Chapter 18: The Protagonist Finds a Clue to the TS Girl’s Past

I looked around from my desk in the classroom. Almost everyone here was a Connector.

Compared to when we first enrolled, everyone seemed a little more worn down. I’d heard that Connectors tend to be more mentally stable than Curse Seekers, but now… no one really looked like they had much room to breathe.

After linking with everyone through Connect Link, I started to understand what Akegami-san meant.

It was vague, but… it really was true—you could sense where Curse Seekers were. Even with my eyes closed, I could tell their location. It felt like I could find them even if I got lost.

Next time we train, maybe we should try working together. Up until now, Kisa-san always charged in on her own, and things usually fell apart from there.

I confirmed it during training, but Akegami-san’s movements are seriously impressive.

Sharp—that’s the word for it. She’s probably among the stronger Curse Seekers. She did say she had a lot of experience, and that might actually be true.

…But trying to forcibly peek into her memories during Connect Link—that was a mistake.

I shouldn’t pry like that. It’s not like I want to dig up her past for no reason. Still… it might be something I need to understand.

Come to think of it, I feel like I’ve been thinking about Akegami-san nonstop since training ended. …Honestly, it’d be nice if all of this was just in our heads, and she turned out to be nothing more than a cheerful, normal girl.

"Yo, Nagisa."

"Morning, Kanzaki."

Kanzaki was one of the few classmates who hadn’t changed much.

"So, how’ve things been lately?"

…He probably meant Akegami-san.

Ever since she started sticking close to me no matter where we were, some classmates caught on, and now I keep getting asked about it.

I lifted my chin from my hand and turned toward him.

"There’s nothing going on. We’re just teammates."

"Yeah, but even teammates don’t get that close. From what I’ve heard, she’s pretty into you."

"The other day, she said she just does it because my reactions are funny. She’s not even sure if she likes me."

"Oh? Playing it cool, huh? Nobody goes that far just for fun."

…Honestly, I kind of agree. But Akegami-san isn’t exactly someone you can measure by normal standards.

"What about you, Kanzaki?"

"My team? We’re doing alright. Though… there’s one girl who keeps freaking out. I somehow manage by calming her down."

"Th-That sounds… rough. Is that okay?"

"Not really sure why, but she seems better when we’re connected through Connect Link."

Does Connect Link help mentally? Maybe having that connection gives a sense of security.

Oh right—there was something I wanted to ask.

"Kanzaki, have you ever heard of ‘Naraku Returners’?"

Kanzaki’s eyes widened.

"…Didn’t expect you to be into that stuff."

"What do you mean, ‘that stuff’?"

"Naraku Returners—those monsters who go around soloing hundreds of Deep Calamities. That’s the rumor, anyway."

"…What?"

"Yeah, and apparently their bodies change too or something."

"I’ve only heard about that part…"

"Honestly, it’s probably just some strong Curse Seeker with exaggerated rumors attached to them."

A strong Curse Seeker, huh. Akegami-san did seem strong, but… not to the point of becoming some kind of legend.

More importantly, what kind of conditions would cause physical changes? I don’t know if it applies to her, but if those rumors exist, maybe someone like that really did exist. Maybe it happens once you reach a certain level of strength.

While I was lost in thought, someone tapped my shoulder.

"Um… Shinozaki-something?"

I turned around to see a girl with brown hair tied to the side and slightly sharp eyes, though her features were undeniably beautiful.

Shishiba-san.

"Shishiba-san? What are you doing here?"

"Obviously, I came to see you. I’m pretty busy right now, you know. First time back in a while, so I’m basically in rehab mode—spamming skills to get my feel back. I don’t really have time after school, so now’s the only chance."

…She talks a lot.

She casually sat on Kanzaki’s desk and started chatting. Kanzaki looked completely caught off guard.

"So… what did you want to talk about?"

"Well, Akegami told me not to talk about the past, so I can’t anymore. Just letting you know."

"…Got it."

I had been hoping to ask about Akegami-san’s middle school days, but I guess that’s off the table.

Well, I should probably ask her directly anyway.

"—So ask someone else. There’s a guy named Haraguchi in the class next door."

"Huh?"

"If I’m not allowed to talk, just ask someone else, right?"

"I mean… I guess?"

Shishiba-san gave a bold, mischievous grin.

…She’s got quite the personality.

Still, Haraguchi, huh. I don’t know him, but he must’ve known Akegami-san back in middle school.

"If you feel guilty digging into her past, just say you want advice on how to get closer to her or something."

"…That’s pretty forceful."

"It’s fine. Just make up a reason. See ya."

She waved lightly and left as suddenly as she came. …Maybe she was trying to help in her own way.

"…Is she on your team?"

"Not exactly, but she might join at some point."

Well, that’s just Akegami-san inviting people on her own.

"Man, the Curse Seekers around you are all ridiculously good-looking."

…He’s not wrong.

Akegami-san is so cute it’s hard to believe she’s this clingy with me, and Kisa-san and Kototsuka-san are both beautiful too. Even Shishiba-san—her sharp eyes aside—is undeniably pretty.

I don’t know why I’m surrounded by people like this.

…Normally, this kind of situation would make my heart race, but after being constantly smothered by Akegami-san, I think I’ve gotten used to it.

Well… other things have happened too.

"What about your team?"

"Same as I said—pretty average."

“Pretty average,” huh…

Kanzaki’s a straightforward guy, so he probably means it.

Even if they’re attractive, relationships within a team apparently tend to end in disaster. Hard to say if that’s a good thing or not… Though if Kanzaki got a girlfriend, that girl who keeps losing it might spiral even worse.

Still, since he gave me a lead, I should try talking to Haraguchi.

"Naaagisa-kun!"

"Huh—guh?!"

Something slammed into my back, and my face hit the desk.

When I lifted my head, slender arms wrapped around me from behind. The warmth and softness… it was all too familiar.

"Ah, sorry. Just needed to recharge a bit."

"A-Akegami-san!?"

"…Nagisa, you might want to tone it down in the classroom."

"I’m the one being attacked here!"

"Yep, barging in~. Hmm, maybe I’ll just sleep here today."

"What are you even saying?!"

I could feel everyone in the classroom staring. It hurt.

Why would she come all the way here in the morning!? This is ridiculous.

As I tried to pry her arms off me, I felt a slight tremble—and without thinking, I grabbed her hand.

"What is it, Nagisa-kun?"

Her soft laugh brushed against my ear.

…She definitely thinks this is her chance to mess with me.

"Did you fall for me?"

"…Just let go, please."

"And here I thought you were the one grabbing me so passionately."

Reluctantly, she let go, though she looked a bit dissatisfied.

…Great. I’m definitely getting interrogated by my classmates again today.

Also, what does she mean by “recharge”? Like she has to tease me daily or something?

Please no.

"Wow, everyone’s staring. Want to make it more dramatic?"

"No, we don’t!"

"…I wouldn’t mind letting you have your way with me a little, Nagisa-kun."

"Please don’t."

After finishing her teasing, Akegami-san finally left the classroom.

Now… what am I supposed to do about all these stares?

"Nagisa, seriously, keep it under control."

Looks like I’ll have to start by clearing up Kanzaki’s misunderstanding.