Denpa Teki na Kanojo: Volume 1 - Chapter 3

The Woman Called Jyuuzawa Benika

When Jyuu returned from school, he was depressed to find a pair of women's shoes on the doorstep.

...Unusually, she’s back.

As he made his way up to his room, he made loud footsteps on purpose, and threw his bag along the way.

His destination was a certain room—a certain room he usually wouldn’t open.

Sure enough, she was there.

“Oi.”

“Yo.”

She answered without turning around, seemingly looking for something inside the wardrobe.

On the bed, some clothes were already prepared, along with some jewelry on the dressing table.

Jyuu waited at the room entrance for a while, but she didn’t even acknowledge him.

Looking at her usual attitude, his gratefulness for the bento quickly left him. Reluctantly, Jyuu entered the room while clicking his tongue.

“At least look this way.”

Putting his hand on her shoulder, he forced her to turn around.

Instead of going against Jyuu’s physical strength, she strengthened her own arm and turned around—

—Before he knew it, she had hit him.

The tip of her elbow had sunk into his cheek, cutting the inside of his mouth.

Undaunted, Jyuu threw his right fist at her face, but missed. In return, she delivered a low, powerful blow into his plexus, along with a mighty elbow hit to his abdomen.

Despite staggering, Jyuu managed to endure it.

“How brutal. Don’t surprise me like that.”

She said so, unfazed in the slightest.

...That’s right, I forgot.

While rubbing his stinging abdomen, Jyuu remembered—

—That was just how his mother was, the woman called Jyuuzawa Benika.

On a different scale than abuse in the general sense of the word, she’d unabashedly beat her own child. Not because of malice, but because she considered it as normal.

No other person was as fierce as her.

Benika was dressed in a wine-red suit that emphasized her splendid proportion.

Due to her youthful appearance, if they were to walk alongside each other, they’d probably be seen as a pair of siblings, instead of a mother with her high school child. 

From her haughty demeanor, no shred of love for her son, whom she hadn’t met in a long time, could be seen.

“What’s with your hair? What happened to the blond color? Have you turned a new leaf?”

As if making fun of him, Benika laughed.

Even though she was a real beauty, her attitude was what threw him off.

Narrowing her eyes, Benika spoke with contempt.

“—A rubbish, useless, and boring person, that’s who you are.”

“Shut up!”

As he yelled, he seized her by the collar and raised his fist. He wouldn’t hold back. Since childhood, she wouldn’t stop reminding him that he was useless to her.

However, Benika was unfazed, and instead spat on him. When it hit him on the eye, Jyuu flinched slightly. She took it as an opportunity to grab his arm, before effortlessly twisting it, locking his joints. Her bone-crushing power forced Jyuu to be at her mercy. But soon, she let go of his arm.

Jyuu was about to stand up when a sharp, sideways blow connected to his chin. The moment he registered that it came from the glass ashtray in Benika’s hand, she was about to unleash another blow. This time, it was from her knee, which kicked him on the chin. When Jyuu had fallen on his back, Benika mercilessly stomped on his belly. She was expressionless the entire time.

“Guhaa—!”

A dizzying pain pierced his brain as her heel dug into his abdomen.

While clutching his stomach and trembling, Jyuu ended up regurgitating his stomach contents.

“You’re gross. Be sure to clean up properly.”

After saying that in a cold tone, Benika went back to digging through her drawer. Perhaps, she’d lost interest, thinking that Jyuu had lost his fighting spirit.

It had always been like that.

Jyuu had never lost in a fight.

Sometimes, it was a tough victory, but he never lost.

But it was a different story when the opponent was her. 

In the past, Jyuu had fought many opponents. Some of them excelled in martial arts, while others would wield iron pipes. Regardless, he won. 

But for some reason, he just couldn’t defeat this woman.

Whenever he was facing her, he felt as if he was losing his worth as a human.

While he wasn’t in the slightest bit grateful towards her, their numerous spars became one of the reasons why Jyuu was tougher.

“For your information, I didn’t come home because I was worried about my son, so rest easy.”

Without looking back, she said as she kept rummaging through her things.

“There was something I needed, so I just went back to get it.”

As he struggled to catch his breath, Jyuu inadvertently had to put his hands on his vomit to support himself.

Normally, he’d hesitate, but now he didn’t care.

—to this person, to this woman, he had a lot to say.

Despite knowing that he wouldn’t get a reply, he couldn’t help but ask.

“...Oi, old hag.”

“You’ve recovered? I guess you do have my blood. Regardless—”

—Jyuu could barely avoid the flying ashtray, but the same couldn’t be said to her incoming kick. Once again, Jyuu was kicked on the jaw, and when he tried to withstand the blow, he only managed to slip on his puke and fell awkwardly.

Benika proceeded to step on his stomach.

Immediately, gastric acid rose and stung his throat, before overflowing from his mouth, spilling onto the floor.

Involuntarily, he teared up.

To hide it, Jyuu hurriedly turned away from Benika.

“Who’re you calling an old hag, you shitty brat?”

Pinching the groaning Jyuu by the ear, Benika forced him to face her.

“You’re really, really useless. A guy like you should just find a random hookup, get married, raise a kid, and then die. Got it?”

When Jyuu was about to say something back, Benika stuck her fingers into his mouth.

She grasped his tongue, before pulling it gently.

Due to the severe pain, Jyuu’s eyes went wide open as he trembled.

“I’m glad that you’re as lively as ever, but be mindful of yourself. It’s impossible for a child to raise a hand against his parents for the rest of his life. It’s just impossible, even more so if it’s you. Jyuu, it’s impossible for you.”

...It was akin to a curse.

In such a way, Benika had exerted mental coercion on Jyuu since childhood. The sad reality was that he had succumbed to it. Jyuu had never won against his mother because he couldn’t afford to fight her. Whether it was a simple argument or the use of force, he could never win.

The mother, who knew well that her son couldn’t say anything in retaliation, released her hand in satisfaction.

She wiped her soiled fingertips with his school uniform.

“Well, I got what I was looking for. I’m going back. Be sure to tidy up your room.”

Jyuu found himself unable to stare directly at her leaving back.

...In the end, I’m still powerless.

He didn’t know how many times he’d have to suffer.

Cursing his own clumsiness, Jyuu stood up. He felt so ashamed, he wanted to cry.

At that moment, the house bell chimed.

For a moment, he thought that Benika did it, but she wasn’t the type to do such a meaningless prank.

If it was her, she’d do something more hard-hitting.

Then, who is it?

...Someone did come to mind.

Enduring the pain in his entire body, Jyuu staggered towards the entrance.

***

At the entrance of the Jyuuzawa family, three women had a chance encounter.

After opening the door, Jyuuzawa Benika crossed her arms as if to block the visitors.

Sensing the odd atmosphere, Satsuki Miya and Ochibana Ame froze in the hallway.

Benika stared bluntly at the two girls. Her gaze was akin to a predator sizing up its prey, rather than judging a product.

As if caught in her gaze, Miya stiffened, drenched in a layer of cold sweat. Meanwhile, beside her, Ame stood calmly. Miya couldn’t decide if she was just putting up a front, or if she was really that brave.

“...Hoo, he had caught a strange woman. Or more like, he got caught?”

Which girl did she refer to? Or is it both?

Benika nodded several times in amusement and smiled.

“I’d like to talk to you for a minute, but unfortunately, I’m in a hurry. You’ll have to excuse me for today.”

“—Hey, old hag!”

The sight of the three soon turned to Jyuu, who stood while leaning against the wall.

Because of Jyuu’s behavior, Miya mistook the woman in front of her as a burglar.

“W-who are you!? What did you do to Jyuu-kun!?”

As Miya held up her bag like a shield, Benika gently smiled.

“A moment, please.”

“Eh?”

Benika spun around on the spot and backhand punched the approaching Jyuu.

Although he immediately blocked it with his arm, Jyuu couldn’t stop the impact and was thrown into the wall.

It was difficult to believe that such arm strength belonged to a woman.

Even in simple arm wrestling, Jyuu had never won against Benika.

“You never learn, huh!”

Benika retracted her hand, only to follow it with another onslaught—

—At that moment, a student bag flew.

Benika glanced at the one who had thrown the bag.

“What is the meaning of this?”

At the end of her line of sight, stood Ochibana Ame.

“Stay away from Jyuu-sama.”

“Jyuu... ‘-sama’? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“There are three of us here, including that one over there. It’s three against one.”

“Oi, you didn’t answer my question—”

“—Satsuki-san, do you have anything that can substitute a weapon?”

When she was suddenly asked that, Miya shook her head.

“At the very least, you have a compass, right? That’ll suffice. Use it.”

“Hey, you—! Answer my question—!”

Unfazed by Benika’s irked voice, Ame continued to speak to Miya.

“A word of advice, stab her from the chest down. That way, you’ll inflict a fatal wound.”

“Like I said—!”

“What is your name?”

“It’s Jyuuzawa Benika!”

“My name is Ochibana Ame.”

Ame proceeded to pick up an umbrella that was leaning against the door—

—perhaps as a declaration of war.

After gripping it like a spear, she pointed the metal tip towards Benika.

Unable to comprehend the situation, Miya frantically fished for her compass.

—Should I really pull out my compass? Or should I just call the police?

But if she were to calmly consider it, she should’ve had more than two options.

Besides, the woman said it herself—she was Jyuuzawa Benika.

Which means...

Before Miya could make a guess, Ame advanced.

Rather than just threatening her, the girl looked ready to kill.

At that sight, Benika was visibly confused.

“...Oi, Jyuu. What’s with this girl? How can she just decide to kill someone at the very first meeting?”

Instead of replying, Jyuu laughed.

Despite the pain in his stomach, Jyuu laughed as loudly as he could.

After all, even his mother had no clue how to deal with the denpa girl.

Somehow, it was a bit hilarious.

“Enough, stop it.”

When Jyuu said so and sent her a glance, Ame obediently withdrew.

Still, she maintained her firm posture and didn’t let go of her umbrella.

At that moment, Benika tried to close in to Ame, but Miya suddenly cut in between them.

“Uhm, are you Jyuu-kun's older sister? Or a relative, perhaps...?”

“...And who might you be?”

“My name is Satsuki Miya. I’m Jyuu-kun’s classmate. On a side note, this girl is also a friend from the same school.”

Then, Miya turned to Ame and told her to apologize in a low voice. However, Ame pretended to not listen.

As if she didn’t know the concept of fear, the girl just stood proudly, unfazed by it all.

But to Jyuu, rather than holding an umbrella, it was as if she was drawing her sword.

...A girl that small was pretending to be his knight.

“...Well, it doesn’t matter.”

With a dissatisfied expression, Benika put on her shoes and went to the front door. The red high-heels looked great on her long, slender legs. Miya wondered if the woman was a model due to her outstanding looks.

“Well then, see you soon. Come visit again, you two.”

After saying that while staring alternately between Jyuu, Miya, and Ame, she opened the door and left.

Jyuu had something to say to Benika, but held back because his classmates were there.

...He’d rather not embarrass himself any further.

While Miya was still confused, Ame calmly held the closing door, before pushing it open and asking Benika, who was about to step inside the elevator.

“Are you an ally of Jyuu-sama? Or are you an enemy?”

“I’m his mother—!”

After yelling her answer, Benika went into the elevator. Ame stared at it for a while, before closing the front door. At last, the tension subsided.

For the time being, Jyuu decided to ask the two.

“What are you guys doing here?”

While he didn’t find the duo of Miya Satsuki and Ochibana Ame odd, he also doubted that they’d get along well due to their stark contrast in personality.

“Jyuu-kun, is the person just now your mother?”

“Yeah. Then, what are you guys here for?”

“She’s so beautiful. Moreover, she also looks young!”

“Actually, that woman is still young. Just tell me the reason why you’re here.”

“How old is she?”

Instead of answering, Jyuu turned to look at Ame.

“Why are you here?”

“On my way home, I happened to meet Satsuki-san. Then, she proceeded to ask me something.”

“Did she invite you to come to my house?”

“No, she asked me which way is your home.”

While glaring sideways at Miya, Jyuu continued his line of questioning.

“Then, why did you come too?”

“Because her goal is dubious at best, I decided to accompany her for the sake of Jyuu-sama’s safety.”

“Eh? Eeeh—!? Ochibana-san, isn’t that a bit terrible...”

Miya incredulously protested.

...Although, now that he thought about it, he certainly never told Miya about his house.

However, that wasn’t just limited to her. None of his classmates knew about it.

“But isn’t that true? You probably came here on a whim, and not because of any particular reason.”

“L-like I said, that’s a terrible way to put it...”

“Then tell me why you come.”

“...Although, it might be a curiosity after all.”

“As I thought...”

Seeing Jyuu’s astonished expression, Ame interjected.

“Jyuu-sama, should I send her back?”

“No, it’s fine.”

If Jyuu were to agree, Ame would surely drag Miya outside.

Not even the fact that she had escorted Miya here mattered.

She wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of those who’d threaten Jyuu’s safety.

After what happened with Benika earlier, Jyuu firmly understood that.

If she hadn’t been stopped, blood might have spilled.

Rather than finding that part of her dependable, Jyuu found it scary.

As he regained his composure, he was reminded of the fact that he was sticky with filth.

Not only that, the inside of his mouth was also torn in several places.

However, the most cumbersome of all was to stand at the entrance.

“Anyway, let’s head inside, and that includes you.”

After saying that to Miya, who seemed about to go home, Jyuu decided to take a shower.

Thus, he went to the bathroom.

***

“Jyuu-kun’s house is the best!”

“You don’t have to force yourself to be the mood maker. Just sit there.”

“...Right.”

Jyuu—who had taken a light shower and was feeling somewhat refreshed—led the two to the living room and told them to sit down.

In the living room, a steel-legged table, covered with a sheet of tempered glass, and half-surrounded by a large sofa could be seen.

In order to erase any trace of her mother, Jyuu opened the window to improve the ventilation and change the air in the room.

When Ame offered to help him, Jyuu told her to sit down, before preparing tea for each of them.

“Thanks!”

“Much obliged.”

“There’s no tea cakes, though.”

With a towel around his neck, Jyuu sat down on the sofa in front of them. After setting the nearby electric fan to a gentle breeze, he dried off any remaining water droplets.

“Then, have you satisfied your curiosity?”

“...Somehow, after-shower Jyuu-kun is a bit sexy.”

“Drink it and go home.”

“I have a cat tongue, so I’ll need time.”

“Let me give you oolong tea instead.”

“Add more water to it.”

“...Did you forget that I’m a delinquent?”

“Uwaa, this is bad, Ochibana-san. At this rate, we’re going to be kidnapped and confined!”

“No, you won’t—!”

“Figures. After all, Jyuu-kun is a good person.”

Miya smiled with an all-knowing look.

Jyuu stared at Miya, thinking that she might not be so bad, before standing up.

“—Jyuu-sama, let me do it.”

“No, sit down.”

“But...”

“This is my house. Let me do it.”

After seeing that Ame had calmly sit down beside Miya, Jyuu went to the kitchen and took out a cold bottle of oolong tea from the refrigerator. Figuring that he probably had enough for three people, Jyuu poured it into three glasses.

It had been a long time ever since he last had a guest.

The fact that Ochibana Ame had visited him twice didn’t count, because it was “an accident.”

Due to his limited circle of friends, people seldom came to visit him.

To be honest, Jyuu didn’t like strangers coming into his house, and would be more than eager to dismiss them. However, that day, things were a bit different.

After all, not only did the two see his mother, they also saw his pathetic side. If he were to turn them away at that moment, it’d only add insult to his injury.

To him, that slight hospitality would be akin to a display of strength. Even if he tried to mend the situation, it was unlikely to change. Nevertheless, despite knowing that, human beings had the tendency to show off.

Even more so if it was man.

A man should have pride.

Women were born with it, while men couldn’t have it unless they tried.

Upon recalling that those were the words of his mother from back in the day, Jyuu clicked his tongue.

After adding some water to the tea, the three sat around the table once again, but the conversation didn’t go without a hitch.

The three stared alternately at each other as they waited for anyone to initiate a conversation.

After chugging the oolong tea, Jyuu put the empty glass down with a thud.

“We should take turns. Let’s start from Miya.”

Despite being dismayed at the sudden nomination, Miya said while glancing around.

“Jyuu-kun’s house is big, isn’t it? It’s also beautiful.”

“Uh-huh. Then, it's your turn.”

Prompted by his gaze, Ame began to speak.

“Jyuu-sama, how are you feeling?”

“Fine. Then, Miya.”

“Eh? Isn’t it Jyuu-kun’s turn?”

“Nah, I’m fine.”

“Somehow, I feel deceived...”

“If you don’t have anything to say, let’s call it a day.”

“No, no! I’ll say something! Uhm, so, your mother’s awesome.”

“Alright, minus 1 point.”

“W, what am I getting deducted for!?”

“In my mind, Satsuki Miya’s stock has plummeted.”

“My stock has already plummeted by the decrease of 1 point!?”

“It’s a small-sized company.”

“What even is the capital!?”

“Well, favorability.”

“What’s for sale?”

“Unavoidable friendship.”

Seeing Jyuu’s wry smile, Miya also smiled wryly.

“Jyuu-kun, are you on bad terms with your mother?”

“For better or for worse, that’s how it's been like as far as I can remember.”

Even Jyuu’s earliest memory depicted the scene of him being beaten by his mother. Not only was his small body thrown off, he also slammed against something. After that, she beat him again. If he recalled correctly, there must’ve been a folded futon or something nearby.

Although, he couldn’t remember why she got angry.

It was the first time for him to suffer a nosebleed after being hit by someone.

“...Did she abuse you?”

“It’s nothing like that.”

Jyuu said brightly, laughing at the tense Miya.

Unreasonable, unilateral, and insidious violence would count as an abuse.

However, his mother wasn’t that kind of person.

Even though her personality was extremely incomprehensible, she wasn’t the kind that would torment children.

If anything, his mother was probably messing around with him.

No matter what he did, she refused to accept him. Moreover, she’d often make condescending remarks. To top it off, she’d also provoke him any chance she got.

Unable to stand up for himself, he let her mistreat him, and as a result, his self-esteem suffered.

He realized his own immaturity.

At the same time, those were the things he didn’t want to explain to others.

“Well, think of it as a form of communication unique to my family.”

Upon hearing that, Miya dropped her gaze with a complicated expression. As someone who actually witnessed Benika’s violence, it probably wasn’t an easy story to swallow.

“...Do you have a grudge against your mother?”

“While I despise her, I don’t hold anything against her.”

“Even if she’s troublesome like that, do you still love her?”

“I don’t know. I’m putting the answer to that on hold. Maybe, it’ll be on hold for the rest of my life, or until that hag dies.”

After quenching her thirst with oolong tea, Miya stared at Jyuu and spoke.

“Jyuu-kun, while you may consider it troublesome, it's better to be straightforward about that kind of thing.”

“That kind of thing?”

“About whether or not you love her, I mean.”

“Why?”

“Otherwise, you might be in trouble in case of an emergency.”

“What? Why? What would happen?”

 “If you don’t set your priorities straight, it’ll only hinder you down the road.”

Unable to grasp her implications, Jyuu remained silent.

Miya continued regardless.

“It’s okay to worry. In fact, worry about it as much as you want. However, you still have to find the answer. Be it the answer, or your final decision—you’ll have to think about them properly. So that in case of emergency, you can determine what you should hold on to, and what to let go of.”

“...I don’t necessarily agree.”

Perhaps to support Jyuu, Ame intervened.

“I think it’s alright even if the question lingers for a long time.”

“No way, you’ll only be wasting your time worrying about it.”

“Worrying, in itself, is the answer.”

“But to endlessly worry about something, isn’t that just pointless?”

“I believe that in some cases, people are afraid to give a straight answer.”

...Why would it be scary?

However, Miya didn’t say anything back.

For a while, the two stared at each other in silence, before averting their gazes from each other.

Rather than being on bad terms, the two were just the polar opposite of each other.

Between the two, with whom did he get along better...?

In the next moment, Jyuu ceased the thought.

Certainly, it was a hassle to always stop thinking at the crucial point.

But frankly, it was as Ame said—he was just afraid to give an answer.

Before long, the attention of the two shifted to him, and Jyuu cleared his throat.

“Sorry, but I don’t really get it.”

That concluded it for today.

When Jyuu stood up to take them to the front door, Ame spoke.

“If you like, I can clean up for you.”

“...Clean up?”

“If you deem it as necessary, I shall wipe the floor with a rag. Such is my duty as a servant.”

From the fact that his uniform was soiled, Ame must’ve concluded that Jyuu had vomited somewhere.

Indeed, there was that. He hadn’t even cleaned up yet. Nevertheless, it should be his responsibility, for he was the one who threw up.

...No, it should be common sense to think so.

Jyuu didn’t want anyone else to do it for him.

“There’s no need. Just go home, already.”  

“Is that an order?”

“No, more like, it’s what men do.”

“In that case, let me do it, for it’s a woman’s expertise.”

Jyuu was at a loss for words, which Ame took as a consensus.

With a slight smile, Ame rose.

“Where’s the rag?”

“...It’s hanging in the washroom, so use it as you see fit.”

“Alright.”

“Ah, then, I’ll help too, Jyuu-kun.”

“Just go home.”

“This is discrimination against women!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Then, at the very least, let me prepare your dinner.”

Did Miya remember when Jyuu mentioned Ame’s dislike for cooking?

Miya glanced at Ame. When she saw that Ame wasn’t the slightest bit upset, she beamed in excitement, her gaze saying, ‘I’m going to do it, Ochibana-san!’

Jyuu, who didn’t care anymore, shrugged his shoulders.

“Do whatever you like.”

“I will!”

Thus, Ame went to the washroom, while Miya went to the kitchen.

After Jyuu went to the kitchen to help out, Miya muttered while opening the fridge.

“Oh, that’s right. I’ve been meaning to ask you something. May I?”

“What?”

“...Jyuu-kun, why did Ochibana-san refer to you as ‘Jyuu-sama’?”

“Dunno.”

Afterwards, Jyuu decided to help Ame out.

 ***

In the middle of June, the school was getting busy preparing for final exams and the likes.

When it came to his grades, Jyuu had given up, but of course the same couldn’t be said regarding other students—including Ame and Miya. Especially Ame. Since she took a college preparatory program, she had special supplementary lessons almost every day.

To Jyuu, it was akin to a blessing. At last, the joy of being able to leave the school alone had returned. Although, rather than joy, it could be said to be comfort.

After he got home, he took off his stifling school uniform, and changed to a casual attire, before heading to town.

These days, his days were fairly peaceful. As long as no one provoked him, he wouldn’t fight back.

Ever since Ame began to haunt him, he was anxious about the future, but said anxiety had vanished without a trace.

Perhaps, he got used to it.

After all, humans could adapt to anything.

Still, when he took a walk by himself, he couldn’t help but feel like being alone was the best. While having a friend was nice and all, nothing could beat being alone. Although girls were cute, they were also annoying, and Jyuu hated that. He much preferred the slow, cozy atmosphere he currently had.

As he glanced sideways at the passing couples, Jyuu thought so.

Although it was still June, it was already hot enough to be considered midsummer, even more so when the sun was setting quite late.

Even in the evening, the streets were bright.

Well, as someone who decided to play on his way home from school, it was convenient.

Deciding to go downtown, Jyuu decided to head for the train station for a 20-minute ride there.

On his way there, he avoided the road mainly used by the shopping housewives, and instead used the back road.

The back road, lined with yakitori restaurants and izakaya(s) in preparation for the night, were considerably dirtier, but seldom used by many.

There, he encountered some stray dogs flocking to the scattered garbage. But as long as he could withstand their threats, it was no problem. Ignoring the low growl of the stray dogs, Jyuu passed them while yawning loudly.

At that time, something was reflected in his vision, blurry with drowsy tears.

From the side of the street, a figure had leaped out and stopped right before him. Then, as if to block the narrow path, he turned towards Jyuu. At first, Jyuu thought that he was assailed by a crazy hobo, but quickly changed his mind.

After all, the other party was apparently a teenage girl.

She was wearing plain clothes, but her height told him that she was probably in high school.

At the same time, she was fairly tall, around 170 cm in height. Her long hair was tied in a ponytail, and she exuded an overall pert atmosphere. Looking at her cuteness, it should be safe to assume that she was a head-turner.

...Regardless, Jyuu had no clue who she was.

He turned around, only to spot a stray dog behind him, and nothing else.

Did she approach me on purpose?

The baby-faced girl glared at Jyuu.

“You must be Jyuuzawa Jyuu.”

Neither a question nor an affirmation, but a declaration.

When Jyuu was at a loss as to how to respond, the girl suddenly moved.

“—Prepare yourself!”

A single kick from the seemingly athletic girl seemed sharp enough to knock down any grown-up.

Jyuu veered away from the attack, and prepared himself for the upcoming blow.

The girl performed yet another kick. She swung her leg so fast; the gust of wind reached his eardrums. By leaping backwards, Jyuu managed to evade the blow that aimed for his head. Since the path was narrow, avoiding it inevitably set him back. However, Jyuu refused to back down any further.

The next blow was also a kick.

The front kick of the girl, who must’ve practiced karate, connected to Jyuu’s lower abdomen.

As a matter of course, it hurt, but it wasn’t unbearable since he saw it coming.

As Jyuu began to tilt forward, the girl’s fist rammed into him. The heavy impact made his head spin, he also expected that, and endured it.

Due to his radical interaction with his mother, Jyuu had become resilient.

However, when he was about to intercept her next move, the girl unexpectedly retreated.

Judging from her expression, the girl seemed slightly upset, as if she was shocked by what she had done.

Instead of panicking, Jyuu was relatively calm.

...After all, he was somewhat accustomed to troubles.

If anything, the attacker was the one who panicked.

Being glared at by Jyuu, the girl braced herself, but no longer attacked. Upon following her gaze, Jyuu realized that blood was spilling from his mouth.

Did she feel guilty for injuring him?

...As I thought, she’s just a normal girl.

Jyuu could sense that she was a decent human being, and not at all like those who liked to resort to violence.

She was the type of person who, despite getting into fights, knew her limits and never lost control. Hence why upon seeing that Jyuu made no attempt to fight back, she quickly regained her composure. Even though the girl assaulted him first, Jyuu decided that she was different. The reason why he deliberately let her beat him was to calm her down.

Jyuu knew from experience that this was more effective than simply blocking or avoiding.

As he patted the dirt off his clothes, Jyuu spoke.

“Are you done?”

“Eh?”

“I don’t know if it’s a test of might or something random, but I’m leaving.”

Jyuu waved his hand and was about to leave when the girl abruptly stopped him.

“W-wait, you scum—!”

When he turned around and glared at her, the girl visibly flinched, but refused to back down.

“Bastard—! Prick—! Scummy pervert—! Lowest of the low—! Grated Natto—!”

“...What’s with the last one?”

“Something I hate the most!”

Apparently, the barrage of insults was not without an order.

Although they were insults, they were far from hurtful.

Thus, they became the testament to the girl’s good nature.

Somehow, he felt a bit interested in her.

“What’s your name?”

“Why should I tell an enemy that!?”

“Enemy, huh...? It seems that you have a grudge against me. Care to tell me why?”

“What are you feigning ignorance for!? How dare you deceive my onee-chan!”

“...Sister?”

Despite the girl’s enthusiasm, Jyuu couldn’t understand a thing.

However, since she mentioned her older sister, then she must be someone’s little sister.

...But who the hell is it?

“Are you, by any chance, Miya Satsuki’s little sister?”

“...Who’s that?”

Apparently, she wasn’t.

Although, her personality was indeed too far from that of Miya Satsuki...

“Then, who’s your sister? Not wanting to brag, but my circle of friends is quite a few. I’m not really familiar with anyone.”

After seeing no visible shift in Jyuu’s tone whatsoever despite having glared at him, the girl began to waver.

She asked timidly.

“...Uhm, you’re Jyuuzawa Jyuu, right?”

“Yeah.”

“And you’re a sophomore at Sakuragiri High School?”

“Yep.”

“Then it’s definitely you—!”

“Like I said, I have no idea who your sister is.”

“My onee-chan is Ochibana Ame!”

...It took a few solid seconds for Jyuu to register that name.

Then, it took another ten seconds for Jyuu to finally grasp the situation.

At last, Jyuu responded.

“...Seriously?”

“Isn’t that obvious!? You should be able to tell just by looking!”

He seriously had no idea.

...If she’s really her sister, where’s the similarity?

Both her appearance and atmosphere were completely different. Looking at the girl’s physique alone, the petite Ame appeared more like the younger sibling.

Regardless, he wondered what it had to do with today’s incident.

At Jyuu’s slow reaction, the girl became impatient and spoke.

“You’re the devil who misled my onee-chan and toyed with her as you please! I’ll never forgive you!”

With a snap, the girl shoved her finger at the tip of his nose.

Usually, Jyuu would’ve brushed it off, but he considered the girl as harmless.

While the person herself may have intended to appear menacing, due to her cute looks, it was difficult to take her seriously.

On the contrary, Jyuu even felt like laughing.

...It was like watching a child get angry and throw a tantrum.

“Let me assure you, I didn’t do anything to your sister.”

“You’re lying!”

“I absolutely did nothing to her, at all.”

“What an obvious lie—!”

“...Hey, listen. As if I’d fall for someone as unhinged as your sister.”

A crisp bang resounded in the quiet back road.

The girl had slapped Jyuu’s right cheek.

He should be able to dodge, but his body refused to budge—

—probably because he saw the tears in the girl’s eyes.

“Don’t make fun of my onee-chan...!”

Sobbing, the girl said tearfully.

“My onee-chan is kind, smart, and amazing! Long ago, when I got lost, everyone else gave up, but my onee-chan kept looking for me, and eventually found me! When I was bullied, she’d come to my rescue. At night, when I couldn’t sleep due to nightmares, she’d comfort me all the time! She listened to my worries, and gave me advice! My onee-chan is the best! She’s really amazing! That’s why—...”

The girl in front of him suddenly seemed much younger.

To him, she looked like a little girl painstakingly trying to explain about her precious things.

“...Don’t make a fool of my onee-chan.”

“...My bad.”

Jyuu bowed his head.

A deep, formal apology—one that could be considered rare, especially coming from him.

“I’m sorry. I said something horrible. I apologize.”

Even he was surprised at his honest attitude.

The girl stared dumbfoundedly at Jyuu.

“Admittedly, your sister’s a bit strange, but she ain’t stupid. I shouldn’t have made fun of her like that. I apologize, sorry.”

As he said that, he peered into her eyes, and the girl withdrew in confusion.

Then, she awkwardly turned away. His emotional-driven, final statement must’ve thrown her off the loop. Thankfully, it was a back street without any passersby.

The stray dog that was rummaging through the trash can behind him yawned boredly.

“...While my onee-chan sometimes came off as a bit dreamy, she isn’t unhinged by any means.”

...Although the phrase “dreamy” felt like an understatement, Jyuu didn’t say anything.

Instead, he waited for her to continue.

“...If only you hadn’t showed up—if only you rejected her, none of this would’ve happened!”

“What are you talking about?”

“That ‘previous life’ story—!”

“Ooh...”

...Apparently, even her younger sister was aware of her delusions to a degree.

“I absolutely won’t let you take advantage of her fantasies and mess around with my kind onee-chan!”

“...Oi, you’re mistaken. Rather, I’m the one being used...”

“No matter how you look at it, it’s the man’s fault!”

...What an outrageous reason.

Though, her burning spirit tempted him to believe that it was the truth.

However, he couldn’t just leave it at that.

After all, it was a misunderstanding.

Before Jyuu could object, the girl interjected, as if wanting to prevent him from speaking.

“Because of you, my onee-chan’s fantasies went overboard! Do you want to ruin her life!?”

Could it be that Jyuu’s existence had worsened Ame’s delusion?

Although the accusation itself was nonsensical, Jyuu could see why he’d pose a threat to her sister’s life.

“But, even I, uh...”

...Feeling like he was somehow guilty of something, Jyuu stammered.

Finding his indecisiveness irksome, the girl was about to say something more, but she suddenly looked at her wristwatch—

—and screamed.

“Aah—! This is bad—! I’m going to be late—!”

“...Huh?”

“I made an arrangement with my friend! I’m going to be late!”

“Oi, we aren’t done here—”

“—I’ll settle this once and for all, but later! Never approach my onee-chan again, you delinquent!”

Before Jyuu could reply, the girl had bolted to the station.

From the beginning, who ambushed who? Not only that, it even escalated into a physical one, yet he was the one being told to stay away...

That girl was like a storm.

She was impressive, in a different way than her older sister.

“...In the end, she never told me her name.”

Feeling foolish, Jyuu sighed.

Even so, he pondered—...

Certainly, from the perspective of a bystander, his relationship with Ame was strange.

But just because it was strange, did it mean that it was bad?

***

The next day, Jyuu immediately waited in the classroom to ask Ame about last night’s incident. But regardless of how long he waited, she didn’t show up. Numb from waiting, Jyuu had to stretch his stiff hips.

Later, at the end of the class, Jyuu decided to seek Ame out at the preparatory class, only to be met with an unexpected sight along the way.

At the end of the corridor, Ame and Fujishima Kanako were glaring at each other

Although, that might not be the precise term. Leaving aside Kanako, who glared threateningly at Ame with upturned eyes, Ame was nonchalant as usual.

From the atmosphere, he knew that it’d be difficult to cut in between them, and Jyuu wondered what to do.

In the meantime, he could somewhat hear their conversation.

“...This is your loss.”

“I can also do profit-and-loss arithmetic—but in this case, and in this case alone, it has nothing to do with that.”

“Even if it’s purely based on assumptions?”

“What else would I need?”

“Because you were in the preparatory class, I thought you were a bit smarter, but...”

“I can say the same for you. You’re quite stubborn, aren’t you?”

“Don’t talk as if you know anything about me!”

Kanako placed her hands on her hips, about to enter preaching mode like usual. At that moment, Jyuu loudly interrupted them on purpose.

“Yo—! What are you guys doing here? You’re attracting a lot of attention.”

In all actuality, there weren’t that many students around, so they didn’t stand out that much. However, Kanako’s face was dyed in crimson as she glared at Jyuu.

“...You, our conversation just now—”

“—Don’t worry, I didn’t hear anything.”

Upon seeing Jyuu raising both hands while shaking his head, Kanako sighed, before turning her back on them.

As he saw off Kanako’s hastily leaving back, Jyuu asked Ame.

“Well, isn’t that new. Were you guys fighting?”

“I was admonished.”

“About what?”

“The same as usual.”

“So, she’s advising you against dating someone like me again? If that’s all there is to it, did she have to be so serious?”

Ame didn’t answer.

If he pursued the matter, then she might, but Jyuu didn’t want to go that far either.

As a man, he shouldn’t butt in a conversation between women.

“Leaving that aside, actually, I’d like to ask you about something...”

“What is it?”

Recalling his original purpose, Jyuu began explaining.

...For the time being, let’s put yesterday’s incident aside.

“Do you have a little sister?”

“Yes, I do.”

“As I thought...”

“What’s the matter?”

“Does she resemble you a lot?”

Tilting her head ever so slightly, Ame placed a finger on her shapely chin.

“...How should I say this? Certainly, the frequency in which I’ve been told that we look alike surpasses the frequency I’ve been told that we don’t.”

As a test, he asked about her appearance—and he seemed to be correct.

A third-year middle school student, who was two years younger than Ame, named Ochibana Hikaru.

“Whenever I went on a walk with her, I was always mistaken as the younger sibling.”

“Well, judging from your height, it certainly seems that way.”

“...Jyuu-sama, by any chance, have you met my little sister?”

“Not in the way you’d expect. So, here’s my question, did you tell her about me?”

“Yes, I did.”

According to Ame, Hikaru coincidentally spotted them on their way home.

‘—Onee-chan! Who’s that guy!?’

Thus, after Ame got home, Hikaru greeted her with a barrage of questions.

“Then, what did you say to her?”

“I told her that Jyuu-sama is my master.”

“...And then?”

“I said that Jyuu-sama has enslaved me.”

No wonder she got angry...

Jyuu slumped his shoulders, and felt the urge to clutch his head.

Ame had a penchant to use a variety of terms—such as manservant, knight, slave, squire, etc. At first, Jyuu didn’t think much of it, believing that Ame used them whimsically.

If you’re going to explain it to your sister, there should be a better way to go about it...

But when he contemplated it, Jyuu became confused.

After all, their relationship was a peculiar one, and as such, there was no way to properly explain it to others.

...Well, to describe her as a ‘friend’ might work.

“Is something the matter?”

Seeing that Jyuu went silent, Ame asked in concern.

“...No, it’s nothing.”

While it’d be nice if Ame could somehow clear Hikaru’s misunderstanding, he felt like he’d end up in a quagmire, so he let it go.

He’d just explain it to Hikaru when and if she showed up again—as precisely as possible.

In order to not be misunderstood anymore, Jyuu considered not getting into contact with Ame for a while.

Fortunately, her leaving school got later as the exams approached, due to the preparatory class.

“Until the finals are over, you have to take supplementary classes after school, right?”

“That’s right.”

“I see, got it.”

“If Jyuu-sama so wishes, I don’t mind skipping them.”

“Idiot. Take those classes seriously.”

“Alright, then I’ll do so.”

If rumors were to spread about a girl who once ranked fifth in her grade skipping classes to go home with a guy, how’d his surroundings react?

As such, for the time being, Jyuu decided to be alone. Besides, it wasn’t like being alone was a problem. In fact, he felt the most comfortable by his lonesome—or so he thought.

Although, that in itself may have been an illusion on his part.