On the same day the Gothic Lolita girl transferred to their school, Nishino welcomed the end of the school day and quietly made up his mind. The resolution he had in mind was to revisit the Breakdance Club. He planned to showcase the results of his practice over the past few days and once again beg for admission into the club.

"Yosh..."

Readying himself, he stood before the closed classroom door, which was the club's activity location.

He lightly knocked on the door with his hand.

Knock, knock, knock — A dry sound echoed.

"Sorry, but I visited just a few days ago."

Following the knock, a loud clattering noise rang out.

However, there was no specific reaction that followed, nor was there a reply. Nonetheless, there's no doubt that there was a presence inside this classroom. Could they possibly be practicing difficult dance moves? The futsumen, who had become somewhat knowledgeable about breakdancing, speculated.

It was only a matter of seconds in terms of time.

"...Yes, please, come on in. Help yourself."

After a brief moment, a reply was returned.

The sound of the voice was undoubtedly from the first-year student with tanned skin whom he had met before. However, the vigor or vitality that he had previously felt, a sense of being lively and energetic, was completely absent in his response.

While harboring some doubts, Nishino opens the door as instructed.

As the sliding door moved with a clatter from right to left, it exposed the person he had expected within the classroom. In the center of the room, the underclassman was sitting cross-legged, not doing anything in particular. His back was strangely hunched over, and his head was hanging down weakly.

He lifted his face, and his eyes locked onto Nishino.

"Ah... You're the senior from the last time, right?"

"I'm sorry, but there's something I really wanted you to see..."

"........."

He lifted his face and glanced briefly at the futsumen. But then he immediately lowered his head again. His actions were so obvious that even Nishino could understand that something was wrong with the underclassman in front of him.

"Did something happen?"

"No, it's just... well..."

The freshman's reply feels hesitant.

Now then, how should I proceed? Even Nishino, who struggles with social skills, understood that it was not an atmosphere where he could show off his dance skills. Sensing the uncomfortable atmosphere, he naturally shifted his focus to finding another topic, scanning the classroom.

It was then that he suddenly realized.

"The other members aren't here today, huh?"

"........."

"Are they still in class?"

He casually brought up an unassuming topic of conversation.

However, the response of the underclassman was quite noticeable. He flinched, and his shoulders shook significantly, bowing his head even further. It was a reaction as if he was hiding something suspicious. Due to the nature of his job, the futsumen inquired, accompanied by a certain level of tension.

"...Did you encounter any issues with your club members?"

"........."

Despite waiting for a long time, there is no reply from the first-year student with a tanned skin.

It seemed there was undoubtedly some issue.

"If you're okay with me, I'll listen to your concerns..."

"........."

With a somewhat gentler voice, he asked.

So, what do you think?

After hesitating for several tens of seconds, the underclassman finally mumbled a response.

"....I openly admitted that I'm gay, and all the club members quit."

"........."

This time, it was Nishino's turn to remain silent.

He had anticipated that it might be that kind of story, given that there were no other students in sight. However, he didn't expect that the cause was related to sexual preferences of the underclassman right in front of him. Nevertheless, in this regard, the futsumen here had some understanding of such interests.

Because in the line of work where he makes his daily living, it was a relatively common story.

"It's not something to be concerned about."

He continues speaking in an effort to console the other person.

"In recent years, it's been suggested that the percentage of homosexual individuals in the general population is around 10%. Even with a conservative estimate, there are dozens of students enrolled here. While it might not be readily apparent in daily life, I'm confident that we can find at least one or two in each class."

"...Senpai?"

"And the unity of minorities is incomparable to the majority. There is indeed an advantage to being in the minority. It seems like it's gotten quite lonely here, but I believe that's temporary. I don't think the Breakdance Club is done for just yet."

"........."

Nishino, who had never been the object of same-sex attraction in the past, spoke freely. And because he actually thought that way, he had no hesitation in expressing it. Perhaps because of that, there was a response from the young man with tanned skin.

"Are you also like that, Senpai?"

"No, not really. Though, I do have some acquaintances who are like that."

"...I see."

"That being said, just because you're a homosexual doesn't mean you should openly reveal it to others, right? If possible, it would be better to go and cover it up now by saying it was just a joke. After all, they haven't actually witnessed you in action, have they?"

"Well, u-um..."

"What's the matter? Tell me."

Nishino with an overwhelmingly condescending attitude.

He was exhilarated by the situation of an underclassman seeking life advice from him.

"There's this super cute girl who transferred in as a second-year student, right? There were rumors about her being a lesbian, and as we chatted about this and that, well, the atmosphere, or, what should I say, things got kinda tangled up..."

Apparently, Gabriella was the cause.

"I have certainly had thoughts of wanting to be intimate with some of the club members before. But there's no way I would actually do something like that, okay? I have enough self-control for that. However, these kinds of feelings aren't really based on logic, I suppose."

"........."

This underclassman is impressive.

Just to be sure, Nishino thought he should confirm.

"But you haven't made a move, have you?"

"Yes, of course! I was only watching, just watching!"

"...Well, if that's the case, I guess there's nothing to worry about."

His response had a somewhat suspicious vibe.

"The problem is the number of club members, huh?"

"Eh?"

"I'm talking about the Breakdance Club. You enjoy it, don't you? Dancing."

"!"

In response to Nishino's inquiry, the underclassman's eyes widened in surprise.

His face, which had been looking downward, was now lifted, looking up at the futsumen,

"Senpai, are you planning to..."

"Would you mind telling me the rest of the story? I might be able to help."

He was met with a desperate gaze.

In response to this, Nishino struck a pose as if it were his moment and nodded enthusiastically.

◆

For a while after that, the futsumen had a conversation with the tanned skin underclassman in the same place.

What naturally became apparent was the current situation of the Breakdance Club. It seemed that the club was in a more critical situation than the futsumen had initially thought.

"In other words, we need three more members by next week, is that correct?"

"Yes, t-that's how it is..."

The reason lies solely in the school's regulations regarding clubs and extracurricular activities.

To start a new club activity at Tsunuma High School, it is necessary to first establish a temporary club (Doko-Kai) in advance and, within one year, meet particular requirements before applying for registration as an official club activity. The requirements here include having a minimum of five members and relevant achievements within the past three months.

Nishino, who was puzzled by the ambiguous term 'relevant achievements,' inquired further about it. It was revealed that this term referred to accomplishments of clubs, including winning competitions or contests and participating in events a certain number of times. This applied to both sports and cultural clubs.

It seems that they need to externally prove that they are operating legitimately.

"Cancelling the tournament we signed up for is also an option. My previous group has a track record of participating in various tournaments in the past, and I don't think they will disregard that. We've also received awards. However, the restriction of having a minimum of five members is the problem."

"I see."

Surprisingly, the Breakdance club is about to reach its one-year anniversary by the end of this month.

The reason they waited until the very last moment to submit their application was primarily to add more prestige. It appears they believed it would be difficult to gain the teachers' approval in comparison to other clubs, so they had planned to apply only after thorough preparation.

However, it seems that this time it has backfired.

"But in that case, wouldn't they be more inclined to kick you out?"

"Saying this may sound like I'm bragging, but I'm actually their top dancer."

"I see, so that's how it is, huh..."

"I inherited this club from a third-year who retired last month. According to them, before I joined, their group was at level where it was barely possible to participate in tournaments. So, well, I think that's probably the reason"

"...I get the gist of it now."

Upon hearing the story from the underclassman, Nishino felt a strong surge of emotion welling up in his chest.

A club on the verge of disbandment, dealing with a shortage of members, and an upcoming event. Situations like these, common in such media works, were sufficient to ignite the motivation of this virgin troubled by a lack of youthful experiences.

In addition, once he joins the club, a breakdance life filled with popularity awaits him.

"Basically, all we need to do is gather five members."

"Eh? But..."

"What's wrong?"

"Senpai, um, y-you're that Nishino-senpai from Class 2-A, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"........."

Nishino nodded without hesitation, causing the underclassman's expression to darken.

The reason is obvious.

"Even as a first-year, um, I-I've also heard various rumors about you senpai..."

A gaze that seemed like it had something to express, focusing on Nishino's magnificent eyes.

An incredibly rare odd-eye, black and blue, in this world.

However, the futsumen remained unfazed, calmly nodding in response.

"You can count on me, I'll gather them by the end of this week."

"........."

The underclassman's expressions turned puzzled at the baseless yet confident declaration. However, perhaps due to feeling a sense of guilt, he didn't say anything more. It seems that the rejection from his confession of being gay was a quite shocking event for him.

Taking advantage of his dejection, the futsumen left the place in high spirits.

After going through the Breakdance's club, Nishino headed towards Class 2-B.

The purpose is to meet Rose.

"Rose-chan has already left, though..."

"I see. Thank you."

The female student from Class 2-B, who happened to be there, reluctantly responded to Nishino. Although there was no recollection of them having talked in the past, the numerous unsettling rumors that the latter had caused to echo throughout the school were powerful enough to furrow her brows upon their abrupt encounter.

But Nishino, who is currently preoccupied with something else, doesn't seem to be bothered by this.

After passing the entrance, he changes into his outdoor shoes. Beyond the main gate, he steps out onto the street. He continues straight to the station at a quick pace. Crossing the ticket gate, riding the escalator, and reaching the platform, he checks the schedule for the next train. Comparing it with his device's clock, he realizes he has a few minutes to spare.

He starts moving towards the train car near the ticket gate of the disembarkation station.

—It was during such a moment that he made eye contact with a petite girl sitting on a bench.

Her gorgeous silver hair and pure white skin stand out even from a distance.

"You're here at last. Where have you been wandering around?"

Spotting Nishino, the girl stood up gracefully.

That girl is none other than Gabriella, the new transfer student.

She moved as if to block his path.

"...What's wrong?"

Given that they're within the station, there are many other people around.

In that place, there are also a few others in similar uniforms.

As a conversation unfolded between Gabriella and Nishino, the students who happened to be present couldn't help but direct their gazes towards them. On one hand, Gabriela was a beautiful transfer student who had just arrived, while on the other hand, Nishino was known as the school's most bullied student, attracting negative attention from within the school.

"Can we have a little chat?"

"Sorry, but I'm in a bit of a hurry. Can we talk later?""

Under normal circumstances, Nishino would have been willing to listen to the talk.

However, at present, his mind is occupied only with becoming popular through dance. For this reason, the success of the Breakdance Club is absolutely necessary, and it was required to assemble five members within this week. Consequently, he had no room to get involved with her.

He quickens his pace, intending to pass by her side without a word.

Without hesitation, Gabriella swung her arm at him.

"!"

Something invisible passed right in front of Nishino's nose.

Several strands of his bangs were cut loose, fluttering in the air.

"...What do you intend to do?"

Even he comes to a halt in his steps.

It seems he didn't foresee being targeted within the station.

"Ara? What a shame. I was about to snap your neck."

With a chuckle, Gabriella throws a challenging gaze.

It appears she had a real intent to go for Nishino's neck.

Even if he were to lose his life here, she wouldn't likely suffer any consequences. After all, it's a mysterious power invisible to anyone's eyes. The police wouldn't have any means of investigation.

At the same time, her family cannot be described simply as wealthy. They come from a prestigious background with both status and power. Even if she were to happen to harm one or two individuals at a train station, it would not cause her any distress. If she so desired, she could even force the facility itself to shut down.

"Did you come here chasing after Rose, as I've heard?"

"Eeh. That's right."

"In that case, you can just ignore me and continue pursuing that woman."

With the presence of others and the potential aid it might bring, Nishino adopts a negotiating stance.

In response to him, she spoke frankly and without reservation.

"Onee-sama is constantly thinking about you, you know."

"So, what's your problem? If you have complaints, say it to the person directly."

"You're in my way, can't you just disappear?"

"......"

Recalling her actions during their encounter on the journey, Nishino couldn't help but wonder if she still harbored such thoughts. However, that doesn't mean he's the kind of person to simply disappear obediently.

"Well, even if you say you don't like it..."

"Fine, I'll go with you. It's not much to ask, but let's change location."

"Ara? You've become quite bold, haven't you? Despite nearly being killed before."

"Are we going? Or not?"

"Ufufufu, I will make sure to film it properly and show it to Onee-sama later."

Nishino felt a sense of pity for Rose, who had made this insane woman fall in love with her. On the other hand, he, too, unwittingly captivated a woman just as troublesome as her. Such is the nature of the world, often beyond one's control.

Following Nishino's lead, they leave the station.

When they tried to exit through the ticket gate, the lever of the automatic gate wouldn't lift, and there was a commotion as Gabriella's prosthetic arm got detached after a collision. Since they hadn't even moved to another station yet, it seemed they couldn't simply exit without any trouble. They both lined up together and had a station attendant swipe a payment card for them.

Seeing the freshly dropped prosthetic arm move smoothly, the station attendant was astonished.

Following that, he and she moved to a nearby abandoned building from the same location.

It is an old building constructed in the early Showa era that is scheduled for demolition in the near future. The interior has already been stripped, exposing the raw iron frame. It is currently after school hours, and it seems that the workers have left the site, so there is no one else around.

A perfect location for engaging in activities one can't talk about in public.

"Choosing such a lonely place as your final scene, you must be a very sad person."

"I've heard similar lines a few times before, and quite often, those words come back to haunt them instead. I won't say anything negative, so how about reconsidering? Despite it being your first day after transferring, you are still a student attending the same school, aren't you?"

This makes it quite clear that Nishino is a man who values the bond of being from the same hometown.

It's not an exception, even if the other person happens to be Gabriella.

"I can also understand the reason you avoid mentioning men. I have some sympathy for that as well."

"What is it that you claim to understand?"

"Aren't you afraid of men? That's why you take the initiative to overwhelm and dominate. The presence of a man in close proximity, especially one you have feelings for, makes you uneasy and unsettled. Therefore, you try to keep your distance and demonstrate such strong assertiveness."

"Isn't that a given? I was captured one-sidedly, and my hands and feet were taken away, right?"

Nishino wanted her to deny it at least superficially. Thanks to that, the lines he had prepared in advance lost their chance early on. The futsumen's strategy, which was planned to casually stir things up and quickly wrap it up, failed the moment he took the first step. As a result, his following words were also disjointed and incomplete.

"...Then it's unreasonable for you to take it out on me."

"What makes you say that so decisively?"

"Neither that woman nor you pique my interest in the slightest."

Recently, Nishino has been interested in Chikako Shimizu, the class representative of Class 2-A. Due to events such as the cultural festival and graduation trip, and having spent a considerable amount of time together over the past few weeks, the futsumen was gradually finding himself drawn to her.

The person himself self-analyzes that he prefers strong-willed individuals of the opposite sex, but in reality, a particular incident of sharing a bed with her has left a strong impression on him. Despite speaking confidently and acting superior in various ways, he is just a virgin guy with no immunity to romantic advances from the opposite sex.

"Is that true?"

"It's true."

"I heard it at school."

"...Say it."

'I heard it at school.' Nishino senses nothing but a bad premonition hearing that phrase.

And that bad premonition was spot on.

"You appear to be quite desperate for women. I heard you've been approaching women around you. Apparently, you've been getting involved with Onee-sama and causing various inconveniences lately. I can't just ignore that."

"........."

It is difficult for him to categorically deny this, as there are subtle facts mixed in with it.

Once again, this story caused frustration for Nishino.

"Could it be that you want me to attack you?"

"Please refrain from making jokes."

"All your words just now sounded equally absurd as a joke."

Nishino spoke, as if casting aside all the talks that occurred.

He came to the realization that the other person is also in the same line of work—in essence, it's the same as Rose. For him, the sweet and sour youth that he desires is absolutely impossible with them. The only bond that can be formed is a professional one. He feels this strongly. Therefore, maintaining a certain distance is acceptable, but the idea of personally getting closer is entirely out of the question.

"Don't you think I have the freedom to choose my own partner?"

"If you have no freedom to choose, won't it inevitably lead to you resorting to force?"

"........."

However, the intentions of this futsumen simply don't get across no matter what.

Nishino's mood has reached the point where he feels an irresistible urge to practice breakdancing.

"Regardless, I will achieve victory over you in this place. Crawling shamefully on the floor, by tomorrow, you'll probably find yourself fleeing anywhere. How many facilities labeled as 'schools' are there, really? I believe there's no need to specifically cling to a place where Onee-sama resides."

"......I've also thought of that once."

"Yes?"

"But you see, if I run away from here, if I were to escape even once, I have a feeling that no matter where I go, I'll end up running away again. I believe there's nothing more pitiful than the end of someone who has developed a habit of fleeing."

"...What are you talking about?"

The proposal from the silver-haired lolita accurately struck on Nishino's emotionally sensitive aspects.

He hasn't faced universal rejection from the entire school for nothing.

"So, sorry—but I’ve decided to seize my youth at this school with my own hands."

Clenching his fist tightly, Nishino delivers his words powerfully.

The expression on his face is intensely serious.

"Is your head okay? Please stop using strange words."

In response to the presumptuous self-narration of the futsumen, it seems that irritation surpassed the limits of her patience. Gabriella made a move. Stepping forward, she swung her right arm vigorously from right to left. In response, something invisible and stimulating burst forth.

A thunderous noise echoed, and a whirlwind stirred on the floor.

"—For that reason, time is precious right now. Don't be a hindrance."

Nishino faced this directly and accepted it.

While maintaining the posture of clenching his fist just a moment ago, he stood still without any noticeable movement, like a statue. Then, at a point a few dozen centimeters in front of him, the field of vision distorted significantly. There was a sense of something invisible colliding. Without missing a beat, a loud 'pa—an!' resounded.

It was as if the air had exploded.

"!?"

"If you want that woman, go ahead and do whatever you please."

While speaking casually, Nishino waves his arm.

He displayed a casual gesture, as if swatting away insects buzzing around his face.

At that moment, a sharp high-pitched sound echoed through the floor.

"W-What are you—"

The silver-haired lolita's body shook noticeably, causing her dialogue to be delivered incompletely.

In a panic, she lifted her body up and saw her prosthetic leg lying on the floor with its knee cut off. At the same time, both of her prosthetic arms also fell with a thud, making a loud sound. Before she knew it, her arm also had been severed from the elbow.

"!"

As if she had touched something hot, she quickly stepped back a few meters.

The sight of her limbless body floating in the air and moving around was quite comical. Nishino, who had almost burst into laughter at her similar behavior before, found himself on the verge of chuckling again. It seemed that watching for too long might cause his cheek muscles to slacken, so he turned his face away, pivoting on his heel.

"And here's a piece of advice."

".........What is it?"

Upon departing, the futsumen opens his mouth, seemingly eager to show off.

"The school you transferred to is quite a good place, you see. Although it seems like all you can think about now is women, you should take a moment to look around. Surely, you'll encounter something that will enrich your life in the future."

Walking a little as he talks, he places his foot on the window frame, which is now devoid of glass.

Leaning half of his body forward, he shifts his weight towards the edge of the window.

"......"

Of all people, you're the one saying that? That's Gabriella's honest reaction that almost came out at her throat. However, having been dealt with unilaterally, she couldn't voice it. She had no choice but to watch the futsumen leave as directed.

"Well then."

Briefly delivering a farewell greeting, the futsumen departed outside.

After a while, she confirmed that Nishino's presence was completely lost and mutter.

"...What is that monster?"

Beads of sweat materialized on her forehead.

After parting ways with the Gothic Lolita girl, Nishino quickly made his way back to the Rose residence.

Confirming women's indoor slippers at the entrance, the futsumen briskly crossed the doorway.

As he had expected, Rose's figure was there in the living room.

Seated on the sofa, she is tilting a teacup gracefully. On the sofa table, a plate with baked goods and a teapot can be seen. Her elegant manner, blending beautifully with the sophisticated living space, is a captivating sight.

Such a space is disrupted by the noise of the futsumen.

"Ara? You're quite late coming home today."

Upon the roommate's return, the landlord made a light-hearted comment.

Usually, Nishino is the one who returns home first most of the time. Lately, it has become his daily routine to clumsily showcase breakdancing at the entrance. However, today was an exception, and she couldn't help but be a bit curious about it.

"I had a small talk with someone."

"Well, thanks to that, the entrance was spared from smelling sweaty today, which is a good thing."

"...Regarding that matter, I'm thinking of making some adjustments."

Nishino lowers his head with an apologetic expression.

On the other hand, for Rose, whose enjoyment lay precisely in that scent every day, this turned out to be an unintended irony that dug her own grave. Hearing the words of the futsumen, who was more modest than she had imagined, she felt some regret, wishing she hadn't said it if it would elicit such a reaction.

Also, she has been licking various places in the middle of the night, without Nishino noticing.

"More importantly, I have a request for you."

"A 'request'? That sounds alarming once again."

Her well-formed ears twitch under her long blonde hair.

Recently, there has been an unusual turn of events in the story. In fact, she deliberately invited Nishino into her home, anticipating those specific words. Through unwavering persistence in pleas and daily scheming, the blonde Lolita strives to establish his absolute dependence on her. Her plotting is a daily commitment with no signs of stopping.

Human beings are truly creatures with a tendency to fall into corruption.

"Consider joining the Breakdance club."

However, the words that followed had a slightly different vibe than what she desired.

"...Why is that, I wonder?"

"We're short on club members. Your name alone is sufficient."

"......"

Well, then, how should I respond? The blonde Lolita ponders.

Agreeing to join the club is easy. However, simply nodding obediently is not amusing. Above all, she wanted to have a fun and lively time in a cultural club, especially with Nishino. She desired to enjoy chatting while drinking tea together or engaging in similar activities in a clubroom after school.

She desires to naturally create a close bond if things go well.

It's totally different from sweating and practicing dance with a bunch of club members.

"I wonder what benefits I would gain from joining?"

She then delivered the lines she had prepared in advance.

A remarkably apathetic response.

"...Nothing noteworthy in terms of benefits."

"Do you really expect me to nod?"

"......"

Upon hearing that, Nishino didn't even make a sound. If he were the same person he was until last month, he might have been able to bargain by selling himself. However, currently, not only his daily earnings but every moment of his everyday life is already under her possession.

"However, depending on the conditions, I might be willing to help."

"Is that true?"

"Those are some of the conditions required to make a doko-kai an official club, right? If I recall correctly, it involved gathering five members within a year of its establishment and achieving suitable accomplishments, wasn't it? Fulfilling those requirements is quite a hassle, no?"

"...How do you know that?"

"You ought to be familiar with the movements of your own pieces, right?"

"......"

It appears she had made contact with the Breakdance Club on her own. Nishino was unaware, but as soon as the words 'Breakdance Club' slipped from his mouth, Rose immediately took action. And being the blonde lolita at the top of the school caste, information automatically gathered through her own device.

"I wonder if I'm mistaken?"

"No, that's correct."

"Then, in exchange, there are conditions."

"...Say it."

"If that doko-kai gets approved as an official club, I'll need you to stop your club activities there."

"Why?"

"You previously emphasized to me the importance of youth, didn't you?"

"...So, what's the deal?"

"I, too, truly believe it's absolutely correct."

With a subtle grin on her face, Rose continues speaking.

"For us humans, it's merely a small, once-in-a-lifetime event, you see. So, I also considered creating a new club to enjoy my youth. I'll count you as one of the required members for this. It seems that the club's application requires at least three people."

"......"

"So, Nishino-kun. Will I get a positive response?"

Returning the cup to the saucer with a click, Rose turned towards Nishino. Her expression was thoroughly serious. Although sarcasm was about to escape Nishino's lips, it seemed he understood that she wasn't speaking casually or jokingly.

"Of course, if you can gather people without relying on me, I won't insist forcefully."

It was a recommendation to withdraw in the midst of Nishino starting to enjoy breakdancing. For Nishino, it's a condition he wants to avoid. However, he has already made a promise with his junior. He confidently said, "You can count on me."

Moreover, this futsumen is incredibly diligent when it comes to promises. Without Rose's cooperation, securing club members would be exceedingly difficult. No, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it impossible. The success of the strategy entirely relies on her cooperation as she stands at the top of the school's caste.

Thus, the conclusion was quickly reached.

"Understood, fine. This body belongs to you from the start."

"Thank you, I'm so happy."

As Rose answered, a pleasant smile appeared on her face.