After all, this kind of adventure is quite common in restaurants, especially in places of this nature where waitresses attract attention with their suggestive outfits and barely veiled gestures towards certain clients. What truly surprised me was the resistance shown by these three men, clearly unsettling Shion.

"Well, even in this world, they can't help but cause trouble, can they...?"

A thought that would have been quite at home in my old world, where such scenes were commonplace with those three idiots I call Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudo Ken. Two perverts and a delinquent, responsible for many troubles at ANHS, especially in Class D. Although Sudo seems to have evolved, it's apparently an observation that doesn't change.

Crossing paths with Shiina at the library earlier, I suppose it was ultimately predictable. Rubiscarl must have influenced more than one person here. The fact that they all end up together can only be an unpleasant coincidence, and I'm convinced that Rubiscarl is behind it.

... ... ... ... ...

Rena and I approached Shion with the initial intention of simply leaving. I watched them, these three idiots, hands in my pockets, while Rena adopted a more serious expression next to me. Her disapproving look towards them was understandable, similar to the one she had given me after the scene with Shiina at the library, but even firmer, like a mother scolding an ill-mannered child.

"This day is going to be long," I sighed inwardly. Of all the people at ANHS, I had to run into them. But well, it could have been worse, like Ryuen and his group. The facts are there, trouble is coming, and I can't help but think that it's not really the people I miss the most... Although they were my first "friends" I talked to in a certain way.

Shion: Ah! Kyotaka, Rena, are you here?

Kyotaka: Yeah, we were getting ready to leave, but there seems to be a problem... What's going on?

Rena: It's about those three, right, Shii?

At that moment, an unexpectedly bizarre scene unfolded before me, adding a new dimension to an already complex situation. What unfolded before my eyes was beyond my predictions, given the context and the character I had attributed to Shion.

"... More trouble, as always," I murmured with a resigned sigh.

Shion's reaction was entirely unexpected. She adopted an excessively panicked, almost theatrical behavior. Approaching me, she clung to my left arm with surprising intensity, holding it firmly with both arms while pressing her generous attributes against it, without any inhibition.

Shion: Kyo-chan, um, could you please help me? These three really don't want to understand, and they're bothering me...

Rena: Hau! Don't worry, Shii, Rena won't let those naughty boys bother you too much!

Kyotaka: ...

In the face of this new absurd and completely unpredictable scene unfolding before my eyes, I could only let out a sigh of dismay. Shion, in a theatrical and almost comical act, had seized my left arm with apparent exaggerated panic. On the other side, Rena oscillated between her "cute mode" and a serious expression, clearly expressing her disapproval towards the three individuals.

Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo seemed perplexed themselves by this unexpectedly surreal situation.

"Don't worry, guys... I'm just as baffled as you are..." I muttered, expressing a certain exasperation.

Ike: Hey, what's going on! Damn lucky guy!

Yamauchi: Yeah, why does he get special treatment while we can't even get in!

Kyotaka: I don't know what you're talking about... And I presume there's a reason for your situation, isn't there...?

Following these words, Sudo walked towards me, adopting the characteristic posture of a delinquent with hands in pockets, displaying a threatening expression. His stride betrayed his anger, an attitude that characterized him well, reminding me of the troubles he had caused at ANHS.

I hadn't missed this unpleasant attitude. It had caused numerous problems during my time at ANHS... I wondered why Rubiscarl hadn't sent him with his evolution... Probably, she found some amusement in this situation, as she had hinted. It seemed that this situation wouldn't be resolved quickly...

Sudo: Hey, watch your words, yeah? We're normal customers, and we got rejected for no reason, so don't start acting like jerks with us!

Kyotaka: ... Well, if you say so...

Shion: Hey! Kyotaka, don't listen to them! You don't know what they've done... Especially those two over there!

She pointed theatrically at Ike and Yamauchi, expressing disgust and fear with an almost tearful performance. Her acting skills were impressive, akin to that of a stage actress. While maintaining her firm grip on my arm, she conveyed her feelings almost pleadingly...

I sighed, anticipating that I would probably have to resolve this conflict. I didn't like this kind of situation at all, and I usually did everything to avoid trouble. However, they seemed to follow me, no matter my efforts to avoid them. I would have hoped for a more pleasant encounter with this group.

On the other side, Rena had a serious look towards the trio, clearly expressing her disapproval. She seemed ready to cooperate but also conveyed the silent warning that they would regret their behavior. Faced with these idiots, I wondered if I could just let Rena handle it. Even if Sudo had good physical condition, Rena's famous "supersonic punches," as Mion and Keiichi called them, left no chance for her opponents. A single wrong word could end the situation in the blink of an eye.

Rena: And are you really sure there's absolutely no reason, huh? Huh?

Ike: While saying that, he scratched his head and gave an embarrassed smile. Well, no, man, we're just normal guys here, you see... Come on, I'm sure it's the same story over there! You're not going to tell me you didn't notice the chance to have a super hot waitress by your side and another girl who's just as impressive... Look, damn lucky guy, you've got two babes with you, and you're making that face!! You don't even realize how lucky you are, you cool dude (ikemen = イケメン)!

Yamauchi: Yeah, you're just a damn lucky guy!! It's because of guys like you who snatch up all the girls that there aren't even any left for us. Let us have a bit, don't you know the bro code? You discredit our cause, us unlucky guys!

Sudo: You better shut your mouth, you have nothing to do with this story anyway. Get lost, both of you!

Shion: Kyaaaaa! Kyo-chan, th-th-they scare me!! Save me, please, my hero... They don't understand that they've been blacklisted because of the perverted things they did to all those poor waitresses...

This situation elicited from me only a sigh of frustration and boredom. Despite the pleasant day I had just spent with Rena and Shiina, these problems seemed inevitable. It was as if boredom clung to me, regardless of my efforts to avoid it. Shiina, on the other hand, was pleasant company, devoid of troubles, and it was always nice to spend time with her, especially during our reading sessions.

In contrast, these three often dragged me into complicated situations and troubles that I had to solve. Clumsy espionage operations, repeated rescues of Sudo due to his problematic, intellectually and delinquent behavior, or the disturbing behaviors of Ike and Yamauchi that seemed to repel all the girls around them. These three were truly idiots, and among all the students at ANHS, I had to run into them.

It was highly likely that they would be excluded from all the restaurants in the city of Okinomya if they continued like this. I wouldn't even be surprised if it extended to the entire city. Next to me, Rena wore a displeased face, casting an intense and piercing gaze at the three individuals. An expression that didn't go unnoticed by Sudo, of course.

Sudo: Hey, what's your problem now? If you have something to say, spit it out! If you want to act tough, go ahead, talk, b**ch! Seriously, all this for a dessert, huh!

Rena: LANGUAGE! She shouted this forcefully, simply silencing Sudo. No frills, okay? Shii said you were blacklisted for weird stuff... So, if you want to come back, you need to show a little goodwill and drop these habits. There wasn't exclusion for nothing, and you keep bothering poor Shii.

Kyotaka: Anyway, I doubt she has full control over the situation, given that she's just a waitress. If you have complaints, it would be more appropriate to address them to the manager, don't you think?

Sudo: What, you got a problem now? You think you can give me orders, huh? Anyway, it's the waitresses who manage here, right? She must have some responsibility for blacklist stuff or whatever, right? We just wanted to have a dessert with friends, without idiots coming to mess things up!

Kyotaka: I can't help but sigh again. This is really annoying... Looks like it won't end anytime soon.

Shion: Kyaaaa! Kyotaka, they really scare me! Look, he looks really angry and... She pretended to sniffle while holding my arm. Plus, those two perverts haven't stopped giving me creepy looks since earlier! C-could we, please, do something?

"And here we go again..."

Rena moved to the other side of Shion, hugging her and rubbing her cheek frantically against hers. She swayed slightly around her, while Shion continued to shed fake tears.

The scene looked more like a sketch than anything else, even drawing the attention of the spectators around us, consisting of the waitresses and customers of Angel Mort. Sudo seemed even more annoyed, a few meters away from me, hands in pockets, leaning forward like a delinquent, his face showing evident irritation. Ike and Yamauchi, a bit in the background, looked at me with envy, accompanied by some resentment. They clenched their fists tightly, occasionally throwing glances at Shion, who clung to my arm, pressing her assets quite pronouncedly, even crushingly.

Rena: H-Hau!!! Don't worry, Rena will take care of these naughty boys for you! Look ~ Look! And afterward, I'll show you my room, what do you think, huh? Huh? Hau ~ Hau!

Shion: Kyaaaaa!! Oh no, not the roooooom!! Kyotaka, my hero, do something, please!! We're surrounded on all sides! It's becoming a real TV drama here, with the villains surrounding us and me, the shy waitress, in the middle of it all! Hero, help!!

Kyotaka: Why this strange comparison here... And of course, Rena, the embodied threat, that's exactly it. No problem, Shion, I'll watch over her once she's done her exceptional "work."

Shion: Ah, Kyo-chan, my hero!! Save me from these perverts, this crazy delinquent, and Rena's room... You're really my superhero, the savior of the distressed waitress!

Kyotaka: Ah, of course... the superhero that a poor distressed waitress desperately needs, right? I guess capes and masks are out of stock this season...

Ike: Hey, that's enough! Damn lucky guy, avoid throwing free insults at us all the time... We're not perverts, we're just normal guys, just saying out loud what everyone thinks silently! Just look at these waitresses with their clothes, it's made to be ogled, right? He did a sort of imitation with his two hands as if he were palpating something. See, bare skin, it's made to be looked at, a woman's body, right? Hehehehe! Yeah, just like that... Just like that, nicely pressed, I could almost see them... Those brea--

"The word too many, I guess..."

Finally, the inevitable happened. He didn't even have the opportunity to conclude his last sentence before a dull impact sound resonated, echoing through the entire restaurant, under the astonished gaze of everyone. It seemed that no one had seen Rena move. Despite her apparently distant position, in an instant, the inevitable impact of words was felt on Ike's temple, who found himself on the ground, holding the affected area. Rena had hit him directly, demonstrating a precision worthy of a "cute mode" operation from a reasonable distance, thus establishing what I would call DSAR, the Distance of Supersonic Anti-Rena.

"I could just say it's deserved..." The phrase escaped my lips, expressing a kind of tacit approval.

The one who seemed most shocked was Yamauchi, being right next to Ike. He had probably witnessed Rena passing in front of him, as if she were the equivalent of a Magnum bullet. His expression barely showed his understanding of the situation, and after that, he only retreated a few steps, visibly disturbed and slightly frightened.

Yamauchi: H-Hey, what? What's this s**t? Seriously, we just wanted to grab a bite with our mates! B*tc--

"An idiot never learns the lesson, huh..."

And once again, as in an echo of destiny, an impact sound resonated, filling the space around us like the sound of a bullet bursting from a pistol barrel. In barely an instant, Yamauchi also found himself lying on the ground, alongside Ike. He seemed much more dazed, having received Rena's "supersonic blow" directly in the temple at such a close distance. In his state, he looked completely disoriented and stunned, lying on the ground without really knowing where to put himself, probably.

I'll have to remember never to try to provoke this girl, never. It's almost surprising to realize, but she turns out to be even more formidable than Horikita. It's something I would never have imagined saying one day, and now I realize it.

As if nothing had happened, Rena simply turned towards us, completely ignoring the astonished spectators around us. She casually rubbed her hands together and started walking calmly towards us, displaying a big smile on her lips.

Rena: There you go, Rena punished the nasty perverts~! You don't have to worry anymore, Shii. Now I can take you back home~! Hau!

Looks like the problem is resolved, apparently. I guess this is a solution... I should probably thank Rena for taking care of most of this mess herself. However, there's still the worst of the three, Sudo, isn't there?

Throughout all this, Sudo seemed lost, turning to see the other two idiots sprawled on the ground, one completely dazed and the other too embarrassed to dare to get up now after Rena's correction. Rena, on the other hand, was happily singing about taking Shion home, coming back to us literally skipping in place.

Sudo now looked even angrier, resembling a rabid dog. "Why isn't Horikita here when I need her the most... I wonder?" After all, who else would be better qualified than the master of the enraged dog to keep him properly leashed, right? Well, anyway, it seemed that the troubles weren't over yet. Apparently, I'm going to have to play the role of an actor this time since Rena seems completely immersed in her daydreams and pink clouds.

I didn't really want to do something that could reveal me in front of so many people, but after Rena's demonstration... I guess I won't really have a choice anyway. A little something, and it will almost go unnoticed. That's what I tell myself, as it's not like I really have a choice.

I sigh at all these troubles... Of the whole day, this is probably the most boring and problematic moment...

Sudo: Hey, what the hell is this, you crazy bunch? Bitch, who do you think you are, messing with my friends like that? Seriously, what's your damn problem, huh? I feel like kicking your asses, you bastards!

Shion: Kyaaaaaaaaaah!! Kyo-chan, do something about this brute, I'm terrified!! She clung even tighter to my arm, as if her life depended on it. Is this the moment when the hero steps in, right?!

Kyotaka: A sigh escapes involuntarily from my lips at this situation. Yeah, yeah... I guess that's the case...

Shion continued to cling to me, simulating exaggerated panic with fake tears, squeezing me way too hard. My hands remained stoically in my pockets. Onlookers around watched the scene as if it were a movie projected in a cinema, without uttering a word. Meanwhile, Rena seemed to have regained her composure, standing a few meters away from Shion and me, simply observing with curiosity, tilting her head slightly to the side. It looks like she doesn't plan to intervene this time, right?

Sudo approached me, facing me with a clearly visible expression of anger and irritation. He cracked the joints of his right fist with the palm of his other hand, glaring at me in that way, while I still maintained my usual expression, impassive.

Sudo: I'll start with you, you damn bastard! With your annoying face and arrogance, I'll make you spit out your teeth first, and you'll have less swagger after that... The other two bitches, I'll deal with them after you anyway.

Kyotaka: It's to your credit to try... But do you really think I'm the one who will be toothless after this?

Sudo: Huh? Are you delirious, you arrogant bastard! I'm going to throw my fist in your face, we'll see who'll be out of breath!

Kyotaka: You're alone... You would need more than that. Well, even with those two idiots, it wouldn't be enough.

Sudo: Screw you, man!

Without saying anything other than a simple vulgar phrase, Sudo grabbed me by the collar with his right hand, shouting more insults like a skunk... Even after saying that in such a confident and dark manner, he didn't seem unsettled. Well, I can at least salute his self-confidence. After what I had said, it seemed that Shion had finally let go of my arm to free it, stepping back one or two steps to the side, a slightly more serious expression on her face. She seemed intrigued by what I had just said with so much assurance, in a cold way... On her part, Rena was looking similarly with a serious expression on her face.

Sudo: I'm going to rearrange your face! And you'll learn not to underestimate me, you damn guy!

Sudo reached his breaking point, throwing all restraint aside. His right fist clenched violently, and in a sudden, fluid motion, he propelled it with apparent force straight towards my face. The muscles in his arm tightened, indicating his complete commitment to this attack.

"How tedious... to resort to fighting against a former classmate in this manner."

Although I hadn't wanted it to come to this, the circumstances seemed to leave me with no other choice. After Rena's show of strength, I felt no need to hold back here. The consequences would be far less than at ANHS. Living a normal life didn't require excessive restraint, did it? Moreover, Sudo needed to learn and pick up where his development had halted. He needed to understand that violence wasn't always the solution, especially against someone stronger. Though he had been a major asset in the sports field at ANHS, he was just a mindless brute compared to me.

With that perspective in mind, I dodged his punch with disconcerting agility, as if my movements were choreographed. My hands, peacefully remaining in my pockets, didn't flinch. My dodge was both smooth and abrupt, forcing Sudo to release his grip on my collar. He let out a small cry of surprise and frustration, turning his gaze towards me. My calculated move had left him striking at thin air, his frustration growing.

Sudo: What the hell was that? Bastard, you won't keep treating me like an idiot for much longer! I'm going to make you eat my fists!

Kyotaka: You're aware that getting more agitated only leads to more mistakes, right? Continuing like this will only further humiliate yourself with those kinds of comments.

Sudo: Shut up!!

Sudo, fists clenched, was becoming more determined. He turned towards me, anger injected in his gaze, and launched his first right punch, propelled by considerable force. In a fluid movement, I slightly tilted my torso to the left, skillfully avoiding his attack. My hands remained stoically in my pockets, adding a touch of nonchalance to my posture.

Taking advantage of the momentum from his missed strike, Sudo immediately tried to catch me off guard with another assault. This time, he unleashed a powerful left punch. My sharp reflexes allowed me to swiftly move to the right, cleverly dodging his strike. My movement was calculated, my actions precise, as if I had anticipated every move Sudo would make.

The sequence repeated, Sudo continuing to launch desperate attacks. He sought to land a hit on me, but my mastery of the terrain and agility provided a constant defense. I avoided each strike with disconcerting fluidity, dancing between his fists like a matador evading a bull's charges.

With each dodge, Sudo's irritation escalated. His tense face reflected his growing frustration. The onlookers, including Shion and Rena, followed each movement with rapt attention, captivated by the demonstration of my finesse and skill.

The silent duel continued, each movement calculated and executed with almost artistic precision. My impassive expression didn't waver, while Sudo, exhausted and increasingly bewildered, struggled to find a gap in my seemingly impenetrable defense.

Sudo: Damn coward! Stop dodging and fight seriously if you're a man!

Kyotaka: I'm not entirely sure I understand... Does resorting to violence and losing your temper in every situation make you a man, in your opinion? I must admit, your perspective is rather interesting... Yes, interesting in the stupid sense.

Sudo: Shut your damn mouth, seriously! I'm going to make you swallow all your arrogance, you bastard!

Kyotaka: Please, go ahead, I'm all yours...

His growing irritation was palpable, each growl resembling more the threatening growl of a beast ready to unleash itself. It was clear that my words had struck a nerve, unleashing in him an animalistic fury.

"Perfect, that's what I was aiming for... It's time to move on to the next step, it seems..."

In perfect alignment with the imminent trajectory of his punch, I positioned myself in front of him. The right hand, hitherto concealed in my pocket, made its entrance. In a motion as smooth as it was calculated, I firmly seized the wrist of his right arm mid-air. Every movement seemed planned down to the smallest detail, my other hand remaining undisturbed in my pocket.

Continuing with controlled fluidity, I leaned to the right, raising my left leg in a bent curve. The ensuing sweep was executed with precision, the back of my left foot hitting Sudo's right cheek. The force and speed of the impact forced him to emit a sound mixed with pain and frustration, propelling him to the side to land on all fours. His cheek now bore the unmistakable mark of the confrontation.

The audience, composed of servers and customers, remained frozen in a state of shock. Their gazes, all fixed on me, seemed unable to divert their attention from this surreal scene. Shion, surprised but wearing a subtle smile, followed every detail. Rena, usually carefree, had adopted a serious expression, intensely scrutinizing every move.

Indifferent to the ambient reaction, I placed my hands back in my pockets and calmly walked towards Sudo. Stopping by his side, I loomed over him with my imposing stature, a cold and dark gaze without uttering a word, creating a heavy silence.

Sudo: Go to hell, you damn bastard! Do you really think this will be enough against me?!

His return to an upright position was marked by apparent impulsiveness, determination and rage etched on his face. In an almost anticipated move, Sudo kicked his right foot towards my left, targeting my ribs. However, the predictability of his attack presented a vulnerability to exploit.

Without hesitation, I moved laterally, dodging his foot, while planning my counterattack. A sequence of fluid and calculated movements unfolded. My left arm blocked Sudo's right arm, which had been thrown in my direction after the failure of his kick. Growls and roars of irritation escaped him as I pivoted, momentarily throwing him off balance. Finally, removing my hands from my pockets, I clenched them into fists and positioned them in front of me. In an almost choreographed sequence, I delivered a precise punch to his midsection with my right fist, exploiting his own momentum against him. Groans of pain and surprise emanated from him as he held his abdomen painfully.

His body, now off balance, was thrown backward. Without giving him time to regain his composure, I executed a skillful twist of my body. My right foot connected precisely with his abdomen, crushing his two hands that were desperately trying to protect his chest. This further accentuated his vulnerability, causing groans of pain as he retreated, releasing his painful hands.

The speed of the entire movement bewildered Sudo, unable to react to the fluidity of my actions. Placing my foot back on the ground, I continued my series of strikes by sweeping my right fist back down after performing my right kick, violently hitting Sudo's left cheek. He then turned his head to the right, groaning in pain.

Without giving him a moment's respite, he slightly retreated to his right, but I continued my series of strikes with apparent ease. Turning halfway around, I once again raised my left foot in a curve, delivering a circular kick directly to the back of his neck. The impact on his neck, almost at the carotid level, swept him once again to the left, his arms flying slightly in the air, unbalanced after experiencing a counter-force from the left.

As he knelt, I moved quickly, calculating the precise moment when his knees would touch the ground. Midway through his fall, I grabbed his forearm between the wrist and the cubital fossa of his left arm. Moving to his left side, I firmly gripped the back of his arm between the elbow and the shoulder with my left hand. Removing the grip I held with my right hand, I shifted it to the back of the wrist of his left arm, pulling his arm backward, at the level of his back.

The moment his knees abruptly touched the ground, he found himself kneeling, in the grip of growing rage, while I held his arm firmly in an arm lock from behind.

Kyotaka: It's over, Sudo. I'll let you choose to surrender yourself... before your arm breaks.

Sudo: You damn bastard, do you think I'm done with you? Wait until I get back up, you bast-- Aaaaaaaah!

Without even giving him time to finish his insult spit in my face, I proceeded to twist his arm firmly. Despite his efforts to struggle and free his arm, his attempts were in vain. Cries of pain escaped him as his body bent forward under the unbearable agony of the pain. I persisted, applying increasing pressure, preparing to break his arm. The cracks of his bones accompanied his screams, becoming increasingly deafening under the arm lock.

Sudo: AAAAAAAH!! I-It's enough, damn it! Stop it, you sicko, I give up! Damn it!

Once I had gained the acknowledgment of his defeat, he was finally released from the pressure on his arm. He remained like that, seemingly catching his breath after the unbearable agony and screams he had launched since the beginning. His body remained bent, and in the meantime, I placed my hands back in my pockets, stepping back a few steps.

Kyotaka: Well done, Sudo, you made the right decision. Congratulations on admitting your defeat. Using violence isn't always the solution, and creating conflicts only brings additional trouble. Resilience is sometimes the best way to solve problems.

My comment seemed to overwhelm and irritate Sudo even more, prompting him to strike his fist against the ground in frustration. This reaction was understandable, as admitting defeat is not an easy thing for a human to do. However, it's a necessary step to evolve, and I was confident that Sudo would eventually understand. Brutal violence solves few problems and, as he had already experienced at ANHS, often creates more.

Sudo: Damn it, seriously!

After muttering a few more curses, Sudo stood up with still palpable frustration. With an annoyed step, he headed towards the exit where Ike and Yamauchi were, both already standing for a while, attentively observing the outcome of the fight. Their gazes mixed surprise, shock, and a hint of fear. In a nonchalant manner, hands still in my pockets and slightly leaning forward, I saw Sudo join them, snapping them out of their stupor.

Ike: A-Alright, yeah, let's go then...

Yamauchi: Y-Yeah, I'm coming with you guys...

Then, without a word, Ike and Yamauchi followed Sudo, leaving Angel Mort in a heavy silence. Sighing lightly, I turned to the assembly, my hands sliding back into my pockets. My face, impassive and calm, seemed to indicate that nothing particular had happened. It was just another tedious task to handle, nothing too complicated.

The atmosphere around us was still heavy with astonishment. Shion stared at me with a dumbfounded expression, just like Rena.

"How boring... Maybe I went too far after all?"

... And as this thought crossed my mind, everything suddenly unraveled. Cheers erupted, my name was acclaimed with excitement. Seriously, troubles seem to follow me like a shadow. I just hope this little altercation doesn't disturb my peaceful and ordinary life.

Shion and Rena finally approached me, each with a different expression. Unusually, Shion threw herself onto my right shoulder, clinging to it as if I were a plush toy. Where had her usual shyness gone? Her eyes sparkled with obvious admiration, while a mischievous and happy smile adorned her face. As for Rena, her usual calm seemed to have returned, sporting a simple smile as usual.

Shion: Kyo-chan!! That was epic, seriously, I've never seen anything like it in my life! It was like, mind-blowing from start to finish. You just gave that jerk what he deserved. Did you see how frustrated he was at the end? Ahahaha!! It was just insane!

Kyotaka: It wasn't much, honestly. I didn't do anything special. And seriously, where did your shy and panicky side from earlier go?

Rena: Kyotaka, it was so cool, honestly~! Ehehehe, it was even super cool to watch, I couldn't look away. Then suddenly, his gaze hardened a bit. But you pushed a little too hard at the end, you know? It was already over, no need to go that far, you know? You can be quite ruthless when you want to, Kyotaka...

Kyotaka: After her comment, I finally sighed before responding. Yeah, I wanted to make him understand certain things and push him to accept defeat... I guess I could have been a bit gentler, but it's too late now.

Rena: My response seems to please her, and she ends up smiling at me. It's okay, the important thing is that you understand, right? And I understand why you did that, so it's fine!

Shion: Yeah, and honestly, that jerk deserved it! He got exactly what he deserved. Against my super Kyo-chan, he couldn't do anything, hehehehe!

Kyotaka: "My super Kyo-chan," huh? Am I some kind of trophy or something?

Shion: Hehehehe! Yeah, you're my hero, the one who saved me from that mean delinquent, after all. Saying that, she gave me a kind of seductive wink while hugging my right arm again like a pillow.

Kyotaka: I don't know... Should I really consider myself lucky for that?

Shion: Of course, you should! Don't you realize how lucky you were to have the honor of saving a beautiful creature like me? She said that with pride, puffing her chest. It's your reward for saving the princess, after all!

Kyotaka: A princess, huh...? I don't know why, but I find it hard to believe.

Shion: Hey! She lightly tapped the arm she was wrapped around, with a slightly annoyed expression, cheeks puffed on her face. That's not very nice, you know? You don't say that to a girl, you still have a lot to learn! Then, her expression turned into a seductive smile again. But since you saved me this time, I'm willing to forgive you, Kyo-chan!

Kyotaka: Glad to hear that, your highness...

Shion: While winking at me and giving me a seductive smile. No problem, my gallant knight~!

... ... ... ... ...

After some teasing, the customers and waitresses returned to their tasks. Shion was called back to work, releasing me from her embrace. She walked away, waving to us, Rena and me.

Shion: Work is calling, sorry guys! We'll meet again sometime. And then, throwing what looked like a kiss with a wink, she concluded. Hope to see you very soon, K-y-o-c-h-a-n~!

Kyotaka: I sighed at the situation. Yeah, goodbye Shion, and until next time, I guess...

Rena: Ahahaha! See you later, Shii! It was a pleasure to meet you~!

After that altercation, Shion had resumed her role as a waitress at Angel Mort, immersing herself once again in her tasks. Meanwhile, Rena and I were heading leisurely towards the café's exit, taking our time without rushing. By my side, Rena continued to radiate positivity, humming lightly with amusement.

... All in all, I guess the day was pleasant in her company, despite the unexpected incidents and problems that arose.

Rena: Hau~ Kyotaka, that was really amazing, wasn't it? Wasn't it? I was so surprised by what you did earlier. You really hide your skills well, don't you? I wouldn't have guessed at all. Ah, I'm sure you could do even more impressive things!

Kyotaka: Thank you... even though I didn't do much, to be honest. And honestly, I have to admit you handled it quite well too. In a quick move, you took down the other two idiots so swiftly that most people didn't even perceive it. It was quite impressive, I must say.

Rena: Hehehehe, they were bothering poor Shii, so I had to punish them, you know? But no matter what you say, what you did was really impressive to me, Kyotaka. While saying that, she gave me another one of her famous sweet smiles. But I want to know, where did you learn all that? She then looked at me with a certain interest in her eyes.

We left Angel Mort as she asked this question, scrutinizing me with curiosity. A spark of interest twinkled in her eyes. Unfortunately, I couldn't provide much information, nor deny anything for that matter. I also knew that lying wasn't an option, so I had to come up with something to say that wouldn't make her suspicious, in order to enjoy the rest of the day without further incidents, if possible.

Kyotaka: Well, like everyone else, I suppose... But it's nothing very interesting. After all, they were just basic moves, nothing particularly impressive.

After uttering these words, I noticed Rena slightly furrowing her brows as she observed me. It was annoying. It seemed that no matter what excuse I came up with, she wasn't pleased. She seemed to have a disdain for any kind of lie, which could become problematic in the future. I'll have to address this little issue with her later.

Rena: Mmmmh? You're still answering too vaguely and oddly, Kyotaka. Like always, you're not really addressing my question. Are you trying to hide something from me, perhaps?

Kyotaka: What are you insinuating? I just mean that it's not something very exceptional, in the end. I picked up a few tricks through training, like everyone else.

She insisted more that I was hiding something from her. Was she trying to make it clear that she knew I wasn't revealing the whole truth and probably concealing crucial elements? I supposed that was evident anyway. She seemed both intrigued and dissatisfied with my words, scrutinizing my reactions for any hint of evasion. It was quite an intense situation.

Finally, after my response, I maintained my usual calm and impassive demeanor, not showing any alteration in my attitude. However, she seemed to furrow her brows even more in reaction to my evasive answer that didn't truly address her question.

"I'm sorry, Rena, but even if I could... There are things that must remain buried."

Even without the mandatory constraint preventing me from disclosing information about the world I come from, especially about "that man" and "that place," I would do everything in my power to preserve them. After all, I simply want to enjoy my peaceful and normal life in this new world for as long as possible. By revealing certain truths about myself, and especially about "that place," what would be the consequences? Would Rena feel pity for me? That's certainly something I don't want. Even though I deeply despise "that man," I must acknowledge that if I am here with all my capabilities, it's thanks to him.

Perhaps, one day, if circumstances allow... If something in this world manages to alter my perspective, I might consider unveiling certain truths. However, that remains uncertain. Anything can happen, I suppose. Just consider this day today. I never thought I would live such a normal day, sharing a simple outing with a friend, exploring the town, and engaging in various activities. I certainly wouldn't have imagined showcasing some of my skills in public during the confrontation with Sudo. Maybe, unconsciously, I am changing...? It's probably premature to draw conclusions. We'll see with time.

As long as I'm in this world, anything is possible... Right? Even with the daily constraints that will be imposed starting tomorrow, or even with "this riddle" I have to solve, I realize that these are just minor obstacles. My freedom and peaceful life remain my priorities. So, seemingly insignificant problems shouldn't unsettle me more than necessary.

Rena: Mmmmh... really? It's strange, you know. I have the feeling you're hiding more skills than you're willing to admit. And the way you fight, it's not something you learn every day. It's not within everyone's reach either... Well, I guess everyone has their little secrets, right, right? Hehe, maybe you have something to tell me, hau~?

This time, she is direct and categorical. She points out that I keep secrets, that I don't share everything. It's now obvious, even if it already was.

She announces this with her usual smile, a radiant smile under the sun. It's hard to deny that it was a beautiful scene. Her smile has the power to brighten any place, an impressive quality, to be honest.

What makes the situation even more interesting is her remark that everyone has secrets, without going into details. Is she simply admitting that I don't want to talk about certain things and that she respects that? That could really help me. Clearly stating that I don't want her to pry further into my life would have been tedious. It was a wise move on her part because she seems almost perfect. She has a gift for perceiving and deducing things about the people around her. This skill is undeniable, and she applies it even with me.

Kyotaka: Everyone has their specific skills, that's for sure. However, there's no need to dwell too much on these details. You can't discover everything about a person at first glance.

Rena: Hehehe, you're really something, Kyotaka. That's what makes things interesting, hau. We gradually discover who's behind that calm and impassive façade. I'm really looking forward to knowing more about you, you know? And by that, I mean real things, of course, mmmh?

She now openly confides that she was aware I wasn't revealing the whole truth, that I was keeping certain elements about myself secret. This revelation doesn't surprise me anymore at this stage; my reservations were already suspected.

Her eagerness to learn more about me is palpable, isn't it? I really wonder how she would react if she truly discovered my origins and my true nature. Would she be able to look past these revelations and continue treating me normally? Even though she's generous, even though our club consists of caring members, I'm not really able to predict how things would unfold.

It's an uncertainty, something I can't accurately anticipate. I'm genuinely curious to see how it will play out. Yes, truly curious. Perhaps, one day, I'll have the opportunity to share more details about myself. It's a possibility that I might wish for, no doubt. After all, even though I've been with them for only three days, I already sense a certain inclination for change.

However, at the moment, these three days certainly won't be able to rewrite an entire lifetime spent being what I am. So, for now, I remain inexorably tied to that past.

Kyotaka: I'm not sure I exactly understand where you're going with this... but you might be disappointed. I'm not as exciting as you seem to think.

Rena: Ah, but we'll see, won't we? People are never as simple as they appear. And discovering those little nuances is what makes human relationships fascinating. Well, that's what I think, hau! And I'm not the only one interested in you, you know~?

Rena continued to respond to me, navigating between a mature and wise aura and her usual enthusiasm, her radiant smile remaining present.

When she mentioned "I'm not the only one interested in you," a tinge of curiosity awakened in me. Was she alluding to Mion, Keiichi, Satoko, and Rika? It was plausible, but the reason for their interest still eluded me. After all, I had just arrived three days ago, and my interactions with them, especially with Satoko and Rika, were limited.

Despite this uncertainty, Rena's words sparked my intrigue. She seemed to have an idea in mind, a specific intention, but she didn't reveal it completely.

Kyotaka: You have an interesting way of seeing things.

Rena: She gave me another warm smile. Thank you, Kyotaka. By the way, you know, I realized earlier... when you faced that brute. Your gaze was rather... intimidating, shall we say. It was quite impressive, the way you maintained that calm and coldness in your eyes, even in the face of violence. But maybe working a bit on that wouldn't hurt, don't you think~? Hehe, it's just a little observation, hau~!

Kyotaka: It's just my way of operating. Being calm in the face of violence allows me to keep all my faculties. As for "working," I suppose you mean personal improvement or constant evolution.

Rena: Well, emotions are an important part of everyday life, you know. They allow us to understand others, to connect with them. And it can also make relationships more enjoyable. Maybe you should try smiling a bit more often, for example. Besides, you're so cute when you smile, hau~!

Rena shared these thoughts with her ever-bright smile, her joyful attitude remaining unchanged. The little "Hau" cries she emitted from time to time, her adorable eccentricities, persisted. It was typical Rena, and I would have almost been worried if she had stopped these peculiar behaviors.

"Emotions, huh...?" Rena seemed to want to bring up a particular topic. Perhaps she was suggesting teaching me to feel emotions I had never experienced, even since my childhood in "that place." The idea of discovering the range of human feelings, something I had hoped to experience by joining ANHS, seemed to emerge. Could I truly hope to feel these emotions, this human warmth, in this world opening up to me?

It was clear that the future held surprises, and this world represented more than just an opportunity for freedom. It was a miracle, an unexpected chance offered by a certain "Rubiscarl" in exchange for still unclear conditions but providing an unlimited duration to fulfill them. I looked forward to seeing what this world had to reveal to me.

Kyotaka: I'm just not the kind of person who smiles a lot. It doesn't change as easily as deciding to smile. It's just a characteristic of my personality that remains as it is, I suppose... And besides, what's the point?

Rena: Hehehe, it's simple, Kyotaka. A smile can completely change the atmosphere, ease tensions. And it can make people more inclined to talk to you. So, how does it sound? I could teach you a bit about how human emotions work. It would be fun, don't you think? And besides, I could kill two birds with one stone... Watching that cute smile every day would be so incredible, hau~! Just thinking about it, I mean... Hehehehe! And when you're in my room, I could observe you as much as I want and soak in that cute smile whenever I want~!

Kyotaka: I feel like you're considering me as a mere accessory, some kind of decorative object... Are you sure this won't be beneficial just to you? I let out a sigh. The purpose of this endeavor escapes me, but if it satisfies you...

My response seemed to trigger laughter from Rena. So, that was what she had in mind. She wanted to teach me these emotions, make my smile more frequent, and perhaps she hoped to make me happy. The question that arose then was whether she would actually succeed and how long it could take.

Rena, you are truly intriguing and fascinating. It seems that you don't even need constant corrections or evolutions. It's as if you intuitively understand, simply deducing by observing the person and using that knowledge to help others, as you are currently attempting to do with me. For now, I find everything you do sufficient, but let's say you're the perfect pawn for me. Such a high-quality tool should not be refused. You prove even more useful than Horikita and Kei combined.

However, beyond that, I want to see if your words will come to fruition. Perhaps you will succeed in changing my perspective. I wonder, Rena, will you always remain this perfect pawn, like my queen, or will you evolve in my eyes to become what people call a true "friend"? I will eagerly wait to find out, Rena.

Rena: Perfect ☆, I'm sure you'll see everything differently, Kyotaka. My new goal? To make you smile, and not just that. I want to make you joyful and happy every day. Is that okay with you~? She emitted a small, adorable laugh, hau. Of course, it's okay, right? Right?

Kyotaka: It's a rather ambitious goal, but I must admit my curiosity is piqued. If you want to try...

Rena: That's great! It's going to be so much fun, you'll see. Come on, let's try to change this calm and impassive atmosphere around you, okay? Just by being with us in Hinamizawa, you'll see, this atmosphere will inevitably rub off on you! Did you see that smile you made yesterday? You didn't even realize it, right~?

Kyotaka: I guess you're right... We'll see how it goes later on, then...

My response seemed to fully satisfy Rena, who once again displayed a smile while laughing lightly, as usual. Afterward, we continued walking together throughout Okinomya all afternoon, with Rena guiding me and showing me all the interesting places in the town.

Throughout the day, I couldn't help but reflect on what Rena had said during our discussion. I constantly wondered what her motivation could be. After all, what did she have to gain from it? It surely wasn't just because she found my smile cute and wanted to see it every day...

Rena was a truly strange girl, overflowing with kindness and devoid of any malicious intent, no matter the nature of her endeavors. In reality, it would even be fair to say that all the club members were that kind of people, although each had a distinct personality. To be honest, it didn't bother me much, so I might as well simply enjoy it.