I Will Return Again Chapter 16

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Edited 4/28/19 Pyrnose

We went to the fourth floor stairwell landing at the rear of the school that almost no one uses, so there should be no one here to overhear us.

“As always, Tsutomu-senpai is sweet. You should’ve played dumb and never reacted when I called out Tsutomu-senpai. You should’ve been like ‘I don’t understand,’ but you always respond so seriously.” (Saki)

Saki and Miyuki then shrug their shoulders. A moment later, Saki looks at me with narrowed eyes, making me very uncomfortable.

“You’re a… vampire now, aren’t you? I can’t believe such a thing happened to you.” (Saki)

There’s no use to attempt to hide it anymore. Saki knows what happened to me.

“I’m standing right in front of you and this is the best proof of all, so you have to believe it. Anyway, it’s not all that hard.” (Tsukasa)

Saki immediately believes me and then…

“Don't worry. I won't tell anyone about your change. After all, I don’t want Tsutomu-senpai to hate me.” (Saki)

She swears that she’ll keep the secret of who I was. While I’m relieved, I do have some questions. Such as,

“Don’t I make you uncomfortable? I was a man, but now I’m a woman.” (Tsukasa)

I wonder how people who know how I used to look see me now.

“I’m not uncomfortable and I think you’re rather cute. Anyway, Tsutomu-senpai always had a girly face.” (Saki)

Saki thought of me like that.

“Ahaha~ Oh, so that’s how it is.” (Tsukasa)

A girly face… I see. I had a girly face. Another shocking new fact that I find out now that I’m a girl. Get over it, I can’t let it worry me. I pull myself together to ask my next question.

“How did you realize it was me?” (Tsukasa)

I have no idea. I had no clue Saki was suspicious of me, so I relaxed. I was suddenly called Tsutomu-senpai from behind and turned to look without thinking.

Saki’s hand touches her lips with a thoughtful expression. Shortly, she says,

“I thought that the relations.h.i.+p between Miyuki and Tsukasa is similar to the relations.h.i.+p between Tsutomu and Miyuki.” (Saki)

“Our relations.h.i.+p?” (Tsukasa)

“Yes. Especially, the way you two of you look at each other. Elder brother to little sister, rather than little sister to elder sister. Kind of like that.” (Saki)

How did you notice that with such sleepy eyes? As usual, the way she looks and acts are polar opposites.

“I said it like I figured it out, but, in fact, I eavesdropped on your conversation in the courtyard. I came to my conclusion after listening to you and looking at how you two act; the result is I decided you are Tsutomu-senpai. Of course, it was more of a hunch or intuition; until Tsutomu-senpai turned around that I was totally convinced. Rest a.s.sured, neither Hayate, nor Akane, know who you are and I doubt anyone else in school will figure it out, unless they are like me, who’s been watching Tsutomu-senpai for the last two years.” (Saki)

“Oh, I see. Good.” (Tsukasa)

There’s no one else other than Saki… Relieved, I pat my chest. However, it’s far too early to be totally rea.s.sured, since I have yet to hear of the most important answer. Nervously, I look at Saki.

“…So, Saki, what are you going to do now that you know who I am?” (Tsukasa)

After I ask her my question, Saki’s eyes widen.

“I was simply curious, so I don’t intend to do anything. However, can I ask one thing of you?” (Saki)

Here it is. The condition to keep who I am a secret. I’m so vulnerable. What kind of thing are you going to ask of me?

“Come to the clubroom from time to time to hang out with Akane. It’s okay just to come talk to Akane.” (Saki)

“…Really?” (Tsukasa)

That’s it? I’m amazed, since I thought for sure she would be demanding something far more detestable.

“Is that alright?” (Tsukasa)

“Yes. Akane still wanted to be with Tsutomu-senpai. After you graduated, she was very depressed all during spring break.” (Saki)

The always-irrepressible Akane? I have a hard time believing that.

“When she saw Tsukasa, she bounced back some. I’m not asking you to join the entertainment department. However, it’d be great if you could come to the club room sometimes to talk to Akane. Or is that not going to work?” (Saki)

“…” (Tsukasa)

If this is true, Saki, who knows my secret, should be coming on more strongly and demanding that I go to the clubroom, as well as become a member. Nevertheless, she’s bowing her head to me and begging.

Embarra.s.sed by her unexpected behavior, I look over at Miyuki as if asking her to say something. I know what I want to say since I think I should do it too. The other part is whether I can bear the risk of being so close to Akane.

After a moment of thought, I hold out my hand silently. Saki tilts her head, looking at me strangely.

“...Application form for joining the club.” (Tsukasa)

“...Eh?” (Saki)

“Please give me the application form! I want to join the entertainment department!” (Tsukasa)

Saki’s eyes widen in astonishment, but soon, her eyes begin to sparkle.

“You’re joining us?” (Saki)

“Oh, I have no idea who I am as yet, but I don’t want to be estranged from my friends, especially now. You know, I have a feeling; even if they found out about me, they would laugh and forgive me. Possibly, maybe, I hope so.” (Tsukasa)

I don’t have much confidence, but I dislike being a completely different person more. Besides, wouldn’t me getting closer to Akane and Saki also help me get used to being a girl since I have to learn anyway?

“…I understand.” (Saki)

Saki takes out a folded application form from her pocket and hands it to me.

“I’ll help you out as much as I can. Let’s all become friends again.” (Saki)

“Yes. Thank you.” (Tsukasa)

Saki smiles, offers her hand for a handshake, and I take her hand.

“Welcome To Entertainment Club.” (Saki)