[Harem]

 

An out-of-season transfer student arrived in Class 2A. 

On this first day of school, Nora was surrounded by an endless stream of classmates. As soon as morning homeroom was over, there was a huge turnout. Even during the short breaks between classes, students gathered. 

Risa-chan, who is well known for her friendship with the Inchou, and a group of her close friends took the initiative to call out to her. Around them, male students in the upper caste stand ready to exchange contact information. 

Furthermore, students from other classrooms would come to visit her out of curiosity. 

Naturally, Nishino, could not get close to her. And he himself was deliberately keeping his distance to avoid forcing his way in. The Inchou was nearby, and it appeared that she was the one who had decided to take care of her.

In the meantime, time passed and lunch time arrived. 

At lunch time on the same day, Nishino went to the school cafeteria with Rose and Gabriella. 

It was their lunch time, having left the rooftop just the other day and changed the location to the cafeteria. They had taken up one of the tables in the cafeteria and were serving Rose's homemade bento. The row of stacked boxes, just like an osechi dish, drew the attention of many people. 

Also today, soy sauce ramen noodles were steaming in front of Gabriella's eyes. She had purchased a meal ticket and procured this dish, although it was only a small portion, since she was using a table in the cafeteria. The soup's color changes on the surface, and it is generously coated with pepper.

"Are you really going to eat that? I can smell the pepper in the air."

"I saw on the Internet that it tastes good."

"Won't it kill you? I'm worried about the lethal dose of pepper."

Just as they were about to pick up their chopsticks, Okuda-san arrived. 

For the past few days, she has become Nishino's stalker.

"Nishino-kun, I'm sorry, but would you mind if I join you? There's no other seats available."

"Yeah, suit yourself."

Nishino gladly agreed, and she arrived at her intended position, face to face with the Futsumen. As soon as she realized that she could not see him in the classroom, she ran as fast as she could to the cafeteria. She was trying to look calm, but her breathing was a little heavy. 

In her hand was the daily set meal from the student cafeteria on a tray. 

As Rose, she would have done everything in her power to refuse. However, in Nishino's presence, she was afraid to raise her voice. Gabriela began to cough violently.

"Thi, this is quite an impressive ramen........."

"Of course not. What kind of stupid thing are you doing?"

"Okuda-san, I'm sorry about our friend. Is your meal all right?"

"Yes, it's fine, but, um, please, have some water? Tea would be too hard."

"Thank you very much. I was just about to leave the table for that."

Okuda-san offered her the water provided by the student cafeteria. Gabu-chan accepted it poured into a plastic cup and began to gulp it down. The drink Rose had prepared for her was hot tea, and she was hesitant. 

"..............."

Inchou is watching them from a little distance. 

Today, as on the previous day, she had forgotten to bring her lunch box to school, so she left Risa-chan in the classroom and went to the cafeteria. She had made lunch for her sister and father as usual, but deliberately did not make lunch for herself. 

After purchasing a meal ticket, Shimizu set her sights on the table where Nishino and the others had arrived. 

As before, she plans to share the lunch table with them. 

For the time being, Inchou was determined to forget about her lunch box. 

However, there was an obstacle in the way of her plans. 

Nora. 

Before she knew it, she was approaching Nishino's table. 

"Can I sit here?"

"I thought you were with Inchou and Risa-chan."

"I was curious about you. Risa told me you were here."

A plastic bag with the logo of a convenience store hangs from her hand. 

The Inchou was surprised to find her in the cafeteria. 

The reason was that, as Nishino had pointed out, Nora was supposed to be sharing a meal with Risa-chan and her friends in the classroom. She had brought a meal that she had purchased off-campus, so she was welcomed into the circle of those bento-loving girls. 

When she saw that Nishino nodded, she settled down opposite of Rose. 

Now there was only one seat left available at the table. 

Although she knew it would be fine, the Inchou was feeling impatient. 

Then, while Shimizu was receiving her meal at the cafeteria counter, she saw someone approaching the table she wanted. After wandering around the floor for a while, the student seemed to notice Nishino's presence and stepped under them.

"Nishino-kun, is this place empty?"

"Yes, there is a seat available. But didn't Matsuura-san always eat in the classroom?"

"I overslept and didn't have time to stop by the convenience store today. "

"That's unfortunate."

Matsuura-san sat down in front of Gabriella. 

On the tray in her hand was a bowl of soy sauce ramen noodles, the same as Gabu-chan's. 

On one side of the rectangular table, which seats six, are Rose, Nishino, and Gabriella. On the other side are Nora, Okuda, and Matsuura. There are no empty chairs. 

".........."

The Inchou is astonished to see that all the seats at the table have been filled. 

Her eyes widen as if to say, That's absurd. 

Holding the tray in both hands, she was at a loss. 

She never dreamed that Nishino's table would be occupied. Moreover, all the students except for Nishino were girls. Putting aside their personalities, they are all good-looking students. In fact, the people around him kept glancing at him. 

The surprised and frozen Shimizu gazes at Nishino and the others happily enjoying their lunch time.

"I ate it carefully without slurping it down, and it was surprisingly good. "

"Then tomorrow, I won't have to prepare food for you. "

"Wait, sister, ramen is a staple food. I think you need a side dish."

"Isn't the color of Gabriella-san's ramen terrible? What's wrong with that?"

"Gabriella, isn't the color of your ramen noodles awful? What's wrong with that?"

"Isn’t this a punishment game or something?"

"She's doing it on her own. "

"The lethal dose of pepper is about 130 teaspoons. It's much better than salt."

"Nishino-kun, you know what? Nutmeg can kill a person with just a few dozen grams!"

Inchou, looking at the lively crowd from a distance, moved slowly with a tray of gingerbread pork. She then took a seat far enough away from the table where Nishino and the others were gathered, and began to eat her meal. 

The ginger was not at all sweet, she thought as she took her first bite. 

Shimizu has made up her mind to come to the cafeteria earlier tomorrow. 

 

◇ ◆ ◇

 

After school on the day Nora transferred to her new school, Nishino went to a bar in Roppongi. 

It was not even sunset yet, and the bar had a sign on the front desk saying that it was closed. He stepped into the bar and found that there was already a customer sitting at the counter. A woman in a bright red suit with long blonde hair hanging down her back.

"It's not often that you're first, Francisca."

"If [Normal] calls, I'll be there as soon as I can."

"What are you talking about? You're always late."

Nishino settled into a chair, one seat away from the one Francisca had taken. 

On the other side of the counter, the bartender begins to work on the new customer. Without being told what to do, he picks up his usual bottle of sake and pours it into a freshly polished glass.

"You want to hear about the girl, don't you?"

"Of course. Why is she in Japan?"

"After all, this is the wish of a potential agent who even Normal struggled with. There is no reason not to question her. You were saying great things about her there, too, so I don't think it's too much to ask for a little help. "

"You're not going to make her work for you?"

"If she wants, we have no choice but to support her."

"Don't be so naive. You're the one who set this up, aren't you? "

"Did I? Even if that's the case, I'm sure her feelings are genuine."

The exchange was somewhat tense compared to usual. 

The person in question was invited by the Inchou and Risa-chan's group and headed to the welcome party after school. This was attended by Takeuchi's group as well as many male students. And it was Nishino who was not invited as a matter of course. 

Rather, he was the Futsumen who left the classroom ahead of the others today. 

The reason for this is exactly what is being discussed right now.

"Even so, I wouldn't bother transferring her to another school. She has her own life. She is even struggling with the distance between her and her father. Did you not think about the psychological burden of being estranged from her friends in her hometown?"

"It was her decision to change schools."

" ....... Really?"

"You're the one who asked her to rely on you."

At Francisca's suggestion, Nishino recalls the exchange at the airport. 

Don't worry, you are not alone. You can continue to count on me.

"She said she wanted to return the favor to you."

"I see."

"If that's the case, what other way is there for that kid to do it? "

".....I get what you're saying."

In the classroom 2A, Nishino had heard the same thing from Nora's mouth. 

When this happened, he was afraid to deny Francisca's statement. 

Indeed, it seems that the favors from her are genuine, or something. 

As a Futsumen who has been looking forward to interacting with Okuda-san since just the other day, this is a somewhat awkward turn of events. Immediately after giving up his relationship with Inchou, a feeling of mortification came to his heart, partly because he had been feeling lamentably sorry for his relationship with Nora.

"By the way, may I have a word with you?"

"What's this about?"

"About the job I'm entrusting to you."

"You may proceed."

"We have received additional information from the target's desired asylum destination. No matter how long we wait, no one appears on the route out of the country."

"The reason why he went out of his way to prepare a substitute was to buy time for that purpose."

"I think we've already taken most of the local help, so we're pretty limited in what we can do. I'm sure that [Normal] work won't be a problem, but I wanted to let you know just in case."

"Ah, I understand."

Francisca's comment elicited a reaction from the other side of the counter. 

Immediately after presenting the freshly made sake to the front of Nishino, Marquis blurted out.

"Can you give us a little more time on the target's hideout?"

"The way this woman talks, I'm not sure how much use a list of locations we've seen before is going to be. Depending on how the other side plays this game, we may have to play tag with her for a long time."

"We're also investigating other places, taking that possibility into account. "

"It's not a very urgent job, so you can take your time."

"Oh, that's very kind of you to say."

It seems that this job will take a while to complete. 

While watching the exchange between Marquis and Francisca, Nishino brought the glass in his hand to his mouth and gulped down a small gulp. The strong alcohol gradually burned his throat and went down to his stomach. 

He squints at it and enjoys the smoky flavor that escapes through his nose. 

Francisca, perhaps concerned about Nishino's demeanor, makes fun of him.

"By the way, did you have fun with the new student yet?"

"What are you talking about?"

"She approached you at school, right?

"Even if that's the case, there's another woman I'm interested in."

"That's not very nice to say to a girl who came all the way here."

Aside from the favor from Nora, the current Futsumen's attention was on Okuda-san. As usual, it is Nishino who has no concept of holding. The position of the unexpected transfer student has already been settled as a friend that he himself should protect. 

He is a virgin who has begun to make moves on Okuda-san early on, even though he has not confessed to her. And like the Futsumen, she has no experience in dating the opposite sex, so the two of them are aware of each other's relationship, but are unable to take the first step forward.

"I'd rather ask you, is everything alright with her? "

"You can rest assured that everything is fine."

"Unlike Guam, there is a lot of activity around here. There are many dangerous temptations."

"If you want to keep her to yourself, I'll be happy to give her to you."

"I'm willing to take care of her, but I'd rather she stay with you if possible. There are already two noisy ones over here. I cannot take care of any more. One of them is probably a concern of yours as well. "

"Uh, yes, of course."

Just the other day, knives were flying around in the kitchen of the shared house. 

The Futsumen's living environment is one where bloodshed is never-ending. 

Recalling this scene in his mind, he was afraid to nod his head. 

After that, he spent some time talking lightly to Francisca. 

When the glass was empty, Nishino left her and took his seat. 

The doorway opens and closes, and a dry clang of bells rings in response. The Futsumen climbs the stairs to the ground level. His back was soon out of sight. The sound of footsteps quickly fades into the distance, fading into the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The bar is now quiet and devoid of conversation. 

Francisca, not speaking to anyone, mutters a few words.

"It's rude to go home alone with such a nice girl drinking next to you, isn't it?"

"You seem to have changed a lot recently."

"Oh, really?"

"But you still seem to have a stubborn side."

Francisca continues to complain while sipping the beer poured into her glass. 

While agreeing with this, the Marquis quietly began polishing the glass.

 

◇ ◆ ◇

The next day, Nishino arrived at school as usual. 

As he walked to his seat, he spoke of the morning greeting exercise that had long since become a habit. Although it has become a topic of conversation among his classmates, it is a one-way exchange in the classroom to which he has never given a single response.

"Just as there is no night that does not end, winter will one day come to an end. Even under the piles of snow, the seeds are waiting for the time to sprout. I feel that we, too, can learn from this attitude."

The Futsumen's greeting sounded like a declaration of real satisfaction for all the unfriendly boys in Class A of the second year, which is in the midst of the extremely cold season. Following Okuda-san, Nishino's relationship with Nora was also exposed to his classmates yesterday. 

The sight of him enjoying himself in the cafeteria during lunch break was already a topic of conversation in the classroom.  

Lunch time surrounded by five girls in the cafeteria is something that even Takeuchi has never experienced before.

"I bet you're definitely teasing about your relationship with Okuda-san now, aren't you?" 

"Not Nora?"

"It was snowing a little before dawn, so maybe that had some influence on it. "

"Oh, it was snowing?"

"Around 5:00? I saw it from my window when I got up to go to the bathroom."

"What the hell is Nishino doing up at that hour?"

Then, to everyone's surprise, there was a reaction to this today.

A voice, different from Nishino's, could be heard coming from near the classroom doorway.

"However, I hear that many seeds rot under the snow without ever seeing the light of day. Will the feelings you carry in your heart be able to survive the winter? To the extent that I want to see how it goes, I seem to be interested in you."

The attention of the classmates naturally turned to the source of the voice. 

It is Okuda-san, the wonder girl of Class 2-C. Today, she is wearing colored contacts and flashy fake earrings in her ears. 

"You can't let a budding tree rot, can you?"

"Nishino, does Okuda-san dislike you?"

"If she hated him, she wouldn't have come to the classroom"

"It sounds like she just confessed."

"They seem to get along so well, it's too frustrating."

"I know. I wish I could flirt with girls on campus like Nishino and Kaneko."

"I heard Tomita went out with a first year girl."

"Oh, really?"

It was Okuda-san, who had been anxiously awaiting Nishino's arrival at school. She was waiting near a different door from the one he had entered, and as soon as she saw the waiting person, she took a step forward. And when she heard the Futsumen's words, she immediately joined in with them. 

Nishino was happy when this happened. 

His attention was immediately turned to her.

"Good morning, Okuda-san."

"It's nice to see you again, Nishino-kun."

"Those earrings look great on you."

"Oh...Re,Really?"

"Yes, it's true."

Noticing the slight change in his schoolmate, Nishino immediately complimented the other party's attire. 

Okuda-san, who had little experience in being pampered by the opposite sex, was thrilled by a single word. She hadn't interacted with girls, let alone boys, for a long time, so she was a very easy girl to get along with.

To the other students, this is another frustrating scene. 

It was as if they were watching a poorly performed play.

"These earrings were a gift from an old acquaintance. They were collecting dust in a drawer of my desk when I saw them and decided to pick them up. They are somewhat retro in design, but when you put it that way, it's not so bad."

Okuda-san begins to talk about setting the origin of the accessory she was contemplating last night. 

The real source is his mother's cosmetic box. 

By the way, the change in Okuda's attire is not limited to accessories. 

Since the beginning of her interaction with Nishino, her skirts have been getting shorter by the day. At first, they were in line with school regulations, but the other day they were above her knees.

Okuda-san's natural energy is now being displayed in a dangerous way. 

Meanwhile, Nora arrives at school. 

When she visits the classroom and spots the Futsumen, she heads for his desk before going to her own. On her way there, she is continuously accosted by classmates, both male and female, and she greets them in return. 

Witnessing this scene, Nishino felt relief unbeknownst to others. Apparently, she was able to get along well with everyone at yesterday's welcome party.

"Nishino, I have something to ask you."

"What is it?"

Nora lined up beside Okuda-san, who stood in front of Nishino's seat. 

She bowed her head with a peculiarly polite morning greeting. 

Then, immediately after, she posed a question to the Futsumen.

"I heard that you were meeting with that woman yesterday."

"What does it matter?"

"I'd like to ask you about the two girls in the next class."

"You can ask me anything that I can answer here."

By that woman, he probably meant Francisca. With this judgment, Nishino urged Nora to continue. He wondered if they had had a chance to communicate with each other after returning home from the bar in Roppongi. 

In their conversation last night, the smelly old hag had implied that she and Nora were living together. 

Then she asked him a question that he had not expected.

"Is it true that you are living with them?"

The first to react were the classmates in the classroom. 

It was easy to imagine that Nora was referring to Rose and Gabriella when she said they were in the class next door. That is why we were surprised to hear that they were living together. 

While some of their acquaintances, such as Inchou and Takeuchi, were familiar with the situation, the majority of their classmates had never heard of the Futsumen's housing situation. When the two were overheard talking, a commotion immediately began to spread in various places.

"Are the two girls from the next class Rose and Gabriella?"

"That's just Nishino's own rumor, isn't it?"

"Maybe they're staying at Nishino's house?"

"Both of them are from overseas."

"But Nishino lives alone, right?"

"I think there was some talk about a shared house before......."

When this happens, it is Nishino who is in trouble. 

Just as he is about to take the first step toward developing a relationship with Okuda-san, the presence of Rose and Gabriella interrupts his path. She, too, has a surprised look on her face and looks back and forth between Nora and the Futsumen.

"...... I'd be lying if I said I didn't."

And Nishino is very sincere person in the school. 

He decided to explain the situation honestly.

"But don't get me wrong. We're just living together in a shared house. "

"Shared house?"

"It's like living in different rooms in the same apartment. We have separate contracts with the landlord. The property is relatively new and relatively inexpensive, so it was a coincidence that we ended up moving into the same place."

The shared house is influenced by his own background, which he cannot reveal to others, as well as his relationship with them. Naturally, this is a top-secret matter for Nishino. So, he makes a roundabout way of telling the truth to make up for what Nora mentioned.

"Then I'll move too."

"No, that's impossible."

"Why?"

"There are no more rooms available."

"..........."

Francisca had brought up the subject yesterday. 

She must have thrown it in our direction because it became troublesome, was the quick thought that floated in her mind. In reality, it was just a drunken old lady who slipped up. Last night, Francisca had been drinking some beer after coming home from the bar.

"If you don't like that woman, I'll do something about it."

"No, that's not true. She's been very good to me."

"Isn't she drunk and violent?"

"No, she hasn't."

Apparently, Nora was seriously considering moving. 

Hearing Nishino's reply, she shrugged her shoulders. 

Around this time, Okuda-san also raised her voice.

"Nishino-kun, you live in, what is it? A shared house?"

"That's right, Okuda-san."

"But I didn't think that you shared a house with Rose and Gabriella. I thought there must be something going on, since you are usually so close to them. Are you in a relationship with them, after all?"

"As I told you before, it's not that kind of relationship."

"I think it's a hell of a coincidence, though."

"Until just the other month, the apartment was occupied not by the girls but by another resident. They checked out a vacant room just as they were leaving, and the two of them moved in. They were introduced by a mutual acquaintance."

The virgin, who, in his defense at least, pleads his own innocence. Rose and Gabriella are acquainted with Yukky and the kuro gal. It is also true that they came to the share house after hearing about their departure. He never told a lie. 

However, he decided to keep quiet about the fact that he is constantly worshipped by them.

"I see. So that's the story behind it."

"I'm sorry for giving you all kinds of ideas."

"No, no, Nishino-kun is free to live with whoever he wants. "

"...... I see."

Even though it is a share house, it is not cool to be under one roof with someone of the opposite sex other than your girlfriend. Nishino is now aware of the problems he is facing. He wonders if it is time for him to move out of the house, and he gives some thought to how he will conduct himself in the future. 

The entire conversation, as seen from the side, is a harem. 

It looks as if Nora and Okuda-san are fighting over Nishino. 

In fact, they are fighting each other. 

In this situation, there was a woman who could not remain silent.

"Nishino-kun, may I have a word?"

"What is it? Inchou."

Shimizu's patience was reaching its limit with the adolescent conversation taking place in the seat next to hers. She stood up from her seat with a clatter. However, she could not think of anything she wanted to do, even though she had impulsively called out to him. 

So she decided to take advantage of her position as Inchou.

"I have a job I need your help with. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, whatever you need."

The plan was to get him away from the women who were trying to get on the Futsumen's good side by preparing a situation where they could be alone. The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the way of doing things is becoming more and more similar to Rose's, but Shimizu couldn't think of any other good way to do it. 

Inchou had a vague feeling that the number of gazes from the people in front of her had decreased around the time of the school trip. If the reason for this was the presence of Okuda-san and Nora, she could not help but notice. 

At the same time, Rose and Gabriella visited the classroom.

"Oh, where are you two going?"

"I'm just helping Inchou out a little."

"Well, if that's the case, I'll help you too. "

"I'll go with you."

Inchou lamented her own bad luck at Rose's comment that she did not want to hear it. This doesn't make any sense. Immediately afterwards, Okuda and Nora voiced their support for the plan, unaware of Shimizu's feelings.

"I'll help too."

"If that's the case, I can't be the only one with time on my hands."

The Inchou stood up from her seat and headed for the corridor with the other members. 

Then Matsuura-san, who was sitting in her own seat, said.

"Nishino-kun, can you buy me a café au lait from the vending machine on your way out? I'll thank you with a kiss. "

"Yes, I will. But no need to thank me."

Nodding lightly at this, Nishino walks out of the classroom as Shimizu urges him to do. 

His hands were in his pants pockets. 

He walked with a clear demeanor, surrounded by cute female students. 

All the students who were present saw them off without saying a word. After a while, when his presence was far enough away, the classmate's words decreased in the classroom.

"That's already a harem"

Usually, denial and laughter would be given in rapid succession. 

But at this very moment, none of them came up.

 

◇ ◆ ◇

 

Nishino's harem even began to invade class time. 

That is, class time devoted to special activities. 

A school-wide karuta tournament scheduled for the beginning of next year. Today, the 2A class was deciding their groups for the tournament. The students will play in groups of three in the tournament. Unlike in physical education classes, there is no gender bias.

"Well, you take care of the rest, Inchou."

Not wanting to be disliked by his students for making these kinds of decisions, Ohtake-sensei threw the troublesome job to Inchou and left the classroom shortly after the class period started. As a veteran teacher, he knew that she could better manage the class. 

Inchou also did not feel bad because she could get an internal report for it. Shimizu, who was also considering the comprehensive selection process in the event that the mock test scores were not good enough, needed to make sure to earn points with the teachers in such a situation.

"Let's make a quick decision on the groups and enjoy the rest of the time for self-study!"

Inchou said as she stood in front of the blackboard in place of Ohtake-sensei. 

She looked around at all her classmates who had taken their seats and continued.

"Although it is a school activity, it will be a precious memory of my high school life, and if I am going to participate in it, I would like to win. So, I think it's a good idea to let those who like each other decide."

"I agree with Inchou!"

Suzuki immediately voiced his approval. 

He never forgets to approach Shimizu under any circumstances. 

Inchou, the top female caste member, and Suzuki, the top male caste member, agreed with each other, and it was as if the flow of events from then on had been decided. The group decision went smoothly, with no objections raised by Takeuchi or Risa-chan.

"Please form groups of three, with ten minutes between now and then. When you have decided on your group, write your name on the chalkboard. Also, one of the three will be the leader, so please circle the name of the leader."

The karuta tournament was also held last year. The students of Class 2A formed groups of three in a self-explanatory manner. It seemed that many of the students had called out to each other in advance, and their names began to appear one after another on the blackboard. 

Basically, boys grouped with boys and girls with girls. 

This is regardless of caste. 

Takeuchi-kun was with Suzuki-kun and other good looking guys he got along with. 

Inchou also groups with Risa-chan and her group of good friends. 

In the midst of all this, one of the classmates got on his nerves. 

That's right, Nishino. 

While all the students were getting out of their seats and starting to make a scene, the Futsumen was sitting in his seat, looking at the blackboard with a pouty expression on his face. His legs were crossed and his arms were also crossed. He looked as if he had already finished forming the group. 

However, his name was not on the blackboard. 

After all, he had no one to form a group with. 

He was taking it easy, putting his own position on the shelf and wondering what he should do. 

If it had been Nishino, he would have been left alone and his name would not have been written on the blackboard until the end of the day. In fact, last year, he could not join the group, and even his homeroom teacher asked him if he would like to observe. 

This year, however, that was not the case. 

There are students who are walking up to the Futsumen.

"The girls are naturally rejecting me, but Nishino-kun will help me, won't he? "

"Nishino, you will play karuta with me."

They are Matsuura-san and Nora. 

When the girls visited Nishino's seat, they made their invitations verbally.

"I would be happy to form a group with you if you would like."

No matter how much he tries to open her legs, she is a virgin who never seems to bite. Her approach is becoming more extreme by the day. For Matsuura-san, who has become an invincible person on campus, the eyes of her classmates are as good as nonexistent. 

On the other hand, when he compares her chest with her own, Nora sighs a single sigh. 

Instead, she turns to the Futsumen and asks, in a loud voice as well.

"Nishino-kun, a fellow loner like me, is indeed a good friend of mine. I can rely on you at times like this!"

No matter how much she tries to spread her legs, she shows no signs of coming. Seeing how they deal with salt, their approach is becoming more radical day by day. Matsuura-san has become an invincible person on campus, and his classmates' eyes are as if they don't even exist.

On the other hand, when Nora compared her chest with his own, he let out a sigh.

Instead, he asked the normal men in a loud voice.

"Nishino, what is karuta?"

"The word has its roots in Portuguese. It means a letter or a card. The players are divided into two groups, and the aim of the game is to be the first to get the card that the reader reads from a large number of cards arranged in random order."

He looked up the etymology of the word on the Internet in advance to attract girls, didn't he? 

Nora's question was immediately answered. The Futsumen, who were talking about the word in a pompous manner, were met with a lot of scorn from all corners of the room. The people who thought that the word was Japanese in origin were particularly conspicuous in their stares. Inchou was one of them. 

Even more hateful was the fact that Nishino, who was irritating even in his own way, was proudly displaying his knowledge.

"Sorry, Nishino. I'm a little confused."

"It's a simpler game than words can describe. If you've seen the game in action, you should be able to grasp it right away. But for those of you who are unfamiliar with the Japanese language, it may be a bit difficult."

"Then I'd like to practice karuta."

"If that's the case, we can set up a place for you after school today."

In Guam, the Futsumen told Nora that she was not alone and that she could continue to rely on him. In a strange way, he is a man of principle, and in accordance with his own words in the past, he is reverent in his attempts to take care of her. 

Even though they had the same abilities, there was a huge difference in how they treated Rose and Gabriella.

"Nishino is going out with me?"

"I'm not forcing you to go out with me, but........"

"Well, I'd love to."

The opposite side of Matsuura-san's embrace. Nora also discreetly held Nishino's other arm, which was on the desk, with both hands. With the owner of the arm between them, she also remembered to look at Matsuura-san as a check. 

Their gazes cross between them. 

The big-breasted woman, snickering at her modest bosom, leisurely appeals to the Futsumen.

"Hey, Nishino-kun. If that's the case, I'd like to join you in karuta practice."

"That's fine, but was your dance lesson good?"

"I don't have any plans today, so I'll be free after school."

Some of the boys in the classroom were concerned about Nishino, as were Matsuura-san and Nora. 

That guy is probably alone again anyway, so I might as well be in the group with him. Thinking like that, he was a funny guy who had taken a step forward just like Matsuura-san and Nora. But his heartwarming concern was betrayed with a sight too abhorrent to be true. 

Ahead of my eyes, I saw Matsuura-san and Nora, the Futsumen being embraced by the two of them.

"............"

What the hell, damn it. 

The jester bites his teeth in defeat and returns to his well-meaning friends. 

In this situation, it is the Inchou who is not to be heard. 

However, standing at the podium as the class organizer, she had no time to speak to Nishino. No way, she could say to his face, Can I join? If she tried, her position in the classroom would be easily blown away. 

As a result, Shimizu, in her role as Inchou, is also a big advocate.

"Matsuura-san, would you please refrain from disturbing the public morals on campus? "

"If you're going to be so strict with me, don't you think it's the same with the new students over here?"

Matsuura-san is rubbing her breasts, which are exposed by undoing the third button of her shirt, against Nishino's arm as if she were wearing this. But you can't see her bra peeking out between her skin and the rest of her body. Compared to that, Nora's conduct is still cute. 

However, it is extremely difficult to defend one side or the other from Shimizu's standpoint. 

Instead, she continued to speak for all the girls in the class.

"Nora, I am sorry to say this, but in this country, people like Matsuura-san are called lascivious women and are very vulgar. So, would you please refrain from imitating her? I think it would be better for you. "

"...Okay. I'll refrain."

"Inchou, you've really been losing your temper lately."

Until now, Nishino had been considered a nail in the coffin by his classmates under an unspoken agreement. 

No matter what he said, no one listened or took him seriously. 

However, this is not the case these days. 

Because he is always surrounded by the presence of the lovely opposite sex. 

Today, Matsuura-san and Nora, who were standing by his side, were giving him a position in the classroom. 

Not only that, the students who were present were curious about every move of the Futsumen, even though they did not want to be conscious of them. The hints of casual exchanges enter through their eyes and ears and invade their brains as persistently as a sticker mark stuck on a refrigerator door that cannot be easily removed.

"What is this, the main character in a romantic comedy?....."

Someone muttered a casual remark, but not a single student could deny it.

 

◇ ◆ ◇

 

Nishino's harem knows no bounds on campus. 

It was after school one day, near the main gate of the school when it was time to leave. Mingling with the students on their way home, there were people looking into the school from the street facing the school. They stood in a row on the street by the main gate, peering into the grounds. 

If it had been an unknown middle-aged man, the police would have been called immediately.

However, the people standing near the main gate were all good-looking and beautiful. 

In fact, the students were more attracted by their appearance and glanced at them. The boys, in particular, were constantly curious about them. Perhaps it was someone's sister or family member. Such imaginations are directed toward them. 

There were three of them. 

One was a woman in a suit who looked to be around 30 years old. She had a calm atmosphere and a beautiful body full of feminine charm. Their tight clothes helped, and their emphasized breasts and buttocks attracted the attention of the crowd. 

One of them was dressed like a gyaru, with a tanned skin and bleached hair. 

She was about the same age as Nishino and the others and was dressed in a miniskirt and off-the-shoulder clothes that showed a lot of skin, even though it was wintertime. 

One was dressed in a shirt, hoodie, and jeans. She is around 20 years old. At first glance, she looks masculine with her short bob. However, her beautiful face and the extra button on her shirt that reveals her chest emphasizes her femininity. 

At a quick glance, the three girls seem to be of different ages and interests. 

They would never have met if they had not already met. 

And now, for whatever reason, they are working together.

"It is true that the students of this school wear the same uniforms as Nishino-kun and his friends."

"Igarashi-san, if you stare at them too long, won't the police be called?"

"I'm still about the same age as Yamanobe-san, so I think it's okay if I stare at them a little bit, like they might take it as an alumnus reminiscing about his old school. You know, I'm a conservative type of person."

The woman in the hoodie is leaning forward and peering into the campus. She is the one who used to share a part-time job with Nishino. At the time, she was seducing him by dressing up as a maid. 

The person who warned her was a former resident of a shared house where she and the Futsumen had lived together in the past. Students passing by the school gate repeatedly look at her, as she is dressed up as a kuro gal, which has become a much less common sight in recent years.

"Could that mean that, um, it's not safe for me to be here? ....."

Overhearing their conversation, a person standing nearby muttered uneasily. 

She is an English teacher at a nearby tutoring school. Her students affectionately call her Sumika-chan. She is somewhat older than Yamanobe and Igarashi, and she looks at them and the students passing by and shrugs. 

Both of them have had their lives more or less changed by their encounter with Nishino.

"No, no? I didn't mean it as a figure of speech or anything like that. "

"But it might be a little dangerous to only follow boys with your eyes."

Realizing her own gaffe, the self-proclaimed saba saba girl instantly began to panic. 

On the other hand, the kuro gal gave her a calm shove. 

While Yamanobe used to speak to Yukky and his peers as if they were her own, she used polite language with her older counterparts. Because she dropped out of high school and started working as a member of the society, she is different from other young people in that she is aware of TPO (time, place, and occasion).

"Huh...! I-I wonder if it's something you'll understand?"

"That seriousness is totally in your taste, isn't it, Sumika?"

"No, I have a partner named Yuya, so it's not that serious....... "

"Huh, is Sumika a shotacon?"

"Don't say it! It may be like that, but it's not like that!"

Some time ago, when Nishino and Inchou were being hunted down by the police after a breach of trust by Francisca's boss. The three of them helped them in their escape. In the process, they became acquainted with each other and even exchanged contact information. 

Then, today, they received a call from a self-proclaimed saba saba girl. 

She said, Do you know where Nishino-kun goes to school? 

The message arrived in a chat application group that the three of them, including the two remaining members, had created. 

The reason was her recent residence. 

Igarashi's house had been burned to the ground in the wake of the recent turmoil, and Nishino, feeling sorry for this, had reserved a room in an apartment for her. It was reported as a temporary residence, but the name was soon changed in her name. 

The property in question was a recently built condominium for sale in central Tokyo. A two-bedroom apartment close to the train station. With land prices rising so dramatically these days, it was in a price range that even executives at major companies could hardly afford. When she saw the various documents sent to her home, the self-proclaimed saba saba girl was confused. 

He sent a message to Nishino to find out what was going on, but Nishino's reply was not very clear, saying that he was only trying to make up for the time he had lost. Igarashi was getting frightened, and decided to pay him a visit. 

She was met by a black gal and Sumika-chan, who helped Igarashi with directions to the school. 

"I mean, is it true that Nishi is a young yakuza boss? "

"You've seen Yamanobe-san before, right? He looks like a boss and he's acting like a big shot. "

"Yes, I saw him, but he looks like a yakuza."

Igarashi repeatedly cast doubt on Nishino's background. The exchange with Ohno, a yakuza boss, that she had glimpsed at her part-time job was still burned into her mind as a vivid memory. 

She was on the street, and as soon as he came to her house, her apartment burst into flames. 

It was hard to believe that he was an ordinary person.

"To be honest, why don't you just take the apartment or something?"

"Because if you do that, they will probably ask you to get a dirty job or something like that."

"So, I don't think Nishi would do that."

The kuro gal who doesn't care about details, and the petulant self-proclaimed saba saba girl. 

Watching their exchange, the more mature Sumika blurts out.

"As for me, I'm more concerned about the gift tax treatment. Igarashi-san, have you taken the proper steps to pay the tax? I think it would cost quite a lot of money for a residence in the heart of Tokyo. "

"That was done before by a guy who said he knew Nishino-kun and came and did it for me."

"..........Indeed, if you are that thorough, it seems like a yakuza-like thing. "

"Right? You think so too, don't you, Sumika?"

While exchanging casual conversation, they looked around the campus. 

After a while, the person they wanted to see came toward the school gate.

"Oh, there's Nishi. Look, from over there."

"Rose and Gabriella aren't together, are they?"

A kuro gal takes the initiative in raising her voice. 

As muttered by the self-proclaimed saba saba girl, there was no sign of their companions. 

In the meantime, the other party noticed their presence. 

Spotting a familiar face on her way, Nishino's steps lead down the path of the three girls.

"What are you guys doing here?"

The Futsumen is a man who is often mistaken for a junior high school student when he is dressed in his casual clothes. Compared to him, the three girls looked like older, beautiful sisters. However, without hesitation, Nishino approached them. He did so in a rather blunt manner. 

The students who were present naturally looked at him strangely. 

This is definitely the kind of thing that would get them scolded by their older sisters. 

The Futsumen is nowadays notorious not only within the class, but also beyond the classroom. The problem child of the school is now trying to cause a commotion in the neighborhood. Some students will stop and pay attention to them. 

However, such imaginations of those around them were quickly betrayed.

"Long time no see, Nishi! How are you?"

"Nishino-kun, your sisters came to visit you."

"I'm sorry for stalking you like this, Nishino-kun."

Quite unlike what the students around him had in mind, the beautiful women began to approach Nishino in a very friendly manner. All three of them had cheerful smiles on their faces, and it was obvious at a glance that they would have been waiting for him. 

On the other hand, the Futsumen responded to this without hesitation.

"I'm sure there are plenty of ways to get in touch with me without going out of your way to visit me."

He never breaks his plain, brash attitude and speaks from an overwhelmingly superior position. 

This is the kind of attitude many older women dislike the most. You can't do that, was the reaction of everyone who witnessed his attitude. The next moment, the scene of the sisters losing their temper flashed through the minds of all the students. 

However, the girls did not seem to be bothered at all as they spoke to him.

"Nishi, you're still the same as ever, aren't you? "

"Nishino-kun, you never responds to my e-mails, do you?"

"Igarashi-san has something he really wants to confirm with Nishino-kun."

The students, who had been watching from afar, were surprised. 

At a quick glance, they saw three beautiful women who did not seem to be compatible with the Futsumen. It was a scene as if they were one-sidedly paying attention to Nishino. Those who were watching the scene were upset, thinking that this was absurd. 

After some time, Okuda-san came to them. 

As soon as she confirmed the absence of the Futsumen in the classroom of Class 2A, she rushed out of the entrance of the school. She had already located his home, and she had already planned several routes for Nishino's return home. 

She was looking for him, hoping to share even the smallest part of his return journey with him.

"Nini, Nishino-kun, who are those beautiful ladies over there?"

When Okuda-san took one look at the beautiful women standing in front of the Futsumen, she was overwhelmed. 

For her, who is a very reserved person, it would not be an exaggeration to call them her natural enemy, at least as far as her external appearance was concerned. They were not even close to Nishino, which made Okuda, who is a communicator, involuntarily raise her voice.

"Are you a friend of Nishi's? If so, I'm the same as you, so nice to meet you!"

"Nishino-kun and I used to work at the same place. Are you his classmate? "

"Well, I'm a little older than him, but I'm not a suspicious person or anything. I met Nishino-kun as a tutor at a cram school, and he helped me when I was in trouble......."

Slightly one person, Sumika, was acting suspiciously, perhaps because she was concerned about the way people were looking at her. 

Then, being spoken to all at once, Okuda-san's brain froze.

"Ah, um, uh, I..."

"This is Okuda-san, who is in the same grade as me."

Instead, Okuda-san was introduced by Nishino. 

She responds by bowing to the ladies. 

Compared to the three beautiful women, she is treated somewhat better, and for the Futsumen, her presence has the potential to step up to a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship in the near future. Just the other day, the two of them had quickly grown closer during a car chase on the Metropolitan Expressway. 

The kuro gal instantly recognized his subtlety.

"I mean, doesn't Nishi know a lot of girls?"

"Is that so?"

"You're friends with Rose, Gabriella, and Shimizu, and you still have other girls you're close to? If you're too careless, one day you might get abandoned by everyone, you know?"

"These girls are just schoolmates.  They're not going to give up on him."

"Really?"

The Futsumen, in the presence of Okuda-san, takes this opportunity to appeal that he has nothing going on with the other women. To Yamanobe and the others, who witnessed his escapades with Inchou up close, it looks like he is telling a lie. 

In fact, at the time, he was a virgin who was trying to have a shot with Inchou. 

Not wanting Okuda-san to know about his past, Nishino is on the run. 

As he was doing so, the very people who had just been brought up in the discussion came over to him.

"Oh, Nishino-kun, you are making a lot of noise here."

"I've seen some familiar faces here and there. What is going on here?"

They are Rose and Gabriella. 

Incidentally, Inchou is sweating it out in club activities today. Unlike the girls who go home, she values daily exercise, and the after-school pool is a must for her. As a result, she has survived until today, despite being involved in the commotion caused by [Normal]. 

If she had prioritized cram school and refrained from club activities, Shimizu's days might have been a little different.

"Igarashi-san, she wants to meet Nishino-kun and talk to him about something! "

"Me and Yamanobe-san were showing him the way to here. So it's not that I want to see high school boys from up close, or that I'm curious about the kids in the sports club sweating it out on the field after school, or anything like that, okay?"

In front of Rose, the kuro gal immediately weighed herself against calling him Nishi. 

Sumika seemed to be concerned about the looks given to her by the students around her, and she began to make a bunch of excuses for her asseverations, even though no one was listening. Still, when a male student with a face she likes comes into view, she can't help but move her eyes.

"Did he make some kind of a mess with you again about the previous incident? "

"No, I'm fine."

The turmoil over her parents' debts that Igarashi was facing. 

The Futsumen recalls and talks about past events. 

Shaking her head at this, she got to the point.

"No, I just wanted to return the apartment that Nishino-kun gave me..."

"Didn't you like it? Then we'll get you another property right away."

"No! No!"

"Because I'm don't want that amazing place."

The self-proclaimed saba saba girl, who sensed the danger in the other party's proposal, apologetically asked for no more. 

This was another startling development for the students who had overheard the series of conversations.

"Didn't she just say something about an apartment?"

"Is he keeping her around?"

"No, no, no, that's a stretch, isn't it?"

"But I couldn't hear anything else."

"How rich is he?"

"I thought he lived in a shitty apartment."

Hearing the exchange between Nishino and the others, voices began to rise everywhere. 

As if to affirm this, Rose raised a reproachful remark.

"Oh, you are surprisingly indiscreet, having a mistress in your apartment!."

"This is new to me. It's quite a feat that you've been in and out of the apartment without us knowing about it."

Gabriella also urged him to talk to her more properly.

From the Futsumen's point of view, this was an outrageous statement. 

It would be a big problem if they misunderstood him in front of Okuda-san.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm just offering you a replacement for the apartment that burned down."

"Isn't that what the world calls keeping a woman in your pocket? "

"Let's not make false accusations. I leave all the arrangements to others. I have never personally visited any of the properties mentioned. It would be a nuisance to her to discuss such a topic in public. We should be very careful."

"Gokyou Nishino, you seem very desperate."

"It's your imagination, isn't it? I'm just stating the facts."

Gabu-chan pointed out sharply. 

Nishino pretends to be unconcerned, hiding his desperation.

"Um, Nishino-kun. I'm not bothering you in any way. "

"If that's the case, it would be great if you could accept it without any regret. From our point of view, it is just a small expense. I don't know what you thought about it, but don't worry about it. You can sell it off if you want."

"Sell it, I won't do that."

Just the other day, he researched online the price range of similar properties found in the neighborhood. Igarashi was surprised and horrified by the prices lined up there. If I sell this place off, I can live on it until I get old, she said. 

The kuro gal began to feel frustrated because of such a state of affairs.

"Nishino-kun says this too, so I think you should just accept it."

"However......"

"If Igarashi-san misses this opportunity to live in a luxury apartment in Tokyo, it may never happen in her life. If you are going to work hard in the sex business, that might be a different story."

"You are surprisingly direct, aren't you, Yamanobe-chan?"

"If you're a saba saba girl, I think you should try to respond in a saba saba style!"

"Ugh...."

"I mean, where are you going to live tomorrow, Igarashi-san, if I give you back your apartment?"

" ........."

When Igarashi was told this, she could not even breathe a word. 

She had no money to move, and she was on the street. 

She was stared at by everyone she knew. 

After a few seconds of pondering, she gave up and murmured.

"I'm sorry I just came to return it, but can I borrow it until I get my affairs in order?"

"You've been a big help. Considering the circumstances at the time, I'd say you earned it."

"......Thank you, Nishino-kun."

Apparently convinced, the self-proclaimed saba saba girl. 

Eventually, she quieted down and responded with a small nod to Nishino's comment. 

To those around him, this was another uninteresting scene. 

It was as if the Futsumen were taking advantage of a beautiful older woman. The people who did not know what was going on were suspicious of the dull, unremarkable male student, wondering why he had taken the girl.

"By the way, Nishino-kun, are you heading home now?"

"Yes, I am......."

"Then why don't we all go hang out? I'm off work, so I'm free!"

Igarashi stepped back and was immediately approached by a kuro gal. 

For her, this was rather the main issue.

"Rose, Gabriella, and Okuda-san, right? Let's have a good time together. Work has been hard lately, so I'd like to refresh myself. Oh, and Sumika and Igarashi-san, if you don't mind."

With a smiling face, she looked at everyone in a roundabout manner and said.

Gabu immediately responded.

"How about karaoke? "

"You've been to karaoke before, haven't you?"

"I heard that they have concept rooms that are decorated in a very particular way. I heard that some of the rooms are equipped with footbaths. Since I am living in Japan, I would like to experience the local culture!"

"Would that be fun?"

Rose immediately voiced her disapproval.

I would have loved to go straight home and spend some quality time with Nishino at our share house. But on this particular day, I was outnumbered. As soon as Gabriella showed interest, other voices came up.

"How about a spacious hotel, then? There's a lot more to it than just karaoke."

"Oh, Yamanobe-san. What do you mean by that?"

"Surprisingly, everyone uses it for fun, don't they? Rose and her friends don't? "

"......Is that so?"

Rose tilts her head at the suggestion from the kuro gal. 

Her question was answered by Igarashi.

"I've heard that some girls have girls' nights out at hotels."

"I wonder if you've done it before, Igarashi-san?"

"I'm a bit of a conservative girl, you know? I'm not good at that kind of thing."

She had been a self-proclaimed saba saba girl since she was a student, and as far as she was concerned, she had never been invited to a girls' night out before in her life. On the other hand, however, she was blessed with the opportunity to interact with the opposite sex.

"That's very interesting. I agree with her. "

"What are you trying to decide for yourself?"

As for Rose, she can't help but be curious about the sound of a hotel. She fears that if she gets used to entering such facilities, she may develop into a slut. Above all, it is not a good idea to have other women with you. 

But this time, however, Inchou is not there, an ally who can be used in a good way. So far, the conversation has proceeded with her involvement, even if a little forcefully, but that was not possible today, and Gabriella, who is in tune with the kuro gals and the self-proclaimed saba saba girl has the upper hand.

"Are those places safe to go with uniforms? "

"From what I know, it's surprisingly easy to do because has an empty reception area."

"Is that the way it is?"

Hearing the kuro gal's explanation, Nishino responded with a simple nod. 

Immediately afterward, he caught sight of Okuda-san in his vision. She was the one who had been small in the corner beside the bustling group of women. She was a shadowy figure who, having exchanged greetings with the three beautiful women at the beginning of the meeting, had quickly shrunk back due to the momentum of the three women. 

So, taking this opportunity, the Futsumen turned to her and asked.

"Okuda-san, what about you?"

"Huh? Oh, um, me?"

"Oh, I'm not forcing you to go."

"But if Nishino-kun is going, I'd like to go with him......"

"If that's the case, then let's go together."

The situation was decided when Okuda-san nodded her head, although she was still a bit nervous. 

A karaoke contest at a hotel with a classmate who has been on my mind lately, along with other female friends. For a guy who loves youth, this was an attractive way to spend the after-school hours. I was consciously thinking that I would take this opportunity to learn how to use the hotel's facilities. 

As a result, the kuro gal, the self-proclaimed saba saba girl, Gabriella, Okuda-san, and Nishino were in favor of the event. In this situation, even if one person, Rose, opposes the event, the event cannot be spared. Then, rather than letting the event go unchecked, she switched her mind to the idea that she should keep a close eye on it.

"I don't have a choice. In that case, I would be happy to join you for the sake of learning."

"Is there any chance that sister will never go?"

"You know I'm going to really hit you someday."

With Rose folded, the after-school schedule was set. 

Yamanobe, who was now smiling said cheerfully.

"Well then, I guess we have a majority!"

"I'm sorry, but I need Yamanobe to show us the way."

"I'm the one who suggested it. So, you can count on me!"

The kuro gal takes her course at Nishino's request. 

Then, as if surrounding him, beautiful girls and women line up in a row. The top one is a beautiful witch in her twenties, and the bottom one is a blonde girl. 

The students who were watching from afar could not believe their eyes. 

Among them were the students of Nishino's class, Year 2A.

"Isn't that Nishino guy strange lately?"

"Why is such a beautiful girl hanging out with Nishino?"

"The girl in the suit looks totally hot!"

"Hotel? Seriously? ............It was enough to shatter their common sense."

"This is a harem for sure!"

"What's with this overwhelming feeling of being cuckolded?"

It was enough to shatter their common sense. 

The absolute rule of the school caste, which they had stubbornly believed in, was crumbling because of Nishino. Not only Inchou, who had been disrupted just the other day, but also other classmates were losing the rules that had kept order on campus with a rattle. 

They do not have to wait long to learn of the events that lie ahead.