I'm not going to be an Spirit! (Translate)

[Maybe… people in this world really can accept me?]

A tiny glimmer of hope rose in the heart of Natsumi Kyouno.

However, compared to the overwhelming inferiority complex she harbored, that bit of hope still felt insignificant.

Although what Mamika Kirameki said to her did indeed make her angry—and she still interpreted things in the worst possible way as she usually did—because that seed of hope had been planted in her heart, she also began to entertain more positive thoughts.

What if?

What if… what these people said was true? That in this brand new world, she might truly be accepted?

That intense inner conflict—believing herself to be worthless on one hand, while hoping that this world might be different from the one she came from on the other—left Natsumi Kyouno feeling deeply torn.

So she chose to escape.

By transforming into an inanimate object, she could borrow an objective perspective to secretly observe how others truly saw her.

If that hadn't been her intention, then why would she have chosen to become something as noticeable as a star?

If she really wanted to hide and avoid being picked up by Mamika Kirameki, she could've simply turned into a tiny pebble.

Turning into a star was a reflection of Natsumi Kyouno internal struggle and her longing to be accepted in this world.

"Whew…"

Taking a deep breath, Tachibana Corporation forced himself to calm down.

Now was the perfect time to start capturing Natsumi Kyouno.

Tachibana looked around, hoping to spot his most reliable support, Sōta Mizushino—but couldn't find him.

Only then did he remember: as a high school student, Sōta didn't live here—he had already gone home.

"What a shame… If that kid were still here, he probably would've figured out that this star is actually Natsumi and played along with me."

Shaking his head slightly in disappointment, Tachibana turned his gaze to Matsubara Takashi, who stood nearby.

Without making it too obvious, he lightly kicked Matsubara's shoe to get his attention, then winked and made exaggerated eye gestures.

"…Tachibana-senpai, are your eyes uncomfortable?"

But clearly, Matsubara didn't understand the signals at all and asked with a confused expression.

"Haha… Ever since I turned into a kid, even my sleep schedule seems to have regressed. I'm feeling a little sleepy."

Tachibana fought the urge to roll his eyes and laughed awkwardly, withdrawing his gaze.

This Matsubara kid... Last time he asked him whether he'd bought his novel, he swore up and down that he had not only bought it, but read all of Date A Live too.

Yeah, right! I don't believe a word of it!

Well, nothing can be done now. Since no one here can be relied on as an ally, I'll just have to handle the capture myself.

Despite the heavy pressure on his shoulders, Tachibana maintained a composed exterior. He even poured himself a glass of water and took a slow sip.

"Tsk tsk."

Clicking his tongue, his friendly demeanor suddenly shifted into a more accusatory tone.

"Mamika-san, please forgive my bluntness, but I must question your intentions."

"…Excuse me?"

Sensing the edge in Tachibana voice, Mamika Kirameki sat up straighter. Her expression turned visibly nervous.

"You… You're not putting on an act with that person called 'Military Uniform Princess' to deceive us, are you?"

"…Eh?"

Caught completely off guard by the question, Mamika Kirameki was momTachibanarily stunned.

"Um, could you explain what you mean? I don't quite understand…"

"What I mean is— You might very well be aware that Natsumi is a self-conscious child, and that she tends to interpret praise in the worst possible way. And yet, you still said those things. Isn't that suspicious?"

"Of course not! I'd never do something like that!" Mamika Kirameki quickly objected. "Besides, where would I even get that kind of information about her? I don't even have a phone!"

"You could've gotten it from Military Uniform Princess," Tachibana stated flatly. "Since it was Military Uniform Princess who brought Natsumi into reality, she's likely to know information about her. She could've told you everything."

"But I rescued Natsumi from Military Uniform Princess! I was even treated as a traitor for it!"

"You could've saved Natsumi precisely to gain her trust. You and Military Uniform Princess could've been in on it from the very beginning. Military Uniform Princess defeats Natsumi, then you swoop in to 'save' her—making Natsumi let her guard down around you," Tachibana said coldly.

"Then you tell her that everyone in this world knows her identity and use your words to push her toward irrational decisions."

As Tachibana deduction continued, more and more people began to frown.

The way they looked at Mamika Kirameki gradually turned more hostile and suspicious.

"That doesn't make any sense at all!"

Mamika Kirameki panicked and urgently tried to defend herself.

"If that really was my goal, then why would I come to you all in the first place?"

"Well…"

Tachibana appeared stumped by that question, pausing as his logic stalled.

"True," Selesia commented fairly. "If Mamika really were working with Military Uniform Princess, there would be no reason for her to come find us."

"Moreover," Meteora calmly analyzed, "There are also flaws in Mr. Tachibana deduction. Military Uniform Princess could've simply told Natsumi that everyone here knew her secret. That alone would've had the same effect. There was no need to go through the extra step of having Mamika say it."

"…So that means you weren't lying after all?" Tachibana gave Mamika Kirameki a skeptical look.

"I wasn't! I swear I wasn't!" Mamika Kirameki nodded vigorously.

"I don't know what kind of personality Little Tsumi has. Everything I said to compliment her came from the bottom of my heart!"

"Then tell me," Tachibana suddenly asked, "Exactly what do you find so cute about Natsumi? If you're truly sincere, you should be able to answer without hesitation, right?"

"Of course I can!"

Now that her suspicion seemed to be cleared, Mamika Kirameki eagerly replied:

"Personally, what I love the most is Little Tsumi's fluffy hair—it makes you want to place her on your lap and bury your face in it! It must feel incredibly comforting! Then, there are those eyes like emeralds—so beautiful that if you stare into them too long, you can't help but get shy and look away! That part is totally irresistible! Oh, and her petite body too! One hug is enough to wrap her whole self in your arms—if you sleep with her like a body pillow, she'd be super comfy!"