Chapter 2

"All right, please stay still. I shall clean your ears now."

"~♪"

"*Sigh*... Still, this simply will not do. Even though I always want to be strong."

"And to achieve that, I never forego my physical and mental training."

"Just look at me now. I've merely lost my weapon and I've become so flustered. It's quite pitiable."

"I've really made an awful fool of myself in front of you, transfer student."

"I can never show my face to the captain like this…"

"You see, I quite admire the captain of the kendo club–Captain Gin Sanjo."

"I wanted to become strong, just like her. So I threw myself into my training to catch up to her."

"But her level is still far beyond mine. I have far to go to reach her skills."

"The more I train, the more I realize how wide the gap is between us."

"I feel as though my path has become shrouded in darkness."

"But anyway, this is the first time I've touched you, isn't it?"
"Your build and muscles are much more solid than my own."

"I suppose that is to be expected of a man."

"Without a weapon in hand, as I am now, I simply wouldn't stand a chance against you in a hand-to-hand fight."

"I wonder if it'd be possible to defeat a boy if I train hard enough. Are my efforts in vain…?"

"It seems that even my mind has been enfeebled. I'm even doubting myself."

"I wonder if it's futile to force myself to put on a brave face?"

"If I'm going to remain this weak, wouldn't it be better to behave more demurely?"

"I'm tired of pretending to be strong in such a ridiculous and pathetic fashion."

"I wonder if it would be better for me to stay weak, because then I could be protected…"

"To be the way I was long ago, when I first met the captain."

"If I stop concealing my weak self and stop pretending to be strong, would the captain stay by my side…?"

"... … …"

"Please excuse me. I've started grumbling so much that I'm sure it's unpleasant for you to hear."

"You're a strange person aren't you? For some reason when I'm near you, I feel like I can speak from the bottom of my heart."

"I feel a little bit relieved now too."

"I had told myself that even depending on others would be a sign of weakness."

"But I seem to have become tired of shouldering the burden by myself, so perhaps it isn't bad to rely on someone once in a while."

"...Just kidding. As I was saying that, your ear has become spotless."

"Please turn over so I can clean the other side."

"Hehe, it's too late to say this, but if someone saw us like this I'm sure they'd misunderstand the situation."

"We're lucky that no one is using the student council room today…♪"

"Hey guys ☆ It's me!"

"Maaan, I'm in a real pinch. Everyone's throwing beans in the schoolyard, so the track and field club can't practice today."

"So I thought I should just hang out in the student council room… …Huh?"

"... … … … … … …"

"Oh, sorry! Looks like I walked in on something embarrassing, just don't mind me! Just pretend I'm not here!"

"But, man… I never imagined that you and Tomoko were a thing… How long has–?"

"Wait, wait, thanks for lettin' me take a peek!"

"I get the feeling I should leave, so adios!"

"Y-you have the wrong idea!"

"This is because, uh… The transfer student was doing something indecent, so I'm punishing him!"

"Isn't that right, transfer student?"

"Is that so? Then what's that ear pick doing in your hand, Tomoko?"

"Th-this is…uh… Well, either way, you have the wrong idea!"

"I am the vice captain of the kendo club, a true martial artist who is frightening enough to silence even a crying child!"

"You know that well,don't you, Mitsuru-senpai?"

"Ahaha, sorry sorry. I get the picture."

"I mean, you and the transfer student would never have that kinda relationship, right?"

"Th-that's quite right! It's out of the question, yes!"

"With that out of the way, how long are you two gonna stick together like that?"

"Ah...!"

"Ahh, I'm sorry, transfer student!"

"You hit your head because I moved away so suddenly, right?"

"I'm very sorry, truly, sincerely."

"I will give you a proper apology later."

"So, transfer student…"

"What I told you about my weak self is going to be between us, isn't that right?"