Chapter 2: The guess had a back face.

The next day, after it was known that U-Ka, the vocalist of "Mangetsu no Yoru ni Sakitai," was in our school, our class was filled with excitement.

"I can't believe Hanafusa is U-Ka! Seriously!""Oh, why didn't you tell us earlier?""U-Ka-chan, can I get your autograph?""Ah, me too!""Me too, me too! I want to show off to my friends!""This is truly amazing. We're in the same class as a celebrity!"

Even the male and female students gathered around Hanafusa's seat, throwing words like that. However, this reaction was understandable.

After all, having a famous artist in your own class -- and also the vocalist of a highly popular teenage unit -- was bound to impress people. In such a situation, it was hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere.

With an excited class like that, while everyone was interested in her, she maintained a cheerful attitude, not showing any signs of displeasure. Facing her classmates who were gathered around her, she smiled brightly.

"Hahaha. You're all paying too much attention to me. I appreciate it, but actually, I'm not the extraordinary one... It's the 'Mangetsu' unit and Tanimachi-san who are extraordinary. I was just chosen by them... So, I'm happy if you can continue being friends with me as usual, as classmates."

"Okay, Yuka-chan, we understand! So, as classmates, sign this colored board!"

"That would be too strange if done as classmates, right? Hehe."

After Hanafusa made her joke, everyone around her laughed. Since she entered this school and became her classmate, for some reason, I've already sensed it, but Hanafusa Yuka seemed to be a humble girl.

She treated everyone kindly without discrimination, not being arrogant about her beauty, and always smiled. She was the healing presence in our class, with her attractive appearance and good personality.

I understand that it's a surprising fact that she is U-Ka from Mangetsu, but as a fan, it's an acceptable reality. Hanafusa Yuka's way of being the "Admired Madonna" that appeared in interviews and her presence in front of me now, it's just fitting. More than just being happy to have an oshi as a classmate... I'm really glad that U-Ka from Mangetsu is Hanafusa, a girl who matches the image I have!

Thinking like that, I watched her from outside the circle, alone.

Well, as a devoted fan like me, I won't waver just because she is in the same class as U-Ka from Mangetsu. Sorry, that's a lie. My heart is pounding, and my breath is uneven. Does anyone have a "Kyushin" (calming pill)? If this continues, my heart feels like it's going to explode...

Although I got carried away by such excitement, I am an otaku who tends to be alone, so I know I will never have a chance to interact with Hanafusa, a popular girl like her.

In general, I think just hoping for that makes me a failure as a fan.

Thinking about things like that, the morning bell rang, and homeroom started.

And today, for me who discovered the surprising fact yesterday, it feels different, but in reality, not much has changed, and it goes on like any other day that passes.

Oh, but that's right. After school today, I plan to secretly slip a fan letter that I wrote onto Hanafusa's desk. Regarding this, it's entirely for my own satisfaction... As a fan who loves Mangetsu deeply, is it okay for me to do such a trivial thing?

◆◆◆

A few days have passed since then, during the lunch break.

"Why do we all have to be on duty... This system is too outdated, a system from the old days..." Complaining like that, I held the garbage bag with both hands as I exited the classroom and made my way towards the back of the school building. I wanted to quickly finish my task and approach the trash area when— in the usually deserted spot, I realized that there were other people there.

One of them was Hanae Hanafusa, the rising star. The other was a handsome man with a well-groomed face... Both stood at a certain distance, looking at each other.

"So, I'm serious about this...— I want to date you," he said.

Upon hearing those words, I quickly hid in a corner of the school building. Ah, that handsome guy, he's so bold to confess his feelings to Hanafusa-san in such a secluded place! He knows that you are the most desired person, U-Ka! What a fool...!

As a fan, I thought that way, but if I think rationally, it's actually the opposite. Perhaps he's attracted to Hanae Hanafusa because she carries the brand value of being the "most desired U-Ka." I understand, he's that type of person.

So, I immediately sent my thoughts to Hanae. Hanafusa-san, can you hear me? Right now, I'm reaching out to you directly through your thoughts... He's someone who only thinks about worldly matters more than anything else. As the cultural festival approaches, he'll form a band just for popularity, and on holidays, he'll sit on a coffee shop terrace with a tall latte, flirting with women who seem like they can be taken to bed after exchanging messages on Instagram. Please reject his confession...

He's someone who harbors a lot of prejudice against handsome men. I don't know if my malicious thoughts reached her or not, but when Hanafusa-san accepted his confession, she showed a regretful expression on her face and said,

"I'm sorry, Kyuki-senpai. I can't be in a relationship with you."

Ha! See that! You handsome guy! Today, I can savor someone else's misery!

As I entertained such wicked thoughts, Hanafusa continued her words with a pained expression on her face.

"I know you're an interesting person, Kyuki-senpai. But I don't have romantic feelings for you... And also, I have work and don't have time for dating—"

"What? Just because you're a little famous, you feel arrogant?" he asked.

"Eh?"

At that moment, when Hanafusa expressed her rejection, the expression on the person called Kyuki-senpai clearly changed. His face turned red like a monkey, and there was a clear sense of hatred emanating from his eyes.

"What's your problem? What's your problem? You're really serious... I was just joking, right?"

"Eh... joking?"

"Who would be serious about a woman as arrogant and boring as you? Don't be so confident just because you have good looks. I only wanted to sleep with a woman like you, I don't love you at all. Don't misunderstand."

After saying that, the person known as Kyuki-senpai walked away from Hanafusa, turning his back on her. ...He's truly a small and despicable man. Just because his pride was hurt, he wanted to hurt others in return. He's truly a petty man.

...And what did he say to my idol? "I'll kill you," huh? Of course, I don't have the courage to actually do it, but... Kyuki-senpai, I noted your face and name well... Remember that if I get my hands on a Death Note...

After sighing like that in my heart, I gazed at Hanafusa. After hearing such hurtful words, is she okay...

Feeling worried, I looked at her... And suddenly, she stood in front of the large outdoor trash bin—the one I wanted to put the garbage into now.

Then, she spun around it and followed with a light "thud, thud" sound, tapping the side of the trash bin with the tip of her loafers a few times. While doing so, she muttered.

"After going home, I'll definitely eat pudding."

...Eh? Pudding? Why?

I furrowed my brow, and as I did, she once again, this time with more force, slammed the trash bin with a "thud, thud" sound. While doing so, she repeated her earlier words.

"After going home, I'll definitely eat pudding."

So, why pudding? Why is Hanafusa now, while announcing that she'll eat pudding after this, slamming the large trash bin used for work?

While pondering that, Hanafusa continued her actions and words. "I'll eat pudding" thud! "I'll eat pudding" thud! "I'll eat pudding" thud! ...The force of her punches to the trash bin grew stronger. If observed closely, the side of the trash bin kicked by Hanafusa started to cave in slightly.

".........."

Oh, wait a minute, what are you doing, Hanafusa-san?

Of course, you shouldn't be kicking school equipment like that with your rocker shoes. The Hanafusa I know would never do something like this.

Ignoring the fact that her school uniform skirt was lifted, she swung her leg with all her might. Then, with a forceful impact on the sole of her shoe, she kicked the trash bin lock. *Thud! Thud! Thud!* She repeated it several times while shouting at the top of her lungs.

"When I go home! Definitely! I will eat pudding!"

And, at the next moment... *Crash!* a loud sound echoed as the outdoor trash bin that had endured the shocks for so long was kicked by Hanafusa's foot.

"Haa, haa, haa... fuu."

However, the person who committed such an act not only showed no remorse but also wiped off the sweat pouring down her forehead and smiled cheerfully. No, why does she seem so satisfied with what she has done?

"What is she doing...?"

"──!? W-Who's there!?"

Oops, I accidentally made a sound.

I was taken aback as Hanafusa turned her body and found me, and I reflexively froze. We stared at each other sharply, and I spontaneously gave an awkward smile. Then, at the next moment... she approached me with determined steps!?

Oh no, oh no, oh no! Hanafusa, the girl who just kicked the trash bin so forcefully... or rather, it could be said that she's getting closer to me!?

Then, Hanafusa stood in front of me, and with a slightly fake smile, she said.

"You saw, right?"

Was that about her words and expressions? It's truly frightening.

Thinking so, I moistened my lips with my tongue to moisten them, and finally managed to speak.

"Y-yeah... k-kicking the trash bin like that... that's not good, right..."

".... I see. What about the confession part?"

"Of course, I saw it... it's true that the senior who confessed his love was an annoying person, but, but, kicking the trash bin because of that, it's a bit excessive..."

"Oh, I see. So, you saw everything?"

"Y-yes... and, about eating pudding after going home... what does it mean...?"

"........"

After I asked that question, Hanafusa blushed slightly and turned her face away. Hm? It seems like she's feeling shy, but why?

As I felt puzzled, she tightly closed her eyes and lowered her head. Then, after rubbing her eyes a few times, she lifted her face and looked at me. ...Of course, as her devoted fan, I became a little nervous when she looked at me, but only for a moment. That's because... the expression she's showing now is different from the usual Hanafusa in the classroom.

There's something that gives me goosebumps, a beautiful yet chilling smile.

"Hey, Yomiyaku-kun. Yomiyaku-kun, Hikarisuke Yomiyaku-kun."

"Eh... Wh-why are you, calling my name..."

"Yuka-chan, she's been thinking since yesterday, 'How can I say something so that the senior won't be hurt too much,' and she's quite troubled by it. So, Yuka-chan thought of various dialogues, felt nervous, and managed to 'reject' that senior - his name is Kuki-senpai. But, that person responded with such an attitude. It's very cruel, isn't it?"

"Ah, yes, indeed. That's very cruel..."

"So, earlier Yuka-chan - I was thinking if I should cut off 'this' belonging to this person and make him unable to engage in lewd acts with women anymore."

'────'

Her strong words left me speechless. My fantasies about Hanafusa Yuka were shattered.

More importantly, I realized that my fantasies about U-Ka, the vocalist of "Blooming Under the Full Moon," were also disrupted by the loud noise.

"But even though I thought that in my heart, of course, I can't do something cruel like that, right? So, I just released a little bit of my stress. In a way that doesn't harm anyone, just a little."

"Uh, actually, now, the trash bin is broken..."

"But I didn't hurt anyone, so it's fine, right?"

No, someone who can't take care of their belongings properly also won't be able to take care of people properly.

I really wanted to say it sincerely, but I couldn't utter it because I was intimidated by Hanafusa's aura.

I really wanted to say it sincerely, but I couldn't utter it because I was intimidated by Hanafusa's aura.

"O-Okay, if I understand the reason why you kicked the trash bin, um... about eating pudding after going home, is that true?"

"I-I didn't say anything like that."

Hanafusa stared at me with sharp eyes. It seems like I won't be told about the reason behind her previous statement. ...Maybe, Hanafusa likes pudding, and after experiencing something bad like this, she wants to go home today and enjoy her favorite pudding to console herself! It seems like that.

As I pondered over that, Hanafusa continued with a suspicious smile and a seductive voice.

"So, Yomiyaku-kun. Will you make a contract with me?"

"A-Contract...?"

"Yeah, that's right. A contract. -- If you keep silent about Yuka-chan's existence, let's make a contract where Yomiyaku-kun will gain some benefits."

"............"

"Um, more precisely, it means I want you to keep quiet about my true nature, where sometimes I kick the trash a little when I'm frustrated,"

"J-Just a little?"

As I said that, I glanced at the trash bin. -- On the side of the fallen trash bin, there was a large dent. Upon realizing my gaze, Hanafusa displayed a smile and said, "Yeah, just a little. Is there a problem?" This girl, she has been terrifying since earlier!

"Anyway, that's the agreement. I'll give something beneficial to YoruMiya-kun, so keep Yuka-chan's secret and stay silent, that's my request... oh yeah, YoMiyaku-kun, you're really a fan of Yuka-chan, right?"

"Eh... H-How did you know?"

"Well, a while ago, you gave me a fan letter that was too long and boring."

"How do you know that!?"

I panicked unconsciously... Y-yes, it's true, I sent that fan letter. But I only slipped it secretly into Hanafusa's desk after school, when there was no one in the classroom, and of course, I didn't write my name as the sender.

However, how did she know that I sent that fan letter...?

As I felt confused, Hanafusa raised an expression as if it didn't matter and continued.

"My friend, Hime-chan, told me. She said, 'Yesterday after school, that quiet kid put some letter into Yuka's desk, you know'."

Damn it, that damn girl!

The Hime-chan that Hanafusa mentioned is a dark-skinned girl named Himesaki Ringo. She is one of the popular girls who often hangs out with Hanafusa, and it seems she witnessed my act of putting the fan letter into Hanafusa's desk after school. How could I not notice...? My security is really weak...

However, I quickly came up with a good excuse in this situation, and in a panic, I started lying.

"W-Well, it's true that I put the fan letter into Hanafusa's desk, but actually, it's a fan letter from my little sister! My sister is a big fan of Manzaki, so she asked me to give it to you!"

"Hmm? The fan letter was written with rough and masculine handwriting and used the first-person pronoun 'I.' But it's a letter from your sister?"

"...M-My sister is... a tomboy!"

"A tomboy sister who uses a masculine first-person pronoun, that's quite a rich character, isn't it? Hehe... But I understand. Indeed, 'Your voice is like a beautiful siren's,' no teenage boy would write something like that."

"Gwaaaahhh!"

My passionately written fan letter was read aloud! It's so embarrassing!

Seriously, that nighttime passion is really terrifying... But hey, what does she mean by 'siren'? High school boys these days are too influenced by the books or manga they read, or the lyrics of their favorite songs...

"Eh, besides that... 'Your voice is like a bonfire that warms me up on a freezing night. Strong yet gentle. Your voice has that kind of power.'"

"Kyaaaaa!"

"Please, if possible, keep singing forever, forever. Because behind your song, there will surely be a world of peace waiting."

"Ah, aaahhh...! Please stop, Hanafusa-san... Please, enough...!"

"Eh? If it's a fan letter written by your sister, it shouldn't bother you about the contents, right? But why are you so disturbed?"

"N-no... Hanafusa-san, you must know and intentionally did it, right...?"

"Yes."

Hanafusa-san said with a sweet smile. ...Who is she really?! Is this the Hanafusa Yuka I admired as the vocalist of "Blooming Under the Full Moon" U-Ka!

As I questioned that in my heart, she smiled mischievously and continued.

"By the way, so you admit that it was a letter you wrote?"

"...Yes, that's right. It was me who wrote it. It was just a spur-of-the-moment writing created by the demon named 'nighttime passion'..."

"Alright. So, in the end, Yuuya-kun likes Yuka-chan, right?"

Well, actually, what I like is not Hanafusa Yuka as my classmate, but the old U-Ka... As I thought that, Hanafusa placed her hand on her chin and seemed to be thinking for a moment, then she had an expression as if she got an idea, and she said like this.

"What if... you do it like this? ──From now on, you don't write or share 'parts' about Yuka-chan on the internet or tell it to anyone else. If you agree to do that, I will give you a copy of the 'Blooming Under the Full Moon' audio demo given by Tanimachi P-ta, only to myself."

"I-i-is that serious!?"

"Yes. Just so you know, this audio demo is sung by Miku-chan."

"S-s-s-serious!?"

An audio demo from U-Ka! And it's also sung by Hatsune Miku! That's an incredible treasure!

Seeing the greatness of the reward she mentioned, I unconsciously looked at Hanafusa with sparkling eyes. It seemed she took it as my agreement, and with a slightly annoyed expression, she said, "So, we have a deal like that." ...N-no, it's not like that. Even if Hanafusa-san actually has a weird personality, I wouldn't write it on the internet...

Ignoring my feelings like that, declaring that the conversation was over, Hanafusa went to the large trash bin she had knocked over and said to me.

"Give it to me, I will fix it."

"Ah, yes..."

Then, Hanafusa and I stood up and fixed the large trash bin together. After finishing repairing the damage she had caused, Hanafusa said, "Alright, I'll be going now," and tried to leave the place.

I panicked and called out to her from behind. ...Saying it to herself like that, it might not be appropriate as a fan—but because I am her fan. That's why I decided that I should listen to her and stop her, then I asked her.

"Uh, I'm sorry!"

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"Uh, Hanafusa-san, actually... is your personality bad...?"

As I said that, I remembered... earlier, when she stepped on my head after hearing bad things from the worst senior, I saw how she hit the trash bin. ... That wasn't the Hanafusa Yuka I knew, nor the U-Ka of my dreams.

What was there was someone I didn't recognize, someone who might be unknown to anyone.

She was a wicked girl, completely different from the image I wanted as her fan.

I didn't want to believe that was her true self, so I asked her. I wanted her to firmly deny it, to say, "Is your personality bad?" However... Hanafusa-san...

With an incredibly pure smile, she said this.

"Yes, that's right. Yuka-chan pretends to be very sweet every day."

"Hah--"

"But, think about it for a moment, Yoimiya-kun. Don't you think that a girl who is so beautiful, with extraordinary body proportions, and not only that, she's also incredibly talented in singing - don't you think that girl - couldn't possibly have a good personality?"

"Huhhhhh!?"

The image of U-Ka that I held within me, along with her words, instantly vanished like a powerful dynamite explosion.

Then, standing in that wasteland, she - that girl.

Normally, she pretended to be a sweet girl in front of everyone, but when she got angry, she would throw something and not regret her bad traits. That was Hanafusa Yuuka.

"Ah, don't play around with me! I, I...! I really like U-Ka, the lead vocalist, and when I saw her polite statements in interviews, I thought, 'She's such a good girl! I can entrust the lead vocalist to her!'"

"Why should I be seen like that by just a fan like you? My goodness, Yuuka-chan is the lead vocalist of U-Ka, whether you acknowledge it or not."

"U-Ka wouldn't say something like that, iiiiihhh!"

"Or in other words, let me tell you one thing, everything I said in the interview was a lie. It was entirely a role as 'U-Ka' closely tied to the hot image, I tried to do it well. Not a single moment where the real Yuuka-chan appeared in the U-Ka interview, you know?"

"That's a lie aaahhh!"

I said that with a voice as strong as Luke Skywalker's. Perhaps due to my strange condition, Hanafusa laughed with a small smile and continued.

"As an otaku, you surely know the meaning of the word 'idol,' right? From now on, even though my personality is somewhat 'so-so,' support Yuuka-chan, who has the best voice in the world when it comes to singing ♡"

"S-Seriously... You're really...!"

"Goodbye. Let's meet again inside the phone screen, okay."

While waving her hand towards me, Hanafusa quickly left. Ah, this is really bad... Women in the three-dimensional world are truly awful...

"Like this, the idol I admired turned out to have such a personality..."

I sighed with a voice full of sadness. Yes, I know I had a little illusion about my idol, but... still, I never thought that reality would be so far from the ideal! ...Sigh. I feel truly betrayed...

Grumbling in my mind, I finally remembered the reason why I came here. After taking a deep breath, I grabbed the garbage bag next to me and threw it into the outdoor trash can.

Oh yeah, somehow the trash can looked mostly damaged, as if it had received someone's anger. ...Can't wait until I get home and eat pudding, huh?