Gimai Seikatsu's
The End Chapter 2
Of course, Narasaka-san is even famous in my class, and since he sometimes comes to visit, I can't just ignore his existence either, no matter how hard I block the rumored person.
Everyone, which meant the crowd, the beholder, and even his opponent, they all looked up into the overcast sky to track down the ball he was throwing, waiting for it to turn back. One second, two seconds, three seconds passed.
“Hey what are you doing!? The ball flew to another place, you know !? ” Against Narasaka-san, another girl, flabbergasted at the homerun, while shouting in disbelief.
“Ahaha, sorry sorry!”
“Really...what kind of crazy service is it?”
“Because I thought it was cool, heh!”
“Don't 'heh' just! You fucking cunt…! Feel this, this, this! ”
“Tidaaaaaak ~ Don't wipe my hair like that ~”
Narasaksa-san's head was pinched by another girl who swiped her elbow on his head. Two cute girls playing around like that would definitely be an eye- invigorating sight. In fact, all the boys in my class were really focused on watching this scene. But I am different. I didn't even get a chance to glance at the heavenly scenery of these two beautiful women, and my gaze was directed at another place.
There was one individual standing in a corner of the tennis court, in a place where he barely stood out, leaning against an iron fence, outside the court. He didn't even hold a tennis racket, because I could see the earphone cord reaching his ear from his shirt pocket. He was just listening to something, as he gazed up at the sky — The person was none other than Ayase-san.
Never before have I been able to see someone so openly truant. Because he's not acting like he's doing anything bad. For a moment I thought he really fit in there. No one else seemed bothered as well, as neither the students nor the teachers paid attention to him, let alone warned him.
A High School girl who does not get along with her class, will feel hesitant to do forbidden things. If you take a picture of it, and make this the title, it'll conclude everything perfectly.
On one side, there was a scene of students playing tennis happily, and then there was me, slowly approaching Ayase-san. I sat across the fence, acting as if I were resting.
“Coloss class?” Called him.
Ayase-san took off her earphones with a doubtful look, and slightly opened her eyes.
“It surprised me. Why are you talking to me like this?”
“I mean, there is a familiar face is truant, of course I will come check it.”
“Huh, so you came here acting as a sister teaching.”
“Not really. I'm not the one who even has the right to do that. I was just surprised to see you pick tennis too, Ayase-san. ”
“Maaya forced me to do it. He wants to try the same thing. However, that is not the only reason.”
“Maaya you mean Narasaka-san, ‘ right? Are you two close friends? ” I looked towards the field, and saw a red-haired girl chasing the ball.
He really stood out.
“Sure. But, I don't think there's any girl who isn't close to him.”
“One hundred friends, as the saying goes, ya”
There are about 20 girls in one class. When summed up with one generation there are 8 classes, there are about 160 people. What a frightening number.
“I don't think Maaya has that many friends, at least not with her true nature. It seems, he can get along with everyone even if they are not friends.”
“Ah, it does look like that.” I am satisfied with that explanation.
“Asamura-kun, why did you choose tennis?”
“Umm, do I really need to tell you? It's not something that makes you praise me.”
“It's okay, I myself have a sad reason.”
What's 'all right' about this? This is not a card game where we try to win against each other in terms of which reason is more embarrassing. But, since her gaze felt as sharp as an arrow piercing me, I had no choice but to explain it to her.
“Because the actual match is not a group match.”
Maru participates in football, basketball, and other team games. With tennis, there's not even a double number, so you're just competing alone.
“I don't want to play with others, so I chose tennis.”
For those of you who think 'What the hell is this talking about?', I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. May your life always be filled with happiness. For me, after all, I am bad at expecting things from others, and living up to the expectations of others. Just by thinking that I might overload the team, my stomach felt nauseous. If I could live my life without this torturous thought, things would be easy, sometimes I wonder to myself.
“Hah... We are both really similar.”
That was why, since he showed sympathy for my pitiful words, it became like a confession that he himself was more of a loner.
“Ayase-san too?”
“Yes, that's it. The trigger was Maaya, but I didn't want to play in the team either. You may already know it, but I keep my distance from the other girls.”
Although it was something sad and regretful, Ayase-san spoke in her usual voice of rage. I knew very well that, because no one gave him any attention, despite skipping class while listening to music. Is he half-transparent or something? For a moment, I doubted myself, but I could see her body perfectly, even the faint fragrance of perfume drifted into my nose. Realizing it, I felt embarrassed, and threw away my face again.
“Do you not get along with your class?”
“Shocked?”
“Well, with a look as pretty as you, I thought you'd be the center of the class.”
“If you think in general anyway, yes.” Ayase-san nodded. “But I'm different.”
I'm sure the main reason for this must be due to the rumors and rumors circulating, regardless of whether or not it is true. Most of the people in this school at least believed the rumors.
“Although so, this position is not as bad ... I don't care much about sports festivals either. It feels like a waste of time. If they don't bother me, I can use the time for myself.”
“Listening to music?”
“Eh? …That's it." Ayase-san showed a slightly blushed expression, and threw away her face.
He's hiding something. There was obviously another point to his reaction, but I didn't want to be rude and too prying about his privacy, so I kept quiet. Others will tell you if they feel ready. Trying to force the moment can actually make you hate.
“This time, I will decide for sure! A certain Powerful Step! The Super Ether Serve! ”
“The name is not even changed, lol.”
I heard Narasaka-san's voice again, followed by another girl's reply. Their voices are loud, oi. But, since I was thinking about Narasaka-san again, I turned towards Ayase-san.
“Are you not training with Narasaka-san? I feel like he's asking you so you can play together, or rather, against each other. ”
“Nah.”
“That's fast, okay.”
“I am not needed at all. Maaya took me when she found out I was going to ditch. After all, it is this kindness that makes it popular, I guess.”
Ditching a class like this, and from his own words, all these factors would only confirm the rumors circulating, but the atmosphere he put out, and his reaction, were all about, it completely removes all outside information. Where or what is Ayase Saki? To be able to answer that question, I still don't know him enough.
*****
When I got home from school, Akiko-san was just about to leave.
“Ara~, Yuuta-kun.”
“Ah... I'm home.”
“Welcome to home ~ I've made you dinner, loh ~”
“Thank you very much.. But, no need to bother, Akiko-san wants to go to work, ‘kan?”
“True ~ I just moved, but I can't relax a little ~” My stepmother put one hand on her cheek, then showed a troubled smile.
She was wearing expensive-looking clothes, with her shoulders exposed, and the scent of perfume emanating from her was strong enough to make me dizzy. It was like a butterfly spreading its charm so that the world could see it. If someone told me that he would jump into the night city from now on, I would instantly trust them.
“Because my father is always busy with work, I only eat whatever I can find, so Akiko-san does not need to prepare food before work.”
“When it was just me and Saki, it was normal, but now we start living together, so I think all of you are also ~”
“I don't want you to work too hard, so please don't be forced.”
“Yes, I might have to rely on your kindness from tomorrow. Saki can also cook, so I guess I can hand it to you ~”.
Hearing that sentence, I could feel my ears twitching. I imagined the sight of Ayase-san cooking, and instinctively thought that it did not match her image. And, now that I've thought about it, that rumor popped up in the back of my head. Maybe that's why I happened to say the following words.
“By the way, where do you work, Akiko-san?”
“In Shibuya shopping district ~”
“... What kind of store is it?”
“Ah, did you just think of anything weird? Come on ~ ”Akiko-san pouts in a childish way.
To be honest, the guess was very accurate. I didn't plan to say it, but a hint of doubt came to my mind.
“Only regular bar, no indecent service, really. Moreover, I interacted with the customer behind the counter.”
“You do not deal with customers directly?”
“In a certain sense anyway, yes. Anyway, I'm a bartender.” Akiko-san showed me a signal she was shaking a drink.
Even I knew he was used to this, so I accepted his words.
“I'm sorry for misunderstanding. It's just..”
“You know how else, it does sound a bit suspicious ~ Not to mention all the cliche things people think of when I mention that I work at night. You are also a student, so it would be a bit of a hassle to know what kind of buildings the city offers at night. ”
“It's true, yes.”
Now if I think about it again, where might my father try to win the heart of a woman at some women's bar or host club. He had a plain, normal, honest, and gullible face. He wouldn't pick a woman from any suspicious place. It has been ten years since I became self-aware, and kept an eye on him, so I can say it with confidence.
“ Anyway, I have to go now, Yuuta-kun. Please take care of Saki, ya~.”
“Ah Yes. Be careful on the road.”
Akiko-san gently waved her hand at me, while walking down the hallway of the apartment. He looks like a butterfly heading for the night city? NO. NOPE. He was more like a chihuahua walking on tall grass in a public park. Again, I was shown how deviant cliches can be, and quite frankly, they often are. I saw Akiko-san disappear into the elevator, and opened my door.
Inside my house — exactly my own room, I can definitely feel more relaxed and be myself, but I still feel tense. Most likely it was because the area behind the wall turned into someone else's territory.
The hallway, the living room, the bathroom, is no longer a safe place for me and my own father. Realizing this fact felt like it was behaving badly, so I constituted my attention to the reference book at the table. Learning is much more important.
When I saw time again, an hour had already passed. The thing that brought me back to the real world was the sound of the entrance. After which, footsteps moved down the hallway, and entered the room next to mine.
“Welcome back.” I gave a vague greeting, but there was no answer.
Understandably, she might be able to hear me through the wall. Since I had no urgent business, I just told myself to forget about it, and go back to learning.
Behind the wall, I could hear footsteps walking on the floor, as well as the sound of school bags falling to the floor. After that, the closet opened, and I could hear a slight rustle of clothes…
Ah, goddamn. I can't focus too much on her voice, it must be so disgusting. I complained to myself, and waited for Ayase-san to disappear from my mind.
“Asamura-kun, can I come in?” However, just as she disappeared in my imagination, Ayase-san appeared in front of my room, knocking on my door.
“Ah, sure..”.
For a moment, I confirmed the inside of the room, and gave permission after seeing nothing dangerous in the open.
“Excuse.”
“J-So, what's up?”
“Ah, you are learning. You are very diligent. We haven't even entered the exam season.”
“Meets the obligation as a student only, I guess.”
I don't always learn. I do have a routine of reading some manga or playing games in between. But, when I do, it's in the middle of the room, or on the bed. Since it wasn't a sight I wanted others to see, and since I realized there was Ayase-san on the other side of the wall, I happened to learn.
“About a good university?”
“I don't think people will be eyeing bad university.”
“Yes, after all you study and work part-time at the same time.”
“Surely it looks so strange?”
I think it's not uncommon to see students do that.
“I mean, you invest time to make money, but you invest time in learning to achieve greater results. That's why, I think doing both at the same time might be quite difficult.”
“You think too much about complicated things. I never really realized it.” I shrugged and answered indifferently.
“Hmmm... So, by the way...”.
There seemed to be something difficult to say, as her eyes were unfocused, and twisting her long hair. It may be due to the light, or a different reason, but her cheeks look redder than usual. Just because of the conversation just now, I knew that the rumors about him at school seemed to be absurd. Clean sector, I think.
Ayase-san seemed to need a few seconds to mentally prepare, when she spoke, her eyes gushed with determination.
“Do you know about odd jobs with short working hours but have high pay?”
“Sector is not clean!”
“Eh?”
“Ah, no, not nothing.” I regret replying without thinking.
At least it was something vague. If I shout 'Prostitution!', then I'll be done.
“I want money, but also don't want to waste too much time. Maybe an hour or two, and get paid 10,000 yen for it.”
“With normal work, you may not be able to get it.” I answered calmly.
For now, I decided to stick with the poker face, and act as if I didn't know about the rumors.
“So yes. I think selling's the only way. ”
Can't you just not go straight through my inner defenses? We may be sisters, but you're still my little sister, and I really don't want to hear exactly what you're selling in the two days after we become a family.
“If you want to make money, sell yourself — it is also written in the book.”
What kind of books do you read, oi. After all, why would such a book be within reach of a High School girl? But, I've seen some of those scary books at my part-time job too, so I can't really complain.
“Um, Ayase-san, it might sound rude if I say this, but ..”
“I think you should appreciate your own body more.”
“Why are you bothering about it? There are others my age who do it too.”
“Other people have nothing to do with this. What you do yourself is more important.”
“I really take care of myself. That's why I want to make a lot of money.” While facing me, who tried to convince Ayase-san with the logic of the old man, she turned out to be very serious.
Paid dating, compensation dating, hidden girl accounts. I think all the girls involved in something like that do it out of boredom or because they can. However, it felt like Ayase-san was clearly intent on doing this, as her words contained a firmness and confidence that I had never seen before.
Therefore, no matter how determined he is, I still cannot ignore this. Especially now that she has become my sister. At the thought of Akiko-san's request to look after Ayase-san, I felt guilty for not trying harder.
“Can you say the same thing in front of Akiko-san?”
“...I can, really? Instead, he would probably praise me for being an adult.”
“That's how to educate the damned.”
“What is different for your family? I thought your father was happy when you started doing it yourself, Asamura-kun. ”
“It would be a big deal if it were so. It is true that my father was an unreliable person, but if his son did that, he would definitely be sad. Also... when did it become the premise that I did it too? ”
“Eh, didn't you go there yesterday? Part-time work.”
“...Tramble work?”
“Ya, part-time work.”
A strange silence emerged between the two of us. We both seemed to be trying to figure out when our conversation wasn't clopping up one another, tracing the common thread of our conversation, which caused this silence to appear.
“What do you think I'm talking about?” Ayase-san said while narrowing her eyes.
“Services **** with a lot of money, or something like that.”
“........Huh?”
Ayase-san's voice turned cold like I've never heard before.
*****
“Ahh, so it seems. So you think I'm involved in 'Prostitution'.”
“I'm really sorry!!”
After making sure that the direction of our conversation was misguided, we realized that we were both hungry, and moved to the dining table. We found the food menu that Akiko-san had prepared before she left, which was sauteed vegetables with miso soup, and warmed them on our plates. After the two of us tasted our miso soup for the first time, Ayase-san spoke with those words. Since I had no other reason, I could only cupper my hand, and bow my head. Ayase-san looked uncomfortable with that, and breathed a sigh as she looked at me.
“Thanks to your head, Asamura-kun. I know that there are rumors like that going around. When I look like this, people tend to misunderstand me. However, part of it is my fault as well for using these rumors to avoid those who bother.”
“Ayase-san.
I don't think he's acting strong. This nonchalant nature of his might lead to all the misunderstandings between him and his friends, and the bad direction of the rumors. But, something's not right. He clearly stated that he realized how he looked inviting this kind of misunderstanding. So, why did she still choose to dress like that?
He must have guessed that I was thinking this way, as he stopped his hand from bringing more stirred vegetables into his mouth.
“I understand what you're thinking. Why do I keep wearing this outfit despite realizing its impact on my image, ‘kan. ”
“Yeah, yes... I'm a little curious about that.”
“This is my weapon mode.”
“Eh?”
“No soldier will go to the battlefield without carrying weapons and armor, ‘kan? This is my weaponry to survive in society.” He put one finger on his earlobe, showing off an ear piercing.
Even for girls who are eager to look stylish, piercing their ears is a territory that many do not dare to enter. In Junior High, you might be seen as a hero by your classmates, and treated like a brat by adults and teachers, it's a mysterious contradiction, really. It was a metal of millimetre size only, yet it had great strength. Facing that, the words I muttered were—
“What is it that increases your defense? Or like a two-damage attack? ”
“Pffft... You said some interesting things.” He's laughing at me.
I mean, my thinking speed couldn't keep up, and I just muttered the game terms that popped into my head.
“Yeah, something like that. The goal is to increase attack and defense.”
“That sounds dangerous. The world we live in is peaceful, you know. ”
“However, the battle still occurs, only in places where you do not see it.” Ayase-san sounds like she is a heroine who is involved in a war that takes place on the dark side of the world.
From now on, I was thrown into the world of superpower fighting, blood was washed with blood — Of course, that was not the case, because I knew he was only using rhetorical answers.
“For Saki and Yuuta-kun. Warm this up, and eat it together.”
I had previously gotten rid of the scrap from the wrapping plastic on the stir-fried vegetables, and Ayase-san's gaze now turned to the paper.
“Did you meet with Mom today?”
“Ya, right when I got home from school.”
“He's really alluring, isn't he?”
“Yeah, yes, that's it.” I replied with an awkward answer.
Even if she has become my stepmother now, I'm not sure how to praise her in front of my bloodless half-sister, her own daughter. Therefore, Ayase-san looked at me quite a bit, then chuckled. Then, he spoke as if he was telling a ghost story.
“But, she graduated SMA.”
“Oh really?”
I was a little surprised when I heard that, which made me give a hollow response. Ayase-san looked at me suspiciously.
“You didn't think of anything about that?”
“...Why?”
“SMA graduation, pretty face, nightlife business, what if you have these three factors simultaneously?”
“Then I will think of him as a high school graduate, beautiful, and someone who works in the nightlife business?”
I don't really understand what he's asking of me. Of course, I had my own thoughts when I heard the word faithfully, but nothing special came to my mind when I combined it.
“Hmmm, Asamura-kun, your thinking path is quite flat.” Ayase-san said, and brought more vegetables to her mouth.
I wondered why I could see a glimmer of happiness mixed with his indifferent expression. Perhaps he was making fun of this pitiful virgin in front of him. I'm not too familiar with a girl's heart to deny it completely.
“I think such attitude is very extraordinary.” Ayase-san.
“I really appreciate your kindness towards virgins.”
Since he expressed his thoughts honestly, I didn't need to be a mentalist to know his own stance, and it allowed for easier communication.
In a moment, Ayase-san's expression in her eyes turned grim. Maybe the word virgin is too much. However, the next words that came out of his mouth were more serious than I expected.
“I know about comments that are not that flat. As a high school graduate, has a pretty face, and a worker in the nightlife business, she is basically stupid, and uses her looks as a weapon, he said, make money by forbidden means — Something similar to that sentence. I've often seen Mother treated and hated like that.”
“Omong empty.”
Of course, there is a tendency to compare academic history and appearance. However, there is no guarantee that this tells about one's true self and worth. Even if the majority point of view may be correct, you can still find a lot of differences after diving deeper into the minority area. Just because people who look like that often act like that, does not mean that one's self-esteem will be generalized. People who can't even understand it are often best ignored, because they're the ones who don't offer any value.
—That was said in the book I borrowed from Yomiuri-senpai. The book's influence is pretty great. Even some High School kids like myself can talk as if I have the experience of someone else's life on my shoulders and head.
Hearing these words from me, Ayase-san's face reddened slightly, and showed a very appreciative look.
“True, that's kosososng.”
“Y-Ya.”
“Not to mention comments and views like that are unfair. This is a logical progression that does not let you escape.”
“For example?”
“When you have a smart brain, but do not look attractive, you will be labeled as a creepy but educated woman. If you are not smart, but very attractive, you will be treated as a woman who uses her body to achieve office. They all just assume that you used your body to reach where you are now, and when you work alone, you will be ridiculed and pitied for not having a reliable man.”
“Ahh, so... I understand you mean.”
“I'm sure it also happens to boys.”
“Sure. If you try to get close to the girl you like, you'll be called disgusting, blamed for sexual harassment, then branded a criminal, but if you decide to give up on love, then you'll be called a criminal, you'll be mocked for being a virgin. ”
“It sounds very specific. Based on personal experience? ”
“I read about it on social networks. Ever since I first saw her, I'd rather not experience the experience myself, you know? Sounds painful. I'd rather not be made fun of because of that.”
“So apparently, I kind of understand.”
Listening to my thought process that could very well mock one of Aesop's most famous Fables, The Fox and the Grapes, Ayase-san instantly showed sympathy. He probably realized that we both had the same opinion, as his voice and expression softened a little.
“That's why I use this weaponry.”
We're back to the initial topic.
“Effort to look stylish until no one can complain. Treated like a beauty from the outside, creating an alluring self. Same with academic knowledge, school, work, I will be a strong person. This is the first step. Everyone who stays alive according to their stereotypes, I'll make them shut up, see.” He spoke with his usual indifferent tone, but there was a strong emotion in his voice.
—Reverse from me.
I find it troublesome if a role is labeled on me, and run away from it. Contrary to me, Ayase-san was ready to spit on the faces of the entire world. However, I felt a danger from his attitude.
“Are you okay with that? Sounds very tiring.”
“If I can prove myself superior in exchange for stamina, then it's perfect.”
To whom? The doubt came to my mind, but I didn't want to be seen as a cock-loving motherfucker, so I swallowed it. However, I think the reason she has a sense of value that is not appropriate for her age might be due to the influence of her biological father, Akiko-san's ex-husband. If that's the case, then I want to avoid stepping on that landmine.
I wouldn't even like someone trying to find out about my birth mother, so the logical conclusion is not to do the same to anyone else.
“Not us the same, Asamura-kun?”
“I'm not as strong as you, Ayase-san. I don't want to fight the public view.”
“But, the root of it all is that you don't want others to have any expectations of you, because you don't expect too much of anyone else either, yes ‘kan?”
Thas right. That's why, when we first met at the family restaurant, we were immediately familiar with each other's attitudes.
“The views of others, the hopes of others, in order to be free from it, you need the strength to live alone.” Ayase-san.
“So so. I feel like I understand the reason why you're looking for a job that's paid big.”
“Huh, you have a good intuition.”
“I mean, with all these clues, even someone as insensitive as myself can figure it out.” I shrugged my shoulders, and continued. “That's so you can live independently, ‘kan.”
“True... And, sorry.” Ayase-san replied, and closed her eyes in a bitter tone.
I didn't ask why he apologized. For Ayase-san, who had not worked part-time until now, the reason why she was now suddenly looking for a high-paying and easy job when she had just moved in with us, there is no need to pry too deeply and ask so many questions that it becomes clear.
Not relying on others, not expecting anything from others, it was all so that he could stand on his own two feet. The reason she became desperate was because the 'stranger' she almost relinquished suddenly entered into her life, right after she decided to live independently.
“To be honest, no odd job can make money easily. Can't tell if my job at the bookstore is well paid.”
“So yes..” Ayase-san nodded, with a disappointed expression. “Then, I guess I can just give up.”
“You're not trying to find him anymore?”
“If I take the time to look for something, the time to study is less. I came here with no intention of moonlighting, so I'm here without a clue. Of course, with the right time investment, I might find something, but the cost-performance relationship here looks too negative to me. I'm not so smart either, so I might have to sacrifice grades or a part-time job.”
“Hahs. So that's why you came to see me, who has experience with both, to compensate for the lack of information you have.”
Not that I can brag about the number of my friends, but I might be better than Ayase-san, judging from what I heard. There was Narasaka-san, but other than him, it didn't seem to have any other friends.
“I might be able to help you with that.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I have friends at school who hear all kinds of information.”
But yeah, Maru's my only friend.
“My senpai at work probably knows something too. I have a job tomorrow, so I'll all ask him.”
“Still. But, it doesn't feel fair if you try for me like that.” Ayase-san took a sip of her miso soup, while thinking about it.
“Sup miso.”
“Eh?”
“I want you to make miso soup for me every day.”
As we sat around the dining table, I stared at the girl in front of me, who had not long ago become a stranger to me. Staring at this unusual sight, the words that came out of my mouth were spoken involuntarily. Ayase-san was still tasting her miso soup, and blinked at me in confusion.
“Recognition of love?”
“Not that I mean.”
I can't blame him, because my words just sounded like proposing to a girl. I mean, Akiko-san said it would be hard to make dinner every day. That meant I had to make it myself, and since I only stayed with my father until now, I was already quite satisfied with the food from the convenience store. That's why I was thinking if I wanted to have time to prepare food while I was studying, part-time work, and wanted time for myself as well. After all, it had been a long time since I had eaten homemade miso soup, it tasted much better than it was ready to buy.
All these various thoughts mixed within my head, creating a single sentence that I muttered in a daze.
“Well, I don't mind anyway. I love to cook, and I think I'm pretty good at it. If anything, the price paid compared to collecting information is highly inversely proportional.”
It seems he has no problem with that.
“So, I'll find information on how you can make money fast—”
“And I will make food for you—”
Despite knowing that this was bad behavior, we both pointed to each other's faces, and confirmed our agreement.
