POV: KyotakaEven though I've only been here for five days, I haven't stopped wondering if this place is really a school. I don't have much experience with normal schools, but I can say with certainty that this establishment is out of the ordinary. Whether it's the organization of classes, the place itself, or other aspects... this feeling was even more reinforced today.We had a physical education class, and Chie-sensei left us after the warm-ups, simply leaving and letting us do whatever we wanted, as if it was a long break or recess.It's not that it bothers me, but I found it strange, especially considering that my only real school experience so far is ANHS, which, in addition to being a high school, is a very special and much more rigorous institution... Anyway, I'm not going to complain. After all, I'm free, and that's all that matters.... Yes, we were currently at school, in the courtyard, and it was supposed to be our PE class.Although my expression remains neutral, Keiichi seems to have detected my careful observation of the other students and seems to understand my internal thoughts. This also means that we are all in sports attire... Sports outfits can be quite subjective, especially for girls, I must say. In any case, they seem to suit Mion and Rena well.Keiichi: Ah, Kiyotaka, you're surprised by all this too, aren't you? Yeah, even for me, it's still a bit hard to get used to, hahaha! It feels more like an extended break than actual lessons.It seems Keiichi shared my viewpoint... I wonder what the other students at ANHS would think if they saw this... Probably not much, in my opinion.Kiyotaka: Yes, I was wondering the same thing... I was surprised at first, but after some thought, I think I understand why. There must be a wide range of ages among the students, and there's also the necessity to separate boys from girls.Mion started to laugh slightly, as she usually does, in response to my answer. Well, it wasn't hard to guess... I mean, there's no other really valid reason to do that.Mion: As always, little guy, you hit the nail on the head! Well yes, we're a bit stuck because of that, but it doesn't change the fact that we still need to move and do sports.Rena: The only mandatory thing during sports hour, officially, is to exercise one's body within the premises of the establishment.It seems everyone respects this rule well. The younger ones among us have fun running around. Keiichi observes all this with a resolved look; he probably doesn't quite understand. After all, he comes from a more traditional school, doesn't he? So, his reaction seems normal to me.As for me, it doesn't really concern me much. For now, it's not of great importance.Keiichi: I bet the school inspectors never come hereKiyotaka: The school was officially recognized as a real establishment only recently, wasn't it? So, I guess they haven't really bothered sending investigators here...While we were in the midst of this discussion, waiting... The people we were waiting for arrived, also dressed in the sports uniform. It was, of course, Rika and Satoko.Rika: Sorry for making you wait.Satoko: So, my dear friends, what adventures await us today?Keiichi: Great, the dream team is finally all here!Then, Rika seemed to notice me and walked towards me with a childlike, joyful gait, humming softly while giving me a tender smile.Rika: You look really cute in that outfit, Kiyotaka~!Kiyotaka: Displaying a slightly incredulous expression, I observed her for a moment before responding. Well, thank you, I guess... You look decent in that outfit as well.Rika: Hihihi~! Thank you, I know, mii~!I am seriously questioning the reason for Rika's marked interest in me, or rather, her apparent desire to get closer to me... Does she have a specific goal? No, I'm probably thinking too much; she is just a child after all.Rena: So, miss class representative, what do you have planned for us today?Mion crossed her arms and scanned each of us, her eyebrows furrowing slightly...I dread what's coming. Every time she adopts that stance, it usually foretells complications, doesn't it?Mion: We need fairness and resilience here. In the world of sports, there are no allies. All the other competitors are your opponents! Your only trust is in your muscles!Keiichi: Oh, what kind of trip is that? You've got too much manga in your blood...Mion: Completely ignoring Keiichi's comment, Mion continued. We're going to revisit the classics! We will engage in an ancient game, but perfectly suited to our requirements. The monarch of playgrounds, the sovereign of outdoor confrontations, I present to you... Ground Tag!I understand... A choice that could satisfy everyone, an activity combining game and sport that will probably serve as a pretext for the club, right? So, we're opting for Ground Tag, is that correct?Satoko: I'm ready to face you! And I bet this slug Keiichi will be the first caught!Rika: I don't plan on losing.Rena: But wait and see, I'm going to show you what I can do!Kiyotaka: After hesitating, I decided to intervene to express my question. Excuse me, but... could you explain the rules of this game to me? It seems that everyone here is already familiar with it..........A silence settled, a pause that enveloped the atmosphere after everything that had happened. It's somewhat embarrassing... I must admit that I am not familiar with this game, ignorant even of what it entails...And seeing their reaction, I deduce that it's supposed to be quite common. This could be slightly problematic, but playing without knowing the rules is hardly possible, so I don't really have a choice, do I? However, I doubt they will bombard me with questions about it; I probably shouldn't worry overly about my reputation for a mere playful activity.Keiichi, Rena, Mion, Satoko & Rika: EEEEEEEEEHHH??!!Then, they all expressed their surprise by shouting simultaneously. Yes, as I feared... Is this game really that famous? I then presume that the moments to come might be slightly uncomfortable. I hope they won't ask too many questions...Keiichi: Wait, are you serious, dude? You really don't know what it is? But what did you even do during your childhood?!Satoko: I must admit, I did not expect our dear Kiyotaka to be unaware of the rules of such a popular game, a classic of all playgrounds...Rika: Rika approached on tiptoes, stretching out an arm to gently pat my head, displaying a sad look full of compassion. Mii... Poor thing, it's okay, you'll be able to play with us for your first time at this game. We'll take good care of you, don't worry...I still can't understand why she behaves this way with me... Sure, she interacts in the same manner with all club members, but I can't help feeling it's slightly different when it comes to me.Not that it bothers me, of course. If a young girl shows such kindness toward me, I can only appreciate it, right? I mean, I've never really had the experience of having a little sister or something like that, so I suppose it's not unpleasant.Mion: Darn, I have to say I'm really surprised too; I didn't think someone wouldn't even know what it is... You really have no clue what it's about, seriously, kiddo?Keiichi: Yeah, were you living under a rock before you got here?! Even in Hinamizawa, they know about popular stuff like this...Well, he's not entirely wrong... I've been isolated from the outside world all my life, and games weren't really within my reach... So, naturally, I'm not familiar with children's games....Among them, I noticed that Rena was giving me a slightly suspicious look, as if trying to analyze me or something... I sighed internally at that. It seems she's always trying to detect something in me, as if she suspects I'm hiding something. But is she really that perceptive? I don't think so; after all, is it even humanly possible to read anything on an impassive face?Kiyotaka: I guess that means it's quite popular. No, I don't know this game. It just so happens, probably by chance, I've never really been around places where this game was popular.Mion: Following that, Mion let out a light laugh before continuing. Don't worry, it's no big deal. We'll brief you on the rules before we start; you'll see, it's a piece of cake! She winked at me as she said this.Rika: Rika, right after Mion's response, spoke up, eagerly raising her hand. I'll explain the game, mii~!Rika seemed eager, for some reason, to explain the rules to me... That's probably typical behavior for an ordinary child, isn't it?In any case, I just watched her with my usual demeanor while silently nodding, encouraging her to start... She then began after giving me another broad smile.Rika: So, at the beginning of the game, a cute cat is chosen among us, and this cat must catch its prey by touching them, the other players, cute little mice. Then, Rika continued with a radiant smile. When a mouse is touched, it becomes the cat, and the cat becomes the mouse! To escape the cat, the prey has only one option: to climb everywhere they can. In other words, to simply "perch" somewhere! Hihihi~!I see, so it's an extremely simple game... Essentially, it's about evading the person designated as the "cat" by perching somewhere high where they can't reach you... That's it, in theory. But there must be various ways to conclude this game, right? There must certainly be strategies and tactics beyond just fleeing and hiding... Like in all games of this type.I see, I've got the rules now. I don't really need to dwell on it; it's quite a basic game after all.Kiyotaka: Alright. Thank you, Rika.Rika: Rika offered another beaming smile, both childish and joyful. No problem, Kiyotaka~! Nipah~!She seemed simply happy to have explained the rules of the game and that I thanked her, for some reason...Kiyotaka: Now that I understand the rules, I suppose we can start the game, can't we?Mion: Mion displayed a look of surprise, then burst into genuine laughter. Well, kiddo, you caught me off guard with such eagerness! But, hehe, it looks like you're beginning to get the spirit of the club. That's the spirit! Always give it your all.Satoko: Oh, what a surprise, dear sir. I must admit I am surprised as well. But isn't it wonderful? It just adds a bit more spice to the challenge! I'm really looking forward to seeing you in action!Rena: Of course he is, isn't he? Just because we don't show anything, it doesn't mean we don't feel anything, mmmh~?Rika: Rika displayed an innocent smile once more. Yes, hihihi, I totally agree with Rena! I'm sure Kiyotaka likes playing with us too; otherwise, he wouldn't be here with us, right?Keiichi: Yeah, yeah, that's cool and all, but... Tell me, you guys seem awfully excited for just a simple game...It seems that if there was anything not to tell them, it certainly wasn't that... Apparently, they didn't take it badly anyway.In general, I would agree with him, but now, I realize that I've just gotten used to their extravagant behaviors to the point that it doesn't even surprise me anymore.Mion: What are you talking about, Kei-chan? It's just another game at the club! Article three of the rules! All members must participate and have a blast! Look, take a cue from Kiyo-chan. He may not show it, but deep down, I bet he's having as much fun as we are!Keiichi: Yeah, yeah, I get it, it doesn't surprise me that he's game for it but... Wait, you mean this is also a club activity?Kiyotaka: It was to be expected, otherwise, they probably wouldn't have proposed any game. Otherwise, we could simply engage in individual physical activities...Keiichi seemed to realize what I had said only at that moment, and he also seemed to delve into his thoughts... When he thinks, he has this bad habit of voicing his thoughts aloud, which could undoubtedly be detrimental to him in certain situations or circumstances.Keiichi: Hmmm... Tag, huh? ... Bring it on, you bunch of losers!!!Well, it didn't take long for him to get motivated... Keiichi is truly impressive in this regard; he seems able to change emotions or mindset in an instant, almost immediately. I find this quite curious, but it doesn't really bother me.Mion: Oh, and we have a little personal twist. We call it zombie tag in our version.Keiichi: Oh, okay, cool... The mice that get caught and turn into zombies, that's an original idea.Kiyotaka: I understand, so there will only be one person left in the league at the end, right? With the number of cats increasing, it's going to get more and more difficult. It's an interesting concept.Mion: Yeah, that's kind of the idea. Well, we should end when the bell rings, hoping there aren't too many people left at the end!Rena: It's kind of thrilling, though... isn't it? Why do you like these kinds of stories so much?Keiichi: Don't worry, Rena, if I catch you, I'll devour your innards while you're still breathing.Rena: Eeeew, you're disgusting, Keiichi! Anything but that, please!Mion: Mion started to laugh softly. So, Kei-chan, you're not planning to steal Rena from Kiyo-chan, are you? Hehehe, there's like a bro code for that, right?Keiichi: Hehe, yeah, sorry dude. I didn't mean to steal your dear Rena, don't worry, I'll leave her to you. I wouldn't want to hurt you. We always say "bros before hos," right?Kiyotaka: I don't know what you're talking about...Rika: Don't worry, Kiyotaka. If Rika catches you, she'll eat you very slowly, piece by piece, savoring every bite, mii~!Kiyotaka: I'm not convinced that's very reassuring, and I don't think I was the one who needed to be reassured, but... thank you, I guess.Once again, Rika seemed simply happy that I thanked her, without even paying attention to the rest of the sentence... I think I'm beginning to understand this girl less and less.Keiichi: So, how do we decide who's the cat? Rock-Paper-Scissors?Kiyotaka: No, I don't find it fair to determine the first cat, who will inevitably be at a disadvantage, with a simple game of rock-paper-scissors.Mion: Exactly! And then, since the PE class is by definition, well, a class, it would make sense to have a little test, wouldn't it?Tests, then? They may not know it, but I come from ANHS High School, and here I am, associated with a middle school-level group... Well, I suppose I don't have to think too much about it. I'll just let them do and choose to be the cat first. After all, I don't really have another option, to be frank... It was one of the constraints to respect today.I will simply remain silent until the end, and by elimination, I will thus be the last remaining.Mion: How do you say '6' in English?I heaved an internal sigh upon hearing this. So, this is the type of question... It turns out to be a sort of competition where the first to respond and the quickest wins, isn't it?Mion: Well then? Who can tell me how to say '6' in English?Keiichi: Yes, I know, it's !Mion: And socks?Rena: !Mion: Good, then, quick as lightning: the third letter up from the end of the alphabet, what is it?Rika: !Mion: Hey, use your noggin: what do we call what we have between our legs? Come on, I'm sure you're stumped!Satoko: Of course, I know it! This... It's...Satoko appeared embarrassed by Mion's request... I perceive the source of her discomfort, even though I will probably never understand why people generally feel uneasy expressing this. Mmmh... If this drags on, the situation might become uncomfortable. Should I simply whisper the answer in her ear?Mion: So, Satoko, I thought you weren't a little girl anymore, right? You should know the answer, don't you think?Satoko: But, of course! ... Yes, really, I know what it is!!Mion: Come on, spit it out! How do we call that, what we have between our legs, huh?Yes, it's better to conclude this quickly; we don't need more than that. Watching Satoko become increasingly embarrassed, before someone else ends this situation by blurting out the answer loudly, I leaned towards Satoko to whisper something in her ear... The others started to display their astonishment at my sudden gesture.Satoko: Oh? Oh, I see, what a cunning strategy, I should have guessed it coming from our dear president.Finally, Satoko's cheerful mood seemed to reappear as a mischievous smile reformed on her face. I then straightened up and stepped back a few paces, placing my hands back in my pockets.Satoko: Well, my dear, as I said, I obviously know the answer, it's quite evident. It's "organ," which means in English!She seemed simply proud to have been able to answer so easily, even if she hadn't come up with the answer herself... Well, after all, she already knew these words, so I suppose that's acceptable in this context.However, the others didn't seem to share this opinion, especially Mion, who was fidgeting in front of me, wearing a pout and appearing slightly irritated.Mion: Hey, Kiyo-chan, what are you up to?! Why are you helping her, that's not fair play! Why give her a hint, huh?! Don't tell me you're pulling the same stunt you did with Rena yesterday, are you? Haven't I reminded you that it's every man for himself in this club, Kiyo-chaaaan!Keiichi: Hey, Kiyotaka, dude, what are you up to? No, wait, did you really get suckered by these devilish girls? Don't tell me they've really got you wrapped around their finger!! No, Kiyotaka, pull yourself together and use your head!Kiyotaka: It seems a bit too dramatic. I merely assisted her a bit with her answer, nothing more... She's younger than us, so it seems quite logical, doesn't it?Keiichi: Eh? But your reasoning doesn't work with Satoko and Rika! Don't be fooled by their looks, you're far too naive, my friend, that's something I'll have to teach you... Girls can be incredibly manipulative and cunning!Rena: Hau... Keiichi-kun, don't say such things, Kiyotaka-kun might get the wrong idea about us.Mion: Obviously, we wouldn't want our other little guy to get the wrong impression, would we, Kei-chan~? Rena might be quite disappointed, you know.She seemed simply proud to have been able to answer so easily, even if she hadn't come up with the answer herself... Well, after all, she already knew these words, so I suppose that's acceptable in this context.However, the others didn't seem to share this opinion, especially Mion who was fidgeting in front of me, wearing a pout and appearing slightly irritated..........POV : RenaAaah, today has been such a wonderful day, full of laughter and smiles, hauu~ Kiyotaka, he won again, didn't he? With such a thoughtful strategy, kana, kana? It really seems like he put his whole heart into that game, hehe~. But, you know, I'm starting to worry about him... He seems to ignore so much about the world while knowing so much at the same time. Why would he lie about little things, hmm? It really baffles me. Who is he, truly, deep down?His face, so often expressionless... It makes me think, a lot of people have their secrets, don't they? But if those secrets put him in danger, I must step in, I must help him reveal everything. Because... I want to see him smile again. That smile, so pure and so innocent... I absolutely want to see it again.Thinking about all this makes me heave a big sigh. But no matter the hardships, I must stay strong! For Kiyotaka, for all my friends. And then, I'm not alone anymore, am I? With my passion for cooking, I always prepare little dishes to comfort everyone. My adorable hamster also keeps me company and brings me so much joy.Sometimes, I feel a bit lost, especially when I think about my parents' divorce... But then I remember Oyashiro-sama's words and I feel a bit better. I hate lies, more than anything. They hurt me in the past, and I don't want history to repeat itself, especially not with Kiyotaka.So, yes, I will continue to believe in my friends, in love, and in truth. And I will find that smile I cherish so much in Kiyotaka, no matter the obstacles!... ... ... ... ...Well, there it is, it's time for me to head back to the old dam to go fetch Kenta-kun~! I came back home to get everything ready, and now, I'm prepared... I need nothing else, so let's go!Yasunori: Ah, Reina, you're leaving already? Oh, that's right, you're going there again, aren't you?Ah, I suddenly heard my father's voice calling me just as I was about to leave... It's true, normally I go directly there without coming back here, and I don't return until after all that, so he must be a bit confused, ah ah.Rena: Oh, yes, I'm leaving right away, I just came back to pick up a few things before leaving, ah ah ahYasunori: Hehe, I understand. Well, don't come back too late, and take good care of yourself. It's rather risky out there, with all those piles of debris... And try not to bring back too many things, haha! We're running out of space.Rena: Don't worry, dad, it won't happen, I'll be careful!! See you later!Waving goodbye, slipping on my shoes, all while chirping happily, I was about to leave my house, my hand already on the doorknob, before I suddenly stopped, thinking suddenly of something.Rena: Oh, darn, I almost forgot!Ah, I was about to forget my machete!! Without it, it would be complicated to remove that last beam, ah ah!! So, I turned back and went to my room to retrieve my machete. Then, coming back to the entrance, I was suddenly interrupted by my father, who looked quite perplexed.Yasunori: Huh, Reina, what are you doing with that machete? Wait, you're really going to go there with a machete?Rena: Oh, well yes, there's something all cute to unearth under the rubble, so we need an item like this to get it out, hi hi~!Yasunori: Oh, okay, I understand. Well, take good care of yourself... Have a good trip!Rena: Thank you, hi hi hi, see you later, dad!So, I left, still as joyful, and stepping outside, I felt the gentle rays of the sun on my skin and heard the song of the cicadas around me. I started skipping towards the old dam construction site....Finally arriving at my destination, I was ready to begin, but then, something suddenly caught my attention, and I was surprised... Huh, Kiyotaka? He's already here? Oh, he must have come directly here then... I didn't expect him to arrive before me, ah ah!Rena: Oh, Kiyotaka-kun, you were already here?Kiyotaka: My voice interrupted his thoughts, making him turn around to look at me, his expression remaining neutral. Ah, Rena, it's you. Yes, I came here directly and was waiting for you.Yes, just as I thought, he came here directly. Well, now we just have to wait for Keiichi!Rena: Oh, I understand, in that case, let's at least wait for Keiichi-kun before we start, okay? He should be arriving soon.Kiyotaka: Yes, I was about to make the same suggestion... It's better to wait to finish this together.Rena: Yes, and after, I can have my Kenta-kun all to myself and bring him back home, hau~!I swayed gently, thinking about my Kenta-kun who I would have all to myself at home, while Kiyotaka just sighed. Well, at least, we can finish this today!Kiyotaka: Rena, by the way, there is something I want to communicate to you, no, rather a question to ask you, if you are willing to answer.Rena: Mmmmh~? Is there something you would like to ask me? Please do, I will do my best to answer!Kiyotaka: I've noticed something. When I asked you and Mion about the dam, you both assured that nothing serious had happened, but your behavior seemed suspect. As I finished my sentence, a perceptible shiver went through the air. Why lie to me, or rather, why lie to everyone? Is there a specific reason?The way he asked his question, in a voice darker than usual, staring straight into my eyes... it immediately isolated me from the rest.I understand... So he's noticed, huh? It's not surprising from him... But... but it's unfair to accuse us like this. He should know there are reasons, right? And then, coming from him, who lies even when it's not worth it... It's unfair to pretend that we're lying. I felt anger rising in me, and my tone darkened as I replied to him, staring back intensely into his eyes.Rena: And you, Kiyotaka? Perhaps you're not hiding anything... You don't lie, perhaps?Kiyotaka: His expression remaining unflappable, he replied as usual. I don't see what you're talking about.Rena: Liar. I can tell when you're lying, you know, what you do doesn't match what you say. You say you have nothing to hide? Then why not reveal everything? Why lie about things that aren't worth it? Tell me, Kiyotaka-kun, who is the biggest liar among us two?He didn't answer, keeping his gaze fixed on mine... He didn't seem disturbed, no, it was more like he was analyzing me. What is he trying to understand? I don't like this...Rena: About our outing in Okinomiya, can you explain what happened with that fight? How do you explain the way you defended yourself?Kiyotaka: In reality, I didn't do much... It was mainly due to an adrenaline--Rena: Lies. I interrupt him abruptly, not letting him finish his sentence. And regarding your knowledge, all that you know, do you have any explanations to provide? You seem to know everything about very varied subjects, but paradoxically, you ignore basic things that everyone knows. Are you going to simply tell me after that it's because you read a lot?Kiyotaka: Indeed, books are true reservoirs of knowledge, indeed aft--Rena: Lies! My voice rises as I interrupt him again. And your lies about your family and origins, how do you explain those? You apparently made up a story that doesn't make any sense in the current context... Unless you can prove it? You should at least know where your legal guardian lives in Okinomiya, right? And then, it doesn't hold up from the start anyway, nobody in the village, not even Mion, knew you were coming here, how do you explain that?My voice intensified as I continued to stare him right in the eyes. He remained silent, not answering me, his hands still in his pockets, his blank gaze resting on mine.Rena: And about the game of tag, then? Despite all your knowledge, you seemed unaware of what it was. Yet, it's a very popular game among children, you know? Even someone who has never played has at least heard of it!Kiyotaka: What's the problem with not knowing every existing game? I mean, even if it's very well-known, I must not be the only one unaware of this game...Rena: I stare at him for a moment with a serious expression, straight in the eyes... before sighing. Even facing that, you remain unfazed, huh? It seems like you'll never acknowledge anything. I don't understand why you persist in this way, but it's fine.I ended up smiling as I concluded my sentence. Yes, no need to get angry, right? He was just a bit confused by all this, maybe he was also worried about why we weren't telling him everything... Well, I can understand that... But it's just the hypocrisy behind his own lies that I don't appreciate.Rena: You know, Kiyotaka, everyone has their secrets, things we prefer to keep to ourselves... So if you yourself are not willing to share yours, don't try to unearth others'. We have our reasons for not saying more, so please, don't dig any further, it will only bring negativity.Kiyotaka: Kiyotaka observed me for a moment with his neutral gaze before replying. Okay, I was just curious. I didn't really intend to delve deeper.Rena: Finally, I give him a warm smile. The important thing is that you understand, isn't it?(Author's note: Don't worry if it seems flat, it wasn't supposed to be a very important scene, the much-awaited scene that will come in Chapter 9 will be much better done obviously xD)I'm really relieved that it didn't drag on and that everything ended quickly, quickly... My goal was just to explain that to him. Yes, it's true, we might be hiding some things from him... But those aren't things that he and Keiichi need to know right now, it would only scare them, and that's really not what we want.And then, suddenly, after all that, we heard steps behind me. Surprised, I turned around, and oh, it was Keiichi who was arriving. Ah! He's finally here, it seems! Great!Rena: Oh, Keiichi! You're late! But it's okay... We were waiting for you, let's go.Keiichi, approaching us, offered a smile and then looked at Kiyotaka, then at me, and finally at my machete. He seemed to ponder for a moment.Keiichi: Rena, you shouldn't walk around with your machete without its sheath, people will get ideas!Rena: Well, apparently, we lost it... In any case, it wasn't with me.Kiyotaka: It's quite risky to walk around the street with a machete without a scabbard... You should at least wrap the blade in newspaper or something similar to protect it.Rena: I make a little embarrassed pout. Hehe, yes, that's probably really a good idea, you know. I'll think about it in the future.Feeling a bit embarrassed by this, I simply scratched the back of my head.Keiichi: Well, it's not a big deal. Come on, tonight, we'll make it! There's just one beam left to remove and we can get it out. We have everything we need... Now, it's your turn, buddy! Hehe, I did most of the work yesterday, so it's your turn to take over! He gave a determined smile to Kiyotaka while nonchalantly handing him the machete.Kiyotaka: Kiyotaka looked at Keiichi for a moment, then at the machete, before taking it nonchalantly. Alright, I'll take care of it then.Great!! So, we can really unearth it today, right?Rena: A little patience, my little Kenta-kun... Kiyotaka will get you out of there...I felt energized and excited again. Kiyotaka kneeled near the hole, lifting the machete in the air, ready to bring it down on the beam.Rena: ... So, Kiyotaka, do you think you can do it? If it's too hard, don't force yourself...Keiichi: Come on, Rena, don't worry about him! I'm sure he'll even finish it faster than I would have, don't you think?Kiyotaka: I don't foresee a problem, there's just one beam left, so it shouldn't be too complicated.Hi hi, once again, he's both confident and modest, like he's constantly trying to convince himself he's just average, it's really weird but... I guess that's not so bad, is it?And then, right after saying that, he struck the beam with the machete so hard that he broke it instantly in one hit... Wow, seriously, I knew he was strong and all, but to see him do that like it was nothing, in one hit? He's really impressive, huh? I really didn't expect to meet someone like him in my life, especially in Hinamizawa... Keiichi seemed completely amazed by that.Keiichi: Man, I knew you were skilled... But that's impressive!! You managed to break the beam in one strike without even scratching the statue!Kiyotaka: Observing Keiichi for a moment before sighing and approaching the spot where the beam blocked Kenta-kun. Yes, it shouldn't be that big of a problem, I guess.Wait, did he just, for the first time, admit something without pretending it was a coincidence or something? Isn't that in itself a small achievement? Ah ah.Keiichi: And there you go, Rena, happy? You can give him a kiss before bedtime tonight, ah ah!Rena: Oh... Thank you, K-Kiyotaka... I'll give him the k-ki-kiss...I guess it was really quicker than expected, huh? So I'm really going to be able to bring him home tonight, that's so great!Keiichi: By the way, Rena, you mentioned the other day that you had just moved? Where did you live before that?Oh? I didn't expect the conversation to turn this way... Keiichi caught me a bit off guard, but it's okay, as long as he doesn't ask too many questions, I can answer simply. His sudden curiosity took me aback a bit, but then again, coming from Keiichi, it's not so surprising.Rena: Hm? Oh, further east, around Tokyo. It wasn't the countryside like here, but it wasn't the city either...Keiichi: But why move, then? Especially to come to Hinamizawa. It's quite an isolated place!Kiyotaka: Well, I guess everyone has their own reasons... Right?Rena: And what about you, then? Why did your family come to live here? Does it have to do with your dad?Keiichi: Oh? Ah, he wanted his own studio. He always said he wished to have one near the mountains for inspiration.Rena: A studio?? But then... Your dad creates artworks?Kiyotaka: Your father is a painter, Keiichi? That's indeed surprising... Quite unusual.Keiichi: He dedicates himself solely to landscape painting. It seems he holds an exhibition about twice a year, but I don't know exactly where.Keiichi's father is really a painter, then? That's super impressive and quite rare... I didn't expect a profession like that, hi hi. But if that allowed Keiichi to eventually come to Hinamizawa, then it's even better!Rena: In any case, it seems really impressive... You'll have to show us his paintings one day!Kiyotaka: And now, I'm also curious to see his works of art.It seems that this has piqued Kiyotaka's curiosity a bit, well, even he can be interested in certain things, right? Keiichi appeared to be pondering something, giving us vague and quick responses... I didn't really understand the reason for his sudden behavior, but I suppose it's nothing important.Rena: It hasn't been too hard for you? Changing schools in the middle of the year is something, after all.Keiichi: Nah, it's okay, and it's the same for Kiyotaka, isn't it? Plus, I was tired of city life anyway.Hi hi, well, on that, I can only agree with him! So, we continued to chat a bit together, all three of us, pleasantly, until it was time to go back. Then, we all three helped to pull up Kenta-kun and wrap him in the tarp I had brought..........POV : KiyotakaWe eventually parted ways, the time had come to return home.I walked leisurely, enjoying the calm of the twilight, hands in pockets, gaze fixed straight ahead, lulled by the song of the cicadas that gradually faded to make way for the nocturnal crickets, wrapped in a light breeze.... ... ... ... ...Another day ends here, without any real progress... Anyway, for now, I choose to savor my newfound freedom rather than getting involved in anything else... Earlier, I just wanted to verify the accuracy of my reasoning regarding Rena. She ended up admitting, albeit indirectly, that she wasn't telling Keiichi and me the whole truth, and that there was a good reason for that, a reason I had guessed, as expected... What surprised me was her sudden change in tone. She really hates lies, doesn't she?I should be more cautious with her... I can't afford for my peace to be disturbed by poor lies or anything of the sort...I finally let out one last sigh. Well, aside from that, one could say it was a day rich in discoveries, I suppose... I won the game of tag, in accordance with the daily challenge rules, and I receive money just for that... Ultimately, it's quite convenient.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Greetings everyone, it's Phoenix Lore!! And... here we finally have chapter 5 xD. Don't worry, the chapters will come more quickly starting from chapter 7... And you surely know which chapter I'm talking about, right? Well, there's only chapter 6 left before we finally reach that famous chapter ^^.I would also like to apologize for the slightly lesser quality of this chapter. I encountered some difficulties in finding relevant ideas to develop here. It's true that this chapter is not the climax of the story; after all, the first half of volume 1 isn't necessarily the most thrilling in the Higurashi universe xD. I'm looking forward to the start of the second part, which should be coming soon.Hmmm... Anyway, there was a little problem... It's as if the part supposed to present the club game was deleted. What happened? I have no idea, maybe it was just a bit too boring to write, especially since it's not that interesting... But no, I wouldn't have backed down from that!! It's like someone is trying to interfere with this fanfiction, I don't really understand, I hope everything will be okay. Well, if that's the only issue, then I suppose it's fine xD.Well, anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter ^^. I wish you a wonderful day!!