◆4: [A Strange Space Where the Sacred Grounds of Battle Coexist with the Headquarters of Everyday Life S-Dōbashi.]

During class.

It was a literature lesson, but to me, it was boring, almost like a break. In the end, exams only require you to think about the author's feelings. Right now, I just want to focus on my own matters.

Even though I thought this way, I, a model student, attended class without distracting myself with extra work.

On the other hand, there was a classmate who was completely sabotaging the lesson.

It was Ousaki, sitting to my left.

She was manipulating her smartphone hidden under the desk with a serious expression.

Suddenly, Ousaki’s face changed dramatically.

—This is...!

What’s wrong? She looks like she’s been electrocuted in her seat.

—… Pareja! Pareja!

This Spanish... it seems like she’s talking to me.

—... What’s up?

Realizing that Ousaki considers me a Pareja, I replied without taking my eyes off the board.

—Look at this! Look at this!

Ousaki, still speaking in a low tone, cried out while sending a message using the MINE app.

Is she trying to get me to take out my phone in the middle of class? This would make me complicit in her laziness, but if I ignore her, I'm likely to receive a combo of punches and chest jabs later, so I have no choice but to comply...

After clicking on the link that popped up, I connected to the official website of Asahi Pro Wrestling, a major wrestling organization.

When I saw the headline at the top of the site, I understood why Ousaki’s expression had changed.

—This is... "Urgent Announcement of Hiroki Nagumo's Mini Exhibition!"

The article read as follows:

──── The long-awaited event for fans of Nagumo Hiroki, who has gained fame overseas with his tour in America, has been announced as an emergency! Costumes and robes he’s used in the past, as well as rare items now impossible to find, will be on display! Relive the history of the legendary wrestler in a one-time event! This afternoon at Tōshin store in S-Dōbashi!

Translator's note: Honestly, I have no idea what S-Dōbashi is. I did some research, but I couldn’t find anything. It seems to be a fictional place in the novel. If I’m wrong, I’d appreciate a correction.

Now that I think about it, I believe my father mentioned something about this. As I’m used to items related to my father, I didn’t pay much attention to it. In fact, I’d prefer they take the samples stored in a vacant room at home; I’m not particularly thankful for them.

By the way, my father has always been known as the "surprise man" because he performs shows and matches that astonish audiences at big events. That’s why, even if an event had been planned for a long time, it’s often announced as an "emergency." It’s a clever tactic.

Since Ousaki is a big fan of Nagumo Hiroki, I assumed she’d be heading to S-Dōbashi. I thought of it as not really my problem.

Then Ousaki sent me another message.

[Today!]

[Come with me after class!]

[As a fan of Nagumo, you can’t miss it!]

I appreciate the invitation, but the exclamation points are way too much and annoying. It wouldn’t be surprising if she even put exclamation marks in her name. Ousaki!

[They're handing out tote bags for the first arrivals!?]

[This will be over in seconds!]

[I need to go right after school!]

It’s not like I really want one.

Ousaki is an enthusiastic fan of my father but doesn’t know I’m Nagumo Hiroki’s son. In fact, I plan to keep it a secret to avoid any complications.

So, Ousaki, who knows I’m knowledgeable about Nagumo Hiroki, mistakenly assumes I’m just as passionate of a fan as she is.

To keep the secret, I don’t want to get too involved with Ousaki.

However, Ousaki, who isn’t sure if I’m an enemy or an ally, is part of a social group but keeps her fan passion secret, which makes her feel lonely.

This is similar to her best friend, Yua, who previously shared her struggles with me, so I can’t just ignore situations like these.

Having been alone for a long time, I understand the pain of not having someone to share things with.

It’s not that I’m trying to win Ousaki’s favor—who still sometimes acts hostile toward me when it comes to Yua—but if I can help in some way, I’d like to.

【Got it】

I replied with a nonchalant attitude.

Today, Yua won’t be coming to the Nagumo household.

I’m a bit worried about leaving Tsumugi alone, but thanks to Yua, she’s been mentally stable lately. Besides, if I always go straight home, Tsumugi will worry about my loneliness. Maybe it’s better to tell her I’m “going out to spend time with friends” to ease her mind.

[Thank you! I’ll treat you to the famous stadium burger as a thank you!]

She seems pretty excited since there are emojis everywhere. She sure buys a lot of Riki emojis, huh?

I never imagined that someone I used to oppose would invite me. Hopefully, she becomes more of a friendly face in the future.

★

Dusk.

We got off at S-dōbashi station and, after taking a look at the publishing house displaying the "Temple of Manga," crossed the pedestrian crossing in the opposite direction and headed to the Tōshin store, specializing in products related to Asahi Pro Wrestling.

Although the store is usually lively, that day the line stretched outside the shop.

—¿Seriously...? So many people...?

I felt tired even before entering, due to the unexpected crowd.

Most of the people in line are probably there for the same reason as Ousaki, to see Nagumo Hiroki. I saw a few wearing shirts I had seen in the storage room at home. Even though it's just an exhibition and my father isn't going to be there for a signing session, why are they so excited? It's not a concert by an artist.

I wonder why my father is so popular.

At home, he's just a big, loud guy.

Despite knowing that side of him, the high school girls who don't know that aspect seem thrilled to see the line.

—There are so many comrades...! So many comrades!

Ousaki was so moved she seemed on the verge of tears.

For Ousaki, who worries about not having someone to share her interests with, anyone in line for Nagumo Hiroki feels like an ally, so it makes sense she's so excited.

Today, she had also declared to Yua: "I'm going to borrow Nagumo-kun!" but couldn't clearly explain why she needed him, so I had to say, "Only Ousaki wanted something, so I'm going to accompany her." As a result, I found myself facing Yua with a kind expression but subtle pressure, so I think Ousaki should be grateful to me.

—Don’t take too long! We have to go or it'll be over! Let's push hard, push hard!

—Weren’t you excited about the comrades just a moment ago?

Even though I shot a cold glance at Ousaki for betraying her enthusiasm, she seemed unfazed.

Unlike Ousaki, who seemed ready to jump into the line, I, who was only accompanying and had no interest in the freebies, planned to advance slowly and stand in line.

—It’s now or never! Now or never!

Ousaki, worried about the limited-edition gifts, finally started pulling my hand. Despite her rough manner, the fact that her hands were touching mine made me feel somewhat uncomfortable.

The line was mostly made up of men. My father's fan base consists mainly of older men. Additionally, many are passionate fans. This is because, in the past, there was a theory among fans that my father was the “strongest.” The organization even briefly promoted him under the nickname “The Strongest Man, Nagumo Hiroki.”

Although there are also female fans, it's rare to see a high school idol fan like Ousaki. If my father found out, he'd surely become even more arrogant and annoying, so I need to make sure he knows nothing about Ousaki.

In that mostly male line, the two high school students felt out of place. There were veteran fans talking about my father's stories from before I was born, even before he got married. It made me feel a strange mix of emotions. It's complicated knowing there are people who know my father better than I do. It’s not like I’m jealous or anything.

Since my father was already famous when I was born, his "before" remains a mystery to me.

As I reflected on the strange feeling of having a famous father, I became concerned about Ousaki.

Ousaki had been pretty quiet for a while. Even though we were surrounded by Nagumo Hiroki fans and she’s the type to engage in conversations, she was engrossed in her phone. The high energy she had when we arrived at S-dōbashi had vanished.

If she stayed quiet... really, if she stayed quiet, Ousaki is a beauty with a look that could rival an idol.

Standing next to someone like that made me even more nervous. Though I’ve gotten a bit better since I started interacting with Yua, I still get nervous around girls, so going out with a classmate like Ousaki, no matter the reason, was an experience that only made me anxious.

—Are you okay?

Not wanting to make myself even more nervous by staying silent, I spoke up.

—What’s up?

—Well, there are a lot of comrades here. It’s a chance to talk about wrestling, right?

—Yeah, but...

Ousaki looked up. Since she’s shorter than Yua, the sensation was strange.

It seemed Ousaki was watching a video, and the paused screen showed my father climbing the top rope. Apparently, she was watching the Asahi Pro Wrestling subscription video site. Nowadays, all wrestling organizations have subscription video services, and there are so many it's hard to keep up.

—... There are only adults and men here.

—Is that why?

—What do you think I am to Nagumo-kun?

Ousaki looked at me with a surprised expression.

—Well, in my impression, you don’t seem like the type who’d be shy with strangers and would talk to anyone.

—Isn’t that more Yua’s image?

I got a "what a good friend!" look mixed with sarcasm.

It’s true that’s Yua’s image. She showed incredible proactivity even with people she barely had a relationship with. That helped us get closer.

—But Ousaki, aren’t you somewhat similar? At school, you seem like that.

—That’s because it’s school.

While fiddling with the ribbon on her chest, Ousaki said:

—In a place where everyone is my age or acquaintances, it's different from here, so my attitude changes.

It seems I assumed Ousaki would always be like the “popular” version I see at school.

The Ousaki at school, cheerful and energetic, probably only appears in spaces where she feels comfortable, and in other places, like this, the calm version of Ousaki emerges.

I imagine Yua could also become a different person depending on the environment, despite her confident attitude at the Nagumo house.

—The Yua in front of me and the Yua in front of her parents are also different, right?

Ousaki said this, and she had put her phone away in her pocket and was looking directly at me.

—Are they also the same?

—... Cut it out, boyfriend~

With an expression as if she had tasted bitter coffee, Ousaki pinched me on the side.

—Seriously, why did Yua choose such a clumsy and salty boyfriend? You’re like a “salty boyfriend.” Too much salt!

While continuing to pinch me, Ousaki paused for a moment.

—But, does Nagumo-kun have something attractive that made Yua fall for him?

I couldn’t answer Ousaki's question.

I still don’t know Yua’s true feelings toward me.

At the very least, I don’t feel like I’ve shown any particularly attractive qualities.

In the meantime, the line moved forward, and it was our turn to enter.

The interior of the shop was decorated in Nagumo Hiroki style, with a small special exhibition area in one corner. Upon entering the space entirely dedicated to my father, Ousaki seemed to feel at home and returned to her cheerful school mode.

Seeing that made me feel more relaxed, and the discomfort I had felt earlier disappeared.

The cheerful and aggressive Ousaki at school now seemed like something I could handle without a problem.

The calm version of Ousaki is undoubtedly charming, but the lively version in front of something she loves is even more genuine.