Ch.34 A Crisis...? A Bomb from Young Lady

Mahiro's POV

Nnuoooooo...!

W-what is with this atmosphere ja?!

Wait, what? Why is Tokino looking so stunned?!

What is the reason ja? Oh, is it because I am hanging out with these two?

...No, that cannot be. Absolutely not.

I am sure she was just surprised to see two cute girls she had never seen before! Well, they are my husbands—no, my wives! Of course they would be cute!

No, no, that is irrelevant.

No, what exactly is the situation here noja?

"Toki—"

"Um, who are you people?!"

The moment I was about to speak to Tokino, she was a split second faster and asked the two of them that question. Her voice was a little loud, so people around us were looking to see what was going on.

...But what could this be?

The stares from those around me—or rather, from the girls—are strangely painful.

I get the feeling the men are smirking subtly.

...Fumu. I do not get it!

"Even if you ask who we are... Well, I'm Otoda Miho, who goes to the same school and is in the same class as this girl."

"Likewise, I am Uishi Mizuki."

As for the two who were asked, Miho introduced herself with a wry smile, while Mizuki introduced herself with her usual cheerful face.

"...Otoda, Miho? I think Mahiro-kun mentioned that name before..."

"Really? What did she talk about?"

...Mu? Me, talking about Miho?

I have a really bad feeling about this...!

"Hey, Tokino, if you dare to tell anyone about that—"

"Mizuki, cover Mahiro's mouth."

"Okay! I'm putting my hand right onto Mahiro-chan's adorable mouth!"

"Mmmu!? Muu! Mumu!"

Damn it! My mouth has been covered!

"So, will you tell me?"

This is bad! Miho is asking with an absolutely gorgeous smile! In that state, Miho is bound to say something absolutely terrible!

"Ah, uh, yeah. When I first started working here, I asked Mahiro-kun about his friends. He said, 'There is Kengo, the anime-obsessed idiot. There is Yuya, the handsome guy with lots of dating experience. And there is... well, Otoda, a girl I just met who for some reason gets angry at me a lot and I do not really understand her. By the way, when she gets angry she looks like a demon! Hahaha!'"

"...Mahiro?"

With a bright smile, Miho called out my name in a voice that sent chills down my spine.

Scary!

"......N-no, this is, well, you see. I-I was trying to lighten the mood by saying something funny to Tokino, who was a returnee from abroad, and I-I certainly was not saying anything mean—"

"No more arguments! You're not getting any sleep tonight!"

"Hey, that's not fair, Miho-san! I want to join in too!"

"What are you talking about?! I mean, I did not say anything that terrible, did I?! And why does Mizuki want to join in?! If you join in, 'tis bound to turn into a disaster!"

I really hope they will not do that!

That was terrifying! For the first time ever, I felt like saying, "I would rather die than be humiliated!" In fact, I had been saying it in my head!

Perhaps because of the commotion they had caused, the surrounding area began to murmur.

"What does she mean by not letting her sleep?"

"Well, if she said that she won't let her sleep... it's gotta be... something lewd."

"No, no, no, that's Ouka we're talking about! Ouka is basically lazy and not the type to make so many sarcastic remarks."

"So, what was that conversation about?"

"""Hmmmm."""

I wonder what they are pondering about.

However, seeing that they do not try to stop this situation, I think that even though they are pretending to be troubled, they are actually finding it somewhat amusing deep down.

And on the other hand, what about the girls?

"What is that? A shuraba? Is that a shuraba?"

"Well, it's Ouka-kun after all... She unconsciously acts like a womanizer."

"I understand completely. Ouka-kun talks to people without any ulterior motives, and she helps them out of pure goodwill. Plus, she's considerate..."

"But Ouka-kun was so dense and oblivious, and loved sleeping. He was really oblivious to girls' feelings, and he didn't even notice Alice-chan's obvious attempts to get his attention." (TL: Alice as in Aristia)

"Given that situation, what kind of relationship do those two have?"

"But, for now—"

"""Let's expect a shuraba."""

What's going on? The girls are giving me some seriously curious looks.

Moreover, they stare at me with a glittering...or rather, a glaring, almost dazzling intensity.

I cannot shake the feeling that they are expecting something truly extraordinary...

I had been somewhat escaping reality, observing the reactions of those around us, but finally, Tokino asked a question that got to the heart of the matter.

"So, what kind of relationship do you two have with Mahiro-kun?!"

She asked about our relationship.

And the moment Tokino asked the question, those around us, who were also very interested in the matter, fell silent in an instant and began to listen intently.

...Trying to meddle in other people's affairs. They are just being a nosy busybody.

However, it may become known eventually.

...But why is it? Why do I have a terrible feeling about this right now?

No matter how much I try to think about what the cause might be, I cannot come up with anything at all.

The fact that I have no idea what it could be means that 'tis unlikely to be a major problem.

In that case, I will just go with the flow ja.

"Our relationship with this guy? Well... family?"

"Yes, we just recently became a family."

"So, family? Does that mean you are Mahiro's older sisters?"

"...Well, if you think about it normally, that's what people would think. But that's not the case. We're... her husbands."

"Mahiro-chan is our bride."

The air in the store became so tense that you could almost hear a sharp crack!

When I looked at Tokino, she was frozen in place.

In fact, so were the most tightly knit group of people in this space.

...What on earth is wrong with these people?

While I was thinking about that, Tokino started trembling.

And,

"W-Wait, Mahiro-kun, you're marrieeeeeed?!"

A cry of astonishment echoed through the air.

At the same time,

"""What did you saaaaaaaaaaaaay?!"""

"""Shuraba is heeeeeeeeeereeeee!"""

The reactions of men and women were distinct and varied.

A shuraba.

"--I see. So that's what happened... Come on! Mahiro-kun, you should have told me something that important! What do you think about that?!"

"Well, how should I put it... My apologies."

I briefly thought, "I do not really need to tell you this, do I?", but then I realized that I have known this girl for a while now.

Upon reflection, I realized that perhaps announcing the marriage was indeed necessary, so I sincerely apologized.

By the way, currently, I, Miho, and Mizuki are sitting side by side, with Tokino sitting on the opposite side.

But why?

'Tis as if their gazes are piercing me, as if to say, "It's all my fault."

"Well, that's not good. From what I hear, you've known Tokino-san for quite a while. I mean, you're clearly the closest to her in this workplace."

"Yes, I think it's wrong for Mahiro-chan not to report it to someone as important as her."

"Ugh..."

The two people sitting on either side of me also gave me disapproving looks and warned me in the same way.

'Tis a valid point, so I cannot argue back...

"...Sigh. But I see. Mahiro-kun got married. Haha..."

She suddenly said something like that, as if mocking herself, after feeling a sense of defeat deep down.

There was something sad about her appearance.

"Tokino, what is wrong? You're usually so cheerful and energetic, why do you look so sad?"

"...Mahiro-kun, you're so perceptive in times like these, it's unfair. You're usually so oblivious, dense, and love sleeping."

"I understand."

"I understand."

"...What do you guys mean by that, huh?"

Why do you mean you understand?

I am actually pretty sharp, you know! Probably!

The moment I thought that, for some reason the three of them glared at me. I mean, really glared at me intensely.

Damn it, why ja?

"By the way, I have a question regarding what Mahiro just asked. Is that alright?"

"Oh, yeah. Okay."

Since they were around the same age, Tokino had reverted to her usual friendly tone instead of using polite language. Yes, this is definitely the way to go.

However, that certainly interests me too, so I will listen quietly.

"I wonder why you were muttering so sadly? Well, I kind of have a hunch about it, but this idiot doesn't seem to notice."

"I have a feeling about it, but I think the little girl, who is immature in a certain way that matches her appearance, not just physically, is unaware of it, so please be direct."

"You guys are definitely making fun of me, are you not?"

I gave them both that same look, as if to say, "I am returning your disdain."

However, the two of them did not seem to mind at all.

I feel kind of frustrated.

"You all seem to get along well. Hmm, if I knew this would happen, I should have told you sooner... I always have bad timing... and I miss opportunities..."

Mu? What exactly is this girl talking about?

Completely bewildered, I looked at Miho and Mizuki alternately, and they both seemed to understand, letting out a wry smile.

I glanced over at the onlookers, and they were reacting in much the same way as the two of them.

Huh? What is this ja? Does this mean I am the only one who has not noticed...?

That cannot be.

"I see... I totally understand how Tokino feels."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I mean, you're making so much effort to get her attention, but she doesn't even notice? And even her super stupid childhood friend noticed, but she's completely oblivious."

"I totally get it! It's like, you know? I was sticking close to him, and we even went to the pool together, but he didn't notice at all!"

"Wow, seriously?! And he didn't even notice... This guy's not just hardcore, he must have carried some terrible karma from his past life, right?"

"That seems plausible for Mahiro-chan."

Miho is taken aback by Tokino's words, while Mizuki gives a wry smile.

I wonder what exactly was so off-putting about it.

"...What is it ja? What are you talking about? I mean, sticking close? In the pool? That is something Tokino has done to me quite a bit, you know? Especially the latter. Is that not a common thing for friends to do in America?"

I was a little taken aback by some of the things that were said, but more than that, I was drawn to the words "sticking close" and "pool."

And when asked if that was not something you would do to a friend, Miho and Mizuki looked astonished, while Tokino looked extremely dejected.

...What kind of reaction is that?

What is more, I get some really intense stares from everyone around me. The stares from my colleagues are especially awful.

Moreover, these inevitably come with criticism.

Did I do something wrong...?

I was puzzled and troubled by the unfounded accusations, and then the answer came to me.

"...It's Mahiro-kun, after all. I knew it. I knew... But it's all too late now, and besides, Mahiro-kun was already married... So I'll just be blunt!"

"O-ou. What is it ja? You suddenly seem pretty fired up..."

Not only was Tokino full of fighting spirit, but her face was also bright red, like a boiled octopus.

After taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth as if she had made up her mind,

"I, I love you!"

Such a short but profound word suddenly appeared.

...Fumu. You love me, huh?

…………………………Huh?

"You... you love me? Tokino. What could that possibly mean?"

What is this? I have a terrible feeling... or perhaps, in this case, a good feeling? But, but... is this not a sign that an absolutely terrible bombshell is about to be dropped?

P-Please, Tokino! I hope my prediction is wrong!

"I really love Mahiro-kun!"

Oh… Jesus….

My worst fears have come true...

As for Tokino's confession,

"""She said it! She finally said it!"""

"""Shuraba! Shuraba!"""

The situation had devolved into something resembling a festival, all due to some incredibly bizarre voices.

Moreover, the fact that the guys are saying things like "finally" suggests that they probably already knew that Tokino was in love with me, right? And the girls seemed to think so too.

...So, what does that mean? That I have been completely unaware of it until now?

And what is more, you are saying I did not notice something even Kengo noticed?

…………Damn, this is so frustrating! I do not know why, but 'tis incredibly frustrating noja!

"I thought so."

"Indeed."

The two people on either side of me were muttering with wry smiles, as if they had expected this to happen.

So you noticed too...?

"But it seems Mahiro-kun got married... Sigh. My first love is over too..."

Tokino looked down sadly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Ugh, what is that? Seeing that makes my heart ache terribly for some reason!

Perhaps because I had known Tokino for a long time, I felt comfortable in our relationship.

I was a little taken aback by the occasional physical contact, but... I guess I can accept that too.

Seeing Tokino, who I would say was my closest friend in this shop, crying so sadly, really hurt my feelings.

I never realized I was so weak to a woman's tears...

"Fumu fumu... By the way, Mahiro-chan."

"Mu, what is it ja?"

"Do you have the capability?"

"...Capability? Is that like, a man's capability?"

"Yes."

"Fumu... let me see... Well, I am already married to two people. And... let me see, maybe two or three more, I could probably..."

"That's good to know!"

With a beaming smile that seemed to say she had been waiting for those words, Mizuki turned to Tokino and began to speak.

"Tokino-san, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"...What is it?"

Wow... Tokino is really depressed...

But there is nothing I can do about it... 'Tis just... unavoidable...

Just as I was starting to feel a little sad myself, another huge bombshell is,

"Tokino-san, if you love Mahiro-chan so much, why don't you just get married too?"

"……Eh?"

"Mizuki!?"

M-marriage, she said?! Hey, this young lady has said something outrageous!

I mean, why is this girl trying to lead me straight to the graveyard of life, completely ignoring the process of becoming lovers?! Is she some kind of grim reaper inviting me to the graveyard of life?!

"Um, Uishi-san. What does that mean? Mahiro-kun and the two of you have already pledged your future to each other...wait, what? The two of you...?"

Tokino looked surprised by Mizuki's suggestion, and questioned her hesitantly, but as she almost finished her sentence, her attention shifted to the fact that it was the two of them.

It seems she had not noticed that.

"Yes. As you can see, Mahiro-chan has developed 'TSF Syndrome'."

"Y-Yeah. Right? Because she's turned into such a cute girl."

The response was as if to say, "So what?"

Seeing that, Mizuki's smile deepened and she said:

"Those who have developed the condition are permitted to practice polygamy."

"--!"

It must have been like a bolt of lightning, or perhaps a revelation from above. Tokino's eyes widened in shock.

"Seriously?! People who have this condition are allowed to have multiple marriages?!"

"I thought that one of them was the common-law wife and the other was the legal wife, but it turns out they're both the legal wives!"

""We're the husband!""

""Y-yes, ma'am.""

They are absolutely not going to compromise on that point...

Moreover, lately I have even started mistaking myself for their wife. Could this mean I am being brainwashed?

...Well, I suppose 'tis fine. I feel like 'tis not really something to worry about...or maybe it is. Hmm. As a former man, I cannot really compromise on that.

"I hate to say this, but if you have even the slightest romantic feelings for this girl, she'll accept it without hesitation."

"Do not talk about someone like that as if they were a typical harem protagonist."

"Was I wrong? Well, two beautiful girls have married you, haven't they?"

"Normally you do nor call yourself a pretty girl... Well, you are both pretty, though."

"Right?"

She puffed out her chest in a cheerful mood.

Fumu... so 'tis not like she doe not have any.

"Um, may we proceed?"

""Please, go ahead.""

"Okay then. So, what do you want to do? Of course, we need to hear not only Tokino-san's feelings, but also Mahiro-chan's..."

"Um, well... R-really? Am I really going to be with Mahiro-kun too?"

"That is, if Mahiro-chan agrees."

"...Mahiro-kun, what do you think?"

Tokino stares at me intently, as if in prayer.

Looking around, I noticed the intense gazes of those around me—especially the girls. They were clearly expecting a lot. I could also hear the boys' voices filled with resentment, saying things like, "Come on, go, Ouka!", "You know what will happen if you refuse, right? Huh?", and "Damn it, why does it always have to be her..."

You guys...

But what should I do?

I think the first step here is to understand my own feelings.

First and foremost, do I like her or not?

There is no doubt that I like this girl. If I disliked her, I would not be working with her this much, and I certainly would not be going out with her.

Next, is it romantic love?

What do I think about that...? I would say I like her ja. I certainly do not dislike her. Besides, I had a vague feeling that she was strangely attached to me. I did not dislike that at all. And also going out together, and the intense physical contact.

In a way, I may have sensed what Miho had been sensing.

In summary, it could be said that my feeling is, "If she confessed her feelings to me, I would date her."

...Mu? Does that mean I like Tokino?

But, but still ja... is this really okay?

'Tis like... if I say OK here, I feel like something terrible is going to happen to me later on... In short, I feel like I will be setting a strange precedent.

...But that is just my own problem. Moreover, I am worrying about something that may not even happen in the future. Is it really fair to just flat-out reject it like that?

That is unacceptable. Sincerity must be met with sincerity.

In that case...

"......Yes. I think I am willing to accept it ja."

"Really?!"

"U-umu."

Tokino leans forward, so close that it feels like we could kiss at any moment.

Ugh, I am starting to feel a little nervous.

Is it because I became conscious of her?

I wonder if I am just prone to falling in love...

"So, then, that means it's OK, right?!"

"That may be the case. Well... I mean, I myself like Tokino. Yes. I like you."

"I……"

"You?"

"I did it――――――――――――――――――!"

She bowed her head and began to tremble, then tears welled up in the corners of her eyes, and she beamed with a hopeful smile, like a magnificent flower in full bloom. In fact, she actually jumped up and down.

That much?

That was what I was thinking when,

"That bastard did it!"

"Damn it! It's so unfair that she gets to do all the winning things!"

"She has three beautiful female husbands... what kind of protagonist is she?"

"Could this possibly mean that if I get that disease, I'll become incredibly popular?!"

"""That's it!"""

...Uumh. I do not think what they are hoping for is going to happen ja.

'Tis just about becoming the ideal person of the opposite sex; whether or not you will be liked by people of the same sex is debatable. In my case, it was someone who already loved me...

"Tch, it didn't turn into a messy, dramatic scene like in a daytime soap opera..."

"But, but, I'm glad Alice-chan got what she deserved!"

"Yes, yes! It was worth giving her advice so many times! Look at that beaming smile! It's beautiful!"

"But Mahiro-kun's a troublemaker too, isn't she? She won't realize it unless you tell her straight up."

"In a sense, she's an enemy of women."

Hey, someone just clicked their tongue.

And apparently they were hoping for a shuraba... How crazy is that?

They are having a little too much fun.

"Hehe, I'm glad it's settled. Well then, let's get things done tomorrow or so. Here you go, submit your marriage registration form."

"Thank you!"

"Oi, hold your horses noja!"

Seeing Tokino receiving herr marriage registration form from Mizuki with beaming faces, I intervened.

"Yes, what's up, Mahiro-chan?"

Mizuki tilted her head, looking puzzled, and asked as if to say, "Is there a problem?"

"Why is a marriage registration form just casually appearing in your bag?! That is ridiculous!"

"Well, you see, Mahiro-chan is not someone you can let your guard down around. It's possible that you might have unknowingly charmed someone, just like Miho, me, or Tokino. And that's especially true if it's someone you're close to. So, just in case someone like that shows up, I always keep a marriage registration form on hand."

"What kind of logic is that?! I mean, I do not have any more girls with whom I have that kind of relationship—"

I stopped speaking after saying that much.

"What's wrong? You don't have more people like us, do you?"

"N-no, there is not... I think? Probably, definitely not."

"You say 'probably, definitely'...that's a lot of contradictions. Is there someone you're worried about?"

"W-well, I can say with certainty that that person is different, so it should be okay, you know?"

"Who is 'that person', Mahiro-chan?"

"T-that person is that person ja. Well... She is a bit of an acquaintance, I should say."

It should be fine. I am not exactly that close to her... or am I?

'Tis me we are talking about here...

No, I should leave that aside for now. I am sure she will not get involved in this kind of thing! It will be fine!

"I see... Well then, could you please write down here?"

"Yes! Of course!"

"...Hey, I have a question."

"What?"

"Why do you two want to skip the dating stage and go straight to marriage noja? Is there any point in doing so now?"

"Hmm... Is it because I like you?"

"That's right."

"That's the only option, isn't it?"

"......I see."

I suppose anything I say will be pointless...

Watching Tokino gleefully begin writing down the form, I gazed into the distance.

I have got more wives now.

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TL note :

Adding Pronouns in Japanese stories are so confusing, especially in this chapter, as you may have noticed.

So, here's my logic :

• If they're talking about the past, I'll use he/him whenever Mahiro is mentioned

• If they're talking about the present, I'll use she/her

That's what I'll do to my other translations too.

Hopefully that will clarify some things.

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