Chapter 6 – Well Maker

Translator: Hayashi
Editor: Ryuubii
Proofreader: SevenTails

It’s been a while since then.

With the class standard still at a low level, and the morons prevailing, it was no wonder that the class was still like that of an elementary one.

During breaks, conversations that did not seem to be Japanese were spoken, and unpleasant loud voices echoed down the hallway.

I didn’t want to be in the classroom for even a second unless it was for class.

My spot was the flower garden.

On days when senpai came, she watered the plants and I cleaned up the weeds and spread fertilizer.

On days when senpai couldn’t come, I would water the plants.

It wasn’t a specific arrangement, but since I was there every day, it just kind of happened that way.

Perhaps senpai has noticed that I have not been able to integrate into the class.

I’m there every day, and in the first place, she knew about the incident on the roof.

Still, I’m thankful that she didn’t say anything.

Both of us were just making light small talk, not having any meaningful conversation.

However, it wasn’t awkward… in my opinion.

Meanwhile, I was a little surprised when I happened to see senpai in the hallway after school.

I wondered if I should greet her since she was walking with others, but I overheard their conversation.

“You need to make your own decisions and act accordingly. How long do you intend to act like a junior high school student?”

“Y-yes, I’m sorry.”

“This document is too disorganized. You’ve redone this work several times, haven’t you? Think of a more streamlined way to organize it.”

“I’ll be careful next time… and I’ll reference other sources.”

She may not have said anything particularly wrong, but she was very strict… especially in her tone.

Rather than simply giving a warning, it’s as if she’s being strict for some other reason.

I have never been talked to like that before, but what would I do if I was…

Then a frivolous lad blocked the senpai’s way and said.

“Heya~ Satsukawa-san!”

“…”

“Huh? What’s with that?”

“… I don’t have spare time to deal with children, you know?”

“Ehhh?”

That cold gaze was… amazing.

The way she worded it, I think that was completely condescending, or rather, she really thought that he’s not worth dealing with.

“You’re a bit over-familiar, aren’t you? However, I do not know you in the first place, do I?”

The frivolous lad was frozen in place when he was told clearly.

Don’t know if they actually knew each other or not, but at least the guy talked to her on the assumption that she knew him.

…As expected of a lonely goddess.

…She’s as tough as ever.

…I don’t know how people follow her around.

…Probably because of her track record. There are many people who adore her because she’s not just a talker.

… She’s beautiful, and that coldness suits her.

… Ever since she became vice president, things have gotten better, like with the vending machines and school rules, you know?

I heard people around me whispering about her.

Honestly, I thought that would only create more enemies…

But the people around me didn’t look that unhappy, even though they seemed annoyed.

Was there a reason for that?

Are they fine because they know it was for their own good?

While I was lost in thought, and before I knew it, Senpai had come closer to where I was.

I was leaning against the wall, absentmindedly thinking, so I didn’t notice that senpai was looking at me.

“Hello, Takanashi-san.”

“Hello!? Senpai…”

I didn’t expect her to call out to me here.

The mood surrounding us made me believe that I was supposed to just go through with it.

However, I didn’t feel any of the harshness from earlier, and for me, it was her usual tone.

For some reason, I felt like the voices around me just disappeared.

“Right, is Takanashi-san going home already?”

“Umm, yeah… since the classroom…”

“Ah, yes, of course… there are annoyingly childish people everywhere.”

I couldn’t hear her well because she was whispering halfway through.

“I’m very sorry, but I have some things to attend to, so I’ll leave you now. Then, I’ll see you tomorrow…”

“Y-yes. See you.”

With a group of people who were probably student council members in tow, she walked away gallantly.

They were looking at me questioningly, saying, “Who is this guy?”.

…Who is that?

…That guy was having a normal conversation with the goddess.

…Didn’t the goddess look different from usual?

…That guy dared to get close to the goddess.

Since I was deep in thought, I wasn’t paying much attention to the reactions of those around me.

Even though I knew how strict she was, I was still surprised to see it firsthand.

If that was how she normally treated others, will there be a time I will be treated like that…

I’m afraid that if that happened, I wouldn’t be able to talk with her like I used to.

But why was she talking so politely to me…?

As far as I heard, the others were not treated like this.

Various things came to mind as I left school, and before I knew it, I had arrived home.

Today.

I went to pay my respects at the usual shrine.

It’s a bit exaggerated to say “visit”… since I just put my hands together and pray.

…My situation may no longer be resolved without asking for help from the gods.

After paying my respects today, I turned around and saw an old lady standing there, who seemed to have been there for some time.

“Well, well! I’m glad. I’ve finally met you again.”

It was the grandma who I had helped with her luggage before.

“Ah, hello. Are you doing okay?”

“Thank you for your consideration. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to thank you properly the other day.”

“It’s alright. I was in a hurry myself.”

I just carried a bit of luggage, so I didn’t really need to be thanked for it.

I just helped her out because of the self-imposed awkwardness I felt.

“How should I thank you…”

“It’s really alright, I only carried your bags, so don’t mind it too much.”

“But still…”

*Grainy*

I can hear someone walking on the gravel.

“Grandma, so you were here.”

This voice belongs to…

“Hello, Sara-chan.”

“Yes. Ah, I’m sorry. I interrupted your conversation…”

Halfway through, her voice echoed from my back. She’s probably apologizing to me.

“Sara-chan. This guy is the one who carried my luggage the other day.”

“Is that so? I’m sorry for having you take care of my grandmother on that occasion… thank you very much.”

As I turned around, Senpai had just bowed and was facing down.

“Um, Senpai…”

When she heard my voice, Senpai raised his body quickly.

“Eh! Takanashi-san!”

It was the first time I saw such a clearly surprised expression on Senpai’s face.

But to be honest, I too, was quite surprised.

What kind of coincidence is this?

“Right… so she is senpai’s grandmother?”

“Yes, she’s my grandmother. I had heard that she had been taken care of by a young man before, but to think it was Takanashi-san…”

I was also surprised.

It really was like the famous conventional saying, “The world really is a small place”.

At that moment, grandma who had been listening to the conversation up to this point reacted.

“Oh? Are you a friend of Sara?”

“I’m indebted to Takanashi-san.”

“I’m indebted to senpai.”

…Both our lines and timing were synchronized.

Then grandma laughed a little.

“I see, so that’s the case. This is the first time I’ve seen Sara-chan’s boyfriend, so please have a cup of tea if you want.”

Boyfriend… Honestly, I don’t think we have the kind of relationship that could be described as such.

In addition, it would be awkward for senpai, but not for myself.

“Well…”

“Excuse me, Takanashi-san, I would like to properly express my gratitude, so may I have some of your time?”

Senpai, who didn’t seem too bothered, asked me with her usual tone of voice and expression.

If senpai said it like that, it would be impolite to refuse it…

“I understand. Then, just for a moment…”

“Thank you very much. Then let’s go this way…”

Guided by senpai, we entered the main building next to the shrine.