Double Score ～Cosmos×Camellia～ SS

Hana Awase’s despair isn’t something you can take everyday, so I decided to do something different for a change. This short story comes in the Limited Edition booklet of Double Score ～Cosmos×Camellia ～ and it’s super cute. (*´∀`*) ♪

This is a story from before the flowers of love bloomed for them. The heroine, Shinozawa Mai, was 2 years old. The 31-year-old group, Suoh Issei, Kamizono Kyouga, Sano Fumiya, Sakita Takuto and Emori Chisato were only 16. Todaka Yousuke, who is one year older than them, was 17. Full translation of the short story under the cut. Thanks to Mitsu for sharing the scans. ❤

In the grounds of Kamizono Shrine, lies a pavilion for religious services. That’s where the shrine performs traditional court dance and music, but usually… it’s used as hangout place by five high school students.

Today is no exception. Three of them can be found there after school. One of them is sitting down, reading a book. Another one is lying on the floor, while the last one has a notebook open on his lap—writing something onto it.

Takuto:
“Ah~ This is so troublesome. Why do we have to copy everything into our English notebooks.”

Fumiya:
“That’s because you slept during class, Takuto.”

Takuto:
“Shut up, Fumiya. You’re one to talk.”

Fumiya:
“Huh? Don’t lump me with you. I only forgot my notebook.”

Takuto:
“Then you end up copying Issei’s notes too. We’re badgers of the same hole.”

A dangerous atmosphere begin to brim between Takuto and Fumiya. The two of them always have this sort of conversation. It seems like they’re not too compatible. They don’t hate each other, it’s simply dislike. That’s why the they’re always throwing sarcastic remarks at each other. The one who stops them each time is always him. He lets out a sigh.

Issei:
“…stop messing around, both of you. If you argue more than this, I’ll take the notebook and go home.”

Takuto & Fumiya:
“Please forgive us, Issei-sama.”

Upon hearing Issei’s words, they go back to writing their notes. Issei watches them with a cold stare.

Issei:
“Good grief… Besides, it’s too late to copy notes now. If you actually listen to the lessons, you wouldn’t be scared of tomorrow’s test.”

Takuto:
“Unlike you, I don’t like reviewing and preparing ahead.”

Fumiya:
“I don’t want to learn from your ridiculously serious side. More than half of my life might be wasted.”

Issei:
“I don’t want to hear that from those who skipped lessons! I have to go home, clean the rooms and make dinner! Copy the notes quickly!”

Fumiya:
“You don’t have to hurry that much, right? Isn’t auntie out to visit some relatives today?”

Issei:
“…did I tell you about that, Fumiya?”

Fumiya:
“No.”

Issei:
“…then why do you know?”

Fumiya:
“Because I met auntie at the shopping district yesterday. I carried her shopping bags, and she treated me to some ice creams. She’s so kind, unlike Issei.”

Issei:
“Well, I’m sorry for being unkind!”

Fumiya:
“And you look exactly like her. What a waste of genes.”

Issei:
“Shut up!”

Takuto:
“Hey, hey. Where’s Kyouga, by the way? Helping out in the shrine again?”

Takuto, who got bored of copying notes, whispers as he pins his pencil between his nose and upper lip.

Issei:
“Since he hasn’t returned, maybe he’s not done yet.”

Fumiya:
“Speaking of which, is it okay for Kyouga not to copy these notes?”

Kyouga:
“I already photocopied it, so I don’t need to rush like you guys.”

The sound of the wooden floor creaking is heard. When everyone turns to the voice’s direction, they find Kyouga—still in his school uniform—standing there.

Takuto:
“Huh!? What do you mean photocopied!? Even though we’re desperately copying this notebook by hand! Don’t play favorites, Issei!”

Issei:
“It’s not mine.”

Fumiya:
“Was it from the girls in your class?”

Kyouga:
“They’re so nice, right?”

Takuto:
“Damn it! Everyone got fooled just because you have good looks! I want to spread how malicious he is!”

As Takuto grits his teeth, Kyouga comes to approach them. He’s holding five cups and a tray with a plate of snacks. He puts them in front of his three friends.

Kyouga:
“Eat this and be grateful. It’s from my mother.”

Takuto:
“Oh! YAY! Hey, Issei! Let’s take a break.”

Issei:
“You’ve been taking breaks after copying for a bit. You should work harder before resting.”

Fumiya:
“I agree with Issei. Rest is forbidden for Takuto until he copies 10 more pages. Well then, let’s eat.”

Takuto:
“Damn you, Fumiya! Why are you going to eat ahead! Huh!? Stop! Don’t eat my share! Stupid!”

Fumiya:
“Ah, sorry. Is this your share? I didn’t notice.”

Takuto:
“YOU LIAR! You really grate on my nerves!”

As Takuto and Fumiya start bickering as usual, Issei ignores them and drinks the tea. Then he realizes that Kyouga has moved near the pavilion’s entrance.

Issei:
“You’re not going to drink, Kyouga?”

Kyouga:
“Not now.”

Kyouga shortly answers, keeping his eyes on the shrine grounds. Issei tilts his head at this situation.

Issei:
“Are you meeting up with someone?”

Kyouga:
“Not really, why do you ask?”

Issei:
“Because you look like you’re waiting for someone.”

Kyouga:
“…I’m not going to wait.”

At the same time as Kyouga’s reply, a relaxed voice and footsteps are heard.

Chisato:
“Sorry for being late.”

Kyouga:
“You sure took your sweet time, Chisato.”

Chisato:
“I had something to take care of at home. Ah, Issei, let me see your notes.”

Issei:
“Sure.”

Their friend, Chisato, comes into the pavilion. Takuto is surprised to see him hugging a small girl.

Takuto:
“What. You brought Mai along?”

Chisato:
“Yeah. Auntie went out to do some shopping. I was worried about leaving her alone, so I took her along. Come on, Mai. Where’s the greeting?”

Fumiya:
“Mai~~! Welcome~~! Come here, come here~~!”

Fumiya, who is smiling brightly, spreads his arms as he says that. As soon as Chisato puts her down, Mai hobbles over to face Issei and the others. Then she bows down her little head.

Mai:
“Good afternoon, everyone!”

Chisato:
“Good girl, Mai. You can greet everyone.”

When Chisato praises her, Mai smiles happily.

Mai:
“Chii-chan, did Mai do it right?”

Chisato:
“Yes, you did. As the reward, maybe I should make Chii-chan’s special pudding tonight?”

Mai:
“Waa! Pudding, pudding! Chii-chan, I love you~!”

When Mai comes to hug his leg, Chisato smiles and pats her head. Upon seeing Mai’s cuteness, everyone’s expressions soften up. Even that Kyouga is smiling. She’s probably the only one who can draw out that kind of expression from him.

Kyouga:
“Come here, Mai.”

Mai smiles upon hearing Kyouga’s call. She hurries over to his side, and then she hugs him tight.

Mai:
“Kyouga onii-chan! Are you going to give flowers today?”

Kyouga:
“It’s impossible today. They’re not blooming in the pond.”

Mai:
“Ehh? Mai wants flowers.”

Kyouga:
“If you’re being a good girl, they might bloom again.”

Mai:
“Really? But what should Mai do to be a good girl?”

Kyouga:
“Come to the shrine again and talk to our god. Ask if he’s doing fine.”

Mai:
“That makes a good girl?”

Kyouga:
“Yeah. I’ll take you there later.”

Mai:
“Yaaay!”

As Kyouga fondly chats with Mai, Fumiya is glaring at them.

Fumiya:
“That Kyouga…! I wanted her to hug me first, and yet…! I’ll curse him.”

Chisato:
“Fumiya sure loves that ‘I’ll curse you’ phrase~ Ah, pass the notebook here. Wait, didn’t Takuto and Fumiya copy the notes? It took quite a while before I came here. Isn’t that slow?”

Takuto:
“Well, yeah. Anyway, that pervert over there. If you’re that jealous, you should just do it too.”

Fumiya:
“Shut up, Takuto. I’ve said it countless times, but I’m not a pervert. This is noble affection.”

Takuto:
“Huh? What affection? People like you are called ‘lolicon’, you know?”

Fumiya:
“How many times do I have to ask you not to use that vulgar word. You’re so dumb.”

Takuto:
“What did you say!?”

As Takuto and Fumiya start arguing again, Mai comes down from Kyouga’s arms and approaches them.

Mai:
“Takuto onii-chan and Fumiya onii-chan, what are you doing?”

The moment Mai talks to them, the harsh atmosphere between the two dissolves. Fumiya spread his arms again, inviting her to come to him.

Fumiya:
“Mai, come here~!”

Mai:
“Yaaay!”

Following the invitation, Mai walks over and clings onto Fumiya.

Fumiya:
“Hmm~! You’re cute today too, Mai. Huh? I’ve never seen these clothes before. Are they new? They suit you really well. You look just like a princess.”

Mai:
“Ehehe. Papa bought it for Mai!”

Fumiya:
“It’s so so so~~~ wonderful! Can I take a picture later?”

Fumiya feels moved as he hugs Mai, while Takuto is giving him a cold stare.

Takuto:
“Creepy. I can’t believe you remember Mai’s clothes. How creepy. Hey… isn’t he dangerous?”

Issei:
“We’ve known that for quite a while.”

Chisato:
“Fumiya really loves Mai, doesn’t he~? Ah, wait Takuto. Don’t put your elbow on the notebook. I can’t see.”

Kyouga:
“I feel like he’d get taken to the right place eventually.”

(He’s saying that someday Fumiya might get arrested LOL)

Takuto:
“Right!? As expected from Kyouga!”

Meanwhile, Mai has left Fumiya’s arms and walks towards Takuto. Then she clings onto his back.

Mai:
“Takuto onii-chan! Pick up, pick up!”

Takuto:
“I want to, but I can’t do it now. Big brother is busy.”

Mai:
“Busy? Are you working? Then Mai will be patient.”

When Mai obediently gets off his back, Takuto turns around to pat her head.

Takuto:
“Oh, you’re a good girl, Mai.”

Mai:
“Ehehe. Papa said it’s not good to disturb people at work.”

Takuto:
“I see, I see~ You’re really smart. Next time, I’ll make some cocoa with lots of milk for you~”

Mai:
“Yaaay! Yaaay!”

Takuto is now grinning, probably because he’s talking to Mai, and this time Fumiya gives him a cold stare.

Fumiya:
“You said I’m creepy, but aren’t you also going a bit far, Takuto?”

Takuto:
“I don’t want to hear that from you.”

Fumiya:
“I can say the same thing. I definitely don’t want to hear it from you.”

Chisato:
“But I agree that Mai is smart.”

As he keeps copying the notes, Chisato then talks to Issei—who has resumed his reading while drinking his tea.

Chisato:
“That reminds me, Issei. Is it true that the student council president confessed to you?”

As the response to Chisato’s question, Issei spits out his tea.

Kyouga:
“That’s dirty, Issei. What are you doing.”

Issei:
*coughs* *coughs* “Sorry…” *coughs*

Kyouga:
“Ooh? The student council president is a third year beauty right? Issei is so vigorous~”

Issei:
*coughs* “W-What do you mean vigorous!? I don’t recall sharing that kind of relationship with her!”

Takuto:
“What is it, what is it!? You’re having an interesting conversation here.”

Takuto, who was talking to Mai, has joined in.

Chisato:
“Takuto, where’s Mai?”

Takuto:
“There.”

Takuto answers Chisato’s question with a glance. Mai is now happily chasing a butterfly that came into the pavilion. Her lively footsteps can be heard, and Chisato decides not to disturb her.

Takuto:
“Hey, Chisato! Tell us about that interesting topic!”

Chisato:
“It seems like she confessed at the back of the school, but I heard that the student council president kissed Issei or something…”

Issei:
“S-She didn’t! She only took a trash from my eyes, that’s all!”

Fumiya:
“I see. So you got eaten through that approach.”

Kyouga:
“She looks like a woman with a high pride, but how was it? Was she a good kisser?”

Issei:
“I’m telling you that she didn’t kiss me!”

Takuto:
“It’s unbelievable if you deny it while blushing like that.”

Chisato:
“Right? I agree with Takuto.”

Fumiya:
“Hey, Issei. How far did the kiss go? Did you use your tongue?”

Issei:
“Wha—!? Don’t joke around, Fumiya!”

Kyouga:
“I see. You did well, Issei! So you’ve climbed the stairs of adulthood in one go!?”

Issei:
“You’re a Shinto priest but words are vulgar, Kyouga!”

Kyouga:
“But then again I’m not a real priest yet~”

Issei:
“That’s not the problem!”

Takuto:
“Issei… Tell me the details of the kiss! I’ll use it as a reference for later!”

Kyouga:
“Takuto, you’re so noisy! Shut up.”

Chisato:
“…huh? Mai?”

As they were having this lively conversation, Chisato notices that the sound of Mai’s footsteps is no longer heard. Everyone looks around the area, but Mai is nowhere to be seen. Chisato and Fumiya stand up at the same time.

Chisato & Fumiya:
“Mai!?”

A second later, Issei and Takuto also look around.

Takuto:
“Oh no. Did she go out?”

Issei:
“Anyway, let’s search for her! She’s small, so she shouldn’t go that far.”

Fumiya:
“If anyone finds her, let’s contact the others through phone.”

Chisato:
“Yeah. Sorry, everyone, thank you!”

Issei, Fumiya and Takuto nod at Chisato’s words before leaving the pavilion. As he puts on his shoes, Issei notices that Kyouga is still relaxing at the pavilion and turns around.

Issei:
“Kyouga, what are you doing! Help us search too!”

Kyouga:
“Are you stupid? If everyone leaves, what are you going to do if Mai returns here. I’ll stay, so you guys can run around searching for her.”

What Kyouga said is true, but his words are so cheeky it’s pissing Issei off.

Issei:
“W-Well, I’ll leave this place to you.”

Kyouga:
“Sure. Go.”

As Kyouga waves his hands to send him off, Issei firmly ties up his shoelaces and runs off.

Meanwhile, Mai has walked out of the shrine grounds and finds herself on the road outside. She followed the butterfly in front of her eyes, but when she realized it… she’s in an unknown place. She comes to realize that Chisato isn’t by her side, and tears are welling up in her large eyes.

Mai:
*sniffs* “Chii-chan, not hereee.”

Mai cries in loneliness as she walks, and before long she bumps into something. When she looks up, she finds a brown-haired man she’s never seen before.

Yousuke:
“Hmm? A kid? Why is a kid this small walking alone?”

The man squats down, smiling as his gaze meets Mai’s.

Yousuke:
“What’s wrong, little girl?”

Mai:
“Uwaaah! Chii-chan is not here—!”

Yousuke:
“Huh? Chii-chan? Is that your mom or dad?”

Mai:
“Nooo! Chii-chan is Chii-chan!”

Yousuke:
“…um, what should I do here?”

Mai:
“Chii-chan, whereee~~~!”

As Mai breaks into tears even more, the man is surprised and starts panicking.

Yousuke:
“Uhh, umm! A-At times like this, I have no choice but to lift her up right!? H-Here, little girl! Up you go!”

Even though he feels awkward, the man hugs Mai and lifts her up. Maybe it’s because the man is tall, but she instantly stops crying.

Mai:
“…amazing. It’s closer to the sky than Chii-chan’s.”

Yousuke:
“Ooh… she stopped crying. I see, I see…! Well then, should I lift you up again?”

As the man lifts Mai up several times, her crying face has completely turned into a smile.

Mai:
“Onii-chan, amazing!”

Yousuke:
“Right~? Well then, what’s your name, little miss?”

Mai:
“Name?”

Yousuke:
“Yes. If you tell me, I can take you home right?”

Mai:
“But if onii-chan doesn’t say his first, it won’t do.”

Yousuke:
“…heh? Why?”

Mai:
“Issei onii-chan said it’s good manners to say your own name before asking for other people’s.”

Yousuke:
“You are small, but they sure taught you great things. My name is Yousuke.”

Mai:
“Yousuke onii-chan?”

Yousuke:
“How smart, you can say my name. Well then, what’s yours?”

Mai:
“Okay! My name is—”

Issei:
“Mai-chan!?”

A panicked voice echoes. When both Yousuke and Mai turn to the voice’s direction, Issei runs up to them with all his might.

Mai:
“Ah! Issei onii-chan!”

Yousuke:
“Oh, it’s someone you know. That’s good. Now I can feel relieved…”

The moment he reaches them, Issei quickly takes Mai away from Yousuke’s arms and presses her against his own chest.

Issei:
“What were you planning to do with Mai-chan, you pervert!”

Yousuke:
“…huh!?”

Since Issei suddenly called him a pervert, of course Yousuke’s blood is going to his head.

Yousuke:
“I’m not a pervert! I only helped because that girl roamed around while crying!”

Issei:
“Don’t lie! You looked at Mai-chan with such a dirty gaze! You’re wearing a uniform, so that means you’re also a high school student right? And yet you… Unbelievable!”

Yousuke:
“I should be the one saying that! You’re unbelievably rude to a person you just met!”

Mai:
“Issei onii-chan! Yousuke onii-chan’s lift-up was amazing! Mai wants more!”

In Issei’s arms, Mai smiles and claps her hands excitedly. Issei awkwardly flinches.

Issei:
“P-Please forgive me. It seems like I misunderstood…”

Yousuke:
“Good grief, what an outrageous misunderstanding! I tried to calm down a lost kid and got called a pervert in return. How ridiculous.”

Maybe it’s because she’s scared of Yousuke’s rough way of speaking, but Mai suddenly turns quiet. Both Issei and Yousuke notice this and turn their gazes to her. Her large eyes are glittering with tears.

Issei:
“Ah!? Sorry, Mai-chan! I didn’t mean to surprise you!”

Mai:
*sniffs* “Uh, uhh…!”

Issei:
“M-Mai-chan! Oh, right! Want me to lift you up?”

Mai:
“Yousuke onii-chan is better than Issei onii-chan.”

Upon hearing these words, Issei feels like his head was smacked by something blunt.

(I lost to an unknown man… I want to cry…)

Issei even feels dizzy due to the shock, but he forces himself to stand—knowing he shouldn’t make Mai cry even more. Then with trembling hands, he hands Mai over to Yousuke.

Issei:
“P… P… Please…”

Yousuke:
“…even if you don’t grit your teeth like that, I’ll do it.”

Yousuke sighs at Issei—who’s still gritting his teeth—and takes Mai. Then he smiles when their eyes met.

Yousuke:
“Well then, I shall answer this little princess’ wish…! Up you go—!”

Mai:
“Kyaaa—!”

(…I will drink a lot of milk starting from tomorrow.)

As he watches the super happy Mai, Issei makes a resolution in his heart.

Since Mai’s mood is fixed thanks to Yousuke, it’s now time for Issei to take her home. While holding Mai in his arms, Issei bows his head to Yousuke.

Issei:
“Thank you so much.”

Yousuke:
“You don’t have to thank me anymore. More importantly, take that girl to her family. They must be worried.”

Issei:
“Yes. Please excuse us.”

Mai:
“Yousuke onii-chan, can Mai see you again?”

Yousuke:
“Let’s see… Let’s meet again once you’ve grown into an adult~! I’m not interested in little girls. Well then, bye bye!”

Issei:
“Wha…?!”

Issei is about to complain to Yousuke before the latter leaves, but he ends up holding back since it might scare Mai again.

(What an unbelievable man! Not interested in l-little girls, he said? He’s the worst! Next time I see him again, I have to make sure he won’t get close to Mai-chan!)

Issei firmly makes that vow in his heart. Then while still hugging Mai, he takes out his phone and informs the others that he has found her.

10 years later, this event has completely vanished from their memories. Issei and Yousuke end up working in the same company as junior and senior. As for which one of them Mai will choose, only god knows.