"What?! You didn't do anything?! I can't believe it!!"
When I explained the whole situation to my sister, this was her response.
Honestly, I can't believe it either. But it's true.
"Ugh, I'm so sorry about my brother..."
"I-It's okay. There's no need for Elsie to apologize..."
After reuniting with his sisters, even Katsuragi seemed to have sensed the atmosphere and didn't linger at the front desk any longer, offering his opinions on the costumes.
Even so, she still looked dissatisfied.
Perhaps because she heard that Katsuragi and I hadn't done anything for an hour, my sister is acting rather assertive.
Walking briskly to the front of a certain facility,
"Here! Let's go in here!!"
Then, they urged me to enter the "haunted house where you enter in your swimsuit," which is apparently a local specialty.
Elsie looked surprised, and Katsuragi had the same bitter expression he had when he first saw the cosplay, or perhaps even more so.
My face is... so red I can clearly see it myself.
I tried my best to refuse, but my sister forced the issue, and in the end, I was forced to buy the ticket.
To put it in Katsuragi's style, I think "the person who created this place must have 20 or 30 screws loose in their head."
The concept of this haunted house was also quite unusual.
Visitors first rent and change into swimsuits at the entrance.
Then, you proceed through the facility, which is filled with water up to your knees.
The setting for this facility is apparently a "submerged mansion."
I suddenly wondered if there really are buildings that get submerged like this, but I decided not to ask such a silly question.
I'm not particularly easily frightened.
It's scary, but it doesn't make me panic.
...So, it seems I underestimated this facility a bit.
At first, I thought it was just a haunted house with a little water in it.
Or rather, I was telling myself that repeatedly to distract myself from the embarrassment of wearing a swimsuit.
But this water is the tricky part.
Something suddenly becomes slimy in the water, or suddenly turns blood red, or some unknown monster suddenly emerges from the water, or the temperature drops drastically.
In that sense, this facility might be excellent.
I thought I wouldn't be fazed no matter what happened, but every time I was surprised, I couldn't help but hug whoever was nearby.
Yes, to Katsuragi-kun.
It's beyond our control. There's nothing we can do about it. Ikumi and Elsie are walking a little ahead, so Katsuragi is the only one who can give her a hug.
Or rather, Ikumi is walking separately on purpose. There's no doubt about it.
It's not that I wasn't happy, but it was a really nerve-wracking facility.
Even after somehow making it through and changing back into my original clothes, my heart was still pounding.
I don't think it's because of fear.
Afterwards, we had a late lunch at the restaurant inside the facility.
When I came here today, I felt intimidated by the other people.
But what about now?
I wasn't able to initiate conversations myself, but I was able to join in and talk when Ikumi was talking with other people.
It was somewhat like I was piggybacking on my sister's lead, and I wasn't completely free of intimidation, but I was able to have a "conversation" without having to pretend to be "normal."
It was so much fun.
I was really surprised that I was able to talk to someone other than my sister.
Did Ikumi plan this whole thing?
I have a feeling that Katsuragi-kun is somehow involved as well.
Elsie is... simply cooperating, I think? She's such a genuine person that even I can tell.
...If someone told me that she had planned all of this with great calculation, I'm confident I would lose all faith in humanity.
Anyway, I have to thank the two of them for planning it.
That's what I was thinking at the time.
"Oh, my friend will be joining us this afternoon too."
Let's have as much fun as we can♪
My sister said this:
What I asked Ikumi Yoshino was simple.
"First, leave me and Mami alone."
Next, let's see... in about an hour, you and Elsie should come too.
Finally, around noon, bring two or three of your friends who are sociable, cheerful, and considerate. Roughly speaking, "people who can make a lot of noise even with people they've just met."
It was a request that I would never be able to fulfill, but Ikumi readily agreed.
"I see! So you gradually get used to it!"
"With this, I'm sure your big sister will be fine! That's amazing, Katsuragi-kun!"
It's okay, right...?
I really don't think so. It's a bit harsh to ask Ikumi to understand, though.
Anyway, Ikumi gathered people as instructed.
They gathered about three more people, so including the four of us who were there initially, we became a large group of seven.
"Yo, let's have some fun today!"
A guy who looks like a leader speaks up.
"I've always wanted to come here."
The girls let out excited shouts.
"I've been here before, so I can show you around."
Oh, but before that, let me introduce myself."
A kind-looking boy, a stark contrast to the leader, prompts them to introduce themselves.
I was a little worried about what would happen if some weirdos were brought here, but thankfully my fears were unfounded.
After discussing it for a bit, we decided to change into some suitable clothes at the front desk before going out to play.
"Hey everyone, what kind of costumes are you all going to wear?"
Ikumi was talking to everyone, looking happy.
Each person requests the costume they want, and then they borrow that costume.
"God! There are so many costumes! What should I wear? What will you wear?"
Elsie is really getting into it. In this sense, she's more capable than Nakagawa... no, I wonder if he could also act this well without it feeling out of place?
Oh well. If Elsie is useful now, that's fine.
"...Do you think Katsuragi-kun would look good in prince-like clothes?"
Asami Yoshino, as if sensing the mood, also suggested the outfit.
"Yoshino, do you want me to wear that?"
"Huh? Um..."
"...Okay, fine. Let's go with that."
"Yeah..."
I change into my costume.
Everyone was in a friendly mood, complimenting each other.
Of course, Yoshino Asami also seems to be having fun.
Next, we went to the karaoke box inside the facility and sang together.
Everyone seemed to be having a great time and were very excited.
Of course, Yoshino Asami also seems to be having fun.
Next up is bowling.
During a casual conversation, we decided to split into two teams and have a competition.
Since there was an odd number of people, we thought dividing them into teams would be difficult, but we quickly divided them up by putting those who weren't confident in their bowling skills into teams of four and having them compete based on their total score.
The result was quite close. Everyone was very excited. Although, even if it hadn't been so close, these guys would probably have created a good atmosphere anyway.
Of course, Yoshino Asami also seems to be having fun.
Aside from Ikumi Yoshino, who had initiated the invitation, everyone else was meeting each other for the first time. However, since they were all good at socializing, they enjoyed themselves without feeling any barriers between themselves and others.
Asami Yoshino is also talking with a cheerful expression.
"As expected of you, God! Asami is enjoying herself too!"
This will surely fill the void in your heart!!
"...Are you really paying attention to Mami?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"It's okay if you don't understand."
But you know what? The void in your heart isn't so weak that it can be filled by something like this, you know?
"???"
I left Elsie alone and checked on Mami.
...You really do look like t-you're having fun.