I Play the Role of (Villain/Heroine) in a Japanese-style Otome Game Chapter 8.1

Kousuke-kun’s such a good boy ;-;

Wafū Otome Gē de (Akuyaku/Hiroin) Yattemasu

I Play the Role of a Heroine
 – The Outstanding Onmyouji [Part 1]

　Chako and Kousuke-kun have come to pick me up after Student Council and my conversation with Tomotaka-senpai.
It seems they specially dropped by on the way home from the pool.
Conversing through the phone, we arrange to meet by the main entrance because they aren't allowed to enter school in their casual clothes.

　The chirps of the evening cicadas are noisy.
Evidently reaching the main entrance before I do, I see Chako and Kousuke-kun there, fooling around for some reason.
Seeing me, Chako waves her hand in delight.
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　A white lace maxi dress.
She has on a denim s.h.i.+rt over that, leaving its front open.
Her long black hair is braided and gathered into a bun at the back.

　So cute…

　I'm slightly charmed by Chako, who differs from usual.
Kousuke-kun's clad in a white s.h.i.+rt and a gray plaid three-quarter pants, matching his mischievous atmosphere.

"Chako, Kousuke-kun, sorry for inconveniencing you."

　When I call out after returning her wave, the two having so much fun just now, stiffen.
They're probably surprised at the sight of the person behind me.

"h.e.l.lo there."

　That person suddenly gives a smile and greets Chako and Kousuke-kun.

　That's right.
For some reason, Tomotaka-senpai came with me to the main entrance.

"h.e.l.lo."
"… 'ello."
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　The two appear to have regained some composure after being greeted; they each returns a greeting.
In Chako's case, with an extremely pretty smile.
Meanwhile, Kousuke-kun's eyes are still wide in surprise.
　I observe the two's conditions.

　Kousuke-kun differs from usual and feels somewhat cold.
On the other hand, Chako's weirder than such a Kousuke-kun.
She normally gives a bright smile no matter who it is, but it's a perfect bishoujo smile in front of Tomotaka-senpai.

　During the first round, I thought this was because Chako liked Tomotaka-senpai.
I thought it was because she wanted to show senpai her good side, even if just a little. I thought it was because she was nervous. However…

"I heard you went to the pool? Did you have fun?"
"Yes."
"I see. That's good to hear."

　Tomotaka-senpai asks and Chako replies.
Senpai then gives that sparkly smile that's a grade above his princely one.

　The senpai today is amazing.
How many people does he want to bewitch with that smile?
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　I feel blood rus.h.i.+ng to my cheeks when I look at that smile.
Although I thought that even Chako will be done in by that sparkly smile, she takes a step back for some reason, placing half of her body behind Kousuke-kun.

"So even phantoms can enjoy the pool."

　Tomotaka-senpai chuckles.
His smile isn't particularly warped.

　Still, isn't that line wrong?

　Stumped by Tomotaka-senpai's words, I look up at him.
Thankfully, Chako continues to smile prettily even after hearing that line.
As for Kousuke-kun, he doesn't seem conscious of the meaning behind those words. Not displaying any particular reaction, he seems more interested in the Chako hiding behind him.

　Even as I'm relieved that the two aren't really bothered, I nudge Tomotaka-senpai and make him face me.
I then start to whisper.

"That sounds sarcastic, senpai."
"Does it? It's a frank opinion and has no malice behind it."
"No. You are becoming like an elementary schoolboy again."
"… I see."
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　Tomotaka-senpai's gesture suggests that he's thinking.
While I believe his awareness towards phantoms has changed, it appears that old habits die hard.
… Senpai, hold yourself together.

　While Tomotaka-senpai and I whisper, with the pretty smile still on her face, Chako addresses Tomotaka-senpai.
Customarily, half her body is still hidden behind Kousuke-kun.

"Student Council President, is your house on this side?"
"No, it's nearer if I leave by the back gate."

　Why are you here then.

　Is what's vividly written on Kousuke-kun's face.
Chako continues to smile prettily but she probably thinks the same.

"Well then, we will be going off now."

　"Goodbye", Chako promptly cuts the conversation and begins to walk.
Kousuke-kun also follows Chako after greeting Tomotaka-senpai.

"I will be going too."

　I'll be left behind by those two if I don't go soon.

"Thank you for your hard work. See you again tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you again tomorrow."
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　When I give Tomotaka-senpai my greetings, senpai also goes "See you," waving his hand.
Chako  and Kousuke-kun are waiting for me a short distance away.
As I hurry towards them, Chako's eyes widen. In impatience.

"Hey hey, Yui-chan, why was the Student Council President there?"
"I wonder why. Maybe he wanted to see phantoms after it's come to light that he likes them?"

　That's, probably why?
I don't really understand but when I give such an answer, Chako tilts her head with an "Eh?" while Kousuke-kun gives a ma.s.sive frown.

"Huh? Kamo-senpai is an onmyouji, right. What do you mean he likes phantoms?"
"Because we happened to talk about it today?"

　Kousuke-kun looks speechless at my reply.

"Naba sure is unsuspecting. That's, probably, putting a check."
"Putting a check?"

　My eyes widen at the phrase that didn't even cross my mind.

　Why would Tomotaka-senpai put a check?
Actually, who did he even put a check on?

　When I tilt my head in puzzlement, Kousuke-kun's gesture suggests that he's thinking.
Subsequently, he murmurs: "Maybe it's better for Naba to know this."

"There's a Phantom Faction and an Onmyouji Faction in this school."
"Eh?"
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　Phantom and Onmyouji Factions?
I’m surprised at the disturbing words that surfaced somewhat abruptly.
After all, I wasn't told this in the first round. Besides, school is the very picture of peace even now.

"Well, I don't know how much is shown on the surface. There's a lot going on behind the scenes, apparently."
"I see…"

　Kousuke-kun's making such a clear declaration. There's definitely something going on.

"But what do you mean it's better for me to know this?"
"… Naba, it's because you're the Priestess of Ominous Clouds."

　『Priestess of Ominous Clouds』。
I've heard that before.
In the first round, Kousuke-kun told me when I wanted to help him.
That I'm the Priestess of Ominous Clouds and I can grant power.
"Do grant me power," he said on that Valentine's.

"Priestess of Ominous Clouds."
"Yeah. She can grant powers to phantoms. That's also the reason you're often attacked by phantoms, Naba."
"… Un."

　That's right.
That's also the reason I wasn't able to go to the pool today.

"Yui-chan, Kousuke-kun, it's hot here. Let's walk?"
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　Chako calls out to us, who're deep in conversation and have stopped walking. She then begins to walk.
Perhaps Chako isn't interested in this conversation; she's walking ahead alone, looking at the sky absentmindedly.
Kousuke-kun and I walk side-by-side behind her.

"How is the Priestess of Ominous Clouds related to those Phantom and Onmyouji Factions?"
"Aah. I guess it's 'cos the greatest matter of interest to the two factions now, is which side will obtain the Priestess of Ominous Clouds' power."
"… But, it's not like I'm going to do anything?"

　I'm only living a normal school life, be it during the first round or right now.
It's unthinkable that such conspiracies and schemes are related to me.

　When I lower my eyes in bewilderment, Kousuke-kun pats my back with a tap.

"Yeah, that's why you don't need to feel so concerned. There's various stuff going on but they're unrelated to you, Naba."

　Under the rays of the summer sun, Kousuke-kun looks at me and beams.

"Just in case. I just thought it may be better that you know. Because Kamo-senpai’s in the Onmyouji Faction."

　I see.
Tomotaka-senpai's in the Onmyouji Faction.
Him treating me kindly may just be him trying to win me over.
That's why Kousuke-kun told me.
To be careful of Tomotaka-senpai.

"… Is Kousuke-kun in the Phantom Faction?"
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　Did he tell me that because he's in the Phantom Faction?
Just as how by showing that I'm with him[1], Tomotaka-senpai puts a check on Kousuke-kun, is Kousuke-kun telling me about Tomotaka-senpai to put a check on him?

　I stare up at Kousuke-kun.

"Nah, I'm not in the Phantom Faction. Naturally, I'm not in the Onmyouji Faction either."

　Kousuke-kun doesn't waver in face of my stare. He looks back at me.

"I just think it'll be good if Naba can live a school life normally."

　Tap, he pats my back once again.
As though I gain strength from the area that Kousuke-kun patted, it steadily warms.

"Well, I can't deny I'm leaning towards the Phantom Faction because I'm a phantom. You're the same right, Chako?"

　Kousuke-kun addresses the Chako walking in front.
Without turning back, Chako looks up at the sky customarily.

"Difficult matters like that are too tiresome."
"I know right."

　Kousuke-kun laughs in a refres.h.i.+ng manner.
With her back to us, Chako goes "Hehehe," laughing brightly.
I stare at that back.
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　Chako isn't telling the truth.

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　After all, Chako went to defeat Kousuke-kun in the first round.
She was there as though she knew everything.
Tomotaka-senpai was there too.

　Had you gone to defeat Kousuke-kun because you're in the Onmyouji Faction?

　Had you gone to defeat Tomotaka-senpai because you're in the Phantom Faction?

　Hey, Chako.
What are you shouldering, being here?

"More importantly, Yui-chan! The pool was amazing!"

　Chako changes the subject and turns towards me.
Her usual bright smile.
Even as I feel that that smile is somehow distant, the three of us walk till we reach home.

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[1] As in in the same location/spot. Probably referring to him going to the main/front entrance with Yui.