MachinedLinguist

Chapter 14     I woke up from the sunlight shining from the window. A gentle breeze flew in through the window screen, just enough to ruffle my hair and shake the curtains.   When I checked my smartphone, it was already 8:35. I had a meetup today with Takagaki at 10. Although I was still a bit sleepy, I should get ready and leave early. For the time being, I should probably go see my mother, who was probably cooking that wonderful-smelling breakfast.   ☆☆☆☆☆☆   "Morning, Mom." "Oh, morning. You always sleep late on days off, but you're early today." "I have stuff to do."   When I entered the living room, my mother had already finished her breakfast and was relaxing on the sofa, watching a news program. On weekdays, my father and mother worked as corporate slaves, so on day offs where there was nothing to do, they were incredibly listless as a result of that. This was just the usual occurrence.   "You have too much

Volume 1, Chapter 22 : Next Morning     I felt the house a little early today. Because I had committee work at school. Of course, I didn't join because I wanted to. I had to participate in something, so I had no choice but to sign up for the beautification committee.   The job of the beautification committee was to water the flowerbeds, wax after general cleaning, and replenish soap in the restroom when they ran out. I thought it would be easy work so I joined, but that wasn't the case. If I had known that I had to go to school so early in the morning, I wouldn't have become a beautification committee member.   Well, there was no use in pointing that out. I should go quickly and water the flowerbeds.   I picked up the watering can next to the flowerbed and twisted the faucet on. Cold water came out and soaked my hands. As I was filling up the can, I heard a voice.   "Eh? Really?" "Really, really! That guy's too cool, right?"

Chapter 13     That evening, I was laying on my bed in my room reading a manga, when my phone rang a message. I wondered who it was, and there, was a cute dog icon with Takagaki's name on it. And then ―――   "What was that earlier?"   As I read that sentence, I remembered Takagaki's sharp glare from before, as if she wanted to strike me dead. I was scared. I was really scared. My hands were shaking because I was too scared to answer. But if I didn't answer, then I might really be swimming in my own pool of blood at the first day next week. Namusan ! I recited out a prayer and sent a reply.   "I apologize for the delay in the report. I have come up with a plan to make people around admire them ―――"   ☆☆☆☆☆☆   "Are you an idiot?"   This was the reply to the long message I had sent about today's events and motives. I could picture Takagaki being all fed up on the other side of the screen with just this. But

Volume 1, Chapter 21 : Visitor     "M-Manato."   When I arrived home from my part-time job, Maki-san spoke to me.   "What is it?"   I replied plainly.   "...A-are you not pushing yourself at your part-time job?" "Yes, it's okay."   I really was okay.   "R-really? You’re not pushing yourself?" "I'm okay."   What did she care so much? I didn't understand.   "...I see." "?"   What's wrong? Was that all she wanted to say?   "Is that all?" "Ah...yeah. Sorry for taking your time." "No, I don't mind, so it's fine."   I said that and went back to my room with the food I brought on my way back.     "...If you say you don’t mind, then it might not have really mattered to you."   Maki had a dry smile on her face.     When I returned to my room to eat my dinner alone, the door to m