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[LN] Naze ka S-kyuu Bijo-tachi no Wadai ni Ore ga Agaru ken - Volume 1 - Chapter 3

 Chapter 3: Do as you please, Sara


The next day, a dull gray color covered the sky from morning. Haruya, who went to school as usual, pretended to sleep at his desk, blocking out the sound of the pouring rain.

 He sharpened his senses, trying to catch the conversation of the S-class beauties. He couldn't help but be concerned about Sara's actions.

 Yesterday, Sara had discovered his true identity, and he wondered what she would do from today onwards. 

Despite trying not to think about it, Haruya couldn't help but be curious. While he had obtained a promise from Sara not to reveal his identity, he couldn't honestly trust her.

 Therefore, Haruya anxiously observed the movements of the S-class beauties, feeling restless. 

"─Sara-chan, what's wrong? You don't seem well. Did something happen yesterday?" 

"Indeed... Your complexion doesn't look good. Did something happen?"

"Rin-san, Yumena-san, please don't worry... I'm fine." 

Seeing Sara, who didn't seem fine at all from her voice and complexion, Rin and Yumena looked puzzled. They wanted to help her, but they could sense her clear rejection from the aura she emitted. 

However, that was an unconscious aura emitted by Sara, and only a few people could sense it. 

Everyone had one or two things they didn't want others to touch, and the S-class beauties, who were treated specially because of their rare beauty, were skilled at reading the atmosphere around them. 

They maintained a clear line, a distance that should not be crossed, in their relationships with others. Rin, who usually talked about romance without hesitation, realized from Sara's downcast state that this topic was now a taboo and apologized before providing a safe topic of conversation. 

"Hey, hey! By the way, the new product at the station shop we went to the other day was really delicious." 

"Oh, that shop... It's delicious, right?" 

While having such a conversation, Rin and Yuna cautiously observed Sara's reaction. However, she seemed absent-minded, and when she finally noticed their gaze, she quickly forced a smile. 

"...Because we're friends." 

Rin muttered casually. 

"If you're in trouble, Sara-chan, you can tell us anything. We'll help you." 

"Yes... I'll help you." 

Yuna nodded in agreement. 

Then, Sara hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickered, and she tightly closed her lips before bowing her head. 

"Thank you very much. But I'm sorry... this is my problem." 

Timidly, yet firmly, Sara said so. She must have realized that they couldn't do anything about it. To keep up appearances, Rin and Yuna made an effort to steer the conversation to other topics. 

(Himekawa-san, I hope she's okay...) 

(She clearly doesn't look well...) 

(She was smiling recently, why did she suddenly change...) 

Meanwhile, their classmates expressed their concerns about Sara's change. 

Now, Haruya, who had been listening to the conversation among the S-class beauties, thought to himself, 

"What's going on?" 

Sara's lack of energy and her sudden disinterest in romance topics left Haruya bewildered.

 Until yesterday, she had been talking so enthusiastically about herself, like a toy, so he was worried about her. 

(Could it be that she found out about my true identity and was disappointed because I'm not someone cool with long bangs?) 

He was tempted to interpret it in a positive way. However, that would also make him feel sad.

 (The one thing I can say for sure is that her mental state is unstable.)

 Yesterday, Sara had a charming smile on




(I'm not sure what's going on, but do your best, person...!)

That's what Haruya thought as he silently cheered in his heart, as if it were someone else's problem. However, at that moment, he didn't realize that the person in question was none other than himself.


***

 

Outside, the night had already fallen, and the darkness had deepened. Sara, while gazing through the gap in the curtains at the dark night sky, continued to blame herself.

(What am I doing, really?)

Today in school, both Rin and Yumena had noticed that she wasn't normal. Even though they were concerned about her, she had still responded in a dismissive manner, which she herself found distasteful.

(And, since it was raining today, I couldn't go to the rooftop, but if I had seen him today...)

I wonder if I caused him trouble as well. Just thinking about it made Sarasa's chest tighten.

(I am the daughter of the Himekawa family... It can't be helped.)

She put on a resigned expression and let out a light sigh.

(It's not that I lacked confidence...)

In fact, Sara felt that Haruya enjoyed eating her homemade lunch and seemed to behave happily during their dates. But she thought, "It's too late now..."

(I'm not allowed to have a fateful romance... That's why, because of that day when I had a fateful encounter with Akasaki-san, I think a filter was applied.)

Because she couldn't have a free romance, she desired it. She wanted it. Sara felt that those emotions had surfaced because of her fateful encounter with Haruya.

(I must have been yearning for it... a fateful... no, just a normal, sweet romance.)

As Sara analyzed herself, she noticed that her feelings seemed to have lightened.

(In that case, if I can enjoy a normal romance before the arranged marriage, surely these feelings will settle down...)

With a brilliant idea in mind, Sarasa began listing the romantic things she wanted to do.

(Sneak quietly home after school, study together... Oh, I also want to go to the beach.)

Sara listed the things she wanted to experience in a normal romance, for now. The list grew too long, so she narrowed it down to what was feasible, setting a realistic limit.

...There's probably not much time left, Sara thought.

(Leaving school, studying, going to the beach... I suppose.)

She judged that the initial options were realistic. Since she couldn't narrow it down easily when it came to shopping outside, she focused on activities within the school... and going to the beach had a special feeling, so she chose it.

After confirming her choices multiple times, Sara immediately sent a message to Haruya.

"I'm sorry for contacting you so late. Could you come to the rooftop during lunch break tomorrow? I have one last favor to ask."

She knew it was quite forward, but this was her last chance... Sara old herself.

(...Akasaki-san...)

Sara murmured the name of the person she had feelings for, with a heart filled with longing.


***

 

The next day during lunch break, Haruya made his way to the rooftop with an evil smile on his face.

It was because he had received a message from Sara the previous night. The content was that she had "one last favor" to ask.

He hadn't been informed of the details yet, and he assumed he would be told shortly. Nevertheless, Haruya was in a good mood that Sarasa had asked him for a favor.

It was advice from Koyuki, that if you do someone a favor, you can be sure that they won

Because... 

"That person is amazing, you know... Just listening to them makes you feel how cool they are..." 

"I also want to see them in person... That person."

 It was because of the direct and excessive praise from Rin and Yumena. 

"(Hey, what kind of torture is this...)" 

"(Ugh... It's just too embarrassing)" 

Both of them blushed and were overwhelmed with embarrassment. 

On the way back that day, they walked in silence, unable to have a private conversation with the other S-class beauties (Rin and Yumena) present. 

"Ah, then I'll go this way."

 So, when the paths of the S-class beauties and Haruya diverged, they decided to part ways there. Sara waved her hand discreetly, trying not to be noticed by the other two.

 Haruya nodded slightly in response and then changed direction and started walking. 

While walking alone on his way back, his phone buzzed with a message. It was a notification from Sara. 

"I'm sorry for today. But walking home together like a normal couple was fun, even with the mishaps."

 Haruya smiled wryly as he read the message and replied, 

"Yeah... Well, I had fun too. Should we walk home together again next time?" 

"Yes. If something like today happens again... you know. Next time, I'll ask for help with studying."

 "Understood."

 After exchanging a brief conversation, Haruya put away his phone. 

(I'm not sure if that was really a good thing... but with two more left, I can finally feel relieved once they're done...!) 

In his heart, Haruya chuckled to himself. 


***


"This is a typical problem involving integers, but it requires application." 

"Oh, I see. I had no idea at all." 

One afternoon after school, Haruya, who had been asked to study together, and Sara were studying together on the rooftoop.

 Currently, Sara was explaining a subject that Haruya couldn't understand, making it easy for him to comprehend. 

Sara's explanations were easy to understand, but Haruya noticed something. 

(Himekawa-san... she's quite observant.)

 Haruya didn't explicitly mention that he didn't understand this particular problem.

 He just stopped and pondered, and Sara explained it to him from the side.

 "Himekawa-san, you're quite observant, aren't you?"

 "...Eh, why do you suddenly say that?"

 "No, I was just impressed."

 "Ah, thank you." 

She nodded honestly and smiled shyly. They continued studying together, and when they reached a good stopping point, they decided to take a break. 

"Oh, is that Tetris?" 

"Yeah, I play it during free time and breaks..." 

Haruya started the Tetris app and began playing, and Sara spoke to him. 

(Ah... in that situation, a T-Spin would have been better...) 

Sara felt a sense of frustration as she watched Haruya's Tetris game. 

Sara was an experienced Tetris player, and she was even skilled enough to be ranked among the top players.

 "Ah... I lost." 

Haruya was defeated by his online opponent in a match. Seeing Haruya like that, Sara seemed to want to say something as she bit her lower lip.

 "By any chance, Akasaki-san... would you like to try playing Tetris?"

 "...Y-Yes, I can play it well."

 "Beginners always say that, but it's actually quite difficult..."

 "Please leave it to me..." 

Haruya was momentarily taken aback by her confident response, but he wanted to see Sara's skill, which she boasted about, so he agreed to let her show him how to

Perhaps because she couldn't recall ever being thanked, Sara widened her eyes. However, upon seeing Haruya's face, she realized that he wasn't lying. She hesitated to speak, but in front of Haruya, who tilted his head, she eventually made up her mind.

"I imposed my selfish desires... and deceived Akasaki-san," Sara declared, gripping her chest tightly as if pleading for something, even though it left marks on her shoulders. 

"What do you mean?" 

Sara twisted her face, exhaled quietly, and clenched her shoulders tightly, leaving deep nail marks.

"The truth is, I knew. I knew that there would be an arranged marriage, and I knew that I wasn't allowed to have a free romance. Despite that, I burdened Akasaki-san with my selfishness."

"........"

Silence fell. Sara thought that Haruya was disappointed in her and felt afraid of his reaction. While gritting her teeth, Sara confessed, her voice trembling.

"Because of that, I don't have the right to be given such warm words."

"I'm the worst. I'm ugly. I'm despicable. So, please don't say 'thank you,'" Sara earnestly pleaded.

Sara wiped away her tears while still looking down. At that moment, her full figure appeared small in Haruya's eyes. Although Haruya was slightly surprised by Sara's confession, he couldn't bring himself to blame her. After all, he had also been in a position of trying to use Sara.

".....Himekawa-san."

When he called her name, Sara's body trembled, and she timidly raised her face. Yet, her eyes still couldn't meet Haruya's gaze.

"Even after hearing your story, I can't blame you, Himekawa-san. I mean, I was also deceiving Himekawa-san using a fake name."

"But, but..."

Sara seemed to want to continue speaking. It seemed like she had her own circumstances, which Haruya could understand. However, the same could be said for Sara.

Haruya told Sara, who wore an anguished expression, "I understand that Himekawa-san has her own circumstances. Besides, it's not easy to restrain yourself while living in such a strict family."

During the sensitive teenage years, being forced to live in such a restricted manner in a school life full of freedom... Haruya couldn't imagine himself enduring that. He could only see a future where he would rebel.

"It's not like you haven't done anything wrong, but you just showed a bit of vulnerability, Himekawa-san. That's all. I don't mind it, and I shouldn't mind it."

Haruya didn't know the details of Sara's family background. However, he could imagine it involved a traditional and strict household. He couldn't help but think that it was okay for her to be a little bit dependent. 

However, due to growing up in a strict family, Sara probably didn't know how to rely on others. She seemed to be mentally exhausted, pushed to her limits.

"Why... Why are you like this? Why do you speak so kindly to me?"

Sara couldn't bear it any longer and pounced on Haruya. She had no pretense of being strong anymore. 

"Why... How should I respond when you speak to me so kindly?" Sara repeatedly pounded Haruya's chest, but it didn't hurt in all. It seemed that Sara still carried deep anguish within her.

Haruya didn't embrace her or place his hand on her shoulder; he simply accepted her.

"If I'm given such a nice voice... What should I do? I should say goodbye with a smile... But I can't even do that..."

Sara has a matchmaking appointment soon.

Sara wanted to say goodbye with a smile. However, because Haruya spoke kind words, she is now suffering.



"I wanted to say goodbye, but I can't because it seems impossible.

To be more precise, I'm starting to dislike saying goodbye more and more.

Emotions with no place to go collide warmly within Haruya's chest.

"---I hate this ugly side of myself. That's why I have no right to say such words..."

With moist eyes, Sarasa tightly grabs Haruya's chest.

After confirming that Sarasa has calmed down, Haruya lowers his eyebrows and smiles.

"But isn't that not true? There are friends of Himekawa-san who love Himekawa-san."

In Saras charming smile... there was something that naturally attracted Haruya as well.

Therefore, Haruya directly denies Sara statement.

"...Th-that's not... true..."

Sarasa's gaze wanders, but when she looks up, her eyes meet Haruya's. They meet.

Whether Haruya's words conveyed the truth or not, Sara face turned red and she buried her face in Haruya's chest, trying to hide her expression.

"...That's not fair, Akasaki-san."

"I'm not that capable of doing that."

"That's true."

However, Sara smiles softly and continues.

"...But, I'm happy to be told that. It makes me even more of a bad girl."

With a lingering expression, Sara murmurs. It's not a bright smile.

...It's still not enough.

To dispel Sara uneasiness, there's still one step left...

Surely, the impending arranged marriage is obstructing that "one step."

(If I can remove that, I can owe Himekawa-san a favor, and---)

Haruya's excitement grows inside as he realizes there's no longer a risk of his true identity being exposed.

"I'm going to Himekawa-san's house regarding the arranged marriage."

"...Huh?"

Upon hearing Haruya's words, Sara let out an unexpected voice of astonishment.

"I'll go to Himekawa-san's house and stop the arranged marriage. Even if Himekawa-san's parents are strict, their opinion might change if they listen to others."

"T-That's impossible...! I've never even dared to talk back to my father. There's no way I'd be allowed to do something like that."

It's true that such behavior wouldn't be allowed. That's correct.

However, even if it's a mistake... nothing will change if I don't take action.

Haruya asks Sara with a serious gaze.

"What do you want, Himekawa-san? Do you truly want the arranged marriage? I don't really think so..."

"My feelings don't matter. I was born into the Himekawa family."

Weakly, Sara averts her gaze from Haruya, but he continues.

"What do you truly want, Himekawa-san?"

Repeating those words, Sara clenches her fists and tightly holds onto her chest.

"I... I actually... hate the arranged marriage. I want to have a free and destined love."

After expressing her true feelings, Sara continues.

"I become completely powerless when facing my father. It's unthinkable for me to talk back...!"

Sadly, painfully, and while clutching her chest, she continues.

"But... if I'm with Akasaki-san, maybe I can overcome it..."

With teary eyes, Sara gazes straight into Haruya's eyes.

"So... can you help me...?"

Even if it's impossible, I want to believe. I want to rely on you.

Those feelings overflow from within Sara.

Haruya nods without hesitation.

"...Let's fight together."

"Y-Yes!"

As Haruya watches Sara smile




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