Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ - Volume 2 - Chapter SS1

Fangirl-Mode Nanase Yuino

I had work after school today, so once I got through another boring day of class, I made my way down the road that led from our school to the station. The cherry blossom trees lining the street were a familiar sight now as I headed towards the station where Café Mares was located.

Nanase, who was walking alongside me, asked, “Do you mind if we make a small detour?” She pointed at a CD shop ahead of us.

“Sure. We’ve got time before our shift starts.” I checked my phone. It was just past five. We had almost an hour until we had to clock in for work at six. And as you may have already realized by the fact that we’d walked together this far, yes, Nanase had work today as well. “Is there something you want to buy?”

“My oshi’s CD was released today,” she replied.

As soon as we entered the store, our surroundings suddenly became noisy. Part of it was because many other students like us were shopping inside, but it was mostly due to the music being played from various sections of the shop.

I don’t mind such a chaotic clamor. Actually, I kinda missed this. I used to spend what little cash I had on my favorite bands’ albums. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough to splurge whenever they released any singles.

While I lost myself in sentimental reminiscence, Nanase briskly advanced through the store. Her confident stride took her feet to a corner dedicated to an extremely popular girl group, Anogatsu55. Yeah, I had a feeling it was for an idol group.

“Wonderful, they still have some.” She gleefully picked up a CD that had “New Release” written on it.

Uh, this isn’t the kind of group where you need to worry about whether they’re sold out or not. Look, there must be hundreds of CDs here. The album just got released, and the store stocked up on this many copies? That’s some impressive popularity!

“Hmm... How many should I buy?” Nanase wondered with a solemn expression as she scooped up a few more CDs.

“Don’t people normally just buy one?” I asked, somewhat taken aback.

She shot back with a powerful rebuttal. “Normally I’d just buy one to listen to and one for my collection, but this time each CD comes with a lottery ticket for their handshake event. Which means the more I buy, the higher chance I have of winning. I’m definitely going to meet Mayoi-chan and shake her hand!”

I could feel an intense, bloodcurdling determination radiating off of her. You normally buy two copies? That’s a legit idol fan for ya. “You’re just a high schooler. I think you should refrain from straining your wallet too much,” I said, trying to sound reasonable.

“Urgh.” She turned to me, eyes filled with sad disappointment.

Hey, even if you look at me like that, what am I supposed to... It’s so cute. Please, stop! Argh, you’re too adorable!

“I’ll make do with two copies this time,” Nanase murmured tearfully.

I’ve never heard her voice tremble like that before... Oh, fine! I smiled wryly and picked up a copy of the CD she was holding. “How about this? I’ll buy one too, and you can have my lottery ticket.”

“R-Really?” Her face instantly lit up.

Wow! The only time she’s easy to read is when she’s talking about idols. “Yeah. I’m curious about this group anyway since you’re so into them. I’ll give them a listen.”

I believed that trying your friends’ hobbies was essential, and it was a good way to get closer. We’d have more topics to talk about, and it would be easier to initiate conversations this way. Plus, I genuinely enjoyed music.

“Thanks, Haibara-kun,” Nanase said as she beamed at me happily.

Defeated by the immense destructive force behind her beautiful smile, I hastily changed the subject. “S-So, Nanase, which one’s your oshi? You said her name was Mayoi-chan?”

“Yes! She’s the second one from the right.”

I directed my gaze to the poster of the group and followed her finger. “Huh, that’s Mayoi-chan?”

“Isn’t she cute?”

After a beat, I said, “Yeah, she’s cute.” You know...she kinda looks like Hoshimiya. Of course she’s cute!

“Haibara-kun, I think you and I share similar preferences,” Nanase remarked enthusiastically.

What’s that supposed to mean?! I was confused, but she left me in suspense.

“Oh, their live concert was broadcasted! It slipped my mind for a moment, but Mayoi-chan was the center for it. She’s been gaining popularity lately... Look! It’s uploaded now! See, isn’t she super cute?”

“Uh-huh, very cute,” I replied. Both Mayoi-chan and Nanase when she’s elated.

For the record, because of how fired up Nanase had gotten, we were both late to work.