stomized model where each key's shaped in a sphere.

(Customized for herself, like how Tabane-san does it?)

Something like 'It's too slow to move the fingers if it's just the ordinary method'.

What kind of construct is that?

(But even so.)

The way Kanzashi's floating in the air, with both hands and feet surrounded by light was like a wizard in a fantasy game.

"--How pretty."

"?"

"What are you saying?" Kanzashi tilted her head.

"No-Nothing much."

I subconsciously muttered. Thinking about it, it's really embarrassing, so I coughed a few times to hide it.

"Hey—, Orimura-kun, don't get lazy! The laser-arm there."

"Get me the data-scanner! Godspeed!"

"Erm, and also, please take down the ultrasonic sensor."

Now, it's a rush down to the equipment store.

Anyway, I sweated and toiled as I brought the equipment over.

"Orimura-kun, help me tidy my hair."

"Orimura, juice! I want some!"

"Ah, please get some snacks."

Huh? Is it just me? Why is it that even unnecessary chores are added into it?

"Ah, I ran out of shampoo. Help me buy. I want vanilla."

"Orimura, please return this book to the library."

"Mn, help me check out the set meal of the day for dinner."

"Huuh—! That has nothing to do with work, right? Neither does this nor that!"

"Ah, you found out?"

"Che. Pretty smart, aren't you."

"Fufu, that was a joke."

How, how tiring.

It's not just physical fatigue due to the carrying; Even the mental fatigue swarmed onto me.

"Haa..."

I sighed from the bottom of my heart. It felt like even my soul was about to float away.

"Heheh."

Seeing me like this, Kanzashi chuckled.

It's just a little smile, but it glittered brighter than any diamond.

◆

"Okay okay, we got the basic parts assembled together. Sarashiki-san, do you feel something weird about the machine's movements?"

"It-It's alright..."

On the day before the tag match, they finally ended our final run of work at 9pm.

On hearing Kanzashi's answer, Kaoruko nodded her head. Yup yup.

"How about the weapons control system? Finally, is the [Multi Lockon System] completed?"

"Ye-Yes. The normal [Lockon System] can...be used..."

Kyouko, who planned on working as an arms developer in the future, seemed to be concerned about that.

Right now, the [Uchigane Nishiki] has hi-performance guided missiles amongst its armaments, 6 missile pods altogether, 8 mini missiles in a defensive type weapon system. It's a weapon that can fire 48 of them at one go, but as the important '48 independent operational' [Multi Lockon System] wasn't completed, the supposedly high accuracy and high firepower type didn't appear.

However, the fact that they managed to complete the machine to such an extent in less than a week, was due to Kaoruko, Kyouko, Fee and Honne.

And also—

"..."

Kanzashi secretly glanced at Ichika.

Currently, he was clearing up the mechanical tools that were used, and like usual, he was the one who ended up doing all the physical stuff.

(Orimura...kun...)

On looking at him, her eyes started to be passionated.

"Hm?"

*Fuu*, Kaoruko detected the gaze from Kanzashi's eyes, and her eyes began to glitter.

"Then! That'll be all. We'll be making a move first then."

"Hm? What are you saying, Kaoruko? We'll be scolded if we don't send the machinery and equipment back."

"Ahh. Okay okay. Can't Orimura-kun just do it?"

"Me? Well, it's not like I really mind..."

"Oh my. How kind of you. Nn—"

"Yay~ Then, Orimu~, we'll leave it to you then~"

"Yay~" Fee and Honne cheered, *pechi* *pechi*, as they repeated this somewhat unknown high–touch.[7C 9]

"Th-That!"

Kanzashi was stuttering, but she decided to thank everyone who worked so hard to help her, so she said really loudly.

"THAN-THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I-I DEFINITELY COULD'T HAVE DONE THIS ON MY OWN. REALLY, THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"

She earnestly lowered her head.

Seeing Kanzashi like that, the five of them showed a kind smile.

"Ahaha. Don't really mind. Aren't we all friends in school."

"Ah, well. It's meaningful to meet a Japanese made IS after so long."

"Nn nn—please treat me to dessert next time."

"I want cake~"

After being surrounding by cheery voices, Kanzashi felt tears well up in her eyes.

Up till now, she was so obstinate—

But even so, the world was still filled with the light of kindness.

"Then, we're going back."

"""Ohh—"""

"Orimura-kun, we'll leave the rest to you."

"Yes."

"Sarashiki-san, do your best."

Kaoruko whispered to Kanzashi's ear just when she was spacing out, and even gave a small knowing look.

On hearing that, Kanzashi immediately blushed and looked down.

"..."

Sweat immediately appeared.

(Wha-What's with that...telling me to do my best...)

While keeping her head down, she still glanced at Ichika secretly.

He was panting heavily as he put his life on the line to carry the heavy equipment.

(Wha-What do I do...? No...no matter what, I want to help him...)

"Well."

Deactivating her IS and opening the armor, Kanzashi landed on the floor.

"Er...Erm..."

"Hm? Ah, it's okay, Kanzashi. Just fine-tune [Uchigane Nishiki]."

"Bu...But..."

"Okay okay. Well, if you're done, hurry up and go back. Isn't the usage time for the bath today very short?"

"Wa...WAIT A MINUTE!"

The unexpectedly loud response caused Ichika to back away slightly fearfully.

"O-Oh."

"..."

Kanzashi being Kanzashi, she immediately felt shy about speaking out loud, and turned back to the tuning on the [Uchigane Nishiki].

*KACHANK* *KACHANK*. The maintenance sounds echoed through the preparation room.

In the spacious preparation room, only Ichika and Kanzashi were present.

(Wha-What do I do...what do I do...)

Kanzashi wondered as she continued to fine-tune the [Uchigane Nishiki].

The machine was without a pilot, and thus in standby mode now. Of course, she didn't forget to let the core optimize itself.

"..."

She glanced slightly at Ichika.

Though they were all heavy machinery and equipment, he was moving them fluidly. It seemed that he didn't realize that he and Kanzashi were alone.

(He-He's really used to...handling girls...)

Even though she didn't join the inner circle of girls, she did hear the rumors.

Rumors like the guy named Orimura Ichika having a good relationship with all the Personal IS pilots in 1st?year.

"As expected...I'm still..."

As a Personal IS pilot, the girl still turned her face back to recall.

All of them were all girls with overwhelming charm.

Kanzashi felt really depressed, and there was an ache in her chest.

"..."

She started to feel dejected.

If she can—umm, was more loveable than now. If she could be even cuter now—

"Kanzashi."

"HYA...!?"

Just when she lowered her head and got lost in her trail of thoughts, Ichika suddenly patted her on the shoulder.

As it was too sudden, Kanzashi got shocked and straightened her back.

"Wh-Wha...what's wrong...?"

"I'm done here. What about you?"

"Huh...we-well...?"

There were a lot of materials and equipment, yet he really cleared them all.

Most likely, time flew as Kanzashi was thinking to herself.

"Then, let's go back."

"A...Alright..."

Kanzashi couldn't calm down as she stroked [Uchigane Nishiki] that was in standby phase, the ring on the middle finger of her right hand.

She walked with Ichika side by side out of the entrance of the preparation room.

"..."

The tremendous beating in her chest was now painful, as if it was giving a loud cry.

"Then, let's get changed. I'll go to Room B at the 3rd?Arena. What about you, Kanzashi?"

"Well, that...Number 2-, A..."

"Is that so? I'll walk with you for a while then."

"Al...right..."

Kanzashi and Ichika walked together side by side. They could see the sky outside through the window, and it was completely dark now

"But we finally completed it."

"Yeah...thanks to everyone..."

And naturally, the conversation ended as both of them continued to walk silently.

Kanzashi was so nervous she didn't know what to do, but Ichika just thought that Kanzashi preferred to remain silent.

"And, we're here."

"Y-Yes..."

Ichika raised his head, waved, and walked away.

Kanzashi stared at that figure's back for a while, and only when she lost sight of Ichika did she run into the changing room as if she was escaping.

(I'm...weird...)

They weren't so close that she could talk to Ichika naturally.

She thought that she could say something at the beginning.

(I...I, do...)

--Like him. Isn't that the case?

Thinking about this, her heart pounded again.

(No, I can't...think about that, no way...)

Finally reaching her locker somehow, Kanzashi silently leaned and placed her hand on her chest.

◆

"Fuu..."

After a shower, I rubbed my head and sprawled on the bed.

"We finally completed it."

The development of [Uchigane Nishiki], which we despaired over in the beginning, finally became reality with the help of Mayuzumi-sempai and the rest. Of course, this did involve a certain 'third-party' power—

*KOK* *KOK*.

"Ah, I'm in."

On hearing the knocking on the door, I stood up.

*Gachunk*. The door opened, and the 'third party's standing there.

"Hello ?"

"Tatenashi-san."

For some reason, my feelings sank, and I couldn't help but look around the corridor.

...Luckily, it looks like nobody saw us.

"Can I come in?"

"Huh, yes, well..."

"Then, excuse me."

Like usual, Tatenashi-san entered the room with graceful steps before walking to the bed and leaping onto it.

...Haa. Why does she feel like a kid?

"Ichika k-un."

"Yes-Yes."

"Massage~"

She even flailed her legs about.

...Hey. You there, your panties...I can see them...

"Haa..."

But since this person's that Sarashiki Tatenashi, it's pointless for me to resist. Even worse, I think I'll be messed around with even worse if I dared to resist.

(Like for example, ordering me to massage when I'm bathing. Well...)

Besides, that's something that can't be joked about.

I put my hands on Tatenashi-san's body unwillingly (definitely unwillingly!)

"Speaking of which, who are you paired up with tomorrow?"

*Guu*...*gu*...I continued to feel her for the stiff parts as I asked what was on my mind.

"Hn? Isn't the team list released already?"

"No, I didn't have the chance to look at it since I was in the prep room. Huh? Why're your legs so stiff? Did you run a marathon?"

"Hey, first year. I did a lot of valuable speeches during the school gathering. Weren't you listening?"

"Hahaha, that can't possibly be happening now, right?"

"Ichika-kun, you can't say lies that can't even fool yourself, you know?"

"Guu..."

"Yare yare.[7C 10]?Also, my partner's Houki-chan."

"Is that so—, Houki...HUH!? HOUKI!?"

The unexpected name shocked me. Since it's Houki, so I thought she would say something like 'One person's enough!'. Tatenashi-san...she's at it again.

(Hn...?)

—Ahh, yeah. Tatenashi-san's using her own way.

To look for the existing link in an imouto with her elder sister.

Perhaps she found a silhouette of her own imouto inside.

However, as expected, Tatenashi-san still couldn't ignore Houki's situation.

"Ichika-kun, you really have quite the good relationship with your sister."

"Wha-What? Why so sudden?"

"Because Orimura-sensei's always really strict with you."

"Is-Is that a display of a good relationship?"

"Ah, so you don't know. You don't understand at all— because you're important, special, she had to be even stricter with you."

—And you mustn't die.

"..."

Tatenashi-san casually said those words. I didn't understand it immediately, but I was stunned.

Fight—death—me—?

My memory got awakened again. That person who looked exactly like Chifuyu-nee, Orimura Madoka. Her hand held onto a tool that was born to kill, giving me an undefined killing intent.

"..."

Unknowingly, my right shoulder started to tremble.

I tried my best not to let Tatenashi-san notice as I grabbed my right arm with my left hand to calm it down and lecture it, earnestly praying that I was just thinking of it.

"Well, a war's going to start again."

Out of a sudden, Tatenashi-san revealed her normal expression as she flailed her two legs again.

And the fear that held me scattered like the wind.

"Ichika-kun, massage my butt."

"So-SO I SAY! CAN'T YOU JUST LEAVE THIS TO UTSUHO-SAN OR NOHOHON-SAN!?"

It's not just ample, but the figure of Tatenashi-san's hip is really refined. Just from thinking about that soft touch that was in my hands, blood felt like it was going to gush up to my nose and spurt out.

"Nope. Ichika-kun's skill is the best."

"Ahh—that..."

I got praised, and I do feel a little happy.

"Calm down, calm down, clear your mind of useless thoughts ?."

"Ufufu." Laughing away is Tatenashi-san as she looks as delighted as ever.

"..."

I swallowed my saliva...to a guy, this trial is unavoidable.

"Do it now!"

...No no no. There's no need to do this. I told myself off.

"Ichika-kun."

"Ah, yes."

"Should I take off my panties?"

"DAAAAAAAAA!!? WWHHY-WWWHHHY!!!!?"

"You looked like you wanted to see it, you know ??"

Tatenashi-san continued to chuckle as she leaped onto me and started to rub my face.

◆

"..."

Kanzashi was using the kitchen in her dorm.

The gas stove was giving off piping hot air, and Kanzashi, who was sitting on a chair in front of it, looked on impatiently.

(Orimura-kun...will-will he eat it...)

She was making green-tea-flavored cupcakes.

One of the many specialty dishes of Kanzashi.

"..."

Looking at the clock on the wall to check the time, it was now past 10pm.

Maybe Ichika would be sleeping. Thinking about this, Kanzashi's heart sank again as she stared at the stove expectantly, thinking that it would have been better to bake it earlier.

*CHING!*

"Ah...!"

It's done!

Kanzashi's expression immediately brightened. She carefully placed her mittens on both hands and took out the cupcakes from the oven.

The sweet smell of baked sugar and the aroma of green tea scattered out.

(Uu, yup...well done...)

Hoho. The cupcakes that were giving off hot air so yummy that it could be eaten.

Kanzashi gently put each cupcake into the prepared bag one by one, and then used a string to tie the opening.

(The-Then...I'll give it to Orimura-kun to eat...)

--So happy.

And because she was too happy, Kanzashi's heart felt like it was going to explode.

"Be-Before it cools down."

Holding the three cupcakes with both hands, Kanzashi ran out of the kitchen.

"Ehehe..."

Taking three, two steps on the corridor, Kanzashi couldn't help but smile.

--Really happy.

Giving something to the person she liked. While she was somewhat shy about it, she also felt a little proud.

(I want to see him.)

I want to see him. I want to see him. I want to see him.

Kanzashi continued to run on the corridor and hastened her pace.

She turned around the next corner, and soon, she was about to reach Ichika's room.

"Suu...haa..."

She stopped at the corner to adjust her breathing.

(I'll go slowly from here.)

She didn't want to be seen panicking. Thinking about this, she turned the corner.

*Kacha*.

"Huh?"

Ichika's door was open, and Kanzashi hid instinctively.

"Mn~ I'm really happy."

"U—!"

She definitely didn't mistake that. It was her sister, Tatenashi's voice.

(Wh-Why in this room.)

Hiding at the wall, she peeped in from there.

"Damn it, that's enough. Spare me the agony."

"Huh—isn't that pretty good?"

Tatenashi said that as she tugged at Ichika's arm.

Seeing them like this, Kanzashi's breathing stopped for a moment.

"Both of them seem to have quite the good relationship."

*CREE*, *CREE*. Her heart ached as if a knife had pierced into it.

Kanzashi then subconsciously held onto the cupcakes tightly.

"Then, how is it? Kanzashi-chan's machine. How is it?"

--Huh?

"Hmm? What, basically."

--What's, going on?

She couldn't help but prick her ears and eavesdrop on their conversation, and her heart rang like a siren.

She shouldn't listen.

She mustn't listen to it at all.

"How was my machine's data?"

--!?

Subconsciously shocked, Kanzashi immediately stuffed her mouth and leaned her back on the wall.

(The test data Orimura-kun gave me.)

She thought that it was [Byakushiki]'s, but it was actually—

(Nee-san's machine's?)

*Krak* *krak*, her world started to collapse.

Nobody had any ill intent, however—Kanzashi had her own pride.

([Uchigane Nishiki]'s assembly...I finally managed to complete it with my own power...finally...finally!)

Perhaps she thought that she caught up to her sister, or that's what she had thought.

"Ah...a..."

It was an illusion.

All that was an illusion.

The gentle Ichika.

The completion of [Uchigane Nishiki].

--All of it.

All that was completed by her own sister.

"Hii...!"

Thinking about this, Kanzashi's heart couldn't help but imagine about her sister.

The perfect appearance, outstanding brain, athletic ability that far surpasses an ordinary person, the charisma that locks the hearts of many in.

"Ah...ah...ahh..."

It's scary.

It's scary It's scary It's scary.

It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary It's scary.

"No, don't..."

"Kanzashi."

The voice of the illusion rang beside her.

Even when she covered her ears and closed her eyes, she couldn't get rid of that sound.

"You don't have to do anything. I'll deal with everything."

It's so sweet, so sweet, yet the words sounded like posion.

It started to spread in Kanzashi's heart, and soon flowed out.

--The despair, darkness.

"No...no..."

"So, you—"

Can continue to remain powerless.

"—!"

Her heart and body felt like they couldn't take it.

Kanzashi ran out.

She ran, ran, and ran, until she reached her room in a daze.

"H...Haa...Ha...Haa..."

Her shoulders couldn't stop trembling, and her face was covered with trails of tears that looked like they were drawn on it as they drip onto the floor.

"Uu..."

She forcefully rubbed her eyes to wipe her tears away.

But the tears swelled up again, and Kanzashi couldn't take it as she escaped into her bed.

(I...I just-just...I just...)

"Just continue to remain powerless."

The cruel voice of her imagination pierced through her chest.

And then, the dam burst as tears flowed out.

"Uu-uu...uehhh..."

Choking and crying, her heart was wavering.

"Uwaaaaaaaaa...uwaaaaaaaaaaa..."

Feeling that she really wanted to die, Kanzashi just continued to cry alone.