Overloaded With Attributes Chapter 30

Interlude: The Case of Akashi Shizuka, Part 2 

An after-school date... with a boy. I wonder if a single woman exists in this world who hasn't, at least once, dreamed of such a fantasy? Of course, none of us truly believe it could ever happen in reality. And yet, we still wish for it in some small corner of our hearts... because it’s the "dream" (delusion) that everyone passes through.

And I... have just personally experienced that drama-like, unreal event. I felt like I was walking on clouds, my feet barely touching the ground...

"Oh? Shizuka-san, bonjour. Today was the Ourin entrance ceremony, was it not? My, my... you're awfully late coming home."

The person who greeted me was my cousin. She's the same age as me, but in an entirely different position: the "young lady" of the Kambe family, the main branch of the Akashi clan. She was standing in the entryway of our home—old, yes, but still respectably large—wearing "that face" she always wears: that disgusting, "looking-down-on-you" smile.

...Tch. I was just about to go savor his lingering scent on my clothes... and this woman... I desperately wanted to ignore her, but that would only cause more trouble later. So, I gave her a noncommittal reply.

"Bonjour. After the ceremony, I took a small detour with some school friends."

"...Eh? 'School friends'? You? Friends? Ah... A-hahahaha! My, my, that Labyrinth Department... It seems the world is full of 'eccentrics,' isn't it?"

What, exactly, is that supposed to mean? My left temple twitched.

"So? You came all the way here. You must have a reason. If not, I shall be retiring to my room."

"...Tch. You really are just as charmless as ever. And here I came to personally invite you to the evening soirée."

Honestly, she never gets tired of this. This woman... she just wants to see me—someone more beautiful than her, the daughter of the "fallen" branch—make excuses about not being able to afford a new dress and refuse the invitation... so she can laugh and feel superior.

"Fufu... it's the day after tomorrow. There's a gathering in the Kansai area, and I thought of you. And? It's unlikely, but... there are several men scheduled to attend this time. Perhaps... just perhaps... there's a tiny, grain-of-sand's-worth of a chance that one of them might even talk to you?"

"Unlikely" but "perhaps"? This monkey... can she not even comprehend what she just said? And if you really came to invite me, you'd know you're supposed to bring an "invitation card."

"Oh, my... how very thoughtful of you. I appreciate the sentiment, but... I already have a man who has captured my heart. So, please, go and enjoy your own opportunities." (Even though I doubt you, who no one has ever paid attention to at any party, will enjoy it at all...)

"...Hah? A 'man'? You? What are you... Did you hit your head somewhere? Ah... wait! I remember! Kudo-san, was it? Your 'friend'? The one who looks like a boy? A-hahaha! Is that it?! Have you finally lost it so badly that you can't tell the difference anymore?!"

"Haa... What are you talking about? That child is clearly a girl."

I'll admit, before I met him—Yuugiri-kun—I was using Kudo-san to satisfy my self-esteem and... urges. But. Now... I am the "Absolute Victor." I have no need for a "substitute." (If anything, I feel murderous every time I remember how happily that woman was talking to him.)

"I suspect that no matter what I say, your tiny brain will be unable to comprehend it. So, I must be excused. Thank you for the invitation. The exit is that way."

I tilted my head, gesturing for her to leave—but if she were the type to leave easily, my life wouldn't be this hard.

"Tch. You uncharming witch. But if you're going to run your mouth, you'd better show me some proof. If you're really in a 'close relationship,' then you must have a photo or two together, right?"

...Does she want proof? Of course I have it.

One is from the classroom... I "snuck" it when he wasn't looking. (Though, Kudo-san is in the way, so cropping is required.)

And the other one. The miraculous, once-in-a-lifetime photo from the karaoke. Where he put his arm around my shoulder (after I begged him with bloodshot eyes) and pulled me close (after I practically threw myself at him). Him, smiling shyly. Me, blushing. ...To show this treasure to her?! It feels... dirty. Like he would be stained.

"...I don't need you to be convinced."

"Aww? What's the matter? Fufu... Riiight? You can't 'show' what 'doesn't exist,' can you? C'mon! C'mon! If you have it, just show me! Stop 'delaying'!"

What is that smug, leering face? I had to physically grab my right hand to stop myself from slapping her.

"Oh, Shizuka-chan... you silly, silly thing. If you hadn't bluffed, you wouldn't be so embarrassed right now. My... this is why incompetent daughters who squander their family's fortune are so troublesome."

"...Who, exactly, are you talking about?"

"A-hah! A-hahahaha! Hic... Your voice, Shizuka-chan! It's so low! Aww? Are you cold? Or do you have to pee? You're shaking! God, if you're that mad, just show me the proof—... eh? W-What... is this?"

I didn't want to show her. But the insult to my mother... I shoved my phone at her. (This short temper... If he saw this, he might hate me.)

"Eh...? No... What is this?! Why... is a woman like you... being held... by a man?! And... he's not unhappy... He's smiling! You're blushing! ...Ah! I get it! You Photoshopped this! Well, if you're going to fake it, AT LEAST MAKE IT LOOK REALISTIC! A man this young! This close to a woman! Smiling... like that... THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN!"

"Haaa... You screamed, 'Show me! Show me!' and now you just complain. How unpleasant. Could you please stop measuring him with the ruler of the men you know? What is so strange about smiling with the one you love? About being held by the one you love? Ah. But then again, I suppose the only men around you are the ones who see you as 'money,' not a 'person.' So I understand why you need to believe that."

I said it. I snapped. (But... I don't really know him yet. H-He paid for me today... s-so... it's okay, right...?)

"Tch... You arrogant... fallen... branch... BITCH! Fine! I'll back off... for today! ...But... you will remember this!"

That woman, "Akirako," she's sticky and gross, like gum spat on the sidewalk. An eye for an eye. (Did I go too far? But she insulted my mother... I'm not a good enough person to let that slide. It couldn't be helped, right?)

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