Boop.

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「And, today is hotpot?」

While unable to stifle his laughter, the man inquired.

For now, it seems he's come to terms with why I was here in this room.

「That, was the plan but……」

Looking around the surroundings…… Yep, there was the earthenware potー.

It's completely broken.

Reaching the ends of my gaze, the man said "ahー……" with a face that wanted to make a remark.

「Sorry, it's broken」

「I can see that」

c.r.a.p, I quipped a reply in a heartbeat.

「Was it Nee-chan's?」

「No, it belonged to Kawata-san and the others, so don't mind it. If I had to choose, the one I'm concerned about is the rice cooker on the veranda. ……That one's mine, so can I take it back?」

The moment I asked, the man became expressionless in an instant.

「……Did you say, Kawata-san?」

The man called Kawata-san's voice in an extremely low voice.

Eh, is this his imperial wrath? Why?

Plus, why is there a question mark attached to Kawata-san's name?

When I glanced at him from the side, Kawata-san got his name was called, was quivering. Well, his name was called with such a risky feeling after all.

Rather, what was he unsatisfied about?

「Kawata」

This time, the man called his name with a clear intention in mind. A clear intention―― In other words, a threat.

「Yeess!!!」

Kawata-san straightened his spine immediately.

「Why are you making this Nee-chan call you by name?」

「……Yes?」

My mutter went unanswered, disappearing into s.p.a.ce.

Eh? Why am I being linked to this as the reason?

「I'm terribly sorry!!!」

Kawata-san, dogeza again――

Eh? Kawata-san, is that something you should apologize for?

You were treating me like「your woman」until just a moment ago, calling you by name is normal isn't it?

「I've taken a liking to this Nee-chan. ……Isn't it strange for this Nee-chan to call out your name before she calls mine?」

「It's as you say!」

No no, it's definitely not as he says at all, that.

「What should Nee-chan call you then?」

「Please refer to me as Baldy!」1

「No, I won't call you that!!!?」

I unintentionally tsukkomi'd. 2

But, the farce was yet to continue.

Watching the conversation of Kawata-san and the man were the other three.

When the men glanced in their direction for a bit, they turned pale white, then eagerly faced me.

「Please call me Play Boy!」

「Please refer to me as Lowly Thug!」

「Please call me s.h.i.+tty Gla.s.ses!」3

「No, I said I won't call you that!!!!」

I wonder why…… Thinking back on how in the early days, I cla.s.sified them as Skinhead, Host, Thug, and Intelli in my heart, I have a strange sense of guilt.

「Nee-chan」

The man called out in a smiling voice.

Smiling…… Though I said that, it had a little too much intensity to it, so I disliked it.

「I'm Kazama Ren. Call me Ren?」

No, I won't call you!!!?