In order to save the villainous twin sisters from falling into darkness, the mob character worked hard, and as a result, ended up being doted on by both of them.
“Finally, we can relax, huh?”
“When classmates are around, it’s hard not to feel self-conscious, isn’t it?”
After Hoshina-san and her group left, Saki and Soyoka stretched out their bodies as if they’d been freed.
For the two of them, it seemed that running into classmates was something they’d rather avoid.
“So, Saki and Soyoka, you don’t want to get along with the other classmates?”
It was a genuine question.
In the story, they were portrayed as villainous noble ladies, with the focus solely on their behavior and hardly any insight into their inner thoughts.
The more I got to know them, the more I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a special reason they kept people at a distance.
“…”
The two exchanged glances, silently confirming something with their eyes.
After nodding slightly and letting out a breath, Saki spoke up first.
“I’m only saying this because it’s you, Touko, but we don’t hate our classmates or anything.”
“It’s just that the way the class works doesn’t really suit us.”
“…Meaning?”
Their vague distinction only deepened my curiosity.
“You know about it too, Touko, don’t you? Our class is split into what they call the ‘two major factions.'”
“You know, the so-called ‘Otowa faction’ and ‘Hoshina faction.'”
It was knowledge I shared, having played the original game.
This class had been divided into two major forces, led by the heroine.
Otowa Mitsuki was admired by people with a refined, thoughtful vibe.
Hoshina Miyabi was adored by those with a flashy, decorative flair.
Both of them had charm in completely opposite ways and possessed charisma to match.
As a result, the human relationships in the class had been built around them as leaders.
“We’re just not interested in that kind of thing.”
“If you don’t belong to a faction, you’re treated like an outcast, so it’s a tough world to live in.”
… I see.
It’s true that there’s an atmosphere where if you don’t belong somewhere, you’re treated like an oddball.
That tendency was especially pronounced at Shizuka Girls’ Academy, a place steeped in class consciousness.
The Futami sisters didn’t like that pressure to conform, which is why they ended up isolated.
“But if that’s the case, couldn’t you get along with Aizawa-san?”
In the original story, *Kanohana*, Aizawa Tsugumi transfers into the midst of this factional whirlwind and sparks a change.
The heroine falls for Aizawa-san’s fair and gentle nature, captivated by her and eventually falling in love.
That encounter shifts their perspectives, thawing the icy relationship between the two factions.
That was the gist of the story.
And in the sense of not belonging to either faction, Aizawa Tsugumi and the Futami sisters could be seen as counterparts.
“That’d be a little difficult.”
“There’s a difference in values, you know.”
“Huh…?”
Surprisingly, they were more negative about Aizawa-san than the two major factions.
No, in terms of the story’s design, that relationship dynamic might make sense.
But the more I got to know the real Saki and Soyoka, the more their reaction felt off.
“‘Let’s all get along’—that’s just a fairy tale.”
“It’d be nice if it were possible, but we know it’s just as hard as it sounds.”
“That might be true… but isn’t it a good way to think?”
They weren’t denying Aizawa-san’s ideals outright.
Still, it seemed like they had their own reservations, preventing them from fully embracing that mindset.
“Even if everyone held hands, competition would still pop up eventually. We’re just tired of that kind of thing.”
“Well, it’s more like we can’t choose either side, really.”
That was the Futami sisters’ answer.
It felt detached, almost tinged with guilt.
There must have been a backstory that led them to that conclusion, but they didn’t seem ready to share it yet.
“You two are really honest, aren’t you?”
There were probably plenty of smoother ways they could’ve handled it.
But the Futami sisters, who didn’t even try to play that game, were more honest with themselves—and more awkward—than anyone else.
That set them apart from me, a background character who just went along with the crowd.
Maybe that’s why they’d always intrigued me.
“S-Stop it… don’t try to wrap it up with vague flattery like that.”
“You’re the only one who treats us like good girls, Touko-chan, and it’s hard to know how to react.”
Saki and Soyoka averted their eyes, looking flustered.
Since I’d only ever known them in antagonistic roles, maybe they weren’t used to being affirmed like this.
“No, I really mean it—I think you’re amazing. I admire how you can put your thoughts into words.”
I don’t have the strength to stand by my own opinions.
I’m weak, so it’s easier to stay quiet and blend in with everyone else.
Even knowing I’ll just end up as part of the faceless crowd.
That’s why I could see so clearly how strong Saki and Soyoka were for not bending to others.
“You’re the only one who’d say something like that, Touko.”
“Minorities are destined to be ostracized, you know.”
I think they’re pure.
Because they’re so pure, they can’t even lie to themselves, and they end up getting hurt while staying true to who they are.
That friction with everyone else must have left them with no choice but to lose themselves in the end.
“But Saki, Soyoka—please take care of yourselves too.”
It’s beautiful how they keep standing tall, showing their true selves.
But at the same time, watching them wear themselves down like that makes me sad.
“…I don’t want to hear that from you, Touko.”
“…You’re the last person who should be saying that, Touko-chan.”
“Huh?”
They both shot me deadpan looks at the same time.
That wasn’t the reaction I’d expected at all.
“You’re the one who needs to value yourself more, Touko.”
“You’re the one with an injured leg, Touko-chan.”
“Oh, uh… this…”
The injury I’d gotten while trying to help the Futami sisters.
They were staring at it with pained expressions.
“It’s a badge of honor. This is nothing.”
If a little leg injury meant I could save them from a tragic ending, it’s a small price to pay.
“That’s exactly the kind of thinking we’re saying is no good!”
“Maybe you should think about yourself more, Touko-chan!”
Whoa…
The conversation was veering off in an unexpected direction, but I wasn’t backing down.
“I’m only saying this because I care about you, Saki and Soyoka.”
“And I’m saying this because I care about you, Touko!”
“I’m saying it because I care about you too, Touko-chan!”
…Huh?
The arrows of our hearts—mine and the Futami sisters’—were pointing at each other.
“Why are we even arguing about this?”
“Because you don’t care about yourself enough, Touko!”
“You really need to notice your own charm, Touko-chan!”
…My charm?
“Compared to how amazing you two are, Saki and Soyoka, I’ve got nothing.”
“Don’t put yourself down to lift us up!”
“That’s why it scares us to watch you neglect yourself like that.”
Whoa…
That feeling was awfully similar to what I felt when I looked at the Futami sisters.
It seems we’d been harboring pretty similar feelings for each other.
“So, does that mean we’re actually good friends?”
“You’re only realizing that now?!”
“We’ve been friends for a while, so catch up already!”
The Futami sisters, flustered as they were, put their feelings for me into words.
I just wish everyone else could see how lovable these sisters are.