I Have A Rejuvenated Ex-wife In My Class V1 - Ch 1

 Act 1: Never Get Involved Again

Under a gloomy, overcast sky.

I walked the familiar school route, unable to hide my confusion.

"Never thought I'd be walking this path again..."

Just yesterday, I was a 27-year-old working adult, but now I've woken up as a high school freshman.

Whether this is a dream or reality, I hope it's reality. If this is a dream, then in reality, I might be wandering between life and death after being hit by a car. If I could start over from high school, I wouldn't have to go through that married life.

In this second life, I'll get a decent job and live as a bachelor!

With that secret determination, I passed through the school gate and headed to the entrance.

Checking the class list posted on the shoe locker, just as expected, I was in Class 1.

And as I remembered, below Kohei Kurose's name was that of Yuzuhana Koikawa.

Still, even though our seats were close, it was easy not to get involved with Yuzuhana.

We were in the same class for three years in a row, but we only spoke for the first time after graduation.

It all started when we coincidentally sat next to each other in the same lecture at a distant university. So, if I change my university, or avoid that lecture, I can steer clear of Yuzuhana and avoid the marriage route.

I changed into indoor shoes and entered the classroom of Year 1, Class 1.

Most classmates were already there, including Yuzuhana.

With her bright brown hair, a strong-willed face, sharp eyes, and large breasts... it's annoying to admit, but she's quite beautiful.

Back then, every time I saw Yuzuhana's photo on my phone's lock screen, I'd go all mushy. I've kissed the screen more than once or twice. She even caught me in that embarrassing state, and instead of calling me creepy, she teased, "Here's the real thing, what will you do?" and we ended up kissing passionately.

A past I'd like to erase.

I can't erase the past, but I've got a chance to redo it. So, there's only one thing I must do.

I sit in my seat, pretending to sleep so I don't have to look at Yuzhana. Not that she would talk to me anyway.

...but it's unsettling.

The person behind me isn't my ex-wife. Just a classmate. I know this in my head, but my heart won't settle.

The nostalgic chime, "Keenkon Kaankon," rang, and the teacher arrived.

A gentle-looking female teacher. I think... was it Sawashiro-sensei? She looked mature back then, but now I'm older than her. It feels strange to have a teacher younger than me.

"Congratulations on your enrollment," she smiled, explaining the day's schedule, then cheerfully said, "Now, before we go to the venue, everyone will do a simple self-introduction. Please come up to the podium in order of attendance number."

Aoki-kun, Inoue-san, Eto-san, Oishi-kun, and other familiar faces made me truly feel the time slip. I remember more of them than I thought, despite not having spoken much.

When it was my turn, I went up to the podium.

I did a bland self-introduction, avoiding looking at Yuzuhana.

"I'm Kohei Kurose from Botan Junior High. My hobby is visiting bookstores. I also like movies, so I try to go to the cinema once a month. Looking forward to a good year with everyone."

I received applause and returned to my seat.

Next was Yuzuhana's turn.

Standing at the podium, she surveyed the classroom. Her dignified demeanor, no doubt from securing job offers from many companies, was impressive.

But her confidence was only in appearance; she was actually quite nervous. When tense, she'd start stuttering and stammer, so I used to help her practice for interviews every day. Thanks to that, she became eloquent, unlike me, who received countless rejection emails.

This timeline's Yuzuhana might struggle with employment. I feel a bit sorry for her, but... it's better than going through that married life.

As I was thinking this, Yuzuhana spoke in a clear voice.

"I've come from Kirishima Junior High. I'm Kurose ... no, Koikawa ! Yuzuhana Koikawa."

...huh? Did I mishear?

I thought she said the same surname as mine...

And with no sign of nervousness, she continued her introduction until Sawashiro-sensei stopped her.

"Um... Kurose , was it?"

"Yes. No, not Kurose ! Koikawa! It's Koikawa!"

Yuzuhana's eyes darted around, occasionally glancing at me.

"Um, I'm sorry, there's been some family issues, and I'm still sorting things out in my mind..."

"Oh, I see... It's fine, you don't need to apologize."

Sawashiro-sensei said with concern.

Everyone seemed to interpret "family issues" as "her parents got divorced, so her surname changed," but...

That's what this is, right?

That's what it means... right?

"Thank you, Koikawa-san. Next person, please."

Yuzuhana returned to her seat, sneaking a look at me, her face red with embarrassment.

I managed to keep a poker face, but my heart was pounding like crazy.

I couldn't talk to her here and now.

I couldn't talk to her even if we were alone.

So, inside, I shouted:

--You time-slipped too, didn't you!

◆

Even as the entrance ceremony ended, my heart was still beating loudly.

Knowing that the person behind me was Yuzuhana, with whom I had fought so often, made it hard to calm down.

Fortunately, Yuzuhana doesn't know about my time slip. If I don't mess up like she did, I can get through this unnoticed. But if she finds out... thinking about spending three awkward years in this small classroom with my ex-wife... it's depressing. Maybe this is how couples feel who break up after an office romance.

Anyway, I must act just as I did back then!

Since Yuzuhana and I only got involved after graduation, it won't be an immediate giveaway if I act slightly different, but I must be careful not to deviate too much.

With that resolve, the homeroom ended, and I quickly left the classroom.

Three days from now, including the weekend, my school life with my ex-wife begins, but today was a relief. To regain some peace of mind, I decided to play some games.

I rushed home, but then remembered... I only had a flip phone.

Smartphones existed in this era, but I had just made my phone debut upon entering high school. The smartphone gaming market would take off years later, so there's no point in rushing to buy one now.

So, I turned on my two-generation-old console and played a game I used to grind through. I controlled a warlord, slashing through foot soldiers.

"..."

The graphics looked rough now, and the lag when using special moves was annoyingly stressful.

After about ten minutes, I got bored and switched between old games, but none of them got me into the mood.

"Guess I'll go to the bookstore."

I changed into casual clothes and was about to leave my room when I remembered...

Today was the day my computer died.

I didn't see it, but someone said lightning struck near the park. My computer got fried, and I had to give up on new games for a while.

"Feels like I dodged a bullet."

I unplugged everything to protect against lightning and grabbed an umbrella before heading out. After a 15-minute walk, I reached the nearest bookstore, which sold manga, games, and CDs...

"Ugh..."

Yuzuhana was there in the manga section, still in her school uniform.

I thought I'd have peace until Monday, but to meet her so soon...

Well, fine. She hasn't spotted me yet. I'll hang out in the game section.

"...ah."

As I looked at games, Yuzuhana approached. Her face twisted in discomfort upon seeing me.

Does she hate seeing my face that much? I don't want to see yours either.

No greetings, of course. On the first day of school, it wouldn't be weird not to recognize a classmate's face.

"Kurose -kun... right?"

Why are you talking to me!

I was trying to ignore you!

I don't know what her aim is in talking to me, whom she hates, but now that she has, I can't just ignore her. I have to act like the high school freshman Kohei to not give away my time slip.

"Uh... who are you?"

"The one sitting behind you... you know, the one who messed up her introduction, Koikawa."

"Sorry, I stayed up all night playing games, so I was half asleep during the introductions."

"I see. What kind of games do you play, Kurose -kun?"

"Why?"

"Well, I like games too, so if you have any recommendations..."

Why ask me!? Even if the timeline changed, I'm still me, Kohei Kurose , whom you hate! You should check game magazines for recommendations!

...I wanted to say that, but I couldn't. Showing hostility would make her suspicious.

I don't know what she's after, but I have to be neutral.

"...if you like games, you've probably played 'Monster Hunter' and 'Dynasty Warriors,' those are my recommendations."

"Kurose -kun too? I love those!"

She beamed, and I couldn't help but be taken aback by that smile.

Remembering her insults, I shook off the flutter. I'd rather live with cockroaches than with you.

"While I like 'Monster Hunter,' I've sunk over 100 hours into 'Dynasty Warriors.' I've maxed out all the characters' stats and know where every item is on the map."

"Wow, Koikawa-san really plays a lot."

"Surprised?"

"Yeah, kind of."

"Because I look like a delinquent? I'm not scary at all."

You are scary. Normally not, but when we fought, your intensity was something else. When a beautiful person gets mad, it's twice as intense.

"I'm not glaring; my eyes are just bad because of poor eyesight."

"I see."

I knew that already.

Yuzuhana's from the countryside, now living alone away from home.

She was originally a plain girl with black hair and glasses, but she changed her look for a high school debut to avoid being underestimated as a country bumpkin. She dyed her hair and took off her glasses.

Yet, she didn't wear contacts because she was scared of putting foreign objects in her eyes. When I heard that story, I thought it was cute, but now, I just think, 'Put your glasses back on.'

"..."

"..."

Silence fell between us.

Unable to bear the awkwardness, Yuzuhana broke the silence.

"By the way..."

"Are you an only child, Kurose -kun?"

"I have a younger sister..."

"You have a sister!"

Her face lit up.

...I see. She came up to me, whom she hates, to get close to Sana.

They were so close they'd hang out without me.

"What's her name?"

"Sana."

"Sana-chan, what a cute name! What kind of girl is she? Don't you have a photo?"

"No."

"Too bad. I'd love to see."

If I were desperate for female company, I might invite Yuzuhana over to get close to her for Sana's sake, but I feel like I've just divorced her half a day ago.

I had no intention of getting involved with Yuzuhana anyway. Inviting her home would be a huge mistake.

"Sorry, my sister's in the basketball club. If you want to see her, come to her games. Anyway, I'm going to look at some manga!"

I ended the conversation and left.

Yuzuhana didn't follow, and when I looked back, she had disappeared from the store.

I stepped outside to find it was raining.

It had just started, and soon the rain intensified.

The water seeping into my shoes felt unpleasant. With the sound of squelching, I quickened my pace, and thunder began to rumble.

Knowing about the lightning strike, I was reluctant to pass by the park, but my house was right across from it. I had no choice but to cut through.

Please, don't strike yet!

My heart raced with anxiety as I ran through the park...

"..."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure.

Beyond the vine-covered fence, in the sheltered rest area, there was Yuzuhana, curled up, covering her ears.

What is she doing there...?

Yuzuhana lives in a nearby apartment. There are multiple routes from the bookstore to her place, but cutting through the park is the shortest. I understand taking the shortcut to get home quickly, but why is she lingering in the park?

She's terrified of thunder...

Back when we were on good terms, she'd cling to me every time there was thunder. Even when we were fighting, I'd sleep on the sofa out of concern, but she'd beg me to join her in bed because of her fear. If she's so scared, why doesn't she just go home?

A flash of lightning lit up the dark clouds, followed by a deafening clap of thunder.

Even with her ears covered, she must hear it because she curled up even tighter. Her small scream mixed with the thunder made my resolve waver.

...I decided not to get involved with Yuzuhana anymore. Even if she comes to me, I shouldn't engage with her.

But...

She doesn't know about the lightning strike.

I hate Yuzuhana.

I hope she draws the worst prize in every lottery and misses out on every anime song event ticket.

But I don't wish for her to get hurt.

"Guess there's no other way..."

I sighed and entered the park, calling out from behind.

"...Koikawa-san?"

"..."

"Koikawa-san."

"..."

"Ko-i-ka-wa-san!"

Grab!

"Kyah!?"

I grabbed her shoulder, and she jumped.

Turning with caution, she exhaled in relief seeing it was me.

"Oh, it's you, Kurose -kun... What are you doing here?"

"I live nearby, and I saw you, so I was worried and called out."

"Sorry for worrying you."

I wasn't worried! I just can't relax with you around!

"Taking shelter here from the rain. Don't you have a folding umbrella?"

She always carried one. We've shared an umbrella on dates more than once or twice. Back then, I wished the rain would never stop because I was so happy.

She used to look so proud when she'd say, "It's not a burden, and you should carry one too," or "You'd be soaked without me." Now it just irritates me, knowing she forgot it on purpose because she liked sharing umbrellas.

"I had one, but I gave it away."

"...Gave it away?"

"Yeah. To some kids who were also taking shelter here. They said their mom was coming to pick them up soon, but I couldn't leave them there."

"I see."

She's such a good person. Before we dated, she gave up her seat on a crowded train to someone not even elderly and once went out of her way to help an old lady find her way, even though it was her first time in that place.

I used to think beautiful people were mean, so it was shocking. I never thought a beautiful person could be so kind.

...but it turned out I was deceived.

She's the meanest woman I know. Come to think of it, she gave up her seat, and I ended up giving mine to her. I used my phone to navigate for the old lady, which drained my battery, and I couldn't take pictures during our pilgrimage.

I'll never be friends with Yuzuhana again. Not having to clean up after her feels liberating.

...so, what do I do now?

I can't think of a natural reason to get her out of here.

Telling her about the lightning would reveal my second life.

But staying here is dangerous. Getting hit by lightning half a day after being hit by a car is too much.

I guess there's no choice...

"Want to come to my house? I'll lend you an umbrella."

Yuzuhana might hate me, but she wants to be friends with Sana.

For Sana's sake, she should come quietly.

"To your house? ...Won't that be a bother?"

"Not at all. Better than staying here and having a long talk."

"Thanks. I'll take you up on that offer then."

"Sure. What's wrong? Take it already."

I thrust the umbrella out, and she looked puzzled.

"Um... I'm supposed to use it alone?"

"I said I'd lend you an umbrella."

"Isn't this when people usually share an umbrella?"

"If we do that, we'll both get halfway wet! I can just change later; you can take the umbrella and go home quickly by yourself! But then you'll have to take the umbrella back at school, which would be a hassle to carry! ...Why are you laughing?"

"I was just thinking how fast you're talking."

"W-Well, it's not a problem! Even if I talk fast!"

"You might bite your tongue if you talk that fast."

"I won't bite my tongue! I'm used to talking fast!"

Yuzuhana  let out a small chuckle.

"You're actually embarrassed about sharing an umbrella with a girl, aren't you? You're just hiding your embarrassment."

"No, I'm not!"

I said it loudly, but Yuzuhana  just smirked, looking like an older sister teasing her younger male relative.

No matter how much I deny it, Yuzuhana  knows me from back in school days. She knows I lived a lonely life and that she was my only romantic experience.

You don't have experience with anyone else either! I wanted to retort, but saying that would reveal my time slip.

If that happens, every time we meet, we'll end up fighting. Even though it irks me to admit defeat, I have to endure it for a peaceful school life.

Any more conversation might cause the lightning to strike, so I made up my mind.

"Let's hurry up and go."

I opened the umbrella as we left the shelter, and Yuzuhana  said, "Thanks. I'll intrude," snuggling close to me.

As soon as we started walking fast, she clung to my arm.

"What are you doing?"

"S-Sorry. You're walking too fast..."

"...Is this pace okay?"

"Thanks. Sorry for making you adjust."

"It's fine. Really..."

Yuzuhana , of all people, apologizes so straightforwardly. It throws me off.

Walking home with my ex-wife, whom I vowed never to get involved with again, right beside me, there was no way I could relax. My heart was racing until we got home, then...

"Kyaaaaaaah!?"

There was a loud thunderclap, and Yuzuhana  clung to me.

"I-It just struck, didn't it!? Near here!? Where did it hit...?"

"I don't know, but... can you let go?"

"O-Oh, sorry... Did it hurt?"

"Not really."

I acted indifferent, but my heart was pounding.

Having my ex-wife cling to me during a lightning strike is bad for my heart...

Anyway, this matter is settled. Now I just need to hand her the umbrella and send her home.

That was the plan, but...

"Hey, can I stay at your place for a while?"

"At my house? ...Why?"

"I'm scared of thunder... Is that okay?"

"...Well, I guess it's fine if it's just to take shelter from the rain."

Unable to turn away a tearful Yuzuhana , I checked that no one was home and let her in.

◆

I wasn't thrilled about inviting my ex-wife into my room, but it would be troublesome if my family saw us.

Sana was at club activities, and Mom wouldn't be back for another two hours because of work, but just to be safe, I had Yuzuhana  put her loafers in the shoe rack.

"..."

When I led her to my room, Yuzuhana  looked uncomfortable.

Not because she was embarrassed about being in a guy's room.

Her gaze was fixed on the figure with distinctive twin tails.

It was the first figure I ever bought.

I saw it at the arcade, decided to try my luck with a light heart, but ended up spending nearly five thousand yen as one thousand yen notes kept flying out. The sense of achievement when I finally got it was immense, but so was the sense of loss when it broke.

During a fight, Yuzuhana  threw it, and it hit the wall, breaking the twin tails.

I was genuinely angry back then. Seeing the figure now just brings back bad memories.

"Want to play some games?"

"Is that okay?"

"It's boring just waiting for the rain to stop. Do you prefer a fighting game or a cooperative one?"

"Co-op. What about you, Kurose -kun?"

"I'll go with co-op too."

I couldn't imagine cooperating with Yuzuhana , but a fighting game might lead to an argument.

So, we chose a "Dynasty Warriors" game and started playing.

As the opening movie played, Yuzuhana  got excited.

"Wow, this brings back memories!"

"Really? I thought it just came out during spring break..."

"Oh, right. I must have confused it with another game. So, the characters aren't leveled up yet, huh?"

"I've maxed out the stats for my favorite characters."

"Oh... wow, that's true. They're all female characters."

"S-So what? They're more fun to control."

"Don't male characters have cooler moves?"

"Female characters have better voice acting."

"Who's your favorite?"

"This one."

"She's voiced by an idol, huh? You shouldn't get too attached. You might end up bedridden with shock if she gets married."

That actually happened to me.

Yuzuhana  took care of me, but when I told her why, she just laughed it off.

Anyway, I'd rather not hear the word "marriage" right now. I'm very sensitive about it.

"What difficulty?"

"Hard mode, no question. We'll meet up after we defeat two warlords."

"Okay."

We controlled our warlords, slashing through enemy forces.

It was the highest difficulty, so enemies were tough, but this was a game I had played extensively. We overpowered the enemy army with our one-against-a-thousand prowess, and after joining up with Yuzuhana , we changed the course of the battle by helping each other out.

The graphics were crude, but playing with two was fun.

This reminded me of our good times together.

Our relationship had grown cold, and we were used to mobile games, but back when we were close, we'd play games like this late into the night. But then, thanks to a lousy CEO, the company went bankrupt, we lost the luxury of gaming, and our relationship cooled off.

I have no intention of reconciling with Yuzuhana , but in this timeline, I'll get a job at a different company.

"Clear! I took down five warlords. How about you?"

"Same here."

"Then, I win."

"Huh? How does that work?"

"My character wasn't fully leveled up."

"That character starts with high stats. Even at this level, she's as strong as mine."

We argued like this, but it wasn't a fight. This level of bickering was common and showed how engaged we were in the game. When our relationship was at its coldest, we'd just click our tongues in silence.

"I'll outdo you next time."

"I'll take down all of them."

We gripped our sweaty controllers and cleared stages one after another...

"Onii-chan!"

Whoa! Sana's back!

Looking at the clock, two hours had passed.

How could I forget time while playing with Yuzuhana ...

No, now I need to hide her! I've managed to get divorced, and I don't want to deal with her mess at this point!

"Yuzuhana -san, hide!"

"Eh? W-Why?"

"It'll be troublesome if Sana sees you!"

Yuzuhana  and Sana get along extremely well. They'd become inseparable, and she might start coming over without my permission, maybe even getting approval from the family.

I've already gotten more involved than I planned. I want to avoid any further development.

"Big trouble, big trouble! Big trouble, Onii-chan!"

Sana came into the room just as Yuzuhana  hid under the bed.

"Wh-What is it? Knock first!"

"I did, in my heart."

"That doesn't count... So, what's the big trouble?"

"Look at this!"

Sana showed me her phone, excited.

The screen showed the destroyed shelter.

"The park shelter got hit by lightning! I got an email from Micchan!"

"I see."

"Your reaction is so flat, Onii-chan!"

"I'm just tired from gaming."

"Oh, really. Let's go see the park!"

"I said I'm tired... I'll go once the rain stops, so please leave."

"It's a promise!"

With that powerful voice, Sana left.

Yuzuhana  peeked out from under the bed, smiling.

"Your sister seems to adore you."

"Thanks to her, I'm tired every day."

"Really? I feel like she'd give you energy, though."

Sana, who doesn't hesitate to engage with people, must be a blessing for Yuzuhana , who often keeps her distance.

Anyway, I'm relieved we didn't have to face each other.

"So, what should I do?"

"Sana usually showers right after coming back from club activities, so during that time—"

The door suddenly opened.

"Oh yeah, Onii-chan! I was going to use the deodorant spray, opened the shoe rack, and there were loafers— you brought a girl home! Naughty!"

"I'm not naughty! And knock!"

"I did!"

"In your heart, right?"

"If you hear it, it's fine."

"I didn't hear it! I'm busy, so go away! And don't tell Mom about this—"

"Kohei! There are loafers in the shoe rack, did you bring a girl home!? Introduce her to Mom!"

I wanted to hold my head in despair.

Caught by both my sister and my mother, we moved to the dining room.

Now, I'm awkwardly watching the three of them chat over tea.

Seeing my ex-wife talking with my mom and sister is terrible for my heart.

And why does Yuzuhana  look so comfortable? This is my house. The home of Kurose  Kurosawa, whom she hates. ...Well, I guess she still likes my family, considering she got along better with them than with her own.

In contrast, I never got along with her parents.

If her parents had been like mine, our marriage might have lasted.

"Where did you meet my brother, Koikawa-san?"

"At school, obviously."

"Who talked to whom first?"

"I talked to him at the bookstore, and then he lent me an umbrella when I was sheltering from the rain in the park."

"That's gutsy, like picking up girls!"

"It's not picking up; it's pure kindness."

"And then you bring her right into your room! On the first day of high school! As your sister, I'm happy and sad to see you suddenly living your youth!"

Sana said this with a smile that didn't show any sadness at all.

Sana, being in middle school, is starved for romance talk. She's ecstatic about this sudden family romance story.

"But here you are, playing games with a girl. You should do something more romantic."

"It's fine. Yuzuhana -san was interested in games too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I like games."

"You guys are a perfect match!"

"It's too soon to say we're a perfect match. We just met today."

I used to think we were a perfect match too, but if that were true, we wouldn't have divorced.

"What do you think of my brother, Koikawa-san? Do you have any feelings for him?"

"Hey, that's a question that puts her on the spot. I'll scold you later, so go back before you ask any more weird questions."

"No. Since I look a bit scary, I appreciate someone who engages like Sana does."

"Did you hear that, Onii-chan? She likes girls like me! She's too good for you!"

"She's a bit twisted, but she's a good person at heart, so please stay friends with Kohei, okay?"

"Yes, if Kurose -kun is okay with it..."

She says that, but there's no way she wants to be friends with me. She just can't say she doesn't want to in front of my family.

"It's a given!"

Sana says, but I have no interest in being friends with her.

Of course, I can't say that out loud. They'd ask for reasons, and I definitely can't bring up the time slip.

"Oh, right! What's your first name, Koikawa-san?"

"It's Yuzuhana ."

Sana looked puzzled.

"...Yuzuhana ?"

"Is it weird?"

"No, it's super cute. But 'Yuzuhana ' sounds familiar... That's right! She's Kohei's wife!"

How do you know that!?

Are you also on your second life!? Did you come from the timeline where Yuzuhana  and I got divorced!?

I managed to keep a poker face, but beside me, Yuzuhana  blinked in surprise.

"Uh, uh... what do you mean by 'wife'?"

"Don't take it seriously! I'm just messing around!"

"I'm not messing around. You were talking about Yuzuhana  this morning, right? Wondering if she was safe, calling her your wife or ex-wife. You said you met her today, but you actually met her at the acceptance announcement!"

"We went to see the acceptance results together, but I didn't notice at all!"

"No wonder you didn't wake up this morning. You must have been dreaming happily!"

Sana and Mom were smiling, but Yuzuhana  looked very uncomfortable, her cheeks twitching, glancing at me.

This is bad!

If this continues, my time slip will be exposed!

"I was just half-asleep! More importantly, I'm hungry! I haven't had lunch yet!"

"Have you eaten, Koikawa-chan?"

"N-No, not yet..."

"Then let's order sushi! Sushi!"

"Yeah, it's a special day since Kohei brought a girl home, let's celebrate!"

"Oh, no, I should probably head home..."

"No need to be shy!"

"You can treat this like your own home!"

Stopped by the two, Yuzuhana  could only manage a forced smile.

She clearly wanted to leave, but she couldn't disregard the affection from Sana and Mom, whom she adores.

Helping Yuzuhana  out goes against my pride, but our interests align here. I'll help her out this time.

"Didn't Yuzuhana -san say she had something to do?"

"Oh, right. I had something to do!"

"Aw, I wanted to talk more. Is your house close by?"

"It's in the nearby apartment complex..."

"Then let Onii-chan walk you home!"

"Why should I... Yuzuhana -san wants to go home alone, right?"

"No. If you're offering to walk me, I'd like that."

For some reason, Yuzuhana  seemed enthusiastic, and Mom and Sana were grinning.

"Take your time coming back," they added, and we were seen off.

We walked in silence under the light drizzle, each with our own umbrella.

Unable to bear the awkward silence, Yuzuhana  spoke first.

"Hey, Kurose -kun?"

Calling me 'Kurose -kun' means she's not completely sure yet, right?

Then I'll keep up the pretense!

"What?"

"About what Sana said earlier, is it true?"

"Ah, that. I was up all night playing a dating sim, and by chance, I was pursuing a character named Yuzuhana , and I dreamt about getting married. So, it has nothing to do with you, Koikawa-san."

"...Love Minus."

Yuzuhana  muttered.

"Love Minus...?"

"It's a dating sim game that came out this spring."

"I know that, but why bring up Love Minus suddenly? Oh, are you interested in Love Minus too?"

"Not interested. But I know what kind of game it is. Someone told me about it a long time ago. It's a game where you befriend a senior, classmate, or junior, confess, become lovers, enjoy dates, and the real game starts after you start dating."

"You know a lot about it."

"Yes, I know a lot. Including that there's no character named Yuzuhana  among those three."

"Well, Yuzuhana  doesn't appear in that, but I played a different game yesterday."

"You said you've only played Love Minus when it comes to dating games, right?"

"Who said that?"

"You did!"

"Eh? What's with you, Koikawa-san? You've changed suddenly."

"How shameless! You did it too, didn't you!? Time slip!"

She grabbed my arm to prevent me from escaping, her voice raised.

...She's completely figured it out.

Then it's better to come clean.

That way, we can avoid each other for good.

"So what if I did?"

When I admitted it with resignation, Yuzuhana  glared at me.

Trembling, her face red with embarrassment.

"You're so mean, keeping quiet! You must have been laughing inside, watching me struggle to act like a high school girl!"

"I wouldn't do something so cruel! I was confused about the time slip too! I didn't have the leisure to observe you in your school uniform! And then my ex-wife starts talking to me! Weren't you supposed to avoid me?"

"You talked to me too! Why didn't you confess right away!?"

"I was waiting for the right moment! I was stressed out too! You suddenly called yourself Kurosawa Yuzuhana , so it was hard for me to act like I didn't know!"

"So you were listening during the introductions! What about being sleep-deprived!"

"I really was sleep-deprived! I've been working overtime every day! It's easy for you, coming home in the evening!"

"That again!? It's your fault for not getting a decent job!"

"I'll get a proper job this time! And I'll enjoy my single life!"

"I'll never marry again either! Especially not you!"

"Of course! Don't talk to me even if you see me at the bookstore!"

"You don't talk to me even if you see me in the park!"

"If I hadn't known about the lightning strike, I wouldn't have talked to you!"

"W-What. You're saying you helped me out?"

"Yes! You should be a bit grateful!"

"...Even though you hate me, why did you help?"

"I didn't help because I was worried about you! I just didn't want the neighborhood park to become an accident site! If you hadn't left, I would've died with you! Between the lightning and the stress, you really love shortening my life, don't you?"

"If it's that stressful, don't ever get involved with me again!"

"Of course! This is our last conversation! Don't talk to me just because you have no friends!"

"Don't get overly familiar just because you can't get a girlfriend!"

We spat out our words like sparks, turned our faces away, and started walking our separate ways.