kenbinru

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN)

CHAPTER 14

 “I’m gonna marry you!” said Yui.

I’m a little nervous right now getting squeezed by my best friend’s little sister. I’m in World A(kane), and to be honest I feel terrible. We decided to stop by to see Daisuke’s 10-year-old sister who’s in the hospital right now. Daisuke finally revealed his secret to his friends after Mary grilled it out of him. According to him, he “didn’t want us to worry about a little sickness” that was serious enough to hospitalize Yui. Last time I was here, I had just woken from the accident that started this whole thing, and it turns out she was right down the hall, but I never noticed.  

“Ha ha…maybe someday.” I say.

“Sorry, but Kazuki already made a promise to me, right?” said Akane.

Akane grabbed my other hand and squeezed it tightly.

W-what promise?

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Daisuke’s little sister. She was always full of spirit and energy, something that’s the complete opposite of Daisuke today. From what I’ve known, Daisuke loves his sister more than anything in world. After all, for most of his childhood, it was just the two of them. Their father tragically passed away when they were young, and their mother followed just a few years ago. Although Daisuke never talked much about his personal life, every time he mentioned Yui it seemed as if he was a different person. His sister was the world to him, and I couldn’t imagine what could be going through his head right now, seeing his sister in the hospital.

“I want chocolate Big bro.”

“Your big sis makes the best chocolate.” said Daisuke.

Mary’s face turned red.

“W-well…if it’s for Yui-chan it’s no problem.”

Mary patted Yui’s head.

“That’s a promise Big Sis!” said Yui.

Mary’s face turned increasingly red at the adorableness of being called a big sister for the first time. It seemed Akane wanted her to say that too.

“We’ll all make chocolate. Let’s see which one Yui likes the best!” said Akane.

So it was settled, next time we visit her we’ll bring her some chocolate. It was good to bring a smile to a little girl’s face. Unfortunately, we had to leave due to visitation hours being over. We still had an errand to run anyways. Being put in charge of the school festival event for our class, Akane and I in this world were supposed to pick up the maid uniforms. It was just a slight delay since we wanted to see Yui instead.

  “We’re here.” said Akane.

We arrive at a big warehouse that seemed to be an old factory that had been turned into a store. There was no sign outside at all, but when we walked in there was a small poster that read “Costume Party: Costumes and Uniforms Galore.” Inside the dimly-lit warehouse were costumes and cosplay far as the eye could see. There were multiple sets and props for sale from various professions and TV shows too, like a Masked Avenger costume for sale.

“Hey! Close the door ya kids! The flies will come in.” said the old man sitting at the cash register.

“I’m sorry mister!” shouted Mary.

The old man looked suspicious. He was smoking a cigarette and reading the newspaper with his big glasses. It also didn’t help that he was bigger than Daisuke, with some dragon tattoos visible from the sleeve of his shirt, which read “SECURITY.” There was very little light in the room, but his shiny bald head managed to sparkle like a disco ball that lit up his immediate surroundings.

This guy looks like a gangster…what kind of place is this?

“Hey Sojiro-san! Is that how you greet a fair young girl?” said Akane.

Immediately the old man put down his newspaper to get a look at us. His stone cold face smiled.

“Look what we have here! It’s Akane-chan! Long time no see. How’s my old friend manager-san?” asked Sojiro-san.

“Oh my! He’s doing fine. He has someone else now to keep him out of trouble.” said Akane.

The two seemed like old friends that were catching up on old times.

How does she know someone like him?

“Sojiro-san, I’m here to pick up some maid costumes for our school event. Anything you think would look good?” asked Akane.

Sojiro-san put out his cigarette and walked over to us. With every step he took, the ground shook, due to his massive size and muscular legs. Despite being old, he seemed to still be a formidable man who could probably take on anyone in a fight.

“Over here in the maid section we have some new arrivals. Take a look around Akane-chan! I just put out some of the cute uniforms there myself this morning!”

He pointed us in the direction of the maid section that was on the other side of the building, past all the butler uniforms and the replica sword collection.

“Thank you Sojiro-san!” said Akane.

Akane grabs my hand and leads me all the way there. Walking there, there were so many different maid costumes of multitudinous design. There were some maid costumes that fully covered the mannequin on display, and other costumes that, to be generous, barely qualified as “maid” costumes, and instead were pretty much bikinis with frills and a tiny apron.

“L-lewd!!!” Mary lightly shrieked as she tried to cover her eyes.

“This one looks pretty cute.” said Daisuke.

He was examining the maid costume and looked back at Mary with a perverse grin on his face.

Knucklehead’s probably imagining the girls in them isn’t he!

Mary had the same thought and hopped off her feet a little to bump him square on the head.

“That’s from the Victorian-Era!” said Akane.

We all turned to look at a display of a maid costume that Akane was marveling at, as she began her lecture.  

“Stylized to match the look of an English Victorian-Era maid near the end of the 19th century, it’s the “standard” for what most people think of when it comes to maid uniforms. As a general rule, it’s required that their hair is tied back and in a cap. This might be a little too drab for what our class needs for the café though…”

The rest of us were listening intently as Akane unfurled her vast knowledge of maid uniforms.

She’s like a tour guide when it comes to this stuff.

I walk around the maid section a little more and notice a large display showcasing a uniform with a mini-skirt and frills all over the dress.

“That’s probably our modern-day version of a maid uniform, and the closest to what my old job had. It was made famous in Akiba and honestly it’s my favorite!” said Akane.

“It looks really cute.” I said.

Akane leans by my ear, cupping it softly with her hands.

“Maybe I’ll even wear it for you Kazuki…” whispered Akane behind me. The sensation of her breath along the side of my neck was intoxicating.

“Y- You will?!?” I choked.

Akane became flustered at her attempt at seduction and pushed me away. Her typically pale face became bright red like a tomato.  

“I- I’m just joking you pervert! Don’t take it the wrong way!”

She gave me her trademark cute pout.

“Y-you suggested it!” I retorted.

Daisuke and Mary were looking around at the other maid uniforms until they found us looking at the display. I could tell that Mary was uncomfortable being around a place like this. To her, it seemed that we were shopping for lingerie (which in a sense, we kind of were). Daisuke was gripping her tiny hand, trying to make her feel better.

“I think this one will work! All the other ones are a little too risqué for us …” said Akane.  

We all agreed that the main display was the best combination of cute, conservative, and authentic.

“But there’s only one way to find out…come on Mary-chan!” as she dragged Mary with her.

“Where are we going?!?” asked a terrified Mary. She knew all too well the answer to her own question.

It was too late. Akane dragged Mary off into the changing rooms in order to try on the maid uniforms. Suddenly a pair of gargantuan gorilla mitts land with the weight of the lord on our twink shoulders. I turn to see Sojiro-san had appeared behind Daisuke and me.

“You wouldn’t be gentlemen if you just stood there…if you catch my drift.” said Sojiro-san.

“Uh…what do you mean sir?” asked Daisuke.

He grabbed two butler uniforms and tossed them to us. I narrowly manage to catch the set in my hands.

“Go on and change you two, it’ll look adorable to see you couples dressed up together. Akane-chan would appreciate it.” said Sojiro-san.

He points us in the direction of the men’s changing room.

“B-but I’m good Sojiro-san-” I say.

Sojiro-san got right into my face. I can see every wrinkle and scar lining the surface of his face. They told a story, and that story was that this man did not ask; he told.

“Don’t make me tell Akane-chan you two were peeking…”

I gulped along with Daisuke at the threat of not only getting killed by Sojiro-san, but also incurring the wrath of Akane, who we knew all too well was capable of punishing our lack of enthusiasm.

“Guess we have no choice, huh Daisuke…?”

“Yep…let’s just get this over with Kaz.”

  “Just where are those knuckleheads?” asked Mary.

I could hear her shrill voice outside of the changing rooms. Daisuke and I were still changing in our stalls. They were small rooms with mirrors on every side, except for the door, on which the basic instructions for properly tying a bow-tie were outlined on a small poster. The ensemble I’d been given was made up of an all-black suit, accented with a white dress shirt, along with some white cotton gloves, a pair of black leather shoes, and a blood red bowtie. I take a look at myself in the mirror with my full costume and I can hardly recognize myself. I’ve got to admit, this was the first time I’ve ever worn anything as elegant as this. The suit was a perfect fit for me, almost like it was made specifically for my measurements. I tap the ground with the tips of my feet to find that the shoes are an excellent fit as well.

Looking fly there Kazuki!

I point finger-guns at myself in the mirror before walking out of my stall.

“Hey Kazuki? Do you know how to tie a bowtie?” asked Daisuke from inside his own changing room.

“Yeah, just come in my stall.” I responded.

Daisuke opens the door and walks out wearing an identical outfit, except without a bow-tie on. If I thought I looked great in this, Daisuke looked even better. His muscles and broad shoulders were wrapped snugly by the suit, which made him look even more tall and slick. He walks into my stall, hands me his bow-tie, and pops his collar up.

“You couldn’t follow the instructions inside?” I ask with a smug grin.

“Geez…it was confusing looking at the instructions and the mirror at the same time.” he says.

I wrap the bow-tie around his neck, and try to recall the exact steps I did earlier, but now in reverse.

Up and over, make this knot, side-to-side, and….done!

I pat Daisuke on the shoulders and we both take a moment to look at each other.

“They’re waiting Kaz.” said Daisuke.

“Right behind you, partner in crime.”  

We step outside of the changing room to see Akane dressed in her maid outfit, with Mary shocked by our abrupt appearance. She hides behind Akane, embarrassed at her current state.

“Eep!” muttered Mary.

“Wow…you two actually look decent for once.” said Akane.

“Ha ha, very funny Akane.” I respond.

Mary gathers her courage and steps forward to get a closer look at me and Daisuke. Needless to say, she was awestruck by the two handsome gentlemen standing in front of her. Mary’s breath was taken away.

Akane gives us a quick spin to show us her full maid uniform. Although it wasn’t as erotic as the costume I saw Yuki-san wearing in World B, somehow she seemed more elegant and refined in this outfit. Akane’s hair was wrapped with a headband, along with her red ribbon. The short skirt she was wearing exposed only a small area of her long legs, as the rest was covered by her white thigh-high socks. There was also a large oversized red bow adorning her neck, similar to our bow-ties.  

I can only take so much cuteness! This is too good to be true!

Mary looked cute in the maid uniform as well, so much so that Daisuke was at a loss for words. It was the first time I’ve seen Mary Kaneko let her blonde hair flow instead of wearing it in her trademark ponytail, and I couldn’t believe that I was looking at the same loud mouthed tomboy I had tutored all year. Although the roadrunner of Kasumigaseki High was wearing the same uniform as Akane, she gave a different vibe, almost like that of a little sister. She didn’t have the same curves that Akane had, but she was small and cute enough to melt the hearts of every boy at school. It helped that she was embarrassed, trying to lower her skirt to cover more of her short legs that were partially exposed despite the thigh-high socks. Finally, she wore her trademark Masked Avenger pin on her chest, right next to her oversized ribbon.

“You two look amazing…” I say to them.  

Akane tries to hide her laughter with her hand. Daisuke’s mouth was still agape, staring at his girlfriend

“C’mon, stop staring perv. You’re embarrassing me!” pointed Mary.

Mary slaps Daisuke out of his daze, as she hugs him in his uniform.

“Oh, one more thing…”

Akane stands in front of me, and takes out a comb. As she swipes away the strands of my messy hair, I can feel her exposing my forehead.

“There! Now you look professional.” Says Akane.

“Thanks.”

Mary, unable to bear another minute in her costume, starts to pout.

“Aww come on! Can we please change out of these things? I can’t take it anymore!”

If she hates these costumes this much, I wonder how she’ll be in her Juliet costume…

We make our way out of the warehouse. Akane and I sorted through the logistics of delivering the maid costumes to our school address as soon as possible. Thanks to Akane’s friendship with Sojiro-san, he gives us the goods for free!

“It’s on the house! Anything for my Akane-chan!” said Sojiro-san.

“Aww…don’t push your luck old man.” snapped Akane.

Sojiro-san steps back, but gives an odd smile after being insulted.

Guess he’s a masochist like manager-san.

“Come back whenever you want!” exclaimed Sojiro-san, as he waves us goodbye.

  A few days have gone by, as the school continued preparing for the festival. I’m in my original world now, and in this world Yuki-san also got the same uniforms as Akane did, but without any of the rest of us being involved. According to the class president, she just “handed her a box of these cute maid uniforms!” To the dismay of the boys, she also brought the box of the same butler uniforms I wore with Daisuke. Although I didn’t want to admit it, I wanted to see myself in that suit again, for posterity’s sake!

It’s too bad no one will see the roadrunner wear one in this world.

The first day of the school festival had finally arrived. If anything went wrong today, it could potentially jeopardize the other two days. With the leadership of Class President and some background work by Yuki-san, they had trained everyone in class to be ready to serve, and to be the best maids and butlers Kasumigaseki High has ever seen. I was on the first shift with some other boys in our class, with Yuki-san being the head maid for her group.

“Yuki-san’s an amazing maid…I never would have expected that.” said one student in our class.

Our doors were going to open soon, and looking outside, there was already a line forming. Our marketing team was great, since they had very eye-catching pictures of some of our more popular students in costume, boys and girls. We were going to be busy, but our class was prepared to host one of the best events of the festival. Yuki-san and I make eye contact, exchanging determined looks before we open our doors.

Let’s do this Yuki-san!

  Since I started working at Kasumigaseki High, it’s brought back memories of being in charge of the fortune telling booth. I remember when I was younger, all the boys in my class would line up down the hall for the fortune telling booth! Nothing has changed from when I was in school; all the boys still line up, and are told “You will be asked out by your crush!” It was strangely satisfying to see the genuine belief in young love plastered on their faces as they left my booth.

Lately, Father’s been encouraging me to join him at the hospital, since there’s plenty of eligible guys there… but today it’s time for the next generation to find their heart's desires, and hopefully seize the opportunities they can.

Opportunities…

I mustn’t think these sad thoughts! I’m still young! I’m quite a catch for someone my age! If only I could find my “prince” then I could live happily ever after, just like my childhood stories. It sucks that all the guys are intimidated when they see a female doctor working with high schoolers.

I let out a long sigh, until the familiar clank of my newly purchased coffee landing from its spot in the vending machine snaps me out of my sentimental daze. I reach under the chute, and crack it open to take a sip.  

“What’s a woman like you doing out here?” asks a mysterious voice behind me.

“What’s it to you?” I reply.

I didn’t want to deal with any punk students, especially not after getting stood up again last night.

“That’s not very lady-like for someone like you…” continued the mysterious voice.

This punk! Alright time to give him some detent-

My breath stops and I drop my coffee can onto the ground. A handsome, tall, mature-looking man is standing in front of me, wearing a completely black suit with a red tie and a small red string tied into a ribbon on his chest pocket. The enigmatic man had longish black hair, which was combed and slicked back underneath his black fedora. Perhaps the most striking detail of his outfit was his black leather gloves. He didn’t look like any staff member or student I knew. He looked too old to be a student here, but then again, far too young to be a parent– he was around my age.

My chest starts to tighten up as my heart rate skyrockets. Whether out of fear or attraction, I cannot tell. All I know is that I have to find out who this man is.

“Um…who are you?” I ask, trying to compose myself.

The man goes towards the vending machine behind me, and I hear the machine buzzing and ringing, until I hear that same familiar clank, followed shortly by another. He reaches down into the chute and hands me a new coffee can, as he cracks open his own.

“Sorry about that darling, I didn’t mean to surprise you.” As he flashes me a smile with his shiny white teeth.

“D-don’t worry about it!”

Why am I getting embarrassed like a schoolgirl?

Still, it was strange to see someone like him here at this school, but it was the school festival after all. It wasn’t unusual for the events to attract strange people from around the neighborhood. Even so, there was something about him I couldn’t quite put my finger on…

“I’m sorry, but if you don’t mind me asking, what is it that you’re here for?” I ask.

“Just passing by is all…” he says.

The stranger walks past me and throws his empty coffee can into one of the recycling bins behind him without looking.

“Thanks for the coffee!” I say to him, as he lazily waves his hand, not bothering to look to back.  

“See you around, my darling!”

   Yuki-san and I had been working non-stop for hours. The customers kept pouring in and out of our tiny classroom. Daisuke and Kaneko-san couldn’t come see us unfortunately, due to stage practice. On my last break when I stepped outside in my butler uniform, I saw a long line that stretched along the hallway. Fortunately, the line started to die down near the end of the day. We only had a couple customers in our room currently.

I let out a tired sigh as I sit on a chair next to our makeshift tables for four. Yuki-san and I were the only two left in the maid café as the rest of the class left to explore the other events. Although I wanted to see what everyone else was doing, I was glad to have a moment alone with Yuki-san. Since the school festival, we haven’t had much time alone, and awkwardness started to grow between us. Even during the occasional study sessions, Daisuke and Kaneko-san were present, so the atmosphere wasn’t right for me to make any progress with her. I hadn’t done much to further Operation Maiden’s Heart yet either, since I hadn’t noticed a change in Daisuke. Of course, knowing now what Yui was going through, it seemed even more impractical to give Daisuke more to think about.

A cup is placed next to me on the table, and I hear coffee being poured out of a pot. I look up to see Yuki-san in her maid uniform.

“Here Kaneshiro-san, you’ve worked hard today. I think you’ve earned this.” said Yuki-san politely.

“Thanks.” I say, as I take a sip of the coffee.

It tasted sweeter than the other batches. I wasn’t a really big fan of bitter coffee, so it was a pleasant surprise.

“I know you don’t like bitter coffee, so I hope you liked this one mast...“  Yuki-san stopped herself.

“Uh…what did you say?” I asked Yuki-san.

Yuki-san turns away from me and stands tall with the coffee pot in her hands, clutching it against her chest.

“N-nothing Kaneshiro-san! Finish the coffee and let’s start cleaning up.”

I finish the coffee and begin to tidy up the room for tomorrow’s service. Just as I’m about to take down the sign outside of our classroom a man dressed in a black suit and red tie appears and enters our cafe.

“Oh! I barely made it. Thanks brother!” as he pats me on the back.

“Excuse me, s-sir? We’re closed, please come back tomorrow!”

I try to stop him from entering but it’s too late. The man dressed in black was already sitting down at one of the tables. Yuki-san comes up to him to get him to leave, still “in character” with her pleasant maid persona.

“Excuse me, but we’re closed for now sir. If you’d like, you can come back tomorrow.” explained Yuki-san.

The man in black ignored her. Instead, he stood up and grabbed the coffee pot from her and started to pour himself a cup of coffee.

“Ahh…a little too sweet for my taste, but still good. I can tell it was made with love.” he observes.

Yuki-san drops character and begins to look as if she’s prepared to throw him out of the nearest window of her classroom.

She’s living up to her “Ice-Witch” reputation right now…

“Get out. Now!” she yells at the man in black.

The man wasn’t intimidated by her order at all. He takes his coffee cup and sits right back down in his seat. This was something else. This was giving me flashbacks to the time at the “Purrfect Café,” and I had to do something.

“Hey, leave us alone!” I say to the man in black.

I stand in front of Yuki-san, who was trying to hold back her rage from this troublesome man.

“That’d be great, actually. If you could leave me alone with my darling little sister, I would be much obliged.” the man in black says.

Yuki-san steps in front of me and grabs the man in black by the collar of his black dress shirt.

“What did you say?” screams Yuki-san in the man’s face.

Just who is this man?

%X�

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

Yuki-san was sitting quietly in front of me, her long black hair draped over her shoulders. I couldn’t stop thinking about how I was going to accomplish my mission, but now I had an additional mission of helping out Daisuke and Kaneko-san. Quite frankly, I was barely making any significant progress on getting closer to Yuki-san, even with Akane’s help. After the Valentine's’ Day incident, I can feel that there was an awkward tension between us since then. We just haven’t had an opportunity to talk more yet. The meek class president was standing idly by for the class to calm down.

“G-Good morning everyone! T-Today we-e need to discuss what we are doing for the school festival…”

The class president was a pretty timid person. Tsubasa Takemi was chosen since she was “always the class president” according to the people that knew her. Although we weren’t really close, I can tell that she was a nice person, and at least tries to organize our class for activities and stuff. Class Prez frequently misplaced her glasses, so it was common to see her sport a variety of backup pairs just in case. Today however, she was wearing her standard clear-framed glasses that made her look somewhat like a librarian. She had a very soft-spoken voice like a mouse, but her diminutive demeanor demonstrated that she was at least capable of swaying the hearts of our class.

People like cute stuff I guess.

I almost forgot that the school festival was coming up! Kasumigaseki High’s school festivals were the talk of the town. It seemed that we had a strange tradition of something going wrong one way or the other. For example, there was an infamous incident of evacuating the building because a class burned rice badly enough to set off the fire alarms, or that one incident a few years ago where a bunch of cats were set loose from a makeshift petting zoo (animals are forbidden now). Last year, however, things went smoothly, except for the big relay race with all of the classes. I was the last to be picked to participate since all the other substitutes had gotten food poisoning the day before. Kaneko-san lead by a large margin when she passed the baton to me, and I almost managed to reach the finish line, until I tripped over my untied shoelaces. She still hasn't forgiven me for that. Along with the big race, all the classes were supposed to come up with some sort of event. If your event wasn’t too big, you could help other classes, as long as you could also complete your own class’s event. Our festival lasted three days, and each event had to be active for at least one. There would be a big fireworks display on the night of the last day, and it was great for couples to watch together.

Maybe I could go with Yuki-san?

“So let’s go around and ask for suggestions, is that ok with everyone…?” asked Class Prez.

Class 2-B (unlike Class 2-A) wasn’t as energetic as most other class. We could already hear the random suggestions being screamed from Class 2-A through the walls. It wasn’t until Renge, the president of the literature club, suggested something.

“I know! How about we run a maid café? That attracts a lot of people and all we have to do is serve coffee and snacks!”

She seemed really enthusiastic about this.

I could see Class Prez was embarrassed at the thought of dressing up as a maid, but all the boys (except me, of course) would love to see the girls dress up as maids.

That means I can see Yuki-san in her natural state!

“Of course, because of the boys here, why don’t we make them dress up as butlers too? So we can attract boys and girls!” said Renge-san.

That’s a price I’m willing to pay.

“I’m willing to do that!” said one male student.

“Yeah, that sounds cute!” said another female student.

It seemed that the class had decided on an activity. Maid and butler café it is!

“E-Everyone’s in favor…? Let’s do it Class 2-B!” cheered Class Prez.

The only person I could see that wasn’t in favor of it was obviously Yuki-san. After all, she still worked at the Purrfect Café here in this world. If anyone was an expert at being a maid, it was her. Me being one of the people that raised their hand in favor of the idea didn’t sit well with Yuki-san, who gave me a slight look of embarrassment.

“You better not tell anyone Kaneshiro-san!” she whispered.

“Of course Yuki-san! I’d never tell a soul!”

What price must I pay to see Yuki-san in a maid outfit?

“But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?” recited  Daisuke.

Another day, another tutoring session with Kaneko-san and Yuki-san. The only difference this time was Daisuke joining us to help remember his lines. Apparently, the students of Class 2-A chose to stage a play on the final date of the festival, and chose Romeo and Juliet of all things. Being the two most popular students in their class, Kaneko-san “the roadrunner of Kasumigaseki High” and Daisuke were picked as the two leads. I couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of Daisuke repeating classical Shakespeare, and Kaneko-san simply trying to act. Nevertheless, these two were tasked with learning their lines and carrying the class play on their infamous reputations. It was smart, really. Daisuke would attract his female following, and Kaneko-san already had a good number of fans that would love anything she did. Even the school staff was looking forward to their play. Our maid café was going to rely heavily on Yuki-san leading us, even if she didn’t want her secret to come out.

“O…O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo…?” said Kaneko-san.

Kaneko-san tried to hide her face with her track suit after painfully reciting her line. It was obvious that the two of them were not looking forward to being on stage.

“Nghrnghrnghr! This is so embarrassing! I can't believe I got picked with you!”

She pointed her tiny index finger towards Daisuke.

“W-Well…it’s not like I wanted to do this either! It couldn’t be helped.” said Daisuke.

This is perfect!

Since Kaneko-san and Daisuke were a couple in the other world, this was the perfect opportunity for them to get closer together, but it was going to take a lot of work for them to admit their feelings for one another. It was a classic romantic-comedy situation! In the meantime, Yuki-san was visibly annoyed at our tomfoolery. She had no time to waste on drama. She loudly slammed her book shut.

“Ahem…If we could get back to studying, that would be pleasant.” said Yuki-san.

Her request managed to shut down Kaneko-san and Daisuke’s arguing instantly, but she wasn’t cruel since she said she would help them remember their lines after studying.

“Aka-nee! You’re so cruel!” complained Kaneko-san.

Surprisingly enough, after the incident, Kaneko-san had been trying very hard to get closer to Yuki-san, if not even more than I was! Even though Yuki-san didn’t want to admit it, Kaneko-san was the only other female she could relate to, being her rival and all. Kaneko-san’s casual attitude towards Yuki-san catches her off guard and she tries to hide her blush.

“Ahem…will you be joining us as well, Akatsuka-san?”

“I guess I’ll stay here for now. Might be good to study some more since Dr. Mori has been hassling me.” said Daisuke.

Lately, our group had expanded to include Yuki-san, Daisuke, Kaneko-san, and myself.

What an odd group of people…

My train of thought is interrupted when Yuki-san snaps at me.

“Kaneshiro-san, it would be best if you stopped day-dreaming and went back to looking over my literature notes.”

As the Ice Witch, she coldly stared at me.

I’d better get back to work.

 A few hours passed by as we studied. Daisuke was the first to leave due to something coming up. With his time here, I don’t think he managed to make any progress studying or learning his lines for the play. All I could do was wish the best for my partner in crime.

If only they had picked something like the Masked Avenger.

Yuki-san was the next to leave since it was time for her shift at the Purrfect Café. I thanked her for her help on memorizing the lines and asked if she could give some input on how a maid café would work. Needless to say, she wasn’t very thrilled with that idea.

“I’ll think about it Kaneshiro-san. Good work today. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

For the first time in a while, she smiled to me as she left the room. She suddenly stops and turns around to face me and Kaneko-san.

“Oh! Before I forget, h-here is my contact information. Just in case you two have any questions to ask me of course.” said Yuki-san.

“Thanks Aka-nee! I’ll message you every night!” says an excited Kaneko-san.

Kaneko-san and I exchange information with Yuki-san, before she finally bids us farewell again.

It’s the exact same.

I know it made sense, but I couldn’t help but feel somewhat surprised that Yuki-san’s phone number was identical to Akane’s in World A(kane).

I’d better keep that in mind, but one step at a time.

Now it was only Kaneko-san and I alone together. I felt nostalgic, looking back on the old times when it was just the two of us, me as the master and her, the student. Now the tables have turned, and honestly she’s probably smarter than me (for the moment). She was working on her lines as Juliet, but I could notice that she was thinking about something. I looked at her, and we had that moment when someone makes eye contact and immediately looks away.

I should say something.

“How are your lines Mar-?”

Oh crap! I thought I was in World A(kane)!

“I-I mean Kaneko-san!”

She became flustered at my sudden outburst and started to cover her face with the dirty sleeves of her trademark red tracksuit. She started to take some deep breaths and tried to compose herself. I tried to hide my slip of the tongue.

“U-uh…it’s going well Kazuki! O-of course this is easy peasy, no problem! I hope that idiot Daisuke can learn his lines!” said Kaneko-san.

Phew! I guess she didn’t notice…

“I’m sure Daisuke will; he never lets anyone down.”

Kaneko-san went back to her script, randomly repeating the lines aloud.

“Say, Kazuki. Are you busy right now?”

“Just going over more of the literature flashcards, why?”

She stood up and came towards my side of the table. I put the rest of my literature flashcards in a neat stack. She held out her rustled script, marked with notes.

“D-do you mind being Romeo for me? It’ll help me remember my lines better if I have someone to practice them with!” said Kaneko-san.

“Of course, Kaneko-san, a master always helps his student in need!” as I give out a hearty laugh. She cringes in embarrassment.

“Anyways, just help me out ok? From this part.”

Reading the script, it was pretty complicated. Most of the words and lines were not modern and instead translated traditionally. I’m not sure if I could remember these lines, but clearly Kaneko-san was trying really hard. Her whole class depended on her and Daisuke being able to nail the roles. We both stood up and tried to act out the lines.

“Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devo- devotion shows in this. For saints have hands that pilgrims’ hands do not touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers’ k-!”

Kaneko-san paused.

“What’s wrong?”

She was annoyed at my response to her pausing.

“I know the line, idiot! It’s just too embarrassing!”

We’re never gonna get this done.

“Let’s just keep going then. It’s getting late, let's at least finish this part.”

I warm up my voice to try to project it. If I recall anything from the one play I had done in elementary school, it was that it's important to project your voice clearly and loudly.

“Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take. Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is purged!” I say.

“Then have my lips the sin that they have took.” said Kaneko-san as Juliet.

“Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.”

“You kiss by the book…”

Just now I notice how close Kaneko-san is to me. During our whole act she had stepped closer and closer to me, almost as if she was in a trance as Juliet. I never noticed that her eyes were a pale blue. She was so close to me that I could smell her shampoo…

“Ahhh! Good job Kaneko-san!” as I step away from her.

My sudden movement alerts Kaneko-san, and she snaps out of her daze and back into her usual self.

“Th-…thank you!” said an embarrassed Kaneko-san.

We may have gotten a bit too into character here. Remember, she likes Daisuke! Remember!

We thought it was best that we call it a day and start to head home together.

 The walk home after the small rehearsal we had is quiet. Things are awkward between us. So far, I haven’t pushed Kaneko-san and Daisuke closer together at all. Operation Maiden’s Heart was going at a snail’s pace.

Time for a direct approach.

“S-So…Kaneko-san, do you like anyone?”

Kaneko-san was obviously shocked by my blunt question. She ran in front of me and lightly punched me in the shoulder.

“O-ow!”

“Wha…what kind of question is that?!?” she asked.

Her face was as cherry red as it had been during our practice. She was really embarrassed.

She sighed and thought about her response.

“W-well…there’s one person I like…”

Bingo!

“Who is it Kaneko-san?”

Kaneko-san lightly punched me again.

“I-I’m not gonna tell you, idiot! You won’t believe me when I say it!”

A maiden’s got to have her secrets, I suppose. It seems I won’t get a name from her.

“At least tell me what he’s like. Please?”

Kaneko-san hesitated a bit. I hoped that spending time with her this past year or so had at least cemented my status as someone she could depend on and trust.

“He’s…an idiot. He's annoying, and stupid! I don’t even know why I like him!” she said.

Women are weird…

“But he’s one of the nicest and most thoughtful guys I’ve ever met. He’s not like me, he's… strong, and brave. And even though I'm weak, he accepts me for who I am… I’ve known him for a while but I don’t know what to say to him…ahhh it’s useless!” pouted Kaneko-san.

Yep. Strong sounds like Daisuke. Your secret’s safe with me!

Time to commence the first step of Operation Maiden’s Heart!

“Maybe…I could help you get closer to this guy Kaneko-san?”

Kaneko’s attitude changed. She gave a confused look at me.

“How are you gonna do that?” she asked.

I have her attention.

“Let’s say I have a feeling who this guy is…and maybe I can tell you what he likes and stuff. I’ll help you get closer together!”

“So tell me what he likes!” she demanded. Her embarrassment had evaporated.

Knowing Daisuke for so long, he was a pretty simple guy to please. In fact, to be honest he and I had similar interests, being partners-in-crime and all. In spite of that, there was one distinct difference between us: I always liked the Masked Avenger, but he preferred the “villain” of the show, the Phantom Defender. The Masked Avenger fought for truth, justice, and all that was right. The Phantom Defender was the opposite. The Phantom Defender in the TV show had a different set of principles than the Masked Avenger, willing to do whatever it took to administer his “twisted” sense of justice. The Phantom Defender believed in the “ends justifying the means,” which led to a lot of interesting episodes in the series, and conflict with the Masked Avenger. Sometimes, however, the monster might be too strong for either one of them to fight, so they teamed up together, making the Phantom Defender sort of like an anti-hero. The Masked Avenger and the Phantom Defender seemed like two sides of the same coin.

Man this kids show is deep!

“You know that Masked Avenger pin you have? Maybe that guy kinda likes the villain more, y’know, the Phantom Defender. Maybe that could help you?” I respond.

Kaneko-san nodded her head and her eyes gleamed at the helpful information.

“Thanks Kazuki-kun!”

“No problem Kaneko-san. Good luck!” I say.

We both separate when we reach the usual crossroads.

 Mother and Dad are home now. Dad had been away again on another business trip earlier in the week, but he’s back to make up for lost time. Apparently they had plans to go on a night out, somewhere simple and relatively close by.

“Oh! I’ve heard of this café that’s very underrated, it’s called the Purrfect Café. A couple of my co-workers recommended it to me! They even have this new challenge that no one’s ever completed yet.” said my Dad.

My mother was trying to hold back her excitement in front of me, but Dad and I knew she was interested.

“Maybe. If you don’t mind that place darling…”

My dad wrapped his arms around my mother.

“Then it’s settled honey! I bet you could complete that challenge, since you always ate a lot when we were dating!” replied my Dad.

It was then that he noticed he had made a huge mistake with his wording. My dad was always like that; unknowingly say the right thing, but the wrong way. Mother was always serious with me, but with Dad she was like a completely different person.

Adults are weird…

“See you later, my boy! We left you some dinner! Try that new herbal tea I got for you!”

My parents left soon after. There wasn’t much for me to do besides sleep and wake up tomorrow in World A(kane).

 *Beep beep*

I begrudgingly look at my phone to see it’s a message from my boss. It’s one o'clock in the morning… couldn’t he wait until sunrise?

A girl needs her sleep y’know! It was a tiring day at the maid café!

A customer got a little too touchy with me, so I had to put him down. Thankfully I didn’t blow my cover with manager-san since he was “used to women in the workplace.” The light from my phone is so bright that it takes a second for my eyes to adjust from my pitch black room. I try to feel for my glasses that I had left on the nightstand, but I couldn’t find them in the dark. Though it will probably be blurry, I can still see things up close.

“I WILL BE ARRIVING SHORTLY. EVERYTHING WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF. KEEP AN EYE ON HER UNTIL I COME. THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE.”

Hmm…

It looks like he’s going to come face-to-face with her. Finally… It feels like we’ve come to the end of a very long journey. I just hope that he can finally realize that I’m cut out for this job and finally take me under his wing.  It’s going to be an interesting reunion for the two of them…    

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Akane pulled out her cat-shaped planner. There were so many little notes and post-its scrambled all over today's date. I still couldn't believe that Kaneko-san and Daisuke are a couple! That's almost as preposterous as me being with Akane! Akane said this would be great practice for Yuki-san in my original world. But, I'm glad that my partner in crime would be here to help me. I just never expected his help in this way. We were walking towards the entertainment district of town. Our first stop was a movie. One of the newest releases was the new Masked Avenger remake. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of them remaking the original TV show, but nevertheless I was still interested in seeing it. I look at Kaneko-san and her eyes lit up the moment she saw the poster.

She has a terrible poker face…

"Oh hey! The new Masked Avenger movie is out. How about we see that Kazuki? Are you two cool with that?" asked Akane.

She knew!

Daisuke wasn't as adamant as the rest of us. He grew up from this kid stuff.

"Eh…it's a kid movie right? How about that new horror movie That? I've heard good things about that spooky killer clown!"

Kaneko-san gave a light punch to Daisuke in the gut.

"I-I hate horror movies idiot Daisuke!"

Akane interjected, managing to pull back Kaneko-san from her flurry of pouty punches.

"C'mon Daisuke, Masked Avenger has better reviews. Besides, That jumped the shark when they did that cross-over movie with The Circle series.

Somehow, I'm not surprised Akane was a fan of horror movies.

Daisuke, shocked by Akane's knowledge of the cheap horror movies, accepted his defeat.

"Fine… Let's see Kaz's and Mary's favorite kid show. It's like you two never grew up…" as he grabbed me in a headlock again.

The women decided to save our seats while Daisuke and I went to go get the snacks.

It wouldn't be a movie without popcorn.

Walking past the line, I could see kids with their moms eagerly awaiting the movie to start. The kids were enthusiastic since they were handing out free paper Masked Avenger masks. I would have totally taken one, but was too embarrassed to. It was a bit awkward, since the four of us were the only teenagers that were going to watch the movie.

"I guess everyone else is watching That." said Daisuke.

We reach the busy snack bar, and Daisuke gets the regular size for him and Kaneko-san. However, I get the large since Akane could probably eat the entire bucket of popcorn by herself.

Where does all the food go?

The popcorn bucket was almost bigger than my body, since I decided to play it safe and order the "kaiju-sized" one instead of the large one. Despite being full of popcorn, it was heavier than I expected!

"Uh…do you need some help?" said Daisuke.

"N-nope!"

There was an awkward silence between both of us. Usually Daisuke and I would be fanboying the movie we were about to see, but we weren't alone together this time. This was the first time I've ever seen him with a girl, and my curiosity peaked since Daisuke never seemed to be the type of guy that would be in a relationship to begin with. Kaneko-san would have been the last person I would have thought of to be with Daisuke.

"Go ahead, ask why." said Daisuke.

He read my mind!

"Haha, that's why we're partners in crime I guess."

"So how did you and Kaneko-san get together?" I asked.

We were stuck behind a huge wave of people that were trying to get into the viewing room.

"Well, after Valentines' Day she confessed to me about her feelings. She gave me some chocolate and one thing led to another we got to know each other pretty well. We sat next to each other anyways in Class 2-A. Turns out we have a lot in common, you'd be surprised Kaz."

I couldn't believe that Kaneko-san was hiding her feelings this whole time. The roadrunner of the school could literally have any boy (or girl) she wanted, but I guess she saw something in Daisuke. They seemed to be polar opposites from each other, but at the same time, those two seemed like two sides of the same coin. I never would have noticed, but then again, I'm one of the densest people you'll ever meet.

I wonder if Kaneko-san in World B has the same feelings?

Finally it made sense to me - that's probably what was bothering Kaneko-san the whole time! From what I remember in my original world, Daisuke never received chocolate from Kaneko-san, hence them not being a couple. Or at least that's what I'm aware of since she avoided me the whole day.

Maybe that was a clue to solving Kaneko-san's problem from World B?

"She's not like any other girl I've met. Ever since we've become a couple it's like I see the world in a different way. Although some things she could improve on like her mood, temper, whining, the roadrunner's cute man. To be honest…I-I've always had a crush on her! This must be how you feel with Akane right?"

This was a different side to Daisuke I never knew. I've never seen him blush either! Hearing his feelings for Kaneko-san for the first time almost made my own heart skip a beat.

Who knew this dummy could be caring?

We return to our theater with our food and try to find the girls in the dark room.

"Oh. Before I forget, you don't have to be so formal Kaz, call my girlfriend by her first name. She'd appreciate it."

Daisuke holds his small bucket of popcorn over his head as he tries to lead the way through the aisles. It was hard to see past my gigantic bucket, but I noticed the kids sitting around were looking at the giant popcorn in astonishment. Finally, I see Mary waving her short arm at us from above. We finally get to our seats. Daisuke hands Mary their popcorn, and she starts munching on it.

"Thanks Mary-chan!" said I.

Mary spits out her popcorn, while Daisuke started to vigorously pat her back.

"W-what did you say?!"

I couldn't tell if her face was red from almost choking on popcorn, or was it the first time I called her by her first name.

"Good grief Mary, chew before you swallow!" said Daisuke.

Akane was watching the whole situation next to me with her giant popcorn bucket.

"You two are so perfect together!"

The theater's lights started to dim and Akane almost instinctively grabbed my hand. The rowdy kids running around the place returned back to their seats. I can hear the projector turning on, and the movie starts.

"It was amazing! The villain had the Masked Avenger by the ropes, but justice always prevails!" said Mary.

"There was no way he was gonna lose, they already set up the sequel. Besides, I'm looking forward to the sequel when he comes." said Daisuke.

Overall the movie was faithful to the source material, but I would have personally liked it if it took some creative liberties. Mary on the other hand, was on the edge of her seat near the end. It was good to feel like a kid again.

"I know you liked it a lot right Kazuki-kun? I think you were even more invested than Mary-chan!" said Akane.

I try to hide my embarrassment, but she was right. The movie blew all my expectations away! I didn't even eat any of the popcorn since I was so enamored! But it didn't matter since Akane finished it for me.

"I'm glad everyone had fun. Onto our next destination!"

Akane led the four of us to our next stop.

Up next on our double date was some time at the Purrfect Café. It was strange to be back here since last time. Being in World A(kane), it was also technically Daisuke's and Mary's first time here. Upon entering the café, there was Felix, the black cat that saved my life (or at least World B Felix technically did). I purr at the tubby feline.

"You two seem to know each other well…" said Akane.

A tubby man in a suit walks up to us. It was manager-san!

"Ah Akane-chan! My formerly favorite employee! Oh what I would do to have you back here. I'll do anything. Anything."

I give the old pervert a death stare. He gets the message.

"Oh my manager-san, stop it you're embarrassing me!"

The manager and employee laughed on the old times, until Akane quit her charade.

"But I'm done working here old man-"

Akane grabbed Manager-san by the collar and got right into his face.

"And stop calling me for advice!"

Oh Manager-san!

Akane let go of Manager-san, and fixed his tie for him with a smile. She walked past him towards one of the bigger tables in the back. Manager-san loosened the tie back down a bit, and prompted the rest of us to take our seats.

"A-alright you youngsters, pick any table you want. S-someone will be right with you."

Manager-san leaves us to our own care, and we decided to pick a table that seated four people, and it had pictures of cats all over it. Akane and I sat on one side, with Daisuke with Mary on the other.

"You used to work here Akane-chan?" said Mary.

Akane's face turned red.

"Y-yeah…for a while! I needed the money and this place seemed "purrfect" for me!"

Akane curled her hair and gave a wry laugh.

"I can't imagine someone like you working at a place like this." said Mary.

"I would've totally taken a picture of you Akane-chan!" said Daisuke.

Mary slams her tiny fist on the table. Our table rocks a bit to the side, and we notice a young girl around our age just accidently bumped it too.

"Ahhh! Sorry-nyan!"

Oh boy…

The clumsy girl was wearing the standard uniform of the maid outfits – but with a twist. She was wearing cat ears and had a tail sticking out behind her. Her maid outfit had white frills and her rather busty chest had a small cat-shaped window that one could see through. She had black hair that was tied into a bun. I also noticed that she was wearing colored contacts along with her large black-rimmed over-sized glasses. Her whole costume was on pointe.

Eh. Akane wore it better.

Akane lightly pinches me on my arm!

She knows!

Mary was red from how provocative the uniform was, and Daisuke was about to pull out his phone for a photo, but I signaled him to stop unless he wanted to be killed by our girlfriends.

"H-hello master-nyan! You can call me Neko-nee! I'm your servant for today! What would you like?"

Looking through the menu, it seemed familiar to what I remember. I was about to get the omelet rice, but with Akane being here, she would of course ask me if hers or Neko-nee's was better.

Better dodge that bullet!

Instead, I went for the coffee and sandwich plate. I wasn't feeling as hungry after all the excitement from watching the Masked Avenger movie.

"I don't know what to pick!" said Mary.

Daisuke grabbed her menu and closed it.

"We'll have the couple's deluxe please." said Daisuke.

Mary was visibly embarrassed, but she appreciated Daisuke being able to choose something quickly.

"I'll have the manager's special, extra-large please!" said Akane.

Neko-nee dropped her pen and server-book.

"N-no way…"

Neko-nee's natural voice was much deeper than I expected. She picked up her pen and server-book, and adjusted her glasses once more.

"Hawawawa! Neko-nee wasn't sure if she heard correctly-nyan. Manager's special, extra-large?"

She was back in character. Her hands were still shivering, and even her glasses were becoming foggy.

"N-no one's ever finished it, let alone extra-large!" said Neko-nee.

Akane gave her unopened menu back to Neko-nee.

"Don't worry, I made the challenge after all." said Akane.

Neko-nee's mouth was wide open.

"Y-you…y-you're Akane-chan?! The one manager-san always talks about?!"

"Yep…that's me…" Akane said. She gave a big sigh at her reputation at her former workplace.

"C-coming right up!"

Neko-nee dashed off into the back of the restaurant. We could hear some small bickering between her and the chef, followed by a loud manly gasp. My mouth began to water by the scent of various dishes being cooked in the back of the kitchen.

Akane's face became serious. She was going to finish all of it. At least I hope so. It was so much that we had to help Neko-nee bring all the food over. Her plate itself was almost the size of the table we were sitting at. In fact, it was probably more food than a buffet on a Sunday morning.

Where does it all go?!

"Where…does it all go? said Daisuke.

You read my mind again partner!

"Don't worry; I had a light breakfast everyone." said Akane.

She just had a large bucket of popcorn, and now this?!

She rolled up her sleeves and picked up her knife and fork. The regular manager's special today was only about a small plate of hamburg steak and some fries on the side. However, this being the one that Akane herself made during her time here, it included not only the hamburg steak and fries on the side, but also every other manager's special for all the other days. It included a 2.28kg cat-shaped bowl of ramen, 10 sandwiches, 10 soufflés, 10 double cheeseburgers, pizza, rice, and pasta. Oh, and free refills on drinks of course. All in all, it wasn't a question of whether or not Akane could do it, but rather how long it would take. When she finishes it, she would have a picture of herself on the wall of the (currently empty) challenge winners, along with the whole meal for free. Needless to say, my wallet really hopes she finishes it. Mary was in a catatonic state just looking at the sheer volume of food.

"Your girlfriend's got some appetite Kaz…" said Daisuke.

I know…

"Let's eat!" said Akane with a smile on her face.

"Ahhhh!"

Akane was patting her belly, which had grown almost three times in size.

"Just…how was that possible?!" said Mary.

The three of us witnessed something special today. At first it seemed like Akane was struggling to finish half-way through the food, but she just kept going, and going, one bite at a time. She even managed to finish all of her food before I did!

"I'm stuffed for today everybody…" said Akane.

Neko-nee and Manager-san were watching the whole time at the table beside us. Manager-san had his instant camera ready for the moment Akane finished her meal, but Neko-nee took the camera away from his perverse eyes.

"Alrighty! Let's take a photo master-nyan!"

She readied the camera in front of Akane to take the picture.

"Ready? One, two, three, cheese!"

Just then Akane in her food-drunk state grabs me by the neck making me be in the photo with her.

"Kazuki…you're the best boyfriend-"

"A-Akane!"

Neko-nee grabs the photo from the instant camera and starts waving it around until it develops. She takes a look at the photo and starts to laugh.

"Aww…my masters are cute-nyan!"

The photo was me basically looking terrified by Akane's sudden drunk strength and Akane smiling in a dumbfounded fashion. Daisuke and Mary were face-palming hard.

This is too embarrassing!

"You guys are really two peas in a pod Kaz…" said Daisuke.

We leave as soon as the photo was posted and I carry Akane out with her arm over my shoulder. She was barely able to move.

We should probably walk this off…

"Come here you punk kid!"

I'm too old for this…

We found a park nearby and decide to relax a bit from all the chaos today. Unfortunately chaos was present when Mary and Akane encouraged us boys to play with the local kids. It's a nostalgic feeling to be at this playground, since I remember Daisuke and I would frequently come here. As kids, we thought the slide was super high like a roller coaster, but looking at it now, it was pretty tiny. The playground equipment was getting old and rusted, but I had fond memories of running around with Daisuke and pretending to be the Masked Avenger. It's a good feeling to see the next generation still pretend to be the Masked Avenger, even if it was the remake version.

"You can't catch me old man!" said one of the punk kids.

"Then you better run from Danger Daisuke!"

He's getting wayyy into this.

Daisuke started chasing the kids around the park, but due to their small size, they were surprisingly nimble enough to evade getting tagged by Daisuke. I could barely keep up with running around after helping Akane walk off her manager's special. In the meantime, Mary was sitting on the park bench with Akane to the side, since she was still tired from eating a week's worth of food. Mary promised to keep watch of her just in case, but Akane was starting to get back to normal after walking around a bit. Suddenly I feel someone slap me on my behind.

"Ow!"

These kids are gonna pay!

I'm fired up!

"I'm gonna get you kids!"

Akane-chan is calmly observing the two idiots running around with the kids. I can feel the warm air of the afternoon blowing through us. It was like she and I were paused in time, looking on from Kazuki-kun and my loveable idiot Daisuke running around with the kids.

It's been a while since I've been here…

Even after eating all that food, it seems she has returned back to her energetic self. To be honest, she and I haven't spoken much before this day, but we had a mutual friend through Kazuki-kun. She's a lovely person up close, with her skin pale and almost looking like a mannequin from the clothing stores. Her chest was larger than mine, but she wasn't too busty (I think). Even though we were rivals since she came to Kasumigaeski High, there was a mutual respect I had for her. She just made everything seem effortless, even though I would work hard and tirelessly for hours.

"S-so…uh Mary-chan, how did you and Daisuke get together anyways?" said Akane.

It looked like she summed up all of her courage to ask me that question. I'm flustered by her sudden bluntness! The memories are flooding back to me with my confession and it's making me feel anxious in my chest!

"E-Eh! Oh! We got together soon after Valentines' Day…but we've been in the same class all year anyways. I guess we were both hiding our feelings from each other."

That's my genuine response.

I think that was the first time I ever explained to anyone about how Daisuke and I got together.

"Daisuke may be annoying, an idiot, and seriously cheap, but he's a loveable fool. My loveable fool that accepts me for who I am."

I'm still embarrassed though nghrnghrnghr!

Quick! Think of a question Mary!

"H-How about you Akane? What do you see in Kazuki?"

I'll admit that at a time I really did have feelings for Kazuki, that idiot. There were days when we studied together that made me really feel happy. It was in the past of course! However, once I realized he was perfect for Akane, I moved on. I hope one day Daisuke and I can be like them.

"Hmm…"

Akane took a moment to compose her thoughts. I think one of the main differences between her and I was that she never seemed to immediately respond whatever came to her mind like my impulsiveness. Like her previous "Ice Witch" reputation, she was cold and calculating, but still one of the most nicest and pleasant people to be around.

"Well, he accepted me when everyone else seemed to be distant or afraid. I know people called me the "Ice Witch" of Kasumigaseki High, but Kazuki-kun kept trying. He makes me feel warm when everyone else was cold. He can be stubborn sometimes, but I really like him."

Her response to what she sees in Kazuki would have probably melted the idiot's heart. It just further cements my thoughts that Akane really is more than what she seems.

"I'm glad we are friends Mary-chan."

It was the first time that I saw her smile up close. Truth be told, that smile could've won any idiot over.

"Me too Aka-nee!" as I smile back.

"Found you punks!"

Daisuke and Kazuki were still running around with the kids.

Those idiots.

I'm tired.

Today was draining from chasing all those kids at the playground. Daisuke and I managed to eventually wear down the kids enough that they got bored and left us. By the time the kids left, it was already getting dark so our double date ended on that note. Right now I'm in bed with Akane, who still managed to have enough room for dinner despite completing the challenge. You think she would be tired of hamburg steak but nope! I submitted to my girlfriend's request of more hamburg.

Just where does it go?!

When I go to sleep I will be back in my original World B. But despite feeling tired, I couldn't exactly fall asleep. I just wondered whether or not whatever we did today would help me get closer to Yuki-san. I just have to remember whatever happens here will not carry over to the other world.

"Hey Kazuki? You asleep?" said Akane.

"No." I said.

Akane rolls over, staring up at the wall.

"I can't sleep either, too full." she said.

I chuckle at her ridiculous achievement.

"Did you have fun with Mary and Daisuke today?"

She turned back to face me, with her eyes indicating she was waiting for a response.

"Yes, in fact I thought of something interesting Akane."

Akane rose from lying down to turn on the light.

This must be what they call "pillow talk."

"What is it?! Tell me!"

It's like 1 am and she still had energy to pout!

"Well, you know how some things from this world and my world correlate together? Well since Daisuke and Mary are a couple here, it's weird that they aren't in my world."

Akane's eyes lit up brighter than my lamp on the bed side counter.

"Really?! Mary-chan mentioned to me about her hidden feelings and how they had the same feelings to each other but never did anything until Valentines' Day when she confessed!"

She had a point. Kaneko-san from my world was acting weird that day from what I remember, and I definitely don't remember Daisuke ever getting confessed by Kaneko-san.

That must be what's bothering Kaneko-san!

"Let's call it Operation Maiden's Heart! Consider it like a side quest to your main quest of getting with Yuki-san. Help out your partner in crime and Mary!"

This is real life Akane, not a game!

Otherwise, she had a good idea. I should help those two dummies admit their feelings since they're both dense. Besides, all I want is for my friends to be happy, and seeing them together in this world makes me think that they're meant for each other.

I'm just gonna nudge them closer together, that's all!

"Good night Akane."

"Sweet dreams, Kazuki."

She turns off the light and we drift off to sleep.

"Yes sir. I'm sending you the photo now. We've finally found her." I text.

It was after hours, and I can't wait to get out of this stupid cat maid costume. Although maybe I should keep it just in case for him…? I press send on my phone to him and await further orders from him. I put my thick glasses down and start to take out my uncomfortable colored contacts.

*BZZZZ. *BZZZZ. *BZZZZ.

"He's calling me?!"

I juggle my phone out and try to press the answer button with my blurry vision.

"It's her, no doubt about it. Turns out my information was correct. Keep on standby just in case she comes back. Keep observing her like you have." he said.

"R-Roger, just how long will I be working here?!" I ask.

"Until we can pin-point just where she lives. We need to be careful about this."

I hear a dial tone. He hung up!

"That jerk!"

I guess I'm stuck here for a while more. I didn't sign up for this! I hear a buzz from my phone and look at the new message.

"Oh! And good job. Keep it up! J" he texts.

Thank God this is through a phone, otherwise he would've seen me in this embarrassing state! I take off the tail on my back and begin to change out of my maid uniform.

"He's finally found her - Akane Yuki.

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

         Sigh.

         A 70.

         Thank God for Yuki-san’s chocolates...

It’s been a few days since Valentines’ Day and I noticed a lot of tension the school was feeling died down. In fact, the school’s vibe changed towards something more light-hearted, where you could hear small teases and occasional bickering from the new couples. I wish that was the case for me and Yuki-san in this world, but my goal was at least one step closer. She and I have been somewhat more comfortable than before. Like last Tuesday, she woke me up when the teacher asked me a question. I knew the answer of course. But other than that small incident, it is kinda awkward between both of us. There’s an indescribable distance between us, even though she did give me chocolate for Valentines. I’m still trying to think of a proper way to thank her, but I have no clue!

         Daisuke Akatsuka, my best friend since forever comes up to me at the right moment. He was still wolfing down the chocolates he received from the girls all around school. If anyone had any tips about how to deal with my dilemma right now, it was him.

         Play it smooth Kazuki! Don’t make it so obvious what you’re trying to do.

         “H-hey buddy ol’ pal.”

         I pat him on the back like he does to me. It makes him cringe.

         “Uh…what are you doing?”

         C’mon Kazuki you can still save this!

         “N-nothing! Just wondering how my partner in crime is doing these days…haha” I try to laugh it off.

         Daisuke wasn’t falling for it though. But he’s been through my charades long enough that he simply sighs and lets it go.

         “Well…things could be better, but that’s for another time. I guess if you don’t need my help I’m gonna go back to class…”

         “No wait!”

         “Hmph! I knew it!”

         Daisuke turned around with a smug grin.

         He knows me too well…

         “Well…here’s my problem Daisuke…”

         I explained to him my current dilemma of what to do as a thank you for Yuki-san’s chocolates last Valentines’ Day. I had to make my shot count, since Akane wanted me to “surprise” her other self.

         My girlfriend didn’t even give me a hint! How cruel!

         “I see…” said Daisuke.

         “You see Kazuki…when a man likes a woman, it can make you do very stupid things. Things like you when you confessed to the Ice Witch in front of the whole school…”

         “Y-you don’t have to remind me!” I exclaim.

         “But…you managed to someone recover from that and are now on good standing with her. If anything…you gotta be smooth…” as he slicked back his bleach blond-tip hair.

         “Smooth…?”

         “No no! You gotta be smoooooooooth…”

         I don’t get it.

         “Ah…smooooooooth…” as I copied his exact motion for slicking back his hair.

         “But you get confessed to like on a daily basis Daisuke!”

         “W-well…it’s because I’m not interested in them! There’s someone else…” he steps back.

         “Wait! So that means…!”

         Who does Daisuke like?!?

         “Yeah…I’m just waiting for the right opportunity…”

He cunningly smiles to me and rubs his hands together.

         “HEY! What are you two dummies talking about?!?”    

         Suddenly comes Kaneko-san the school’s roadrunner from Class 2-A. She ran in here like her usual entrance, leaving a dust cloud behind her. It was like she used instant transmission since she suddenly appeared right behind Daisuke.  

         “N-nothing Mary!” said Daisuke.

         He and I were trying very hard to hide our embarrassment from Kaneko-san catching us off guard while bro-talk.

         Now’s not the time…

         “U-uh…I got something to do. Bathroom. I feel an uh…stomach-ache! Bye!”

         Daisuke runs off leaving a dust cloud behind him exiting Class 2-B.

         “Okay….” said a confused Kaneko-san.

         “Anyways…KAZUKI! What was your score on last week’s test…?”

         Kaneko-san had a smug look on her face. She was trying very hard not to burst out and straight up say her presumably high score. I suck up my pride and tell her the truth.

         “You win this time Kaneko-san, I barely passed…”

        I was ready for Kaneko-san to start laughing or teasing me, but this time she didn’t. She took my test and looked at it thoroughly. Instead of a simple beck and call like usual, she had a genuine look of concern. I’m not sure what would be worse.

         “Wow…you really messed up Kazuki. You know I was sort of joking about you being an idiot…”

         Yuki-san overhears our conversation and turns towards me. Since Valentines’, I’ve noticed that she tended to smile more, ever so slightly though. Both Kaneko-san and I are waiting for her to grace us with her wisdom.

         “I’m sorry Kaneshiro-san, but what happened?”

         Well it probably had to do with the chocolate…but I can’t say that!

         “I’m not sure Yuki-san, I just didn’t have enough time to study given what’s happened recently…”

         Besides Valentines’ Day, none of us spoke about the “rescuing Yuki-san” incident that happened. We were all glad to be alive and mostly come out of it unharmed. Even Daisuke didn’t want to talk much about what happened, even though I was completely fine afterwards except for a knock on the head. Being his best friend, I couldn’t be cruel and make him relive memories of thinking his friend was dead. Kaneko-san, Daisuke, Yuki-san, and I all grew a newfound appreciation for each other, as we were all connected with that experience.

         “I hope you do better next time Kaneshiro-san.” said Yuki-san.

         With that surged a newfound motivation in me.

         I won’t let you down next time Yuki-san!

                   I’m back in Dr. Mori’s office. Needless to say she wasn’t a big fan of Valentines’ Day. This time she wasn’t drinking coffee at all. Instead she was dumping a whole box of candy into her mouth. I never thought of her having a sweet tooth, but I saw that the clearance sticker on the box was too good to pass up. It was still part of our usual check-ins after my accident. So far, I like to think that I’ve been progressing well with my recovery process. Although I still had some small headaches here and there, it was nothing in comparison to what was happening with my apparent “World-hopping” power. Dr. Mori said the closest explanation was lucid dreaming, but even then that theory still had some holes.

         “Y’know Kazuki-kun, I’ve heard that you barely passed the latest exam. What’s my favorite idiot-student doing?”

         “I’m not sure myself Dr. Mori. I just didn’t have enough time to study given what’s happened recently.”

         “I see…”

         Dr. Mori ripped open another box of candy and continued stuffing her mouth with chocolates.

         “Even Mary’s been doing better than you-” She almost chokes but manages to gulp down the last piece. “-and your job was to teach her!”

         “I-I’m sorry Dr. Mori!” as I bow my head in shame.

She gave a long sigh.  

         “It can’t be helped. Why don’t I find someone to tutor you? How about…I don’t know? Akane Yuki from your class?”

         Dr. Mori grinned from ear to ear.

         Oh. Oh!!! Thank you Dr. Mori! But I can’t show her I’m ok with that, she’ll make fun of me more!

         “Uh…sure. You’re right it can’t be helped. I’ll swallow my pride as a man and accept my new teacher.”

         Dr. Mori pats herself on the back with her genius idea.

         “Yuki-san isn’t in any clubs either, and don’t worry, she won’t say no. Word goes around there’s a popular cat café across town…and the school forbids students from having jobs.”

         She was seconds away from maniacal laughter, but she held back. It was like she had been waiting for an opportunity to bring down Yuki-san.

         What does she have in store???

         “Also, you’re welcome Kazuki-kun. Ah young love!”

         Someone marry her please!

           It was time for my regular study session with Kaneko-san. However, Dr. Mori already told me that Yuki-san should be joining us today. I tried to go to the study room with her but she left too quickly from my class. As I’m heading towards our usual room, I see Kaneko-san.

         “Hey Kaneko-san wait up!”

         I run up to her from behind. She slows down and I catch up with her.

         “You’re running late idiot.” said Kaneko-san.

         I can tell that she wasn’t in the right mood today. Ever since the results of the test I’ve been getting weird mixed signals from her. Our previous tutoring sessions were mostly quiet, and it was me doing most of the talking, when it would usually be her screaming in frustration of being unable to figure out the questions.

         “Are you ok Kaneko-san?”

         “Yes, everything’s fine.”

         The thing is, Akane told me that when girls say they’re ok like that, they’re not really ok.

         I may be dense, but not that dense!

         It was obvious to me that something was bothering Kaneko-san, and I asked her a few days ago what was wrong. She simply replied that nothing was wrong. Kaneko-san was the school’s best athlete after all; I can’t even imagine the expectations everyone else had for her.

         We reach our room, and Kaneko-san being the impulsive one slides the door open with a bang. Only she suddenly stops and blocks me from entering with her tiny frame.

         “Hey…what’s the hold up?”

         I look over Kaneko-san’s head, and there she was. Yuki-san was already inside our room, reading her usual black-covered book. With her presence, the atmosphere changed from a happy-go-lucky vibe that me and Kaneko-san built up, into something that was more serious. She was sitting at the end of the table, like a queen sitting on her throne. She was patiently waiting for both of us and it seemed that she didn’t even notice that we were here. Kaneko-san and I come into the room, finally catching her attention.

         “What are you doing here?” said Kaneko-san.

         Kaneko-san was biting her tiny lips, as Yuki-san promptly closed her book and stood up from the chair.

         “I have been assigned by Dr. Mori to help you two raise up your grades.”  said Yuki-san.

         Yuki-san sat right back down onto her chair, and popped open her book, trying to find the part she left off. She didn’t even glance at the two of us still standing in front of the table. Kaneko-san slammed her bag in front of Yuki-san.

         “I don’t need your help. I already have Kazuki. Don’t you have a job?” said Kaneko-san.

         “I do. But Dr. Mori made me an offer I cannot refuse. I have already told my manager that I would do more shifts on other days instead.”

         Despite all that, Yuki-san was still unfazed, reading her book.

“Besides, you two would be hopeless without me.”  

Yuki-san closed her book finally, and let out her cold gaze, befitting of her “Ice Witch of Kasumigaseki High,” reputation.

         “Nghhhh…” Kaneko-san didn’t have a rebuttal to Yuki-san.

         I better say something before these two kill each other!

         “Kaneko-san c’mon. I’ve been doing badly lately and I need some help too. A student can’t be better than his master right? Even a master needs a refresher or two every once in a while haha…”

         Kaneko-san stops pouting and gives up. Defeated, she pulls out her notebook and starts looking over her work. I open up my science notebook and we begin our study session.

         “Alright you two, I have already analyzed your strengths and weaknesses. Kaneko-san, you have improved in English, but it leads more to be desired. However, your literature score was better than your previous score. So let us start with English. For Kaneshiro-san, you have been in a disappointing downward spiral ever since your incident. My condolences for your situation, but your literature grades have been slipping, so we will start there with you.”

         It was the cold calculating Yuki-san that everyone of Kasumigaseki High knew. Both Kaneko-san and I were hit in our pride by her thorough examination of our weaknesses. It was different from my tutoring style, and I had to admit that it felt weird. I put away my science notebook and pull out my dusty literature textbook. I look out into the window and see gray clouds forming in the skyline.

         This is gonna be a long afternoon…

           I’m in my bed now. What’s crazy was that it suddenly started raining! The weather forecast only gave about a 10% chance of rain, but it still happened anyways. Luckily for me, I left before it started pouring.

Oh Wait! It would’ve been perfect if I had an umbrella for Yuki-san!

I grab my pillow to the side and yell into it. For some reason, I was still bothered by Kaneko-san. Kaneko-san’s been weird since Valentines’ Day, and I haven’t been making much progress on Yuki-san either, even with Akane’s help. Akane said that Yuki-san probably doesn’t what to do either. Those two have a lot more in common than you would expect.

         This is giving me a headache…

         In a few hours I’ll wake up in the other world, World A(kane). Like usual, I wake up to see the bedhead of Akane Yuki sleeping next to me. It feels like a dream when I see her, but it’s all real. So far she and I have been studying together more than anything. To be honest, even though we’re apparently a couple, we haven’t really done anything “couple-y.” We haven’t done anything that other couples do, it’s like we’re both too busy with school for anything like that. We’ve been trying to have some spare time to do something together. Akane likes to think of it as “practice for Yuki-san.” She’s been planning a date together sometime soon, because it’s been a while since our last date at the amusement park. She wouldn’t let me on the details either, except to expect a surprise.

         We didn’t even do anything for Valentines!

         I open my eyes to confirm that I was in the other world now. I see Akane sleeping softly next to me with her red ribbon. I can feel her breathe as her sweet air hits me in the face. It feels pleasant. Even with her snoring and some random mumbling, it was undeniably cute.  

         “Nyaaaaa kitty cat…”  

         How cute! My heart!

         I head down to the kitchen to start making breakfast. Mother already left since she and dad were still on their Valentines’ Day trip. It was my turn to cook something, since Akane would wake up earlier than me usually and cook anyways (not that I didn’t mind, her cooking is on par with my mother’s!). My mother hasn’t revealed her secret recipe just yet, but I managed to come up with my own from observing her closely. The aroma of the spices and grilled meat starts to diffuse around my house.

         “Hamburg…steakkkkkkk my favoriteeeeeee…”

What the?!?

A zombie-like Akane suddenly appeared behind me! She was dragging her body forward, with her arms in front of her like she was in a trance. She paused, only to continue follow the scent with her sniffing.

She’s not wearing any pants! I can see her pant-!

         Akane starts getting closer and closer to me in the kitchen, until she finally wakes up in front of me.

         “AHHHHHH!”

         Her scream and push both knocks us down onto the floor.

         She’s on top of me!

         Her long black hair covered most of my face, so I couldn’t see her as clearly. I could however see the blush that was powerful enough to seep through her hair. She stands up and helps me off the ground.

         “I-I’m sorry Kazuki!”

         “I-I’m fine really!”

         We’re both started by a loud sizzling noise on the stove-top.

“Oh the hamburg steak!”

         Before I could react, Akane already managed to take off the hamburg steak to let it rest on a plate. In one quick motion, she managed to cut the veggies and started to sauté them in the same pan.

         “Y’know, it’s my turn today Akane.”  

         “Yeah, but I don’t mind. You should be grateful considering you knocked me down like that…”

         Hey wait a minute!

         “You knocked me down since you can’t stop your appetite!”

         Akane starts to fake cry again.

         “How can you say that to a fair maiden like me?”

         She stops the comedy routine and promptly serves the veggies along with the hamburg steaks. I’m not sure if my hamburg steaks would have come out as well as hers.

         “Dig in!” said Akane.

           I help her wash the dishes since that was the least I could do. Akane was unusually quiet this morning. Too quiet. She was staring off into space, randomly blushing here and there during our meal. Despite the rather awkward moment this morning (not that I didn’t mind!), it felt like she wanted to say something but was hiding it.

         “H-hey Akan-“

         “H-hey Kazuk-“

         We both have the same thought and I’m interrupted. I can’t help but laugh, and she does as well.

         We’re in sync this morning.

         “You go first Akane.”

         “I didn’t know when to bring this up, but I’ve planned a practice date for you Kazuki! It’ll be fun sinc-“

         She gets interrupted by the doorbell.

         Strange, who could that be?

         “I’ll get the door!”

         I dash to the door to see who’s already here this early in the morning. I open it only to see Daisuke and Kaneko-san together.

         What are they doing here? Not that I don’t mind!

         Akane comes to the front entrance door and stands behind me.

         “Hey it’s Daisuke and Mary-chan!” said Akane.

         It’s strange since Daisuke and Mary-chan both looked away from me when Akane appeared behind me. Until I realized that Akane still wasn’t wearing any pants. I whispered into her ear and let her know.

         “U-uh…like I was going to say, Daisuke and Mary-chan will be joining us on a double date. After I change haha sorry!” and she scuttles away.

         Wait what?

         Upon further observation, I notice that Daisuke and Kaneko-san were equally embarrassed; looking away from each other. But Kaneko-san had a slight smile of satisfaction. I look and notice they were holding hands, albeit reluctantly.

         Then that means…?

         “U-uh…let me change too guys. Come in.”

         So they will be joining us on a double date?!?

           Good grief…I was just walking back from the hospital when it suddenly started pouring. It’s just my luck that a 10% chance of rain actually happens. I try to dry my wet hair the best I can.  

         “Achoo!”

         A cold is the last thing I needed. Now I was stuck here at the old dusty bus stop along the road, and all I could hear was the loud cacophony of pouring rain, hitting the metal covering above my head. I hear what sounded to be splashes coming closer and closer to me.  

         “NGHRNGHRNGHR!”

         A girl in a red track suit wearing a Kasumigaseki High uniform underneath appeared! She lowers her track suit that was covering her head, and her blond hair flows out from it. It was Mary! She was pouring wet from running in the rain. The Roadrunner of Kasumigaseki High was standing in front of me at an abandoned bus stop.

         “M-Mary?!?”

         She tries to move the wet hair out of her face, and her blue eyes meet mine. Her cheeks were bright red from the cold.

         “Oh! Daisuke-kun! What a weird coincidence haha! Thankfully I found someplace to stay dry until it stops!”

         It was indeed a weird coincidence. I didn’t know Mary lived around this part of town.

         “Do you live around here Mary?”

         She untied one of her shoes and tilted them to the side, trying to get some water out of it. Her socks were wet enough that I could see through them.

         “No not really. This is just my usual route I run for track after having tutoring sessions with Kazuki. When it started raining I ran even faster!” said Mary.

         School was almost 2 km away. When she showed up she barely showed any signs that she was running for that long. She finally sits down next to me.

         “Achoo!”

         I cover my sneeze with my arm and move in the other direction away from Mary.

         “I-I’m sorry! I think the rain’s gonna give me a cold.”

         I try to laugh it off. But Mary reaches into her bag and pulls out some paper tissues.

         “You have snot all over your face haha!” said Mary.

         She and I joked around a lot. As I reached for one of the tissues, I can see that the white shirt that was part of her uniform was soaking wet. I could see through! I quickly grab a tissue blow my nose into it.

         “T-Thanks Mary!”

         I can feel my face was getting heated, and my forehead was burning up.

         “Uh…are you okay Daisuke?” said Mary.

         “I-I’m fine!”

         Any other girl I was normal around. Confessions were almost on a daily basis. It was just with Mary for some reason I felt weird. I knew everything about this girl over the year. I knew her favorite color, I knew her favorite song, I knew her favorite food. We’re both sitting at the bus stop together, waiting for the rain to subside.    

[kenbinru]

Announcements + Break!

Hello everyone! This formally marks the end of volume one of “I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams!” I will be taking a short 2-3 week break, and will return by the end of September. In the meantime, here are illustrations by Op Boba, my collaborative artist, along with a short prologue of things to come in volume 2. Thank you for reading, and continued support! ~ Kenbinru

Prologue

         Breathe in, breathe out.

         This shouldn’t be that big of a deal right? I’ve been in worse situations before. However my routine isn’t working! Before every big track meet I would just focus on breathing in and breathing out. I rub my old Masked Avenger pin that my father gave me. I probably shouldn’t do that since the paint is worn and faded, but I can’t help myself! Planning this out was a struggle. I’ve been staying up late and practicing test chocolates for him for the last few days. I’ve overheard from Daisuke that he likes caramel the most, and so far this batch doesn’t taste as bad as the first one I made.

         I’m getting embarrassed just thinking about it agh!

         Today was a special day. Today is the day of the big test, and after what’s happened to him so far, it seems he would appreciate this chocolate. I don’t wear make-up often, but mom insisted in helping me today; she even helped straighten out my blonde hair. I’m ready for this test anyways, and ever since he’s started tutoring me, I’ve been on the rise. I want to prove to everyone that this girl is not all brawn, but has brains too! Walking around school this morning, I see a lot of girls from my class give away their chocolates already to their crushes, and for those that didn’t want to admit their crushes, give away some “pity” chocolates too. Even I know that would be cruel, and besides, I want to make sure that my chocolates are only for him. I made about a dozen pieces and it’s all wrapped in a special heart-shaped box. In fact, it’s big enough that it’s pretty hard to hide within my red track suit. I even decorated all the pieces to look like the Masked Avenger, since he likes it a lot (even though he won’t admit it). Personally, I’m not that big of a fan as he is, but it’s something its innocence that I like. For some reason, I’m feeling this strange anxiousness within my chest. My heart is pounding loudly like a hammer! I want to give it to him, but I’m afraid.  

         What if he says no? Or hates the chocolate?

         I just haven’t had the right opportunity yet!

         Where is that idiot?

         He’s been making me walk around school trying to find him. I’ve even been avoid my track team mates since they have zero idea of my master plan. Here I am going out of my way to make him some chocolates as a thank you for tutoring me (that’s all), and yet looking around Class 2-B, he still hasn’t shown up yet. I can’t help but notice a lot of the boys in the school were all eyeing me today.

         Perverts!

         It’s just hard to hide my special chocolate box in this track suit and uniform!! I can’t take it off either since everyone will know I’m going to give chocolate. It’s just going to spread more rumors about me in this school since everyone’s always watching the roadrunner anyways. As I turn the corner to head to the bathroom, I see him in the hallway!

         Eep!

I can’t do it!

         I’m a coward!

I turned away and headed back to the other direction.

         I have to go around now to head to the bathroom…

         For the rest of the day I couldn’t concentrate and stop thinking about the chocolates. In our next period, the big test that we were studying for the last couple of tutoring session begins.

         I have to give it to him before then! It’ll totally motivate that idiot to do well!

         I gather my strength and brave face on and head over to class 2-B. The door to the classroom was open and I could see him in his usual corner seat, but this time the class was quiet. I pause and hide outside the door, peeking with my head in a little to see what’s going on. It was Yuki-san standing in front of him, and my heart sinks. It’s chocolate. There’s no doubt about it. I can hear the whispers of people around me saying that it was a special limited edition chocolate that was super hard to find.

I don’t want to see this anymore.

I fall to my knees and my chest tightens like a boa constrictor is wrapped around me. There’s nothing left for me to do as the school bell rings for us to begin next period.

         It hurts…

         It hurts so much…

        I stain my sleeve with tears and runny make-up and head back to class with a smile.    

^ Cover

^ Kaneko-san 

^ Yuki-san (so scary but cool...)

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 10

Chapter 10

I wake up looking at a familiar ceiling. I get up from my futon to notice that there was no one in my bed.

It would make sense that Akane would be up already.

I could smell the eggs cooking from my room. The aroma of the breakfast made by the two women of my life in this world was making my mouth water.

I hope it’s hamburg steak!

I get changed into my school uniform and eventually head to the living room. I see my mother, but Akane is missing.

“Where’s Akane?”

My mother turns around and gives me a strange suspicious look.

“Akane? Well she got up early and helped me make this huge breakfast. She left as soon as she was done helping me cook. I wanted her to stay and eat with us but she said she had “something important to do” first. She just grabbed some toast and headed out. With a little guidance, she could become a really good cook for someone…” while she eyed me.

What could mother be implying?!?

The two managed to cook a feast for me.

There was no way I could possibly finish all this.

“You better eat up Kazuki! You need to recover!” encouraged my mother.

Aw crap.

 I managed to finish the entire breakfast they cooked. Akane’s food was delicious as usual, but something felt off today with her cooking, like it was unrefined.

Strange.

I would think that Akane would let me know of something before she left.

Just what did she have in store?

The bell for first period rang and Akane was still missing. I meet up with Daisuke and try to find Kaneko-san but she disappeared too.

Where did those two go?

Daisuke seemed like he was back to normal. He was back to his regular happy-go-lucky self. He was showered with some many different envelopes and bags of chocolates that he had a hard time carrying everything.  

Today’s your lucky day Cherry-boy!” as he handed me a box of chocolates.

It just hit me.

Today was Valentines’ Day. So much has happened that I completely forgot about today.

“I have too much anyways, here have some.” He was difficult to understand with all the chocolates he had in his mouth.

“Have you seen Akane anywhere?” Daisuke was too busy stuffing his mouth with candy.

“Nope…haven’t seen her around at all. What did you two do after we left…?” Then his expression changed towards something perverted.

“Never mind!” I had to go to my regularly scheduled therapy with Dr. Mori anyways.

 “Hello? Kazuki-kun?” Dr. Mori snapped me out of my thought process.

“I’m sorry, I have a lot on my mind.” Dr. Mori was pouting. Even at whatever age she was, her pout was cute enough to turn a few heads.

“I know today’s Valentines’ and all Kazuki-kun, but don’t get your hopes up. If some girl gives you chocolate, you better savor it!”

Ouch, today was obviously not her favorite day of the year.

Anything I say might set off a minefield!

“Anyways, tell me how you have been feeling? What has been happening with Yuki-san? Any progress?” I wanted to tell her that yesterday I nearly died and stuff, but that’s probably not a good idea to cause even more stress on this delicate mature woman.

“Things have taken a turn for the interesting I suppose.” Dr. Mori was intrigued.

“That’s good to hear Kazuki! I’m glad young love can blossom even in this cruel world…” as Dr. Mori takes another long gulp from her “coffee.” It was still a little early…

“Have you been having any more of those headaches or feelings of light-headedness?” It’s true that they were still happening, but they were decreasing in frequency.

“That’s good. I’m glad that you’re feeling better.” I had something popped into my mind.

“Say Dr. Mori, if let’s say you happen to have a boyfriend right?” She spit out her coffee in a fit of rage.

“You better make  a good point with this Kazuki-kun…”

I stepped on a mine!

“Uh…let’s say you happen to have a boyfriend right? What if you only had him like only in your dreams? And your dreams are indistinguishable from reality. What would you do? Would you choose to dream or the real world?”

Dr. Mori was thinking about the question.

Mine averted.

“Still thinking about lucid dreams Kazuki?”

“Sort of.”

“Well Kazuki, if that was possible, I don’t think I could accept being in a dream. As much as it hurts me to say, I would rather choose loneliness than be in a dream world. I would rather face the truth of reality than the comfort of something I know can never be more than an imitation, even if it was indistinguishable from reality. Or I’m not sure. It’s a hard decision to make.”

Dr. Mori had some good points.

To choose loneliness in truth than the blissful happiness of the superficial.

How noble of her.

“Random question Dr. Mori, but have you seen Akane around?”

I’m starting to get worried…

Dr. Mori let out a heartfelt laugh. She was pleasantly amused at my genuine concern for my girlfriend.

“Haven’t seen her all day today. It’s Valentines’, so maybe she’s planning something for her crush?” she teased.

“U-uh who could that be haha…” as I try to laugh it off.

“Have a happy Valentines’ Kazuki-kun. If anything you’re probably the closest I’ll have today…” she mumbles at the last second.

Someone please marry this woman.

 It’s about middle way of the day, and I haven’t run into Akane all day. I see Kaneko-san passing by in the hallway and try to ask her if she’d seen Akane around.

“Hey Kaneko!”

She is shocked by my sudden greeting, and finally notices that it was me. Her face was red like a tomato, her blush showing through her unusual applied make-up. She awkwardly walks towards me, as it seemed she was trying to conceal something underneath her track suit. While she was only a few steps away from me, she suddenly screeched.  

“Eeep!” let out Kaneko-san.

She ran away in the other direction from me making dust clouds behind her. If anything, it was like she was caught red-handed doing something that she wasn’t supposed to do.  

Weird.

Besides Valetentines’ Day, today was also the first big exam of the semester. Everyone else at least had dates planned afterwards. All I had today was a date with a test. That I did not study for given what has happened the past couple days. All I hope is that I can remember whatever me and Kaneko-san studied together that one night. Thinking about it, it was weird how she asked what I saw in Yuki-san. I hope after experiencing yesterday’s events, she could see what I see in Yuki-san. I head back into my classroom and I see a small box on my desk.

“That’s weird…”

It must be pity candy from one of the girls of this class or something.

As I head to my desk in the corner and upon closer inspection, it looked too good to be “pity candy.”

No girl would be willing to give this cat-shaped candy box to someone they pitied. It’s too ornate…

I open the box to find a small assortment of chocolates. Dark chocolate here, white chocolate here, it was all varied and happened to be in the shape of a cat’s face.

This person must really like cats…

It wasn’t until a looming figure’s presence was felt in front of me.

It was Akane!

No wait.

Upon closer inspection, it was Yuki-san; she was not wearing the red string.

Wait! That means I didn’t wake up in World A(kane).

I thought that I would always wake up in the oth- It made sense to me now. Because I was knocked out, I had already hopped earlier. There was a cool-down that Akane mentioned that was still in effect. It probably hasn’t been after the set amount of time yet.

It’ll be normal after tonight.

But since I’m in my original World B, that meant this morning’s breakfast!

“Ahem…” Yuki-san interrupts my startling realization.

I could tell she was flustered. Despite her cold demeanor, she was trying very hard to hide her blush and was living up to her “Ice Witch” persona while a small crowd was forming around us.  

“I hope you enjoy these chocolates…”

The whole classroom was observing us now. We even managed to see the attention of the rest of the school that hiding out in the hallway.

“The Ice Witch of the school gave chocolates to someone!” whispered one of the male students.

“I didn’t have the time to make them because of this morning, so I ran to find these.”

“I’ve heard those are only at the specialty cat café across town. How did she manage to get those today?” whispered a girl in the classroom.

Yuki-san’s pride was visibly hurting going through this with me.

“Thank you…Yuki-san.” I smile to her.

She was still standing in front of me, along with the whole class holding their breath.

Eat the chocolate you dummy!

I take one of the pieces of chocolate and it instantly melts in my mouth.

Wow! This is…amazing!

I managed to bite into my favorite kind of chocolate. The caramel filling was sweet, but what made it burst with flavor was the hint of salt. I’ve heard of chefs adding salt to their sweets, but I never thought it would elevate a small piece of chocolate to such decadence. My hand instinctively grabbed another piece of chocolate before I knew it.

Just…one…more…

My face says it all and a satisfied Yuki-san sits down to her seat in front of me like business as usual.

Oh…she’s just being nice to me…that’s all.

I suddenly feel tired and plop my head face-down onto my desk.

I’m not ready for this test either…

“But maybe…”

I lift my head to Yuki-san’s voice.

“Maybe next time they’ll be homemade…” she teases.

I can see part of her smile from the side, but she quickly returns to her stoic demeanor.  

Things are looking up Kazuki!

It felt like this was a snapshot in time, like I managed to reach a checkpoint at the end of a long level or quest. It was until the teacher comes back into our class and snapped everyone back to reality.

“All right everyone, testing begins. Put away your candy!”

He just so happens to unwrap a piece of candy and starts eating it.

“Good luck, Kanshiro-san.”

“You too, Yuki-san.”

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 9

Chapter 9

 I sneak inside the building as quietly as possible. It looks like the gang just left, but they could come back any second. There was a slight smoke emitted from the ash tray on the box.

They must have left recently…

I see Felix still trapped in his cage, but he doesn’t shriek at me like he did earlier.

It must be because he recognizes me or something?

I was more of a dog person to be honest. But this poor kitty cat needed to be rescued. I grab the cage and open the small door to let Felix out. Felix struggled a bit to get out of the small door, but he barely manages to escape the cage.  Before I can pick him up, he runs off!

“Wait! I’m supposed to be rescuing you!”

Dumb cat just ran off!

As I run out to catch up to Felix near the entrance, I hear noises. Suddenly I take cover behind some boxes. I hear a car stopping outside in front of the entrance of the building. There were voices outside the building, and I can hear them clearly.

“Boss, I’m sure the cat is fine, after all, he was heavy for a cat. It felt like I was lifting bag of rocks!”

It was unmistakable that it was the three guys from earlier. Only problem that they were in front of the only entrance and exit out of this place; the other exit was blocked by some rubble.

Aw crap!

I hide behind a big box, and peek out enough to notice that they had a bag of cat food. If it was awfully generous of them since they bought the premium organic cat food. They dropped it when one of them noticed that Felix escaped his cage.

“Boss look! Someone let the cat out of the bag!” The man in white tiger striped suit hit his punny minion.

“Sorry, I always wanted to say that Boss…” The man in the white tiger stripped suit was furious.

“FIND IT!!! They’re probably still here…” I notice that they all start cracking their fists, with the man in the white tiger stripped suit brandishing a small flashlight.

They started roaming around the box scattered area, and start getting closer and closer to my position.  

 I’m screwed. There’s no way that I could fight off three of these guys, especially if they had weapons.

Somebody save me! Help! Anyone!

I’m trying my best to calm down my breathing and think. I have to make a run for it towards the entrance. The man in the white tiger stripped suit was looking the opposite way from me, making it the best chance to escape. Suddenly, a distinct ringing of a bell is heard.

Felix!

And Yuki-san!

Yuki-san let Felix down, and I can see her making hand signs to me to get out. I head towards the entrance until I’m suddenly shouted to stop.

I’m spotted!

“HEY! WHO’S THERE!”

I make a dash towards the entrance but I’m stopped by the big henchman. I turn around to see the man in the white tiger stripped suit and the other underling.

I’m trapped.

The three of them started to surround me within a circle. There was no way out of it.

It’s over.

“Hey would you look at that, it’s Akane-chan’s knight in shining armor!” said the man with the white tiger stripped suit.

“You managed to find out our hide out, but you won’t make it out here alive kid.” The thugs were not going to let me so easily. They were in control of the situation. There was only one option: I’ll have to fight my way out. Granted, my only experience with fighting was from the Masked Avenger TV series I watched as a kid. I would pretend with Daisuke and “fight,” when it was just us kicking the air and stuff.

“After taking care of you kid, we’re going after the princess. Time for her to pay up!” and the three thugs started laughing maliciously.

Now I definitely have to stop them right here and now. The sense of determination within was a burning passion. I’ll stop them here and save Yuki-san’s to smile again. I get into a fighting stance, which makes the three thugs step back in precaution. I raise my fist, and running towards the small henchman I shout my battle cry:

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 “-HHHHHHHHHHAAA” I awake in a strange place. I was on the ground of the building. Only problem was it felt different.

“Kazuki-kun!” and as my vision clears it was Yuki-san!

Wait.

She was wearing a red string in the shape of a ribbon. I’m in World A(kane). I sit up and rub my head.

It stings!

I’m confused. Why was I in World A(kane)? I was just about to fight off the three thugs and save Yuki-san once and for all. I drop back on my back to lying on the floor. Akane kneels down too, and rests my head on her lap.

“This doesn’t make sense.”

What happened?

Because my head was stinging, I was probably knocked out. In one hit.

Some hero of justice I was.

“I’m sorry Akane, I couldn’t save you in the other world…” Akane was still smiling as I looked up to her face.

“It’s ok Kazuki, I’m sure if Yuki-san was watching she would think you were really cool!” I can tell that she was really trying to make me feel better since she was trying really hard not to laugh.

“I need to wake up Akane.” The only problem was neither of us knew exactly how my world hopping power worked. Only that I was suddenly transported to World A(kane) by getting knocked out. Time was still moving forward, and every second counted.

I needed to get back.

Yuki-san could be in trouble right now while I’m enjoying an underserved moment. I didn’t deserve to have my head resting on Akane’s lap.

Think. Think. Think. How can I come back to the other world?

This is the moment where the good guy comes up with a miracle somehow to win against the impossible.

“Kazuki…” I listen intently to Akane soft voice.

“You’re my and Yuki-san’s hero of justice. Somehow you will save her. You just got to believe.”

I didn’t understand what she was saying.

Believe? Believe in what? Then it hit me.

“I got it Akane!”

Akane was shocked by the sudden outburst I let out. I was just too excited.

“I figured it out, how to get back! I need to go to sleep.”

Akane let out a strong hearty laugh again.

“Of course! That was one of the theories we thought of right?” said Akane.

“Yeah!”

The only problem now was that I was too excited to sleep. I’m not tired at all! I need to close my eyes and try to sleep somehow!

 After what felt like an eternity, I still wasn’t even close to feeling asleep, despite how comfortable Akane’s thighs were for resting my head. I was burning time and I needed to go back to the other world as soon as possible.

“Augh! I still can’t sleep Akane!”

She paused and thought to herself. The whole abandoned factory of this world was dead quiet; there were not even cricket noises that were common at night. I looked up to her face and it looked like Akane had an idea pop in her head.

“Remember how I mentioned that I don’t really remember my mom that well?” said Akane.

“Yes, but sorry for saying this, what does that have to do with anything Akane?” I asked.

“The only thing I remember from her was a lullaby that she would sing for me when I was little. It would always help me go to sleep.”

There’s no way a lullaby could help go to sleep! Even so I couldn’t tell her that…and Akane’s probably the worst singer I’ve ever heard in my life.

“It doesn’t hurt to try haha…” I said to Akane.

Akane warmed up her voice. I was prepared to hear the ear piercing lullaby that would make it impossible to sleep. Akane open her mouth and began to sing her mother’s lullaby:

 “Go to sleep,

Go to sleep,

Little Kazuki can’t go to sleep…

 What to do…?

What to do…?

Mama’s going to help you…

 Close your eyes, don’t start to cry…

Close your eyes, until the sunrise…

Sleep soundly and good night.”

 It was the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. I wanted to cry because of how moving it was. Akane would make a great mother one day…

I guess I was wrong about her singing voice. I’m sorry for doubting you!

Suddenly I’m feeling light-headed. My heart was pulsating. I hear Akane’s soft voice whisper in my ear.

“You just have to believe. Believe in your sense of justice.”

My breathing stops, and I wake up.

 *Gasp*

I inhale deeply as I slowly open my eyes. I can feel drops of water hitting my face from above.

“Ugh…am I back?”

Just then I see silhouettes eventually forming Yuki-san (she wasn’t wearing a red string) and Kaneko-san! I was back, and it was a miracle.

“Kazuki! You idiot!” as Kaneko-san starts crying even harder.

I still feel topsy-turvy from the impact the guy had on me. It stung when I touched my head. As I sit up, I see Daisuke beating one of the thugs with punches that sounded like bullets.

“YOU!!! YOU KILLED KAZUKI! YOU KIL-“ Just then he lets go of the purple-faced white tiger striped man and notices that I’m awake.

Daisuke runs over to my slouched body and gives me the hardest bear hug I’ve ever experienced. I try to embrace him but he was holding me so tight that it was hard to breathe. I could hear quiet sobbing from him besides my ear.

“It’s hard to breathe Daisuke…” with the loudest voice I could make.

Daisuke and Kaneko-san were both crying their hearts out. I’m friends with these caring idiots. Yuki-san was on her knees also, and I can see that she was visibly glad I was ok. For the first time, Yuki-san gave me the smile reminiscent to Akane’s. The one that would melt away all my troubles I had in the world.

“Did Daisuke end up saving all of us?” I asked Yuki-san. It was a day of firsts, as Yuki-san gave a wry chuckle to me.

“No, as soon as I heard you shout JUST- I ran in here and found the three cowardly thugs freaking out thinking they had killed you. I just ended up taking care of them with my pepper spray, with Akatsuka-san and Kaneko-san running in here to find all the thugs begging for mercy. Kaneko-san ended up calling the cops on the way here when she saw what happened. It’s over Kanshiro-san.”

Huh.

Somehow I’m not surprised at her having pepper spray. A girl like her would be dangerous on the streets. I still had one burning question though.

“How did you find where I was?” Yuki-san gave a confused look.

“I have no idea Kanshiro-san. I was just following the road after checking all the abandoned buildings until I found this one. Once I reached the split where the street went off-road, something was calling me there. I don’t know how to explain it, but my mind just kept thinking “I needed to go there…” I wasn’t so sure until I saw Felix-chan there and he led me to you.”

Well I guess that fat cat wasn’t much of a coward after all.

I guess everything worked out in the end. Yuki-san suddenly hugged me. I can feel her body heat that animating throughout my body. Even though Akane has hugged me multiple times in the other world, Yuki-san’s hug felt different – in a good way. If Akane was fire that enveloped your body to motivate you, Yuki-san was like the coldness that strengthened your determination. Two sides of the same coin. I liked this Yuki-san more than the one that tried to kill me a few days ago.

“Don’t be stupid again Kazuki…” whispered into my ear. Until she pushed me back and composed herself. She was already back into her stoic position that we all know her for.

“Ahem…I’m glad you’re ok Kanshiro-san.” She was trying really hard to hide her embarrassment. We sit and wait until the police come shortly after.

 I had to wait for my mother to pick me up from the police station since I was technically injured. Luckily, we (or rather Yuki-san) managed to capture some thugs that were troubling the authorities. We apparently saved them some time and outside help from private investigators. Needless to say the lecture I will be getting from her won’t be pleasant. Yuki-san was still with me, since she felt guilty that my injury was her doing. I told her to go home earlier, but she insisted to stay with me. I’m glad she did. She fell asleep on my shoulder until my mother came barging in the police station.

“YOU HAD ME WORRIED KAZUKI!” my mother gave me another bone-crushing hug like Daisuke did earlier.

“I’m fine mother! Really!” she let go to relieve me. Yuki-san stood up from her chair and bowed to my mother.

“I’m sorry for putting your son’s life at risk! Please forgive me.”

“Really it wasn’t your fault Yuki-san, it was me trying to be a hero by being an idiot…” My mother wasn’t as forgiving as I was.

The two women stood side by side, almost looking like statues. Yuki-san still had her head low, awaiting my mother’s response. My mother sighed.

“What you did today was irresponsible. Please make it up to me by making sure my son is not being an idiot next time.” Yuki-san was still bowing.

“Yes ma’am!” My mother had another look at Yuki-san observing her dirty clothes and face from all the running and action today. She was still wearing her cat maid uniform after all.

“Do you have a place to stay tonight miss? Where are your parents?” Yuki-san paused.

“No, I do not really have a place to stay tonight.” Mother went from a quiet anger to a parental concern.

“Then stay with us for tonight. We have an extra futon Kazuki can use.”

What?

Before I can complain, Yuki-san lit up. She immediately accepted my mother’s offer.

“Of course, you’ll have to help me cook breakfast in the morning. Bright and early of course. Kazuki can’t since he’s injured.” Yuki-san agreed to all her terms.

“Thank you very much!”

The three of us headed home.

 I was tired and my head hurt from all the action today. I was going to be sleeping on the floor with the futon, and Yuki-san would be on my bed. When I open the door to my room after brushing my teeth, I see that Yuki-san was already asleep. She was sleeping peacefully, like a cat on a hot afternoon outside a porch or something.

I wish I could take a snapshot of this moment.

It was off to bed.

Time to go to sleep.

I managed to save Yuki-san through sheer luck. Or rather it was more fitting that Yuki-san was the one who was doing all the saving. At least through all that trouble I would be able to eat Yuki-san’s cooking this time.

Wait.

Every time I go to sleep I end up waking in the other world. That’s unfortunate. Although I love Akane’s cooking. I was curious if Yuki-san was a good cook as well.

“That sucks…”

Ahhh! What I would do to taste Yuki-san’s cooking. Oh well…I’ll have to tell Akane about the successful first step towards getting closer to Yuki-san. She’ll be proud of herself. I’m feeling light-headed. My eyes start to feel heavy, as I slowly drift away to sleep.    

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 8

Chapter 8

 It’s the start of class. I’ve arrived back into my original world B. My plan was to meet up with Daisuke and Kaneko-san in order to stage an intervention with Yuki-san. If we could somehow convince her of seeking help from the authorities or something, then she wouldn’t have to worry anymore about the debt.

“Alright guys, everyone knows the plan right? We’re gonna change Yuki-san.”

Daisuke and Kaneko-san were all afraid of facing the Ice Witch again, but my determination towards helping Yuki-san motivated them to come along. We were the only people who knew about her secret job after all. Unfortunately for us, when we headed to my class, Yuki-san was nowhere to be found. We asked the class president of her whereabouts, but she said that Yuki-san was absent today. It was the first time she was ever absent too.

Think. Where could she have gone?

Daisuke decided to head off to her formerly secret hiding spot (I would’ve gone, but that place had too many painful memories of rejection.)

“No. She’s not here Kaz.” He reported back.

Think.

“Hey! Maybe she’s at the café right now? She must be working extra today in order to pay off the debt quicker or something.” Said Kaneko-san.

All right.

Our plan had changed. We couldn’t leave Yuki-san alone. Every second counts.

“I have to head over to the café right now. It’s my only chance at finding Yuki-san.” I say to Kaneko-san.

“Y’know , you owe me big for ditching class idiot.”

Kaneko-san was willing to tarnish her perfect attendance for me. I do owe her big now.

“You’ll need backup too Cherry-boy.” Said an out-of-breath Daisuke.

So the plan was this, we will head over to the café.

Yuki-san, please be there!

 The three of us arrive at the café after completing our journey across town. Although we did get some strange looks since we had our school uniforms on, nobody was questioning why three suspicious-looking students were playing hooky. I enter the café first, only to find that there was quite a commotion in the place.

“Shaddup you stupid manager! If I want to talk to the girl I will.” Said a raspy voice.

It was coming from the center of the café, where three men in flamboyant suits were threatening the nice manager of the café.  Their apparent leader was the man in the middle, who was holding the manager by the collar, and managed to nearly lift him off the ground.

“You ca-can’t! Akane-chan isn’t here!” said the manager to the man in the white tiger striped suit.

“I know she’s here, otherwise I’m gonna search every nook and cranny here for her!”

The two other men started to trash the café. The big burly man in the red pinstripes started flipping the cat tables upside down, while the smaller man with the bat started hitting the cat posters on the wall.

“Cmon boss, they’re too cute to smash…” said the man with the bat. The three of us were too scared to move.

I must not run away.

I step forward only to be stopped by the voice of a girl.

“LET HIM GO!”

The chaos in the café calmed.

It was Yuki-san!

“Please, don’t hurt manager-san.” Said an empathetic Yuki-san.

Yuki-san always looked cold and emotionless, but this was the first time she looked worried, as her maid headband looked like it was covered in sweat.

“Well, well…” The man in the white tiger striped suit pushed the manager towards Yuki-san, who immediately caught his fall.

“I’m sorry…Akane-chan…” The manager passed out in Yuki-san’s arms. Yuki-san paused for a moment, until she stood up again, face full of fury.

“I told you! I’ll have the money by the end of the month. Don’t come back to this place again or hurt manager-san…please.” Said Yuki-san to the man in the white tiger suit.

“We just happened to be in the neighborhood Akane-chan…I’ve heard about a cat café with an infamous cool beauty working here. I just had to visit my precious god-daughter from my best customer Sojiro!”

The man in the white tiger suit walked towards Yuki-san.

“You really have Sojiro’s eyes you know…it’s a shame if he couldn’t be able to see you again…” as he grabbed Yuki-san’s face to inspect it. Yuki-san slapped away the man in the white tiger striped suit.

“HAHA! Just like your old man. I like it when they have a little fight in them!” The two underlings looked like they were about to retaliate, until their boss told them off.

“I think you might have left me a bruise princess! Just for that, let’s say…an additional 100,000 yen to pay off the medical expenses to your payment this month?” The man in the white tiger striped suit was grinning like a mad man.

“WHAT! There’s…there’s no way I could pay that off!” Yuki-san was cornered, and visibly shaking.

The man in the white tiger striped suit approached her again, but this time his guard was up.

“Well then, you’ll just have to pay another way!” as the two henchmen leaped to grab her.

Me, Daisuke, and Kaneko-san were petrified with fear.

However, I came here to save Yuki-san.

“WAITTTTTTTTTTT!” The café was silent yet again, but this time it wasn’t because of Yuki-san.

It was me.

“I said wait!”

I managed to catch the attention of the three troublemakers.

“Eh. Who’s this kid?” The three henchmen let go of Yuki-san and turned his attention on me.

“What do we have here? Must be a group of students playing hooky eh?” said the boss.

“Looks like we got some witnesses boss!”

“What do you want kid?” said their boss.

I mustered up my courage to say the words loudly and clearly.

“I’LL TAKE THE DEBT!” The café was silent yet again.

“What are you doing Kaz!?!” expressed a concerned Daisuke behind me.

Don’t worry, I’ll take the debt from Yuki-san; it was the only peaceful solution I could think of at the moment to save Yuki-san.

The thugs roared in laughter. To them it seemed like a bunch of lions being greeted by their prey, asking to be eaten.

“Ahh..kid you’re funny. You’re gonna take this strange girl’s debt?” It’s not your problem punk.” The thug was right, it was not my problem.

But my inner sense of justice couldn’t let it slide by! I wouldn’t be able to live if all I did was stand idly by while someone was in peril. Suddenly, a phone started ringing coming from one of the thug’s jackets.

“Boss, we have to go now, something’s going down, meet up at the abandoned factory.” The man in the white tiger stripped suit looked disappointed.

“Just when I was having so much fun…” The man in the white tiger stripped suit walked towards us at the exit along with his two henchmen.

“Consider yourself lucky kid.” As he pushed aside me, Daisuke, and Kaneko-san.

“Oh! And I’ll be taking this cute guy!” Just then one of the henchmen locked the cage that the café’s cat mascot was in. A loud ear-piercing shriek from the cat could be heard.

“NO! NOT FELIX!” Yuki-san held out her hand towards the gang.

“See ya, Akane-chan!” as the three walked out of the café and drove off.

Yuki-san ran out of the café in order to chase them down, but it was too late. The rest of us followed her outside, only to see Yuki-san on her knees in tears on the sidewalk.

“YOU IDIOT! I TOLD YOU NOT TO COME HERE EVER AGAIN!”

I’m sorry Yuki-san.

I’m sorry Yuki-san.

I never meant for any of this to happen.

Yuki-san ran off to the car’s direction.

“I’m going to find Felix, DON’T FOLLOW ME!” I was in shock.

Just by being here I made the whole situation worse.

Some hero of justice I was.

“Where did those jerks go?” Kaneko-san angrily said.

“I think I heard them say something about an abandoned factory or building.”

Kaneko-san was surprised I could hear that over all the commotion. I’m suddenly pushed forward from behind.

“Go get her idiot!” as it was Daisuke.

I started running as fast as I could, in order to find Yuki-san and Felix.

“Call us if you find anything! We’ll be looking abandoned buildings near here!”

Please! Let me be able to save Yuki-san.

 Our search went into the night. Kaneko-san and Daisuke’s leads went nowhere. I managed to run across town, hoping to run into Yuki-san along the way, but no luck. I realize that I was by the split of the road. I was at the spot of my accident. My legs couldn’t move. To think that this was the spot where I nearly died, and the start of all my weird dreams and world-hopping power hit me like bricks. My breathing became heavier, almost like I was breathing through a straw, gasping for every ounce of air. In the quiet night, the road was silent, even the wind was still eerily tonight. Just then, I hear ringing.

Almost like a bell?

Didn’t Felix have a bell on his collar?

Listen carefully Kazuki…

I follow the sound of the bell towards the origin. I find myself at the abandoned factory. I peek inside one of the holes in the empty building and I see a huge space filled with assorted boxes,  but clearly Felix was in the center.

“Found him!”

I pull out my cell phone to call the others of my location. Only to find that I have zero reception.

“Just my luck…”

I notice that the whole building was empty, but it seemed too simple to walk in and just take Felix back. I stop to assess the situation.

I’ll go get Felix as quickly and as quietly as possible, and get out. As soon as I get cell reception I’ll call the others and let them know of where I am, and the hiding place of the bad guys. Only problem was the whereabouts of Yuki-san.

Seemed simple enough.

I let out a big sigh and pump myself up.

“Hero of justice, hero of justice, hero of justice…”

Let’s do this.

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 7

Chapter 7

I’m still not used to this.

I wake up to find myself in World A(kane). Akane was wearing the red ribbon even in her sleep. I can see her still sleeping next to me, with her loud snoring and hogging of the blanket.

Yep, this must be her.

“No, stop! You’re embarrassing me!” as she let out a small moan.

Just what could she be dreaming about…?

Suddenly she flips around and slaps me hard.

“Ow!”

“Wha…I’m sorry Kazuki!”

Akane woke up like a bear when hibernation is over. The pain was still stinging on my cheek from her really hard slap.

“C’mon, come here idiot!”

She rubs her thumb on my cheek, trying to reduce the swelling she caused. All of a sudden the pain was gone, but I pretended I still was to get her to do it a little longer; It felt good.

“Oh!” and Akane quickly snapped back to her usual self.

“Tell me! How did it go with Yuki-san? Was your seduction a success?”

I wish she wouldn’t call it a “seduction”… I explain to her everything that happened yesterday: finding her at “The Purrfect Café” and Yuki-san basically threatening to kill me, Daisuke, Kaneko-san, and especially me.

Did I mention Yuki-san wants to kill me?

“Wow, I bet even I could seduce myself!” she smugly decreed.

“Anyways, are there any other tips? What should I do Akane? I don’t know how to recover from this.”

Akane was stumped too. I don’t think she planned for the mission to be this disastrous.

“Maybe you should acknowledge why you visited her. After all, I would think I would be creeped out if stalkers came to my workplace.”

“Hey!”

Besides the stalker part, she had a point. I should mention it at least to Yuki-san. There was something that was troubling her whenever I saw her in school.

Maybe her troubles are connected to her job?

My train of thought is interrupted once I hear a loud rumble of someone’s stomach, followed by Akane’s face turning bright red. I’ll ask Akane after breakfast.

 We were both sitting at the usual spot in World A(kane) at school. It was lunch time and this time I made the bento boxes. Although they weren’t as elegant or delicious as Akane’s, they were made with effort and a little elbow grease. Now would be a good time to ask Akane about why she would still work at the café.

“Well, it’s a long story to be honest.” Akane stopped eating her enormous bento specially made for her large appetite.

“I worked there because I needed the money. Badly. My father was always unfortunately too nice to people. Whenever people needed help he would always say yes. Whether it was money or something to solve a problem, he would do it. I admired that aspect of him, but I hated how he had a warped sense of responsibility. However, people aren’t always as nice and giving like he was. People like our relatives and his so-called friends took advantage of him. My mother took my brother and left my father when I was very young. Unfortunately, they died in a car accident soon after. I was too young to remember anything and didn’t want to. It was just too painful…” I got closer to Akane and grabbed her hand tightly.

“Father was ruined. He had no family, no money, and started to borrow a lot of money since he gave it to others. He’s in the hospital too, so the loan sharks kept bothering me to pay for him. Your mother and father are helping take care of everything, even though I’m a complete stranger! I’m truly grateful for you and your family Kazuki-kun, since it was the first time I’ve ever felt that I was a part of a family…”

“Hey, Akane, please…please don’t cry. It’ll all be ok.”

Akane composed herself.

“I’m sorry Kazuki. I’m just happy.” She let out her trademark bright smile.

Don’t cry Kazuki. Try not to cry. All right try not to cry too much.

It was the most tragic story I’ve ever heard. I can’t imagine what Yuki-san is feeling. She’s alone, and there’s no one who can help her. Except me! With newfound motivation, I can’t fail now!

“All right Akane! With your help, I will make Yuki-san smile again!” “TRANSFORM!” and I pose. If Akane wasn’t here, I would be such a loser for doing that pose again. Akane laughs.

“My hero!”

 It was after school. Akane left to go back home early in order to help my mother buy groceries tonight.

“Don’t be too late…” and she left with an icy stare to Kaneko-san reminiscent of Yuki-san.

She immediately switched back to the happy go lucky version of herself and went off.

“Your girlfriend isn’t jealous is she…?”

Kaneko-san was near the entrance making sure that Akane wasn’t spying on the two of us. She let out a huge sigh of relief once she confirmed Akane left.

“Alright let’s continue what we left off last time.”

Strange, I would think Kaneko-san would mention something about the Maid Café, but she was acting like business was usual.

“Wha… why are you looking at me like that?” expressed by an embarrassed Kaneko-san.

“Nothing! Haha…”

I guess that since this world’s Akane doesn’t work at the café, it would explain that’s why Kaneko-san and Daisuke never mentioned the café; those airheads would never shut up about seeing the Ice Witch in her domain. The whole incident never happened in this world.

That’s only gonna cause even further confusion!

It seems like the three rules Akane thought of were open to interpretation. Anyways, we were both back to studying English and Math, and before we knew it was getting dark. I let out a long stretch and yawn loudly.

“You made great progress today Kaneko-san.”

I pack my bags and start to head out. Kaneko-san said she wanted to finish the last page of her homework as well, so she decided to stay behind.

“Hey…Kazuki?” I pause before I exit the door.

“What do you look for in a girlfriend?”

I must be hearing things.

Is the roadrunner of our school asking me of all people for advice?

I literally had a girlfriend appear in my dreams somehow. But I better give her an answer before she starts getting impudent.

“Uh…I’m not sure really.” Kaneko-san stood up and headed towards me.

“Then what do you see in Yuki-san?”

I laugh it off. Kaneko-san was silent. She was being serious. I think about her question.

Just what was it that set Akane from everyone else?

“I think what I like about Akane is she likes me for who I am.”

Kaneko-san was still silent.

“I see…” as she walked back to her desk.

“I should probably head home too Kazuki-kun. It’s getting late after all.”

Kaneko-san was watching the sunset from the windows of our classroom. The sunset’s orange glow matched with the blonde color of her hair. It looked like her ponytail was just a part of the beautiful scenery of nature. We both walked home together. I wouldn’t be a hero of justice if I allowed a young girl to walk home alone from school!

 “Welcome home Kazuki!”

It was my mother and Akane, who was still wearing my old beat-up hero themed apron. The aroma of their cooking filled the whole house. I wasn’t hungry on the way home, but I am now.

“Dig in!”

It was like winning the lottery since every dish I’ve tried from Akane and mother were better than the last. I hope I don’t gain too much weight from eating their cooking all the time. Akane decides to shower first.

Being her boyfriend and all, it wouldn’t be weird to take a look right?

Even my mother was encouraging us to “do something.” All the lewd thoughts go away the moment I hear a subtle “click” of the bathroom door being locked.

“Not today pervert!”

She’s right! A hero of justice would never peek at the heroine while she was bathing!

“Kazuki.”

I can hear Akane clearly through the door.

“What is it?”

“I’m curious though, why do you hang with Mary-chan?”

That idiot, Kaneko-san will have a word from me the next time I see her.

“No reason, I just tutor her is all. That’s it.”

I wince as I hope Akane doesn’t become Yuki-san.

“Ok!”

Akane goes back to her showering while she hums the Masked Avenger theme song.

“FEEL THE POWER YEAHHHHHH!”

Her rendition of the song is absolutely horrible with that off-key voice of hers.

She’s tone deaf!

So far that’s the first fault I’ve noticed. Besides the trying to “kill you glare” that her Yuki-san counterpart practiced on me last time.

After what seemed to be eternity, Akane leaves the bathroom and I bathe alone.

*Splish* *Splash*

I’m lying in the bathtub thinking about what to do tomorrow in World B.

How can I save Yuki-san?

 Next thing I know, I was in my bed again with Akane in her black cat pajamas; it even had an adorable hoodie.

What a familiar feeling.

I told Akane my plan for tomorrow. I would go back to the café with help from Daisuke and Haneko-san (we’re in this together now since we know Yuki-san’s secret), and help Yuki-san by getting her to open up.

“That’s a terrible approach y’know. I’d never fall for it. But…but it may just work with you Kazuki-kun! Haha…”

Akane was right though; I would be going in there blind again.

“Wait! I got it! There’s a way for me to save Yuki-san!”

Akane lit up.

“What what? Tell me!”

Being a hero of justice, I couldn’t just reveal the finishing blow yet.

“You’ll find out tomorrow. Well, Yuki-san will.” Akane pouted.

“Fine, don’t tell me. Good night idiot!” as she turned over to her side of the bed and pulled her cat hoodie up.

“You too Akane…”

You’ll have to forgive me for this one, but it’s the only solution I can think of. Akane will understand…

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 6

Chapter 6

I open my eyes to find that I’m back to my original world – World B. The Akane I know isn’t here in this world, instead it’s Yuki-san. With Akane’s help, I know that it shouldn’t be too difficult to make my dream become real here.

Or at least I hope so.

Today I’m going to visit that maid café across town, where Yuki-san apparently works at. I won’t be going alone though, so I hope that Daisuke is coming with me. The Yuki-san of this world is too scary!

He can be my wing-man of sorts. But I better get changed and go to school. I wouldn’t want to be late today.

 Today at school nothing notable happened. I asked Daisuke if he was willing to go with me to find Yuki-san after school at the maid café, and he said yes without any hesitation.

“Of course! I’d go anywhere with you dude. Besides, who doesn’t want to see the Ice Witch in a cute maid uniform?”

That knucklehead was a little too enthusiastic to want to go with me, but I’m glad he said yes. Also, I completely forgot that today was another tutoring session with Kaneko-san. I managed to leave a note though before I left with Daisuke.

“Off to do an errand. See you soon!”

Please forgive me today Kaneko-san, for destiny awaits me.

 “Hey you gonna say anything about that?”

Daisuke must be talking about Kaneko-san who was following behind us.

“Let’s just pretend that we haven’t seen her yet…”

Kaneko-san was tailing the both of us. She probably managed to see the note I left her and being the roadrunner, she caught up to us somehow.

“Those boys are up to no good!” she’s probably thinking.

The funny thing was she wasn’t doing a very good job of keeping a low-profile. But it doesn’t matter, we’re here to find Yuki-san, and somehow make my dreams a reality. Akane told us to look for a sign that has a cat logo. She said we won’t miss it unless we’re blind.

“Is this the place…?” as me and Daisuke manage to spot a giant cat logo, with the sign saying “The Purrfect Café.” As me and Daisuke enter (along with Kaneko-san a few minutes later trying to hold her embarrassment), we’re greeted by the big meow of a rather pudgy black cat wearing a red collar with a small bell. I muttered a small “meow” to the café’s mascot.  There was also a big sign indicating a Valentines’ Day couples special.

“Well, it’s just the two of us…not including roadrunner outside.” As he looks deeply into my eyes.

What was Daisuke implying?!?

We get seated at a small table for two, and it had pictures of cats and cat-girls galore.

“This is heaven Kaz…”

 Daisuke and I were absorbing the atmosphere of the café. It was a cat-themed café, where all the servers were girls dressed in maid outfits, but with a twist. All of them had cat ears or tails, or were also dressed with small animal features. Both of us were the only people here (and Kaneko-san trying to hide her face behind a menu at a table across from us), and it did not seem so busy.

“Daisuke, do you see Yuki-san anywhere?”

He and I were both scanning the café to find Yuki-san, until a server interrupts us.

“Hello master-nyan! Ho-“

Me and Daisuke (along with Kaneko-san) were in shock.

“I don’t believe it…” as Daisuke slowly pulled out his phone to snap a photo.

It was Yuki-san!

She looked absolutely cute in that frilly cat/maid outfit. Her pantyhose were covering her long legs, which led up to a small cat-shaped window of her black maid costume that wrapped all her curves in the right places. She even had a tail and cat ears on top of her long black flowing hair!

I need to make a mental image of this…

Yuki-san was visibly embarrassed, as our unexpected arrival cracked her cold exterior. But, she immediately put her guard back on, and recomposed herself back into a professional waitress of a maid café.

“What would you like masters-nyan?”

I could hear the slight cringe she had at the end of the sentence, and it didn’t help that her smile was more crooked than genuine.

“I’d like an omelet rice Akane-chan!”

Daisuke you idiot! He’s gonna ruin everything! I never should have brought him along with me if he was gonna be this casual with her. This is an investigation after all, in the pursuit to make Yuki-san become my girlfriend, not hate me!

“Ok! How about you…?” asked Yuki-san.

“I guess make it two omelet rice-nyan?” I tried to laugh it off but she didn’t.

Yuki-san left to go get our orders with her feet stomping away. Even the manager was eyeing the commotion at this lone table. One glance from Yuki-san and he turned into an ice sculpture.

Poor manager-san!

“Kaz, no matter where I go with you, it’s always entertaining!”

“Shut up you goof! Don’t try to ruin my chances with her!”

“C’mon dude, lighten up a little. Your hunch was right. We found the Ice Witch’s secret lair. That means you and her have a connection that no one else has. It’ll be a great conversation starter!”

Yeah, it’d be a great conversation starter, and life ender for me.

A few minutes later, our omelet rice came. Yuki-san being aggressive, plotted the plates on our table.

“Eat up.” As her cute charade was dropped.

“Wait! The menu said you could write something on our omelet rice!” said Daisuke with a cheeky grin on his face.

Yuki-san gave the heaviest sigh I’ve ever heard.

“Fine…master-nyan.” She grabbed the ketchup bottle and drew a Heart on Daisuke’s omelet rice with ease. Then, she did the same on mine, but also wrote characters indicating “death”. Yuki-san came close to my ear and whispered “Enjoy…Kaneshiro-san…” in a menacing tone. Goosebumps shot through my body.

If I’m gonna get out alive, I better hurry up and eat everything fast.

Daisuke however, was taking photos of me and him at this café. Unfortunately, the manager didn’t allow us to take photos of the maids, but that seemed more like Yuki-san’s doing than the nice manager. I’m too scared to death that I lost my appetite. It was unbelievable to think that Akane and Yuki-san were the same person.

I hope I never do something bad to Akane in the other world…

“We’ve had enough research for today, hurry up Daisuke!” He was sure taking his sweet time to tease me.

 I get ready to leave and pay the bill for both of us. Daisuke got an important call during the middle of eating and had to leave early. He probably forgot his wallet at home – again. Besides being scared to death, I’m also broke for the month. I head for the exit and say good-bye to the cat and Kaneko-san, Yuki-san suddenly exits the café.

“HEY YOU JERK!” She was breathing heavily and her face was filled with rage. Despite her malicious aura, she still looked amazingly cute and deadly at the same time. Even the people outside on the street were staring at this peculiar sight of a young woman’s wrath. I’m already in a runner’s position ready to take off at moment’s notice.

“DON’T TELL ANYONE WHAT YOU SAW TODAY!” as she pointed at me.

My instincts take over and I bow my head to her and apologize. Audible gasps from people passing by are heard, along with Yuki-san’s cold icy gaze directed at me.

“DON’T EVER COME BACK HERE IDIOT, AND THAT OTHER IDIOT TOO!” as she stormed off back into the café, with her tail wagging behind her legs.

If today could be summed up in a few words, it was one step forward, about a million steps backwards. This wasn’t as easy as I thought it was gonna be. I start to head back home, until another girl comes out screaming.

“WAIT FOR ME KAZUKI-KUN!” There was Kaneko-san, who managed to catch up to me quickly.

Kaneko-san was walking home besides me. Needless to say, Daisuke, Kaneko-san, and I were officially on Yuki-san’s list.

“I can’t believe that was the Ice Witch…” Kaneko-san looked at me intently.

“How did you find out about where she worked Kazuki-kun?”

There was no way I was gonna tell my secret, especially to a girl like Kaneko-san who endlessly teases me.

“I just had a hunch is all…” Kaneko-san gave me a suspicious look, but shrugged off and accepted my answer.

“You don’t give up do you Kazuki-kun?”

“Huh…?” I was confused about what her question was implying.

“What do you mean?” Kaneko-san stopped walking and stood in front of me.

“I mean any other guy would have quit, but it seems that you won’t give up on Yuki-san will you?”

She was right. I won’t quit on Yuki-san.

I will make her happy somehow!

I laugh for first time today. Kaneko-san laughs too. Somehow for a moment, the airheaded roadrunner looked graceful with her smile. It was until she started laughing harder.

“What an idiot!” And just like that whatever grace she had returned to being a dummy.

*Sigh*

She composes herself back to normal.

“I’m glad you have a sense of justice Kazuki…”

We both head our separate ways when we reach the split of the road.

“Hey Kazuki…uh you’re not doing anything for…AHHHHHHH!” and Kaneko-san runs off.

She stops after a few meters and runs back to me.

“You owe me a tutoring session idiot! Don’t forget it!” and she runs off fast enough that I can smell the rubber burning from the soles of her shoes.

What a weird person…

 “I’m home.”

I find my mother is sitting on the table reading and I notice my dad is back too.

“Hey son!”

My dad is the complete opposite of my mother. I honestly have no idea how they got together (nor want to know how), but it’s probably an interesting story. My dad has to travel a lot due to his work, and he’s more of a free spirit than my mother; a bit weird perhaps. I’ll admit though, that my father really did care for us. As a kid growing up, he would pretend to be the bad guy and I would try to finish him off with my signature move just like the show! My mother would say that he was looking like a fool, and my father would say “Join us!”

“Let me see your head!”

My father meticulously inspected my head by looking at every wrinkle and examining me like I was an object off an assembly line.

“Hmm…honey! Can you make him drink the special herbal tea I bought?”

“No! I’m fine dad really!”

Every trip back he always manages to find the weirdest and strangest things for me to try, and almost every single one was worse than the last somehow. Dad called off the herbal tea.

“I’ll find something better next time! Oh! I should mention that I’m leaving in the morning early. I have to go to the regional office for a few days. Apparently I need to train new recruits the basics.”

Mother sighed deeply. “But I’ll call every night dear…and I’ll be back before Valentines’ Day…”

My father was never the smooth talker he said he was. The two embrace, and I look away as soon as possible from the cringe.

 The three of us ate dinner together for the first time in a long time. I’m in bed now, staring at the ceiling. The next time I wake up, I will be in World A, where Akane and I are together.

I’m sure my dad would love to meet Akane.

They seem like two peas in a pod. I’m too excited to meet her that I can’t sleep.

Maybe I should do some exercise or something? I try to do ten push-ups, emphasis on try. After tiring myself out from those push-ups, I’m still not sleepy. I think to my thoughts. Today was sort of a disaster. Akane will probably make fun of me when I tell her my results of me trying to get close to Yuki-san. She’ll probably say something like “I bet I can seduce myself!” However, one pressing matter was Daisuke.

What was so important that he had to leave?

I tried calling him earlier but he wasn’t picking up. He messaged me later telling me he’ll see me tomorrow.

What secret could he be keeping from his best friend?

Also, I have to see Kaneko-san tomorrow too since she started spamming me LINE messages of our regularly scheduled tutoring.

“DON’T FORGET THIS TIME OR ELSE!!!” written in all capital letters. I drift off to sleep. Time to see the girl of my dreams again…

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 5

Chapter 5

 “WAHHHHHHHHHHHH”

Yuki-san was still trying to make sure I was ok.

“Why’d you do that Kazuki! Is it because you’re tired of me! You’re an idiot!”

Yuki-san holds me tighter, making it difficult for me to breathe.

“I’m fine Yuk-“ until I’m lightly punched on my arm by a weak fist.

“Ow…”

“You promised to call me by my first name remember?” and there was that cute pout of hers again.

I’m not falling for this again!

“You told me to never call you by your first name in school yesterday!” Yuki-san looked confused. She had no idea what I was talking about.

“Wait! Tell me your whole day yesterday. Every little detail you can remember.”

I explain to her my whole depressing day yesterday in detail. Every. Detail. Like for example yesterday the class president lost her glasses, and had to use a different pair that her usual ones.

“Hmm… this is strange. How could you have different memories? We have almost the exact same memories, but the only differences are our interactions.” Yuki-san was thinking intently.

“What if…and this is a big what if, but what if you are from a different dimension or something? Like from that one movie about time traveling cell phones?”

That sounded too ridiculous to be true.

This isn’t a manga or a light novel!

This is the real 3-D world.

“What! There’s no way that’s possible. Maybe.”

It did make some sense in a strange way. She did have a point, because it would explain the irregularities of our memories, but this is the same date and I wasn’t in the past or future. Time was still the same.

“Why did you fall over you idiot? You didn’t just fall over because you’re clumsy right?” as she let out a small pout.

Ignoring a witty response, I told her that I thought I was in a lucid dream.

“The feeling of falling is one of the sure ways to wake up from a dream (or a nightmare).” Akane looked even more confused.

Suddenly I feel a piecing pain on my arm when Akane pinched me with her nails.

“Ow!”

Akane laughed. “I guess you really are not dreaming are you?”

 We still couldn’t figure out why our memories were different. Until Akane had a lightbulb go off in her head and grabbed a notebook to write in.

“Uh…what are you doin-“ until she shushed me. She was in a deep state of concentration, scribbling and erasing her paper intensively. It was like a machine was at work.  

“Finished!” Akane turned around the paper and on it was a bunch of scribbles and pictures.

Uh...what is this?

“Look. This is a theory, but based on what you’ve told me and how our memories aligned, this would explain a lot.”

Akane went around on her chart, explaining all the details, all notably explained through cute cat-versions of ourselves.

“It seems that both worlds are relatively the same, like world events, people, etc. But the one thing for sure that’s different is our relationship status. Based on you saying you started world hopping after the accident, it coincides about the time you and I got together too. That may be the cause of your world hopping power, but correlation does not imply causation.”

I have powers now?!?

“See look, let’s assume that maybe you so have world hopping powers and can move between worlds. Let’s call the world where you and I are not a couple, World B, and let’s call this world where we are a couple, World A(kane!).”

She pointed to two drawn versions of herself, one that’s cute, and one that’s pretty scary. She was making sense for the most part and I couldn’t find any gaping holes to her logic either.

“I also have a theory that what you do with me would not carry over to this world, since I have zero recollection of me telling you not to call me by my first name, and the World B version of myself having zero recollection of our lovely amusement park date. I would also assume the same applies to me and the other world.” I snap her out of her daze of a flashback of our date to continue with her theory.

“Uh…however, it seems whatever you do with other people can carry over, meaning it affects both worlds. Interactions involving us together with other people may be different. Like in this world people wouldn’t be relatively surprised of our relationship, but will be in your world.”

So it seems I don’t have to worry about doing things twice.

Does that mean there is another me?

“For that one, I have no clue. It could be possible since there’s two of myself, but what matters is your memories transfer forward.”

It’s funny to think about another me possibly being a robot and confused that Akane is not his girlfriend, poor me.

“Continuing on, it seems that you must sleep in order to hop into the other world. Maybe there’s a loophole where you can take a nap or something, but given that you’ve slept around the same time for both worlds, there’s probably a cool-down or something. You need to sleep naturally. We can test it out later.” All of a sudden, it seemed like my life was an MMO or something.

“Finally, it seems you will always wake up in the other world. You won’t wake up in the same world twice in a row unfortunately.”

All of these rules made my life complicated in just a second. There was still one lingering question though: could this world really be a real world?

I’m still taking in this mad scientist theory concocted by Akane. It still confused me in some parts, but I think I understood the gist of it.

“To make things less complicated for you, why don’t w- uh, I mean “I” distinguish myself? So in this world, I’ll be Akane, and in your world, you can call the other me “Yuki-san”.” Akane tied a small red string in a shape of a bow to her hair also.

“See, you’ll know it’s me if I have this ribbon on.”

Akane and Yuki-san, that shouldn’t be too hard to distinguish.

“What if the other you decided to put on the same string?” Akane paused.

“She wouldn’t…not if what you said about her was true...”

I see…even though we were a couple in this world, she still has a secret or two. I felt the tension in the air and changed the subject to my question.

“So Akane, what does it mean for our worlds? Are they both real?” Akane paused again, thinking intently.

“Maybe. Your World B could be real, this World A could be real, or neither of these worlds is real. It just means that whenever you fall asleep you wake up in the other. Kind of like you’re in a dream, that just happens to be real. Maybe.”

This world is real?

There’s no way my original World B could be fake.

Could it?

Anyways, I didn’t want to think about the existential crisis. Finally Akane interrupted my train of thought again. She grabs my hands and looks into my eyes. It was as she was looking through the windows into my soul itself.

“Does it matter which world is real? All of these rules and theories are open to interpretation as far as I know! I’m just happy that I’m with you Kazuki-kun.” As she smiles again.

That bright smile of her washed away almost all my worries and doubts. There’s no way that this could be a dream. However, this world was not going to last, I’d have to go back to my original world when I eventually fall asleep. I’ll try to savor every second of my time in this world.

 Akane in this world was different at school. She was cheery and full of life unlike Yuki-san. Everywhere she went she was followed by her group of fans. There’s zero chance that in this world she still had her infamous reputation as the “Ice Witch.” Instead, she seemed sort of like a royal princess or something, and I was her knight in shining armor. Daisuke and Kaneko-san seemed the same in this world too, both were idiots, both were hot heads. The Daisuke in my world would have rather gone to a warzone than be seen hanging out with Yuki-san, but somehow in this world she was liked by everyone. It makes me feel warm inside to be surrounded by my friends.

It was lunch time now, and Akane made me a boxed lunch. It was a lot of food, but she said a “growing boy needs his nutrients!” Akane managed to make hamburg steak, my favorite dish! Her box however was almost three times bigger than mine.

“Uh…is that only for her Kazuki?” whispered Daisuke.

“Apparently…”

Kaneko-san was rubbing her eyes at the sight of the enormous bento box. She and Daisuke both looked at their lunches and realized how pitifully smaller and unappetizing their meals were compared to Akane’s.

“Aww screw it! I need the nutrients as brain food!” as Kaneko-san started wolfing down her bento.

“I’ll race you Mary-chan!” said Akane.

Daisuke and I looked on as the two women were racing to see who would finish their lunch first. Kaneko-san would obviously have a bigger advantage than Akane, but it looked like Akane managed to be almost finished with her box! Kaneko-san was distracted by her rival’s ability of speed eating and stopped, since it seemed her efforts would be futile; it was not worth it to choke herself from eating quickly.

“Maybe Akane should try some food challenges or something…” said Kaneko-san.

Woah! Where does it all go?!?

Like the date we had before, eating lunch with her at the spot where I confessed to Yuki-san seemed peaceful. I couldn’t help but feel irony since this was the place where Yuki-san rejected me, but that was the other world – not this one.

 It was the school bell ringing, indicating that we had to go home. I walked home with Akane, hand in hand. When we arrived at my house, mother already had a huge pot of curry brewing for us.

“Have fun kids! (But not too much!)” Was the note she written on the pot. Apparently she and my dad left for vacation, leaving both of us alone in the house together.

“Delicious” said Akane taking a mouthful of curry.

By the time I finished reading the note, she already ate half of the curry!

She still has room after lunch?!?

“Save some for me!”

 It was almost the end of another perfect (albeit confusing) day, and sadly I didn’t want it to end.

I’m going to try to stay up as much as I can to be with Akane in this world.

Maybe I was being selfish, but I didn’t want to go back. Yuki-san would be there and she hates me. Here, Akane was my girlfriend, one who makes my heart flutter.

“Kazuki?” said Akane.

“Yeah, I’m still awake too.”

Akane turned on the lights anyways.

This must be what they call “pillow talk.”

“Cheer up Kazuki! Just know that when you sleep, you’ll be back to this world. I’ll be in your dreams Kazuki!”

Yeah she will, and a part of me will just have to accept that.

I’ll only have a girlfriend in my dreams…

“Wait a minute!” yelled Akane. “I just had a brilliant idea!” She seemed overly excited, you think she would have a food coma from consuming that much curry…

“Why don’t I help you get with Yuki-san from the other world?” For the first time, that was actually a good idea I understood.

“It’ll be easy! I’ll tell you all about myself. After all great minds think alike!” She was too proud of her selves.

“Ok…ok! Let me know what do you like.” I ask.

Akane was trying to hold back her rage, since I guess she hoped I would already know, but I didn’t.

“Alright, I’ll tell you a secret Kazuki: if I know myself, I’m probably still working at the maid café across town.”

“EHHHHHHHHHH?”

I couldn’t believe my girlfriend worked at a maid café!

“Hey don’t get angry! I don’t do it anymore since we’re a couple, but the pay was good when I needed it, and the customers aren’t that creepy for the most part. You just have to smile see?” There was her bright smile again.

She’s dangerous!

It seemed that job was literally the total opposite for the Ice Witch of our school. That would explain why Akane’s omelet rice was beautifully cooked with her handling of a ketchup bottle like a paint brush.

“Also! I really like cats. So if you would start talking about cats or something, I know “I” or Yuki-san would never stop talking.”

Alright!

Akane just gave me secret information. It was like having a walking strategy guide for “How to Get a Girlfriend.”

There’s no way I could fail!

I feel sleepy after that burst of energy.

*Yawn*

“Good night Akane. I’ll see you soon…”

“Good luck Kazuki-kun…”

2��?)|W(

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I let out a big yawn as I hear my old Masked Avenger clock ring. I decide to go back to sleep.

Just five more minutes…

My eyes are still heavy and the sunlight coming in from the windows are hitting my face.

Where did that pillow go?

I try to find that pillow and it was on the other side of the bed. I turn over to notice that no one was there.

Strange.

I would think Akane would be a deep sleeper given I woke her up yesterday. It’s weird to not see her still asleep in my bed. I notice the time and it’s 10 past 8.

“Aw crap I’m gonna be late!”

Maybe she already left to get to school?

Weird, being my girlfriend she would have woken me up right? Anyways, I don’t have time to think about where Akane went. I’ll see her in class anyways, if I can make it there in time and in one piece.

I gotta change into my uniform.

Mother already left to run some errands and there was a boxed lunch on the table. It must have been Akane and my mother who made it.

Nothing beats a home cooked meal made by your mother and the girl of your dreams!

 “Cough…*pant*” I need to exercise more.

With the bike gone, I had to basically run to school. Luckily, I made it with five minutes to spare! Our class was rowdier than usual for some reason. After all, Valentine’s Day was coming up, and a lot of the girls were planning with each other on who they were gonna give candy to. For the last year or so, I’ve only receive the “pity” candy from some girls who had extra. In some ways, it was worse to get pity candy than get nothing. Daisuke would usually give me his candy, since he for some reason didn’t care too much about it. More candy for me I suppose. I love it when the candy has caramel in it. But there she was. Her long black hair was flowing like an endless river. Akane was sitting in front of me in her seat, quietly reading a black-covered book. It seemed old and tattered, and I could barely tell what exactly Akane was reading.

“Good morning Akane!” as I let out a big smile.

Akane had a small jitter like there was a chill down her spine.

“What’s wrong Akane? Why didn’t you wake me up before you left?!?”

All of a sudden I realize that I may have said that a little too loud. The whole class was quiet now and staring at the both of us like animals at a zoo.

“First of all Kaneshiro-san…”

Akane stood up from her desk and faced me. Her eyes were serious, and cold, not like the ones I saw from yesterday. I can tell that something was seriously wrong.

“Don’t call me by my first name. Secondly, there’s no chance that I would ever be seen with you. SO STOP BOTHERING ME!” as she promptly sat back down.

Those words hit hard. Hearing those words from her absolutely destroyed me. It was the first time I think anyone ever saw the “Ice Witch” live up to her reputation. I sat there in silence.

Where did the Akane I knew go? Just yesterday we were having the best date ever, and now she hates me? Did I do something wrong last night? She wanted me to call her by her first name! We even shared a kiss…

The class president wanted this execution to be over with, and called the class to start. I’m feeling light-headed again.

 Time feels like it has stopped for me.

“Hey. HEY! Earth to Kazuki-kun? Hello, anyone there?” I snap back into reality and notice I’m in Dr. Mori’s office.

It was part of my regularly scheduled check-ins with her after the accident.

“You seem off today Kazuki, more than usual at least.”

Akane hates me now.

Akane hates me now.

Akane hate me now, and there’s nothing that makes sense anymore!

“What is going on with you today Kazuki?” said Dr. Mori with concern across her face.

“It’s just…I don’t know what’s going on right now Doctor. It’s a long story.”

“Well, we have a lot of time on our hands right now. There’s nothing I won’t understand kid.”

I tell her my situation thus far – Akane Yuki, the “Ice Witch” of the school was my girlfriend and we were a couple yesterday. But after falling asleep and waking up today, it seems like Akane is back to hating me or something. Almost like it was a big practical joke. Explaining that to Dr. Mori didn’t lighten the situation either. She seemed just as confused as I was.

“Uh…you have a vivid imagination.” while Dr. Mori takes a long gulp from her coffee cup.

“Maybe you were lucid dreaming or something.” said Dr. Mori.

Lucid dreaming? I’ve never heard of it.

“Lucid dreaming is when a phenomenon when the person is aware and in control of their dream. Maybe you’re so infatuated with Yuki-san that you dreamed that you two were a couple or something.”

What.

That sounded impossible. If it was a dream, I’m sure I would be aware of it right? Everything that happened yesterday definitely felt real. There’s no way it was fake. Besides, if it was a dream, I would have chosen to fly instead of walking! Suddenly a big headache shakes my head.

         “But…everything seemed so real, there’s no way it could’ve been a dream.”

         Dr. Mori took another big gulp from her coffee.

         “They say that lucid dreams and your waking life could have the same content. In fact, there may be enough of a sufficient similarity that you can’t tell whether or not you’re actually asleep or dreaming. Your dream might be so real, that you can’t even distinguish the differences. I mean, this could all be a dream as far as I’m concerned!” as Dr. Mori gave a playful laugh.

         Now that she mentioned it, almost everything that happened yesterday was the same as my usual life. I remember when I was a kid I would dream about me being the Masked Avenger along with Daisuke and fight crime. Akane was the same, my house was the same, even the small hole I had in the ceiling of my room was there. Suddenly thinking about this gave me a huge headache.    

“Uh…are you ok Kazuki-kun? I suggest you take it easy. I know kids think you’re young and think you’re invincible, but you’ve just been in an accident. You still have plenty of time to figure out your love life!” as Dr. Mori bursts into laughter, only to end in a stark realization of herself.

Someone please marry this woman…

 Walking home with Daisuke was a bit awkward too. This was the first time in a while when it was just to two of us walking home together.

“So what happened to make you think you were with the Ice Witch?” asked Daisuke.

Word spreads fast…

Well, there was no point in telling Daisuke about my apparent delusional fantasy that we were a couple; he would only make fun of me further.

“You probably wouldn’t believe me either.”

Daisuke let out a big sigh. He got closer and put his arm around my shoulder.

“We’re best friends since childhood Kaz, I know you better than you know yourself. Remember that one time when you spent all night trying to get that Masked Avenger action pose down? Just so you could impress Ino Sakurako in elementary school?”

It was a period of my life I try to suppress, but his words triggered all the time I spent trying to get all the moves and poses from the hero show I watched as a kid.

“I still remember that pose y’know?”

I run ahead of him a little and get into position.

“TRANSFORM!” and I proudly display my form perfect pose.

Elementary school me would be super proud of me now.

Daisuke instead just cringed hard, followed by laughter. The sudden realization of what I just did hit me.

I hope no one else saw that.

“Anyways, you wouldn’t believe me Daisuke.”

I explain to him my situation about yesterday’s date and Akane Yuki being my alledged girlfriend, which like Dr. Mori, caused disbelief and confusion.

“Uh..huh. Well, you always did have a vivid imagination Kaz.”

Maybe they were right. Maybe I do have a vivid imagination and just had a lucid dream or whatever Dr. Mori said. It just felt like the world was teasing me hard. Like it was some cruel twist of fate.

We walked to the crossroads where both of our houses were in opposite directions.

“Hey Kaz, this is where we split off. Try not to further ruin your high school career Cherry boy!”

I wave off Daisuke and head off home.

I just want today to be over.

 I was staring at my ceiling in my tiny bed. Maybe if I close my eyes or something Akane Yuki will appear again.

Nah. That would be impossible.

It’s hard to sleep since I had so much on my mind.

Was it really a dream?

Dr. Mori (despite her demeanor) is actually a pretty intelligent person. If I was lucid dreaming, how did it happen anyways? I remember dreams when I was younger where I was the Masked Avenger, but those were pretty unrealistic. My whole day with Yuki-san was just too realistic. And I remember almost every second of it.

Wait a minute.

Could it do something with the bump on my head?

I touch my forehead, but it seems the bruise was gone.

No way was that possible.

If I bumped my head, I’m sure it would have been on the health report right? We had MRI scans and everything just in case since I miraculously survived unscathed from the accident. There was just no explanation for it.

Correlation does not imply causation after all.

If I’m in a lucid dream and I see Yuki-san again, I’m just gonna take the advice of the research I found. Apparently, falling backwards is one of the sure ways to wake up from a dream world.  I’ve been thinking too much and it’s making my head start to hurt. I’m feeling light headed…

 I let out a big yawn as I hear my old hero-themed clock ring. I open my eyes to a familiar ceiling. This time however, I’m wide awake at the first note of the theme song that plays.

“FEEL THE POWER YEAHHHHHH” starts playing and I hum the tune along.

“OW!”

A pillow just came out of nowhere!

I turn to see how it appeared and there she was. I recognize the long black hair anywhere. It was Yuki-san!

“EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH???” I let out a loud scream that probably woke up the neighbors.

“You idiot, just give me five more minutes hehe…” said Yuki-san as she slowly drifted back to sleep.

“WAKE UP YUKI-SAN! WE NEED TO TALK!” Yuki-san slowly rose up from the bed and let out a loud yawn and stretch.

“What is it that’s so important Kazuki-kun?” as she rubbed her eyes.

“WHAT IS GOING ON?!?”

I just don’t understand anymore.

Yesterday she hated me and had no idea what I was talking about, but the day before, she was my girlfriend and we spent the whole day together at an amusement park!

“WHO ARE YOU? WHY DID YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT YESTERDAY?”

Yuki-san looked obviously distressed, but I needed to get to the bottom of this.

“What are you talking about? We went to school together yesterday. We talked like all day in class. I left school earlier and you went home with Daisuke.”

She was right. How did she know this? I never told her any of this.

It hit me. I must be dreaming or something. Everything was exactly the same in my room, even the hole in the ceiling.

This is room for sure.

I’m lucid dreaming right now aren’t I?

I must really have a really vivid imagination…

Of course, that would make sense. There’s no way Akane Yuki, the school’s Ice Witch, and I, would be a couple…

I need to wake up.

“I’m sorry Yuki-san…”  

“For what…?”

I lean to side of the bed and decide to fall over on my back.

Time to wake up from this cruel nightmare.

“KAZUKI!” and I see a hand extending in front of me as I fall backwards.

A loud thud and I hear ringing in my ears. The pain is surging from the back of my head.  

I must have woken up.

I open my eyes to see a familiar ceiling. I must be back in my own room.

“KAZUKI YOU IDIOT!”

I see Yuki-san appear, looking down on me from the bed.

“Don’t scare me like that idiot!”

I didn’t wake up after all.

This is real.

The feeling of falling was one of the sure ways for one to wake up from a lucid dream. I stand up, barely able to keep my legs from shaking. There was Akane Yuki sitting on my bed, teary eyed from me falling only 3 feet from my bed.

I’m sorry Yuki-san.

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

           I let out a big yawn as I hear my old Masked Avenger clock ring.

Just five more minutes…as I decide to go back to sleep.

My eyes are still heavy and the sunlight coming in from the windows are hitting my face.

Where did that pillow go?

I try to find a pillow to cover my head but no avail. Strangely, I hear the alarm clock, but also some shallow snoring noises. But my dad isn’t home right now.

It’s not me right?

Weirdly, I smell something pretty too. Almost like strawberries or something, but I don’t remember eating any strawberry candy and leaving the wrappers around. Must be a side effect of the accident or something, but the smell and breathing seems like it coming from something right next to me. I turn to my left side and I oddly recognize that long black hair. It looks like a person but I can’t make out too well with my eyes half open.

Huh, looks like Yuki-san is in my bed.

Wait.

“EHHHHHHHHHH?” I screamed in disbelief.

         I jumped out of the bed immediately.

Oh thank goodness I have my pajama pants on.

I rub my eyes once more to make sure what I’m seeing is real, but there’s a girl in my tiny bed.

“Hey…I’m still trying to sleep after last night…” let out the mysterious being.

“Ge..get out of my bed you…you strange person!”

I hoped my words would get a reaction from this mysterious being but it did nothing. The silhouette of the person rose up and the sunlight revealed its identity. There she was. The school’s Ice Witch. It was no one other than Akane Yuki, in the flesh, in my bed, wearing my school’s uniform white dress shirt. Her long black hair flowing down her shoulders, her fair skin, all wrapped in a bow with her doll-like hazel eyes. My white dress shirt fit her perfectly showing all the curves of her body almost like an extension of herself, with the sunlight behind her looking like an angel that just fell from heaven.

“Why are you being so mean to your girlfriend after all we did last night?” as she pouted.

What.

Did.

We.

Do.

Last.

Night?

“WHATTTTTTT???”

Did I do something lewd with her last night? Not that I don’t mind!

I honestly don’t remember much besides it being my first day back, but I definitely would remember if Yuki-san came to my house even if I had a brain injury!

“Why are you being so loud Kazuki-kun? All we did was study all night.” she said confused.

Study? What does she mean by study?

I know couples around my school that say they’re “studying” but I see them going to love hotels on the bike way home.

“STUDY? You mean that we uh…” I can’t even finish the sentence from shock and embarrassment.

The blood is rushing from downstairs to the rest of my body.

“You mean what?” as this imposter Yuki-san rubbed her eyes some more.

Until it hit her like a brick.

Her pale skin really contrasts when the blush comes in.

“You..you pervert!” and she threw a pillow at my face.

Headshot.

“All... all we did was go over some math and English you pervert! There’s no way I would do “that” with you . At least…” she mumbled off.

“Put… put some pants on first!” as I throw my spare sweats at this very convincing imposter.

Alright. I need to know what’s going on.

Obviously this must be some elaborate prank. Maybe Daisuke is blackmailing Yuki-san and ordered her to play a trick on me.

That punk! He’s gone too far this time!

Or maybe it was Dr. Mori, after all, she’s the most logical choice with all the power she has! There’s no way there is Akane Yuki sitting across from me right now, in my room, on my floor, wearing my clothes. My train of thought was cut off when she started talking.

“Uh… are you ok Kazuki? I’m starting to get worried about you idiot.”

“What?” as I try to snap out of my dazed and confused state.

“IDIOT! Listen for once!” as she started pouting some more.

I got to admit, it’s pretty adorable when this Yuki-san imposter does that. It was a different side from the usual cold stare. I snap from my malaise and start to ask questions.

“Who are you and why do you look like Akane Yuki from my class?”

The imposter looked at me confused, like I was the one that was being weird.

“What? I’m your girlfriend dummy. Of course I look like Akane Yuki because I AM her idiot.”

I extended my hand towards her slowly intended to touch her to see if she’s real, but she leans back and stretches. I feel something soft and warm.

“Hey…HEY!” as she slaps my hand away.

“KAZUKI!” as she pouts even more while trying to stop blushing.

“I don’t know what’s your deal right now Kazuki, but we need to stop fooling around! Today’s the date you promised me.”

I look at my calendar. It’s our day off. I have a date with this Yuki-san imposter.

What is happening?!?!

I head to our living room, and there was my alleged girlfriend the imposter Yuki-san making breakfast along with my mother. Imposter Yuki-san is wearing my apron, and even though it’s old and hero-themed, she could wear anything and make it look amazing.

I’m thinking too much.

Observing from the dining table, it seems my mother is fond of this fake. The imposter Yuki-san is holding her own, with her skills impressing my mother.

“Dig in!” as the imposter Yuki-san handed me a plate of omelet rice with ketchup in the shape of a heart and our initials.

There’s no way I’ll eat this, it might be poisoned!

“Kazuki!” my mother says to me while brandishing a butter knife. I’ll reluctantly take a bite; if it is poisoned I’ll spit it out. My mother will protect me. My spoon is shaking as I take a spoonful of the omelet. I see imposter Yuki-san patiently awaiting my reaction.

“Did…did you like it?”

As the food hits my taste buds, it becomes the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted. Sorry mother’s secret ramen recipe, but this has become my new favorite dish.

“It’s…it’s delicious!”

I eat more and more, with each bite more flavorful than the last. I hear a sigh of relief from imposter Yuki-san. There’s still an elephant in the room though.

How could mother be ok with a maiden like Yuki-san staying over, and especially sleeping in my room?!?

“Uh…can someone tell me why though is Yuki-san staying here with us?” I nonchalantly say.

Both of the women in this household looked at me like they weren’t sure if they heard me correctly.

“Kazuki, Akane is living with us. Don’t you remember? She lives alone and it’s not safe for a fair maiden like her to live by herself!” Yuki-san started blushing.

“Oh mother, I can take care of myself, and as long as I’m with Kazuki-kun I’ll be alright!” The two seem like they were already best friends.

We start to head off to our date at the amusement park. I tried my best to get out of it, but mother smiles as she tells us to have fun today. She whispered something to imposter Yuki-san, but I couldn’t make out what those two were planning. Imposter Yuki-san was dragging me the whole way, and I would’ve gotten lost easily. When we finally arrive at the amusement park, it was packed with kids and other couples.

I still can’t believe I’m with Yuki-san at an amusement park.

“C’mon, I want to ride the rollercoasters!”

I never would have thought she was the type to ride scary rides like that. I stay cautious of this fake’s intentions!

Suddenly Yuki-san grabs my hand.

“What are you a baby Kazuki?” as she sticks her pink tongue out.

She’s nothing like the Yuki-san I know…

We approach our first ride, fittingly called The Perilous Plunge.

Just my luck…

Yuki-san eyes lit up like a kid seeing candy.

“Let’s go!”

I nearly throw up from the ride, and it was one of the rides that had cameras to see people’s reactions. Looking at mine, I was screaming for dear life. I’m shaken from all the thrill rides and nearly pass out, but we go from ride to ride, riding almost every single ride in the park.

We head to the arcade as a break from the thrill rides. I wasn’t sure if I could hold down the breakfast any longer. Walking through the arcade I could see the newest and latest games occupied by kids and other couples. I tried looking for a light gun game but there weren’t any available machines. Instead I notice Yuki-san disappeared from my sight.

Where did she go?!?

I look into the corner of my eye and notice that she was standing in front of one of the crane games. If you want to know a secret from a pro, those games were all rigged. It would either be a money sink or sheer luck. Based on what’s happening right now, I’m not sure if I’m the luckiest person alive, or living a cruel joke. But Yuki-san was looking at the cute stuffed cat doll. She put in a token and had a look of determination to get it. Of course, she lined it up perfectly to one of the cat dolls, but the claw barely picked up the doll. Yuki-san looked at me with her puppy dog eyes, the kind that tugged at your heart strings.

Ah fine alright I’ll do it.

She wanted me to win her that stuffed animal from the claw machine.

“It’s impossible though Kazuki!”

It was an opportunity to redeem myself from all the screaming from the rollercoasters. Although I was cautious of this fake Yuki-san, a part of me couldn’t resist trying to be the hero, even if it was getting a cat doll.

“Watch this.”

I line up the claw perfectly on the cat doll that was the easiest to get. The trick is you want to get for ones that are close to the edge, and preferably for big round objects, you want to go for something the claw could hook onto, such as the body. Yuki-san was holding my arm beside me, locked in anticipation that I might actually achieve what she thought was impossible. The timer was slowly counted down to zero, and the claw slowly descended on the cat doll.

C’mon! Please get it!

The claw descended on the cat doll, and then it swung leftwards, missing the whole cat doll.

Damn it! I’m sorry Yuki-san.

But as the claw slowly ascended to the top, it managed to snag the tag. I couldn’t believe it, and neither did Yuki-san. We both realized how much of a small miracle we had just witnessed. Our astonishment is broken when Yuki-san surprises me with a hug from behind. I feel her chest pressing on my back.

“I knew you could do it!”  

I try to compose myself and reach down to the small door to retrieve the prize. If anything, it was all those hours at the arcade with Daisuke is paying off. There’s nothing like a feeling you get from seeing a smile from a girl you’ve had a crush on for the past year. This is the best thing that’s happened after the accident and the incident.

Maybe this isn’t a dream, and this is the real Akane Yuki.

It was getting late towards the afternoon, and we had one ride left to go according to the park map. It was the Ferris Wheel.

“Let’s go Yuki-san, we have time for one last ride.”

However, Yuki-san wasn’t as adamant as she was with the thrill rides.

“Uh…it’s getting late, let’s skip this one and head on home.” says Yuki-san nervously.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The cool, calm, and collected Akane Yuki was afraid of the most peaceful ride in the whole park.

I just have to tease her once.

“C’mon, what are you scared? How can you go on those thrill rides but feel afraid of this?” I tease Yuki-san.

“I’m not afraid! Fine! We’ll finish the date with this ride.”

It was nearly closing time for the park, and we were the last two people on the ride. The ride operator made a last call for us, and he gave me a thumbs up when Yuki-san was mumbling words of encouragement to herself and hugging the cat doll tightly behind me.

         The Ferris Wheel ride lets you see the entire park from the view. We spent the entire day here, and I’m not sure what to think of it. Nothing but questions started going through my head.

Is this real?

Is Akane Yuki really my girlfriend?

This can’t be a dream.

All the questions were put aside when Yuki-san sitting across from me asked a question.

“Did you have fun today?” she meekly says.

Inside I think yes but I didn’t have the courage to say it out loud. I muster up my guts and say:

“Yes. It was the most fun day of my life so far!”

I let out a sign of relief. Yuki-san is still sitting across from me with a big smile, with her fear of the Ferris Wheel overpowered by my reply.

“Uh…since we’re a couple, why are you sitting across from me dummy!”

That’s true, if we were a couple we should be sitting together.  

Yuki-san stands up to try to move over to my side, but she stumbles and falls into me, with her arms holding the handlebars behind me. Her face is close enough to me that I can feel her warm breath.

This is the scene where the couple kisses just like in the movies. The day has finally come Kazuki! Alright don’t mess this up, but I’ve never kissed a girl before!

Immediately I feel the warm lips of Yuki-san pressed upon mine. Her initiative took me by surprise. If time could freeze at this exact moment, I wouldn’t mind. I feel our hearts racing together, and for a second, I feel at ease, with all the worries of my life gone in an instant.

So this is what it feels like.

Our moment ends, when Yuki-san lets go and falls next to me with my arm rested behind her. We didn’t talk for the rest of the ride; we didn’t need to. We saw the sunset from the view, just the two of us.    

          We came home pretty late, but we managed to make one of the last trains. I’m really tired and exhausted from amusement park today. The first thing Yuki-san did when we arrived at my place was help my mother start preparing dinner. It was hamburger steak, one of my favorite dishes. Usually I would be the one beside my mother making the hamburger patties, but the two women forbade me from helping out.

I can at least set the table.

Like the omelet earlier this morning, this was the best hamburger steak I’ve ever had. Yuki-san patted herself on her back for the effort. I can’t wait to call it a day.

“Kazuki?”

“What is it Yuki-san?”

I can sense that something was troubling Yuki-san. Even spending an entire day at the amusement park didn’t really tire us out. We were still both lying in bed together, and for some reason both of us couldn’t sleep yet. This is the same ceiling I’ve known forever as I notice the small dent I made in the panel when I was kid.

“Why did you call me Yuki-san the whole day? We’re a couple now so there’s no need to be formal right?”

She had a point.

Couples and close friends are on a first name basis aren’t they?

“It’s because this seems so strange to me.” I tell her truthfully.

Yuki-san was confused and turned her head to look at me. Yuki-san’s eyes make contact with mine, and my heart flutters when I see that her eyes are showing one feeling – concern.

“It’s because yesterday you and I barely talked like ever. After the incident I never thought this would be possible.”

Yuki-san paused for a moment to compose her thoughts. She rolls over to be on top of me.

Calm down Kazuki!

“Face it Kazuki, you and I are together. This has been one of the happiest times of my life, and I lov…” until she stopped herself turning her face bright red in this dark room. She rolls back to her previous position.

“I mean, I’ll like it if you would call me by my first name… please?”

She turns her head and we lock eyes. With that smile, she could have had anyone in the palm of her hand, but yet here she was. She was with me, and I with her.

“I’m sorry Akane, maybe I’m just feeling tired from today. Good night Akane.” As I tried to get back to sleep.

“Good night Kazuki…” as I feel her soft lips against my left cheek.

“Sweet dreams.”

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN) Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

 Daisuke left after giving me my homework. He said he had some “business to attend to.” Fortunately, my mother shortly came after I woke up. My father would have come too, but he was out of town on a business trip. He called instead as soon as he heard the news.

“Take it easy son! I’ll be home as soon as my assignment is finished. Tell your mother I love her!”

The doctor told me it was a miracle that I had survived that accident, with only to have a small bruise around my head. I don’t really remember what happened either. I just feel this hammering headache sometimes. It must be migraines or something. After a few days or so of recovery and physical tests, I’ll be heading back to school. The only recovery he told me to do was checking in with Dr. Mori at school every so often. It seemed everything was planned out for me to get back to my boring every-day life.

This is my life now…

I hear footsteps stomping down the hallway of my room, which sounded like someone was in a hurry.

“KAZUKI!”

It was Kaneko-san! She screamed and hugged me tightly. I could smell her sweat and hear her softly crying.    

“I can’t breathe Kaneko-san…” and she let go immediately, realizing how close she was to me.

“You idiot! How could you get into an accident? You made me worried!” she said while pointing her tiny index finger at me.

It was adorable in a way, but my mother just so happened to let out a small laugh behind the bed curtain.

“Oh my…” said my mother. She was covered by the bed curtain, but her tone would give someone the wrong idea.

Kaneko-san turned around for a moment, until she promptly dashed out of the room like the roadrunner. I can’t help but laugh about how quick her visit was. But I hear footsteps running back into the room.

“I’m glad you’re ok! See…you soon?” said Kaneko before promptly running off again.

I look at the small clock next to my bed, and it was around the time that track practice was going on. Only our track star could race off from the hospital and to our school and arrive just in time.

“That girl seems nice…” my mother let out with a mischievous smile.

I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that and pretend to sleep some more. Maybe it was naïve of me, but I sort of hoped that Yuki-san would visit me. We sat next to each other! But that would be impossible since any chance I had with her was completely gone after that incident. I’m not looking forward to going back to school…

 “I’m glad to be back everyone.”

It was my first day back from the accident, and I had a lot to catch up on. Like how I managed to miss a pretty important exam, and seeing Kaneko-san’s score, I have to beat her otherwise it would be another few weeks of her non-stop bragging to me. Fortunately, I could make up the exam on another date. In front of me was Yuki-san, sitting there almost in a doll-like state. If there was any consolidation to my unfortunate accident, the talk of the school quickly changed from “Cherry Boy shot down by Ice Witch surprises no one” to “Cherry Boy almost dies from an accident.” Maybe it would be a good conversation starter to Yuki-san, since we haven’t spoken since the incident. As I open my mouth, here comes Daisuke.

“You’re finally back eh Kaz?” as he got me a headlock.

Doesn’t he know that a recovering patient shouldn’t hurt his head?

“Let me go you big dummy!” as I shrug off his headlock.

 Daisuke changed over the past year or so. Knowing him since childhood and in kindergarten, me and him were kind of the rejects of the class, and our mutual reputation of being alleged troublemakers naturally let us bond together throughout the years. Although people considered us to be a couple of punks, we both had a sense of “justice.” Whenever something was wrong or someone was getting picked on, we would solve it or save them, just like the heroes in our TV shows.  Looking back, it was mostly pretty embarrassing, but to someone in elementary school it was the thing we did. The big guy was sort of the brawns in our partnership, while I was the brains for the most part. However, there was always a desire for me to be the brawns, since those hero shows always had the hero ending the show with a big finish. Daisuke was super athletic during the physical tests, and if he only applied himself, he could have been a great athlete, possibly even better than Kaneko-san. But something happened to him during the beginning of our high school career. Gone was the genuine smile and carefree attitude I saw from him in our childhood. He decided to hang out with the actual wrong crowd over the summer before high school, but he came back to me after “an incident”. I try to ask what happened but he always shrugs off my advances. Maybe some things are not worth remembering. Now, it was a more serious Daisuke, and his sudden reputation as the “older brother type.” Girls dig it. Like one time, I heard he stopped a bunch of bullies from another school who was picking on a kid. I have to admit, I think Daisuke embodied that sense of justice more than I ever did.

 “Hey, now’s your chance to say something to Ice Witch!” whispered Daisuke.

Thanks man, if you didn’t interrupt I would have. But now I will.

It will be good small talk at least.

I had nothing to lose, so it’s not like my bare relationship with Yuki-san would go even lower. Well, here goes nothing.

“Hey… Yuki-san?”

Yuki-san did not budge at all, you might not even be sure she was alive.

“Yuki-san! Did I miss anything in class? Being in a hospital bed is sure uncomfortable!” as I gave a small chuckle.

Yuki-san tilted her head slightly to the side with her right eye looking down on my desk.

“No, not much.”

And she turned back to her desk. Daisuke saw the whole thing from a distance, and he came back to me.

“That…was the lamest line I’ve ever heard Cherry-kun.”

“I couldn’t think of what to say man!”

Daisuke started laughing but was quickly silenced when Yuki-san turned around.

“I hope you’re feeling better Kanshiro-san.”

“Thank you very much Yuki-san!” as my heart fluttered.

Daisuke had his mouth wide open and in shock.

“Well well, maybe you’re not a lost cause anyways Kazuki.”

I can’t believe she said I hope you’re feeling better! Or at least, that’s what I think she said. It doesn’t matter. What matters is she’s aware of my presence after all. Maybe there’s still a chance. I shouldn’t get ahead of myself anyways.

“Class is starting, all rise!” our class president shouted. I’m feeling light headed.

 During lunch time I’m required to go to our counselor and (apparently certified) Dr. Mori.

“Well, how have you been feeling Kazuki-kun?”

“I’m feeling fine Dr. Mori. It’s just some light-headedness sometimes during the day.”

 Dr. Mugi Mori was our school’s counselor along with being the school’s doctor. Kill two birds with one stone I suppose. It was weird to see someone super qualified on paper to be here in this high school, but given her actual skills, maybe it makes sense. Dr. Mori is relatively a mature young woman on the outside, but her mannerisms haven’t left high school. I think her coffee is spiked with sake sometimes, since she always complains about the last guy who she dated left her. Usually it sounds like a drunken stupor, and since the other adults don’t want to deal with a fair maiden’s love troubles, I’m forced to listen to her vent. I’m not sure what the deal is with her, but deep down she’s a relatively nice person. I just hope someone marries her soon. Anyone please. Today however, it’s part of the rehab the hospital instructed me and Dr. Mori to have. The hospital was surprised that I managed to survive with just a small bump on my head, and wants to make sure something isn’t wrong.

 “So tell me Kazuki-kun, besides your health, has anything else been troubling you lately? Have you looked into what future career goals you have yet? I don’t want to pressure you or anything after your accident, but you have to be aware! Otherwise you’ll end up at my age…” She takes another long sip from her coffee mug.

“Uh…I’m not sure what I want to do. Maybe I’ll go to college afterwards.”

Dr. Mori composed herself.

“That’s perfectly fine. But! How are you and Akane Yuki? I’ve heard an incident happened between you two lovebirds!”

I can’t believe even the staff are gossiping about me and her. “It’s nothing! She and I are not lovebirds!”

I can feel the blood rushing throughout my face as Dr. Mori let out uproarious laughter.

“Ah young love, what innocence” as she wiped a small teardrop from her eye.

“Well then, what should I do Dr. Mori?”

She stopped laughing. The atmosphere of the room suddenly became cold.

“Kazuki-kun, I’m not the love doctor here and the last person you want to ask for advice. The only person that can do anything is you.” She suddenly grabbed both of my arms.

“You better believe kid, try being yourself.”

Being myself is the last thing I want to do.

“Or I don’t know, keep talking to her once a day or something. Start small and you’ll get there.” And Dr. Mori gave me a thumbs up.

“You should get going, class is going to start soon!”

I stood up and headed out the office.

“See you soon Kazuki-kun, entertain me with your stories!”

 I walk back to Class 2-B and I hear Kaneko-san yelling at someone. I can recognize that loud high-pitched voice that sounded like a spoiled child anywhere.

“You need to apologize!” says Kaneko-san. She was fuming with rage and frustration.  

“For what Kaneko-san?”

Unmistakably that was also the monotone voice of Yuki-san. I run to the doorway and notice the confrontation between Kaneko-san and Yuki-san. It looked like a fight between two prize fighters, and the whole class was watching from afar.

“You’re the reason…you’re the reason Ka-”

Kaneko-san noticed that I was at the door. She stopped herself from finishing the sentence. She was on the verge of tears. Yuki-san however looked composed, unfazed at the obvious tension in the room. Kaneko-san runs towards me out to the hallway and back into her classroom. As she passed by me, she gave me a sorrowful look, like she failed to get something out of Yuki-san. The class was still silent as I tried to absorb the situation. Everyone was staring at me, while Yuki-san simply went back to her seat, acting like nothing happened. I wanted to ask some questions of their little confrontation, but I already knew that no one would have the answers.

“Yuki-san is really cold as ice” whispered one student.

Yeah she is. I thought.    

 Nothing notable happened for the rest of the day. I tried to heed Dr. Mori’s advice of talking to Yuki-san, but there wasn’t any good opportunity. Besides my daily dose of Kaneko-san humble bragging about tutoring me this time before the next exam, it was another normal day. I brought up her incident about Yuki-san, but she got quiet. Until she stood up in a fit of rage.

“I’m just frustrated Kazuki. When I see her my blood just boils!” She would’ve flipped over the desk had it not been me sitting in front of her.

“I’m sorry for the outburst Kazuki…”

I could tell Kaneko-san was tired. It was difficult to work so hard to see your efforts mean nothing when someone like Yuki-san made it seem easy. The only thing I could do for her is help her study.

I’m home now, and Dad called, promised he’ll bring me that herbal medicine or something that will cure my headaches. Hopefully they’ll be gone by the time he’s back. I’m adjusting pretty well to my boring everyday life again even after the accident. All I want to do is just go to sleep now in my comfy bed after days in the hospital. It’s weird how all I did in the hospital was sleep, but now I’m really tired after my first day back.

Back to my normal life…

I’m slowly drifting away as my eyes feel heavy and close automatically.

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN). Chapter 1

                                                       Prologue

 I’m feeling light-headed. I can only tell that this is not my room. There’s an unfamiliar quaint septic smell that passes through my nose. I can’t remember how I got here, or where I am. I slowly open my eyes only to find my childhood friend Daisuke Akatsuka towering over my bed.

“Kept me waiting huh Kaz?” he says sarcastically.  

“Where…am I?” as I notice I’m surrounded by medical equipment. It’s weird since none of it actually appears to be hooked up to me.  I look down and also notice I’m wearing a blue colored gown.      

“Lucky for you, the doctor says you only have a small bump on your head dude. Only you and your big head could’ve survived that!”

My memories come flooding back to me and I remember now. I must’ve fallen off my bike going through the stupid shortcut while heading home. Mother always told me not to take that turn at night, but it was getting really late. Besides, I’ve taken it multiple times before with no problem.

“But I’m glad you’re ok Kazuki. What would I do if my partner in crime is gone?”

That was a surprise. Usually Daisuke was never the sentimental type. I must have really made him worried if I managed to crack his cool guy persona.

“How long have you been waiting Daisuke?” I ask.

Daisuke hesitated. He started to count his fingers and tried to recall how long I was out.

“Oh not much, you’ve been out for less than a week. I just happened to be in the neighborhood and saw your name down the hall. They announced your situation to us in class.”

Less than a week…? What could I have missed out on?  

Just then a sharp piercing pain is felt within my skull. I touch my head and it stings.

Ouch!

There are bandages or something wrapped tightly around my head. Ironically, even though I apparently nearly died, there’s something about the ease of being in a hospital bed. Although this bed wasn’t as comfy as the one at home, I barely had any energy to complain. Life has been rough so far honestly, and this was the first time in a while that I’ve felt relaxed. Daisuke interrupts the calm atmosphere by throwing me my missed homework assignments.

“By the way, here are your missed assignments.”

I look through the piles of paper, only to find two copies of every assignment.

“You do your own homework dummy!”

“It didn’t hurt to try haha.” Says Daisuke.

Did he really think that would work on me?

Somehow…, I’m not surprised.

                                                       Chapter 1

           “PLEASE GO OUT WITH ME!”

There was nothing but silence and gasps all around the school yard.

“How desperate is he?”

What was intended to be a one-on-one situation, eventually caught wind to being observed by the whole school. There she was, Akane Yuki, the undisputed “Ice Witch” of Kasumigaseki High standing in front of me. If I could see her face while I was bowing to her, I would hope it’s a smile. Instead when I raised my head, it was the look of shame and embarrassment. The long black haired Ice Witch looked unaffected by my sudden confession.

“Um…is this a joke?”

I could hear groans from the students hiding all around us. The Ice Witch’s words struck me like there was frostbite in my heart – if that was even possible. I know I’m the most average guy you could possibly meet, but that hurt.

Somebody please save me!

*RING*

By some divine intervention to save me from further ruining my already little reputation, the school bell rang. It’s time for me to go back to class, and go back to the corner seat where at least people won’t be staring. Maybe.

         As I head back to class 2-B, Daisuke grabs me in a headlock.   “Wow cherry boy, even I don’t have guts like that.”

The idiot actually convinced me that the infamous Ice Witch of school was interested in me since her new transfer to our school last semester. Valentines’ Day was coming up, and so it made sense to me at the moment. The only problem was she sat right in front of me in our class. It hits a man’s pride when someone hasn’t noticed you for a whole semester.

“You tricked me though! You said it was just going to be me and her, and that she was too shy to say anything about me!” I yelled to my obnoxious friend.

“I can’t believe you actually did it though! I guess I was wrong about you Kaz.” as Daisuke ended with a heartfelt laugh.

“Besides, you kept going on and on about the Ice Witch last semester, so might as well get it over with now. I just happened to be passing by near the old shed by the outskirts of the school yard when I saw her. I could’ve been killed from her icy gaze y’know!”

 The Ice Witch of Kasumigaseki High didn’t even as much as look at anyone the whole semester from my observations. For example, when it’s lunch time, she just disappears off to somewhere on the school yard, and I guess I accidentally exposed her secret hiding spot. She must really hate me now. Whatever little relevance I’ve had in her life has officially disappeared.

Akane Yuki got her name the “Ice Witch” about a few weeks after the first semester from what I recall. From her introduction in our class when she introduced herself, it felt like love at first sight.

         “Nice to meet everyone. I hope we get along.” As she smiled.

It was going to be like any other day, but my heart fluttered. Here was an elegant woman who just exuded class, but yet she was here with us fellow plebeians at a second-rate high school. That long black hair that looked endless, her fair pale skin like ice, and it was all neatly wrapped in a package with her hazel eyes. Our uniform wasn’t exactly something that could go down the fashion runway, but she looked like an angel had fallen from above. If she had any fault, it would be her smile. There was something off about her smile, something about that didn’t feel like it was genuine. It looked like it was rehearsed, like an idol’s during a press conference. Our eyes met for a split second when she walked towards me to take the only open seat in front of me. I looked away immediately from her cold gaze, but for some strange reason it seemed comforting. It felt like those were eyes that had seen a lot. Maybe I’m a masochist internally, but Yuki-san was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. And here she was, the woman of my dreams, handed right in front of me like it was destiny.

         Only problem was I seemed to be the only one who looked at her with admiration. With her introduction, all the girls of class 2-B all asked Yuki-san to hang out and go to their club meetings. After all, it turned out she was a born natural at sports despite her rather delicate demeanor. She even outran our track star Mary Kaneko, who’s won multiple state wide championships! However, she shot down every single invitation from everyone.

         “Are you in any clubs yet?” asked Renge-san, one of the members of the literature club.

“No, I’m busy today.” She would say. Or:

“I have to study for exams.”

It wasn’t a lie, since the moment she entered class she scored the highest in nearly every exam and quiz. Our track star Kaneko-san went from first to second every time – by a significant margin. A normal person would have taken advantage of the chance of becoming the most popular person at school, but it seemed like she was actively avoiding everyone for some reason. Eventually the invitations stopped completely. It was odd to have someone with so many positives choose be a hermit. Her apathetic attitude towards a social life led her to become infamous for shooting down relationships with anyone, which led to her having zero friends (that I know of). What seemed to be a warm exterior turned out to be cold, hence the nickname: “Ice Witch.”

“You’re an idiot!” Said the track star Kaneko-san.

“It was obvious she was going to reject you, but yet you still went for it you dummy!”

Kaneko-san ran into class 2-B after the school bell rung. She was in the more lively class 2-A, and I guess by coincidence all the loud characters were all in class 2-A; even Daisuke was in it. Kaneko-san came running into our class in her signature red track suit. She managed to change quickly somehow before club practice but I’m not surprised since she always wore as part of our uniform. She had her blonde hair done up into a ponytail like usual. She was wearing her worn overseas exclusive Masked Avenger pin. She got it from her father when he was on a business trip in the US. Despite being a girl, Mary Kaneko was a bit of a tomboy personality-wise, since she was the first girl I’ve ever met that was interested in the hero stuff. (I’ve outgrown that cringey period of my life). Apparently the pin is her good luck charm. It must be a coincidence.

“Hmph! I’m glad she said no though, otherwise you wouldn’t have time to tutor me anymore! I have to beat the Ice Witch and you’re gonna help me!” pouted Kaneko-san.

“Mary-chan! C’mon we’re gonna be late for practice!” shouted the other track team members outside.

Before I had time to say something witty she ran off like the roadrunner. She’s quicker on her feet than her head.

Last year, our Counselor and (apparently certified) Dr. Mori encouraged (by forcing me) to tutor Kaneko-san when her grades were starting to fall. Since I wasn’t really in any clubs afterschool, I seemed like the perfect candidate to teach Kaneko-san according to Dr. Mori. I just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time. Being the roadrunner track star of the school, it would look bad if our best athlete was all brawn and no brains. Although I may not seem like it, I managed to get consistently high marks on the exams and quizzes. Every day, Kaneko-san and I would study together in order to bring her grades up. Math. English. Literature. We studied it all. It was a pain at first since she can be sort of an airhead, and I’m not exactly the best teacher material either. But, it was good review for me so it was not a total pain.

For the last semester you could say we both got to know each other a little better, since in most circumstances someone of her social order would never interact with someone as low on the ladder as I. Everyone knew about Mary Kaneko, Kasumigaseki High’s “roadrunner” track star that won us the state championships last year. I would see her passing by in the hallways and although we were in the same class last year, we didn’t talk much. She would always be surrounded by an entourage of admirers that followed her every word, laughed at her jokes, and treated her like a queen. Being half-Caucasian further expanded her reputation as a celebrity in our school, like she was the shinning diamond in the rough (until Yuki-san came along). Everyone in our school was watching over her, since we were wondering how high she could achieve, since the bar was getting higher and higher with every time she broke another record in the track meets. Mary was the best candidate that would bring back the “glory days to Kasumigaseki High.” Even in passing I would overhear the teachers saying to her “You’re our star athlete, I hope you keep it up for us!”

The only problem was Mary Kaneko always felt out of my reach, even if she was an airhead. It was hard not to be in awe of someone like her, who worked hard to be where she was. So it was an interesting in a sense for the two of us unlikely people to interact with another. Meeting her for the first time she was loud, obnoxious, and exactly pretty much what I expected. She reminded me a lot of Daisuke, a dummy with a big mouth.

I can’t believe I’m forced to help her. Dr. Mori owes me big time for this!  

         I’m waiting inside one of the open classrooms afterschool for Kaneko-san. Dr. Mori told me to come to one the empty clubrooms in the old building next to our main classroom building. I’m sitting in boredom, and looking at the clock, she’s about 30 minutes late.

         Where’s the roadrunner? Maybe I should leave this stupid thing since she’s not coming.

         I start to pack my things away until the sliding door opens up, and there she was. Mary Kaneko has finally arrived.  

“I don’t need your help you idiot!” yelled Kaneko-san. Since I was forced into this mess, I might as well have fun with it. I needed to put Kaneko-san in her place.

“I don’t want to be here either!” I rebutted.

“You…you shut up!” as her face became a bright red. I could literally see steam coming out of her ears.

She reluctantly heads towards my table and plots her things down onto the table. Upon closer inspection, I notice her pin. It was a worn “Masked Avenger” pin, exclusively from the US. I’m excited, but I can’t let her see my weakness; I was too old for that stuff anyways. This is also first time I had a good look at Kaneko-san up close. She was exactly as what people described her as. She had blonde hair fixed in a pony-tail, blue eyes, and more Caucasian features than I expected. She had big cat-like eyes, that were bright like a child’s was. Although her body was similar to a child, it was petite enough that you could tell she wasn’t a kid. You could say she was cute, until she opens her mouth and started talking.

“Wha…what are you staring at pervert!” said Kaneko-san.

“Uh…nothing! It was just your Masked Avenger Pin. Where did you get it?” I asked.

She calmed down. I breathe a sigh of relief.

I may have been staring too long…

“I got it from my father, when he was on business in the US. I like that kind of stuff even if it is for kids.”

Kaneko-san rubbed her pin slightly, as it was very worn with the paint and plastic shell faded. I’m still surprised she likes that hero stuff, especially being a girl. I look at the clock, and notice that we had to start soon.

“Anyways, since English is somehow your weakest subject, let’s go over that first.” It made no sense since she was half-American. You think that she would have an advantage over all of us, but nope.

“Wha…what do you mean “somehow”? I just forgot to study after all. I can speak it naturally of course but on paper its hard…” she whined. She said some stuff in English under her breath I couldn’t make out since we haven’t been it taught yet.

“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that.” Kaneko-san was shocked that I was able to hear her mouse-like whisper. My exceptional hearing was really useful, especially for hearing footsteps sneaking up on my room…

We spent every night going over subjects last year, and by the second semester she improved dramatically. She shoved her first exam that she passed in my face the day she got it back.

“HAHA! I scored a 70! There’s no one that can stop me now!” She let out a rather villainous laugh.

This could get out of hand, I better say something.

“Thanks to my help…”

“Shut up…idiot! But…thank you.” For a second I saw an actual caring girl, but Kaneko-san reverted back to her energetic self.

It was great to see my hard work pay off! Only problem is now she scores higher than me overall in the exams, and she’s not gonna let me forget that anytime soon. I should be proud that the student has become the master, but not with Kaneko-san. I need to try harder to bring her down to Earth.  

It was time to head home. Given what happened today, I told Kaneko-san to reschedule for tomorrow or something.

I just want this day to be over…

I grabbed my old bike that could barely hold together. I’ve tried looking for a part time job, but the school forbids anyone getting a job. The only way to get a job without the school knowing was taking one across town, but that wasn’t the effort for me; I’m not that strapped for cash. It takes about half an hour anyways for me to get home, and I notice the sun is nearly set by the time I head out. My mother told me to stop by the convenience store to pick up some milk on the way home. I managed to spill all the milk today while trying to pour a glass. It managed to slip, somehow. The street lights were already on by the time I made it to the store. I just hoped that there was a least some light on the way home.

It’s getting too dark, I have to take the short cut.

The secret short cut would cut my time in half. Only problem was that it was off road, and passed through the abandoned factory that apparently was haunted. People heard noises, but it was probably some kids messing around or something. Also, it didn’t help that this bike could barely hold itself together.

I’ll bike carefully.

Just kidding. What a rush going downhill and off-road on a bike! It makes me think of when the Masked Avenger rode his motorcycle super-fast to save the day.

“WOO-HOO!”

Now I’ve gotten past the off-road part onto the main road. Just ahead, I could hear noises of what sounded like a bat being hit against cars, and random cat meows.

 Probably some kids messing around. I should bike faster!

The adrenaline was kicking in and I biked even faster making it past the factory in a second. I scream as loudly as I can as my bike goes even faster.

“YUKIIIIIIIII-SANNNNNNNN!!!”

The short catharsis makes a sigh of relief went through my body. I have to slow down a little since there’s a truck going my way. Panic started rushing through me as the brake wasn’t going to be enough to stop me in time.

“Aw crap.”

I hear the carton of milk explode as I’m feeling light-headed…

#romance #comedy #romantic-comedy #I Can't Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! #Light novel #Girlfriend #Anime #Manga #Kenbinru #Dreams

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! An Unromantic Love Comedy LN.

Kazuki Kaneshiro is down on his luck. After being rejected by the school's "Ice Witch" Akane Yuki, he gets into an accident! Miraculously, he wakes up in the hospital with no injuries! As he tries to gets back to his normal every-day life, he starts having weird dreams…where Akane Yuki is his girlfriend! So comes the romantic-comedy of Kazuki trying to make his dreams a reality!

Updates weekly until end of Vol. 1. Enjoy! 

#romance #comedy #romantic-comedy #I Can't Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! #Light Novel #Girlfriend #Anime #Manga #Kenbinru #Dreams