Himeouji 6 (Patreon)

6 - Don't Call Me by My Name, the Three Aforementioned People

RAW

Himeouji, who has accepted their friendship, no longer tries to keep Yuuma away.

As expected, he never took the initiative to speak to him, but when Yuuma approached and spoke to him, he responded appropriately and even laughed.

But of course, the people around him wouldn’t have found that amusing.

For them, Himeouji must be a vile existence that has fallen from the top to the bottom.

Otherwise, they can't justify what they've done to him.

It was probably only a matter of time before they started plotting how to get rid of those who stood in their way in order to protect their self-respect and their justification.

It’s unknown if it’s someone's instigation, but that was when——those girls came.

…

“...Yuuma, can I talk to you for a minute?”

When Yuuma came out of the classroom, heading to his pre-arranged lunch location, he was met with that voice behind his back.

“——What is it?”

He didn’t unconsciously put irritation in his voice, he put it there on purpose.

In the past two years, that voice only spoke to him once or twice.

At that time, she was calling Yuuma by his last name with a -kun attached, and the content was just a business call.

Even though she thoroughly went that far, why would she call him by name now and talk to him about what he thought was a personal matter.

“There’s something I want to talk to you about, follow me”

“I’d obviously refuse, Kitabayashi”

A firm refusal, an absolute no.

Perhaps she hadn't expected it, she——Kitabayashi Ayaka opened her eyes wide.

“W-why are you… no, no way——”

Don't say something like that, just shut up and follow me——and things like that.

At least she’s still sensible enough not to say anything tyrannical.

“Um… you used to call me Ayaka, but… what happened?”

“Was that how it was? Someone called me Hanyu, so it must be a misunderstanding.”

Yuuma thought she would answer a little, but she looked like she really didn't understand.

It seems that the business call that she conveyed while calling him Hanyu-kun was a trivial matter that she didn't even remember.

Shaking his head as if giving up, Yuuma turned back.

“If you have anything to talk about, just do it here, please keep it short. I'm in a hurry.”

It was Kitabayashi who told him not to talk to her, he doesn't want her to be interested in him now.

“...I guess if you’re okay with it, here is fine”

She said with a way of speaking as if saying ‘I was being considerate’.

The eyes of the surroundings might be turned to them, but there will be many places to go during lunch.

No one would bother stopping to pay attention, so there is no problem even if it’s here.

Rather, changing location might even attract more attention.

However——Yuuma was more curious about the worried face of Himeouji, who he saw at the edge of his vision.

“Then, I’ll say it——I think it’s better to not get involved with Ryo… with Himeouji-kun”

“I refuse. If that’s all, bye.”

It’s more unimportant than he thought, listening to it is worthless.

“Wa-wait, listen properly! I said it for Yuuma’s sake——”

“Haa… Whatever, I have something to say as well”

Kitabayashi's expression brightened at these words, but Yuuma could not understand why she made such an expression no matter how hard he thought.

“First of all——please stop calling me by my name. Since you didn't like the way I called you, I'll call you Kitabayashi-san as well.”

“Wh——th-that’s not true! Or rather, call me Ayaka like you used——”

Somehow, she tried to persist, but Yuuma ignored her and continued.

“So, Kitabayashi-san. The reason I'm involved with Himeouji is only because I want to. Stopping that, no matter how you put it, is not in my best interest.”

In any case, it was a remark that infringed on other people’s rights, so it's only natural.

“And lastly——If you listened properly,  and your conclusion is that thoughtless remark earlier, listening to it has no meaning nor worth, I will continue talking to Himeouji, and eat meals with him from now on.”

Of course, the pick up and drop off too.

Kitabayashi's expression lost its color at Yuuma's words, which he said with such bravado.

“——In the first place, why do you bother saying that? I remember you know, that you said not to talk to you ever again, clearly even.”

“I-I didn’t say it like that… I just, wanted to put some distance…”

It’s true that Yuuma exaggerated a bit, she probably didn’t say it like that.

“Well——there's no way you’d be getting closer to another man just because you saw Himeouji in that kind of situation right?. If it is, you’d be pretty loose.”

Yuuma definitely didn’t want it to be that bad even in the worst case scenario——.

That was what he thought in his words half-filled by provocation, but for some reason, Kitabayashi even showed an astonished expression.

(You can’t be serious, this guy…)

Was that actually the truth? Did she actually think that shamelessly?

Something's wrong with her——just as he was racking his brains, he heard another voice.

“Um… Onii-chan, can I talk to you too?”

Not good, not good at all.

…

Did she notice Yuuma talking to Kitabayashi? Or was she interested in what they were talking about?

Peering out of the classroom and coming up next to Yuuma was his former younger sister, Nishina Miu.

“...It's been a long time since we talked like this, right?, Onii-chan.”

“I’m not Nishina-san’s older brother though”

By the time he realized it, it was already over ten minutes since lunch break started.

He wanted to quickly go and eat lunch, and hopefully exchange side dishes.

The housekeeper, it’s a word he hadn’t gotten used to hearing, the bento that person seemed to have made was delicious even when it was cold.

He looked for Himeouji that he should have seen earlier, but he was already gone.

It's only natural, he wouldn’t stay in a place with so many people for long.

Perhaps unaware that Yuuma was inattentive, the two started talking on their own.

“I'm of the same opinion as Ayaka-chan. You know what he did and what they’re saying about him right now, right? You shouldn't be with him, Onii-chan.”

“That's right, Yuuma. Look, this is a good chance, why don't we eat lunch together? It's been a long time since the three of us got together.”

Could it be that these two were people who words won't get through to?

It’s too late to think about it now, but when he looked back on it, surprisingly, they were.

Since a long time ago, they’ve been pushy, determined, you could say, if they decided they wanted something, they won’t give in, they may have a selfish part to them.

Yuuma, who allowed this, is partly to blame as well——.

(...No, no way. That kind of discipline, is probably the parent’s responsibility.)

Haa——he let out a big sigh.

“——Call me by my last name. Also… you said it’s been a long time, the reason why we haven’t gotten together until now, as expected, you know what it is right?”

Yuuma confronted them so that they pay attention to him and looked them both in the eye, and they both turned away at the same time.*

“I, for one, thought you guys rejected me because you were prepared for this. So I respected it and did as you said.”

“N-no, that’s wrong, that is——”

“It’s not wrong——shall I say it, one more time?”

Not wanting to talk to them any more than this, he said roughly, as if spitting it out.

“You rejected me. And then I accepted it, swallowed it, and recognized you as someone who had nothing to do with me. Please don't bother me any more.”

It no longer mattered what purpose the two of them had approached him for.

“If you want to go after me behind my back too, do what you want. If I can isolate myself from you guys because of that, I'm more than happy with that.”

“W-we won't do that, that’s why——”

“Wait, Onii-chan! Umm, i-it’s a misunderstanding, I swear——”

Those voices followed him, but he had no obligation to listen any more.

Yuuma turned his back on the two and hurriedly headed to Himeouji with his bento in hand.

…

“Aahh—... those guys, something’s wrong with them… they’re probably not right in the head.”

“Haha… Umm, thank you for your hard work”

After that, Himeouji brought out his bento along with tea, and then poured roasted green tea from his thermos for him.

“...So those two were your acquaintances, I didn’t know at all… sorry.”

“No, it’s not something you should apologize for.”

Based on what they said when they rejected him, they shouldn’t have told Himeouji about him.

Himeouji was just being friendly without knowing anything, why would he need to apologize for that?

In the first place, even if he had known, he wouldn’t be at fault.

Himeouji was unfazed by the two beautiful girls who competed for the spot of number one and two in their grade, but he didn't show off, and kept a comfortable distance.

If there was someone that was too close, he would reprimand them, far from excessive physical contact, he even tried to avoid touching others as much as possible.

If it was just getting closer normally as a friend——.*

Considering their age, it wouldn't be strange for them to be more clingy and touching obscenely to the girls who make advances.

Despite this, he was a gentleman and never forgot his sincerity to women.

It was an admirably astonishing force of will.

“...You are amazing you know, seriously, I respect you.”

“I totally don’t get why you are praising me, though——”

Pouring himself a cup of roasted green tea and moistening his lips a little, Himeouji laughed.

“Hanyuu——Yuuma is more amazing, you know. Someone like me, couldn’t possibly be like Yuuma.”

What are you talking about——before Yuuma questioned him, his given name slowly entered his ears.

Compared to the way he heard his given name was called earlier, it was many times more comfortable.

“...What are you talking about, Ryou?”

“!...Ahaha, I wonder what am I talking about”

Has he overcome his rejection——.

Or is it because he can trust the character of the other party by relying on his personality——.

Or is it because no matter what happens, he will continue to stay close to him——.

“...How do I ask him that will make him slip up, this guy”

“I can hear you!!? What are you talking about all of a sudden…”

Himeouji——Ryou, who momentarily showed a wary demeanor, looked like he was having fun, even though he was trembling under Yuuma's gaze.

…

Just as he was about to return to the classroom with a light footstep, having reset his bad mood——.

As if aiming for the time difference, that person came.

“Yaa——it’s been a while, Yuuma.”

He was just about to return to the main school building from the third floor of the old school building through a connecting corridor.

If he knew this would happen, he might have gone downstairs first and returned from there.

“Hello, student council president. Lunch break is about to end, please excuse me.”

Waiting for him was the student council president, Toujou Hibiki.

Yuuma didn’t know what she was here for——no, he has a vague guess what it is.

In any case, having a conversation with her is troublesome, so Yuuma just gave his greeting and tried to leave.

Seeing this, Himeouji seemed to realize that she was Yuuma's acquaintance as well.

“Your face, is pretty wide eh… Yuuma” (T/N: idiom for being well connected)

“I thought my face is rather small”

“That’s not what I mean… also, your face isn’t that small”

“...Eh, really?”

As he was somewhat shocked, she stood as if blocking his way and let out a loud sigh.

“——I don't want to interfere in friendships, but you should choose who you go along with.”

“...Is that so? Then I'll try to keep my distance from the student council members.”

Toujou's eyebrows jumped with a twitch at Yuuma's words, but even though she hesitated slightly, probaby, she chose to be gentle.*

“Please don’t say something so cold, aren’t I a comrade of yours, Yuuma.”

Covering up her reaction to the previous snide comment, she showed a gentle smile.

It's a smile he has seen a few times in the middle school student council in the past.

Suffering from headaches, rubbing his eyebrows, and resolving the situation——Toujou showing that smile.

Yuuma at that time, sometimes worked hard to see that smile.

That smile he can only see as eerie and incomprehensible at this point.

“Please don’t call me by name, Toujou-senpai”

“!...Why?”

“Even if you ask why——”

Yuuma was surprised that she asked that question, is she the same kind of person as those two?

(No… from the time she called out to me, she can only be the same)

If she’s someone you can't communicate with, there's no need to be particularly concerned about her.

With eyes that look at the people he doesn’t care about, he slightly smiles and answers.

“——Because I don't want to be called by name by people who think I'm unneeded. Isn't that obvious?”

“No, that was… at that time, there were various reason——”

Apparently, she is not completely the same kind of person, and she remembered what she herself said.

“I see. Well, anyway, if I’m no longer needed for various reasons, you don't need to be involved with the people who are no longer needed. That way, it's easier for me too.”

“Wait, that… I didn’t say that with that intention”

Then, with what intention did she say that?

Toward a fellow student who had supported her in the same organization for two years in middle school, and who she had even asked to join her in high school, with what intention would she shove the words towards him that he was no longer needed?

Did she not even think about how the other person would feel when they were told that——?

“Yuuma——I've been thinking about it for a long time. In the end, you're an indispensable personnel… for the organization, um… for me too——”

“You said ‘in the end’, that just means that at one point I was unneeded”

“Nooo! Why, do you take it so… in the wrong way…”

Yuuma is just capturing the meaning of the word as it is——but she probably wouldn't understand.

Even so, he doesn’t care, she probably wouldn’t understand anyway.

“...In short, you want a capable help to be the substitute for the vacant position.”

I'm sorry——Yuuma apologized to Himeouji in advance in his heart, but as if he had understood that, Yuuma received a light tap on his back.

“Tha——No, wrong. I want you, Yuuma——”

“I refuse. Because I’m not a spare.”

“Yuuma… why——”

Her eyes glared at him as if to say, 'Why don't you understand?’

He understood, that’s why he refused.

(T/N: first time seeing somewhat clear indication of first pov. But it use the word こっち meaning “this side”, so it’s not exactly clear indication of first pov)

“Even if I join, if someone criticizes me, I’ll get fired even without any evidence, right? I can't work for an organization like that.”

“————!!!”

Seeing a sharp gaze turn to his side, Yuuma steps forward to cover Himeouji.

“Well, that’s how it is. But, let me see… if it’s after senpai is gone, I might think about it, student council members too.”

Only thinking about it——but.

Somehow, Toujou stared at him as if she was hurt, as if she was the victim, as Yuuma continued.

“Well then, Please excuse me this time… also, please stop calling me by my name”

“Yuuma…”

No, listen!.

“I… won’t give up, Yuuma…”

Please give up, I beg you.

…

“Scary… that person, what should I do if she becomes a stalker?”

When the chime rings, I managed to get away from Toujou, and head to the classroom a little faster.

“Hm,hmm… for the time being, just leave me behind and run away.”

“That’s impossible…”

It feels like it will result in enormous damage if he left Himeouji behind.

“Somehow, I'm sorry... I didn't know that something like that happened behind the scenes.”

“Like I said, you don't need to apologize... on the contrary, I'm grateful.”

“Why!”

“...I’ve thought this since some time ago, Ryou sure is good at tsukkomi”

“It’s not a tsukkomi just now, I’m just asking the reason!”

Unexpectedly, he meant exactly what he said——still, just talking about the reason is easy.

“That’s obvious. Thanks to you, I realized their true nature… moreover, I managed to get away from them, without any future problem”

When I intended to warp my expression into a slightly wicked face to show him, Himeouji was taken aback, and then burst into laughter.

“Fufu——what a terrible thing to say, Yuuma.”

“Even so, it’s the truth, so it can’t be helped.”

As Yuuma said so in a sunny mood, Himeouji whispered in a small voice——

“——By the way, the future problem will come up, you know. I think they’ll definitely follow you around.” (T/N: I don’t know if it was the problem or the people that will follow him around.)

“True…”

Yuuma had a feeling he received a curse from the grinning Himeouji.

————

(T/N: it took a bit longer than expected. I think I’m tired. I guess I shouldn’t translate based on the number of pages, but by time instead.)

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