Haibara's Teenage New Game+ Volume 5 E-Book

Kazuki Amamiya

• Herausgeber: J-Novel Club
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Haibara's Teenage New Game+
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 230

Beschreibung

Natsuki’s high school life is going just as planned: the cutest girl in school is his girlfriend, he’s friends with the popular kids, and he’s made his mark by giving one banger of a concert. Sure, those friendships have become a bit more strained, and he doesn’t know how the heck dating works, but practically speaking, he should be delighted with his overall success... So why is he doubting the path he’s taken? Isn’t this the rainbow-colored youth of his dreams? While Natsuki struggles to navigate his relationships, the school ball game competition quickly approaches—can he turn this into an opportunity to sort out his emotions and strengthen his bonds?

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Prologue: In the Shadow of the Light

Chapter 1: What Are Couples Supposed to Do?

Chapter 2: Consultation Center for Romance Newbies

Chapter 3: The Interclass Sports Meet

Chapter 4: The Finals

Final Chapter: To Know Foolishness

Afterword

Color Illustrations

About J-Novel Club

Copyright

Landmarks

Color Images

Table of Contents

Prologue: In the Shadow of the Light

I couldn’t do a thing.

I had impulsively grabbed Natsuki by the collar, but when he apologized to me with that look on his face, I couldn’t keep my fist clenched. He hadn’t done anything wrong to begin with—I’d just gotten riled up on my own. I was the one who’d suppressed my own feelings, entrusted the problem to Natsuki without even asking how he felt, and then ended up feeling betrayed by his decision. But all he had done was be true to his heart, and as a result, he chose not Uta, but Hoshimiya. My anger was misdirected. And in the first place, none of this had anything to do with me.

I knew that. I understood it perfectly well. Logically speaking, that is. But I couldn’t lie to myself. I felt murky inside, my emotions a jumbled mess too complicated to put into words. I couldn’t even say anything decent while Uta cried.

All I could do was stay by her side, and I didn’t even know if I was doing that for her sake. If anything, I’d acted entirely out of self-gratification. I just wanted to do whatever I could, no matter how trivial.

It was a shitty mistake to begin with. Who was I to entrust Natsuki with anything? I must’ve given him more baggage. And because of that, even if he had chosen Uta, he wouldn’t have truly been happy.

And above all, somewhere in the depths of my heart, a part of me had wanted this to happen. I was the lowest of the low. I was disappointed in myself. That’s why, at the very least, I wanted to become a better person.

At the school festival, when Natsuki sang on the stage surrounded by tons of spectators, he seemed like he was from a totally different world. Even if I looked away from that dazzling sight, I could still hear his voice.

Yeah, he’s the coolest around. Obviously, all sorts of people would like him. How much effort did he put into writing this song? And... Could I do that too? If I put in the effort, could I change a little?

I don’t know. I don’t know—but it’s better than doing nothing. I don’t want to be a hero who shines at the center of the crowd like Natsuki. I don’t want to use a song to confess my feelings to the girl I love like the protagonist of a story or something.

If I could become someone who helps you when you’re crying, even if it’s nothing much...

Yeah, that’s all I want.

Chapter 1: What Are Couples Supposed to Do?

Autumn was reaching its peak in November, and the wind had grown frigid. The advent of winter drew close.

Because a single long-sleeved shirt wasn’t enough for this weather, I also had on a cardigan. But today was especially chilly, so perhaps I should’ve worn an additional layer. Picking out clothes in this season was a struggle, since the temperature might turn hot or cold without warning. It’d probably get a little warmer around noon.

“Natsuki-kun!”

Hearing someone call my name from behind, I turned around. An incredibly beautiful girl entered my line of sight. Hoshimiya Hikari, dressed in casual clothes, gave me a small wave as she walked over.

“Sorry for the wait. I wasn’t sure what to wear,” she apologized. Hikari wore a black blouse and a long beige skirt.

That outfit looks really good on her. She kinda has a mature vibe, which is different from usual. Oops, now isn’t the time to ogle! I need to reply. “No worries. I just got here too,” I said. In actuality, I’d been so excited that I had arrived at our meetup spot an hour ago, but I could keep that to myself.

“Really? That’s good.” Hikari massaged her chest in relief. Then her expression turned abashed and she whispered, “Y-Yesterday... I was so excited yesterday that I had a hard time falling asleep... And I ended up oversleeping.”

I inadvertently chuckled at her grade school-level excuse, which caused her to pout.

“D-Don’t laugh!”

“Sorry, sorry. It was funny,” I said. I didn’t get much sleep either. But I’m too embarrassed to admit it, so my lips are sealed. “Anyway, let’s go inside.” I offered my hand to Hikari.

She blinked at me before timidly grasping it with her own. Nice! My plan to naturally hold hands from the get-go was a success! If I’d let my opportunity escape at the start of the date, I’d have felt like I missed my chance for the rest of the day. Hikari’s hand’s nice and warm...

“Natsuki-kun, I knew it. You’ve been waiting for a long time, haven’t you?” Hikari said.

“Wh-What makes you think that?” I asked with a start.

“Your hands are freezing,” she stated matter-of-factly.

R-Right, they are... Good point! So Hikari’s hand wasn’t warmer than normal. Mine was just colder. “Sorry, I’ve actually been waiting for an hour,” I admitted. “I was too eager.”

“Why’re you apologizing? I’m the one who should be sorry for making you wait so long.”

“No, don’t be! I heard that time spent waiting is also part of the date,” I said. Exactly right! Today’s my momentous first date with my girlfriend, Hikari! I’m super nervous, but I want to have fun, and I want her to have fun too. Heck, I’m already having fun just because she’s here with me.

“It’s pretty crowded,” she said.

We entered the shopping mall with our hands intertwined. It wasn’t crowded enough for us to get pushed around, but the place still bustled with people.

“It’s Saturday, after all,” I remarked.

Our innocuous itinerary for the day was to window-shop, have lunch, watch a movie, and then go home. Hikari and I had planned it out together yesterday. Since this was our first date as a couple, we didn’t want to do anything too wild, and there just happened to be a movie that Hikari wanted to watch. Plus, I needed to start picking out winter clothes. Miori had chosen almost all my presentable clothes for me, but I didn’t own any outfits appropriate for wintertime.

When I’d mentioned that, Hikari had said, “Then I’ll pick them for you!” Honestly, I had zero confidence in my fashion sense, so her offer was a big help. I’d wanted to ask Miori for her assistance again, but we’d already called off our partnership. I’d legitimately been too reliant on Miori, and now that our alliance was through, I realized this fact all the more.

I was over the moon that I was dating Hikari. But I’d never dated anyone before, so I was full of uncertainty, which automatically led to me wanting to consult Miori for advice. But the person who had always been there to lend me a hand was gone now. It felt like I was walking alone in darkness.

“Then our alliance is over. Our partnership is now dissolved.”

I suddenly recalled how Miori had sounded during our phone call. She was acting weird then. Did something bad happen on her end? That was the day she started dating Reita, so shouldn’t she have been happy?

“What’s wrong, Natsuki-kun? You’re zoning out.” Hikari’s face abruptly popped into the corner of my vision. Her expression was laden with concern.

I had sunk into the deep sea of my thoughts without realizing it. That was a bad habit of mine. Worrying about Miori won’t fix anything. Anyway, I’m gonna enjoy my date with Hikari today! “Sorry, it’s nothing. Uh, where should we go first?”

“Leave it to me! I have a few stores in mind with clothes that’ll look great on you!” Hikari beat her chest proudly. Her breasts jiggled a little.

My gaze almost unwittingly fell to her bountiful chest, but I somehow managed to keep my eyes level. “Okay, that’d be great,” I replied as though nothing had happened.

She seemed like she was about to break into a skip as she led me around. “Isn’t holding hands in public kinda embarrassing?”

“Yeah,” I said. “It feels like people are looking at us. I spotted some kids from our school too.”

There were plenty of couples walking around holding hands, but if I wasn’t being overly self-conscious, it felt like we were drawing an awful lot of attention. Understandable. Hikari is just that cute!

Two girls who were probably upperclassmen from our school saw us and let out shrill squeals. How am I supposed to react to that? I wondered. Hikari was also unsettled, forcing herself to smile.

“If you dislike it, do you wanna let go?” I asked.

“I don’t dislike it. How could you say that? I’m gonna get mad!” she said sulkily, her cheeks puffing up.

Ugh. Too cute! To think such an adorable girl is my girlfriend. I still can’t believe it...

“I bet this’ll look good on you. Try it on!” She had picked out a navy blue Chesterfield coat.

At her urging, I put it on. It was very warm; the fabric was soft and cozy. I looked at myself in a nearby full-length mirror. She’s right. This does look pretty good on me... I think? It slims my figure, and I look sharp... At least, that’s how it feels.

Hikari looked at me and let out an enigmatic cry. “Ohhh!”

“What do you think?” I asked.

“It... It looks good! Really, really great!” she said, wearing an excessively wide grin while nodding her head vigorously.

“Your compliment feels kinda half-hearted.”

“N-No! I mean it! You look really cool!”

It feels like Hikari’s more frantic than usual today, or perhaps better put, she’s more flustered. She normally comes off calmer... Wait, is she nervous? I’ve never seen this side of her before, but there’s nothing to complain about, because she’s cute.

She giggled. “My boyfriend is so cool,” she blissfully murmured to herself.

Um, I can hear you, you know? Unsure what to do, I laughed wryly.

Hikari looked at me with a start. “D-Did you hear that?!”

“Nope, didn’t hear a thing. What, did you say something?”

“O-Oh, really? That’s good...”

“Mm-hmm. Thanks for the compliment.”

She stared at me blankly, and then her face flushed red right before my eyes. “You did hear!” She slapped my back.

I don’t believe violence is the answer.

We continued bantering while Hikari chose a number of winter outfits for me. My wallet was in a poor state after buying my guitar, so I kept my purchases limited to a long-sleeved shirt and the Chesterfield coat I’d tried on. However, I wanted to buy the other clothes she’d recommended once I had cash to spare.

“We should eat lunch now,” I said.

“Good idea. What should we have?”

We walked around the mall’s food court as we deliberated.

“Hmm... Honestly, I’m good with anything,” I said, but then a thought suddenly occurred to me. I heard it’s bad to say that you’re good with anything during a date. Shouldn’t the man take initiative here? It’s not a great look if I leave all the choices to her. So maybe I ought to narrow down our options first? But it might be too late now... In the end, I decided to leave it up to her and asked, “Hikari, what do you want to eat?” I’m sorry for being indecisive...

“Ummm...” She thought for a moment. “Oh, I know. How about hamburger steak?”

“Sounds good.” I nodded.

We entered a Western-style restaurant that offered hamburger steak. A server led us to our seats, and once we finished ordering our food, a period of silence followed. Wh-What should I say?

“Um, thanks for picking out clothes for me. It was really helpful,” I said.

“I-It wasn’t much!” Hikari stammered. “Really, it was fun! I’ll do it as often as you want! Besides, it’s a feast for my eyes!”

Feast for your eyes? What does that mean? Simply too baffled, I missed my chance to ask her to elaborate.

“I... I can’t wait for the movie!” she continued.

“Y-Yeah!”

She was being just as awkward as I was, her eyes darting around in their sockets. Silence fell upon us again. We’d been chatting just fine until now, but sitting face-to-face exacerbated the jitters. I kept sipping water to brush off the awkwardness and inevitably emptied my glass. But somehow, I managed to keep the conversation going until our food arrived.

“Cool, let’s dig in,” I said.

“It looks tasty. Bon appétit!” Eyes sparkling, Hikari began to stuff her cheeks with hamburger steak.

I, on the other hand, felt extremely relieved—because I didn’t need to talk while we were eating.

“Whew! I’m full. That was delicious,” Hikari eventually said.

“Yeah,” I responded, and then paused when I saw the time. “Ack! We need to get going!” Only ten minutes remained before the movie would start.

“You’re right! We took too long!”

There was no time for idle chatter after our meal. We hastily settled our bill and rushed to the movie theater. The two of us barely got to our seats before the movie started, but that meant we didn’t get to buy drinks. Popcorn or other snacks were unnecessary since we’d just eaten lunch, but I wanted a drink. Hikari didn’t say anything, but I suspected she was thinking the same. This had been a huge scheduling error.

I sighed quietly. I feel like things aren’t going as planned. I didn’t do enough prior research, and I lack dating experience. I wish I’d done a better job taking the lead...

The big screen was the only thing glowing in the dim theater. Though the movie hadn’t started yet, previews for other films were now rolling. I glanced at Hikari, and our eyes happened to meet. Flustered, she whipped her gaze back towards the screen. It was dark, but I could make out a red hue dusting her cheeks.

Was she looking at me? While I vacillated between whether I should ask or not, the whispers surrounding us ceased. The theater went silent as the grave, and then the film began.

The movie Hikari had wanted to watch was about a girl who’d lost her family in an accident, and the love that girl’s childhood friend had for her. She went on a journey in search of a place to die, and the boy accompanied her.

The film unfolded slowly and deliberately, with the characters’ anguish conveyed only through the actors’ expressions. It was the kind of tale that quietly stirred my heart.

I glanced to the side once more. Hikari sat straight up, her gaze glued to the screen. She looked deeply moved, and tears welled up in the corner of her eye.

Unlike her, I couldn’t focus on the movie. The male lead aspired to become a doctor, and he seemed overly perfect—he felt far too removed from someone like me. I couldn’t empathize with a person who succeeded in everything from the very beginning. Consequently, though my eyes watched the movie play out, my mind wandered.

Is this okay? The question popped into my mind again. Is this date the right move for a couple? I don’t know. This is my second chance at life, but I can’t change the fact that I’m still a virgin. I could’ve done better. Planning out the date, chatting... Today was full of screwups. Hikari took the lead when we were window-shopping too.

All I’ve done is rely on her. I’m pathetic! Come to think of it, this plan was pretty much an exact copy of our double date with Reita and Miori. Should I have come up with something more romantic? Was that what I should’ve done? I don’t know. It’s our first date, so I do think it’s good to play it safe. In the first place, what even is a typical date?

What exactly are couples supposed to do?

My mind spun round and round over a question I had no answer for.

It had only been three days since I’d started dating Hikari, and it felt like I was going through a series of unprecedented experiences. I wasn’t a person who could just do things well from the outset, so I was constantly plagued with unease.

I want to be with Hikari. I want to make her happy. I really do, but that all means nothing if it stays a mere feeling. Isn’t there anyone who could teach me about romance? While I brooded over such things, the movie plunged into its finale, and the tempestuous plot twist sucked me in. I want to become like this cool protagonist.

***

“That was really good! I bawled my eyes out,” Hikari said with gusto as she wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.

“I didn’t expect a happy ending after all that,” I said.

“Right? I thought for sure there was no path to salvation.”

That was a good movie! As a happy ending supremacist, I’m extremely satisfied.

We left the shopping mall and walked to the station. It wasn’t even 6 p.m. yet, but the sky was already dyed scarlet. The days were gradually shortening.

Suddenly, our hands brushed against one another’s, and then Hikari’s fingers grabbed mine. Sensing her intention, I clasped her hand. It was a little chilly outside, so she felt very warm.

After a beat, I asked, “Did you have fun today?”

She nodded, wearing a big smile. “Of course I did! What about you?”

“Yeah, just being with you makes me happy,” I told her sincerely.

Her cheeks flushed red.

Sh-Shit...! That just slipped out. I’ve been distracted, so I just... Extremely embarrassed, I felt my cheeks heat up, and I couldn’t bring myself to look at Hikari’s face. A dull thump struck my arm. She’s got a tendency to resort to violence. I know it’s to hide her embarrassment, though.

“That goes for me too,” she whispered into my ear, catching me off guard. “Dummy.”

Her soft, sweet voice has too much destructive power! Is she trying to kill me?Hikari’s been relatively sharp-tongued recently. She’s probably showing me her true self. It makes me happy that she doesn’t hold back around me, but sometimes she’s too honest, which is bad for my heart... Just like now.

Everyone around us could see that we were both bright red. I didn’t need to look to know. When an elderly couple passed by, they smiled warmly at us and murmured, “Oh my!”

We’re acting like a pair of stupid lovebirds! I hate couples who flirt in public, yet here I am doing exactly that! I want us to be calm and intimate like that elderly couple.

“S-Say, Natsuki-kun... I was acting weird today, wasn’t I?”

“N-No... I don’t think you were. You were c-cute as always,” I fumbled out. Hey! Don’t stutter there! I sound like a creep! Huh, I am a creep, you say? Right.

“I... I was nervous... Extremely... I hid it, though...”

Uh, you weren’t hiding it at all, but if I point that out, you’ll probably get upset. I guess I’m in no position to do so either... My heart is racing even now, and I can’t stop thinking about how we’re holding hands.

“I feel the same,” I admitted. That was the only reply I could muster. We were each other’s first boyfriend and girlfriend. We were both trying to figure out how to behave.

I’m probably supposed to take the lead during moments like this since I’m the guy...but it’s taking all I’ve got to figure out what’s normal behavior. I’m so pathetic it makes me want to sigh. I want to be invincible.

We both fell silent.

Huh? Our conversation died... What do I do? C’mon, don’t I have anything to talk about? We continued walking as I tried to figure out what to say. All the while, our hands stayed intertwined.

The next thing I knew, we’d reached the station’s ticket gate. Hikari and I took different trains home, so we would part ways here. At least, we should’ve. She came to a stop and didn’t let go of my hand.

“Hikari?” I questioned.

“Just... Just a little longer,” she said.

I cocked my head to the side, unsure what she meant by that.

Seconds passed, and then she finally nodded. “Okay. Charging completed.”

“Charging?”

“If I don’t store up enough Natsuki-kun energy, I’ll get lonely,” she said, giggling shyly. She was too adorable.

Is this ultracute girl really my girlfriend? Everything she does throws me into a tizzy! It’s bad for my heart.

“Okay then, see you later,” she said.

“Y-Yeah,” I replied. “See you at school.”

Hikari waved goodbye as she left. The instant I was alone, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. Of course I would be tired; my heart had been pounding like crazy all day long. But it was a pleasant kind of fatigue—I’d undoubtedly enjoyed myself.

How long, if ever, would it take for our relationship to become like that elderly couple’s? At least with the way things were right now, reaching that point was unimaginable for me.

***

A gloomy Monday followed my fun weekend date with Hikari. This was my second round of high school life that I’d longed for, but Monday blues were always the same. Classes weren’t on the list of things I wanted a do-over for... Sitting through them is a pain in the butt. Plus, there’s another factor that’s got me down.

“Look, it’s Haibara-kun.”

“Wow, it really is. He’s carrying his guitar too!”

As I made my way through the hallway that morning, I could hear girls from nearby classes whispering quietly. A week had passed since our band’s concert at the school festival. I was ecstatic that it’d been such a big hit, but frankly, getting stared at in the halls was uncomfortable. It was easy for me to misconstrue the quiet murmuring as backbiting.

Still, compared to the attention I’d attracted the day after the festival, things had settled down a lot. Our performance had been a bit too successful. I wished for a rainbow-colored youth, but now I’d experienced a new side of popularity: standing out excessively was tiring.

I opened my classroom door and entered. Around half of my classmates had already arrived. When I headed to my seat, the usual group was already gathered there.

Nanase was the first to spot me. “Haibara-kun, good morning,” she said, notifying Reita and Hikari of my presence.

“Hey,” Reita said, his tone the same as usual.

“Oh! Natsuki-kun! Morning!” Hikari’s expression blatantly lit up when she saw me, which was super cute.

“Morning, guys,” I said back.

Tatsuya got a yawn out before greeting me. “Yo.”

“You look sleepy,” I remarked.

“I never get enough shut-eye when we’ve got morning practice.”

“What time did you wake up?”

“Six. It’s uber rough man, for real. I used to make up for it during class,” Tatsuya grumbled.

“That’s right! You’ve really been paying close attention to the lessons lately,” Hikari said, impressed.

Nanase promptly followed up with a sharp quip. “Indeed. At the very least, he’s paying more attention than you are, Hikari.”

“It’d be a drag if I flunked. Y’know, remedial lessons and whatever,” he said.

“Tatsuya, I’m starting to see you in a better light. Are you growing up?” Reita asked.

“Shut up...” he replied.

Our conversation was exceedingly normal, but there was something awkward about it. The atmosphere in our group felt strained. And most likely, everyone else sensed it too.

But no one brought it up.

We all knew the cause, but it wasn’t a problem that could be resolved instantly. However, all of us did want to mend the group’s relationship, and that’s why we’d assembled here.

“Hey, did you see the Puzzle & Tigers update?” Tatsuya asked.

“Yeah. I’m tempted to whale a bit...” Reita replied.

While those two talked about a mobile game, Nanase tapped me on the shoulder. “Listen, Hikari keeps going on and on about the movie she watched over the weekend.”

“Because it was really good!” Hikari exclaimed. “Natsuki-kun, you agree with me, right?!”

“Yeah, it was a good movie,” I said.

“If you think so, then perhaps I’ll watch it,” Nanase said.

“Wait, do you not trust my opinion?” Hikari asked.

Before I knew it, I was dragged into their banter. Our friend group of six was a mix of boys and girls, so it wasn’t unusual for the conversations to splinter off. Yet there was one thing about this that weighed on my mind.

“I thought that if you were the one to make her happy, then...”

After the school festival incident, I’d been talking to Tatsuya less and less. We conversed when we were in a group setting like just now, but we didn’t chat one-on-one anymore. It even felt like he was avoiding being alone with me.

Back then, our exchange had felt like an argument. And I’d been the cause of it. Because when I was through with all my hesitation, the choice I’d made was reprehensible to Tatsuya. I had braced myself for the possibility that our friendship might never go back to the way it was.

That said, I didn’t know what to do about our current situation. What kind of feelings did Tatsuya harbor towards me? He didn’t show his emotions, so I didn’t know what was the correct way to treat him. I was lost.

“Come to think of it, where’s Uta?” Reita suddenly asked.

“She’s late. Did she run into trouble?” Hikari looked at the clock, her head tilted to the side.

It was almost time for morning assembly to begin. Pretty much all of our other classmates were here. Plus, Uta had basketball practice in the morning, so she would normally be in the classroom earlier.

“Oh man, that was close! Made it!” Right as we started talking about her, Uta barreled into the room. She dropped her stuff off at her seat and then joined us. “Morning! Hey, guys!”

“Good morning, Uta-chan. You’re later than usual today,” Hikari said, discreetly raising the query that was on all of our minds.

Uta sheepishly scratched her cheek. “I wanted to practice until the very last minute, but I lost track of time... And then I ended up literally staying until the very last minute.” On a closer look, I noticed her forehead was covered in sweat.

“You’re certainly working hard,” Nanase said.

“Of course I am! I want to be a starter!”

Recently, Uta had been absorbed in basketball practice. After the third-years had retired over the summer, the basketball club was now in the process of forming a new team. They didn’t have a fixed starting lineup yet, so even a first-year like Uta stood a chance of making it. She’d been zealously practicing on her own late into the night too.

“We barely have any time after morning practice,” Tatsuya said in an exasperated tone.

“I... I know! I’ll be more careful next time.” Uta pouted.

“Well, it’s fine since you made it to class on time,” Reita said, intervening.