CHAPTER 6 - Sizzling September (2)

[CODENAMES]

Ever since Yada had prompted the use of nicknames, the students of Class 3-E have been feeling awkward and embarrassed whenever they were called or they called out to someone. Still, there were exceptional few who were quick to be accustomed to it – particularly the prodigy duo.

"Hey, Chuuniban," Nakamura called Karma out with an elbow on his side. "Look." Using her eyes, she pointed at Chiba's seat to where Hayami was approaching.

"I asked Rinka earlier what nickname she gave for Chiba-kun. From that, I can guess what he gave her in return," she added before telling him her 'guess'.

"You're probably wrong, Gyaru English."

Her eyebrow arched. "Oh, so you think you can do better?" she dared.

After turning his head to the topic of their conversation, a hint of amusement made its way on his face. "We'll see about that," he drawled.

"Chi- Adult Game Protagonist, Isogai has suggested something for the game today. He will discuss it with everyone later during lunch but he first wants to know what you think," said Hayami.

"Okay." When Chiba had looked up, he noticed something from her. "You're shaking," he pointed out.

She covered her mouth as her other hand slid onto her stomach. "It's just... your codename... it's hilarious," she managed to say in between giggles.

His head hanged low over his desk and said, "I don't know why that name was given to me. I wonder who came up with that idea."

While fixing his glasses, Takebayashi appeared by their side. "That's because the protagonists in erotic games also have their eyes hidden or are covered with their hair," he explained.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you were also the one who came up with mine." Although Hayami was back to her aloof self, there was still a tinge of humor in her tone.

The glasses otaku crossed his arms. "Yours is Tsundere Sniper? No, that wasn't me but I have to admit that it perfectly suits you," he stated.

It was Chiba's turn to let out a chortle. With this, Hayami gave him a cold glance.

"There's only one more person then that should be responsible for my nickname," she said as her steel gaze shifted towards the semi-bald pervert, who had claimed that she was a tsundere from the time when they rescued Itona Horibe from his guardian named Shiro.

"What did you put for me?" Chiba asked her.

"Sniping Partner." She paused. "And you?"

His mouth parted upon hearing her reply. Hesitantly, he uttered "Sniping Partner" too.

The two stared at each other with both of them at a loss for words. Takebayashi could only sigh at the ensuing awkwardness, having regretted his initiative to engage in a conversation with the frigid pair.

"Anyway –" Takebayashi cleared his throat "– if you two had the same names, then you would be called Sniping Partner 1 and Sniping Partner 2."

"I would actually prefer that," said Hayami.

Chiba nodded in agreement. At least it is simple and less embarrassing.

***

"I knew it!" Nakamura pumped her fist and turned to her rival after. "I told you so. This means a free meal for me later," she sang.

Karma shrugged coolly. "Alright, you win this time, Gyaru English," he said when he felt the hairs of his neck standing up.

Nakamura also picked up on it – the sensation of someone creeping from behind. When Karma had lowered his gaze, he saw blue hair and a gentle smile on its face.

"Are you two making a bet again?" Nagisa, or Gender, asked.

"Yup." Nakamura was swift to recover and aimed her smug look at Karma, who was still stunned from the blue hair's inconspicuous bloodlust.

After being filled in on the details of the bet, Nagisa looked at the red head. "What did you think Chiba-kun wrote?" he asked.

Back to his cool-headedness, Karma replied, "Sniping Honey~"

His answer made them perplexed as they thought simultaneously:

Nagisa – 'No wonder he got it wrong.'

Nakamura – 'Now I feel like I haven't won the bet.'

Little they did know that the taciturn sniper overheard their exchange while he and Hayami were discussing Isogai's plan for their game of tag later. "Sniping Honey," he mumbled unconsciously to himself, which the orange-haired picked up.

Having heard only the word 'sniping', she mistook him for calling her nickname. "Hm?" she responded, her gaze slipping from the blueprint that contained the layout of the mountain.

He lowered his chin in a panic as he said, "N-Nothing."

It sounded as if he had literally addressed her with that name.