The Fate of the Protagonist Who Chose the Harem Ending - Episode 35

You’re No Longer the Reason the Girls Are Around

A few days before the second semester closing ceremony. 

The school held a morning assembly for the entire student body. 

Most of the first-years were probably thinking, “I hope this ends quickly.” 

But for the rest of us, we had been looking forward to this day.

Enjoying a school-wide morning assembly might sound strange, but this school has a tradition. 

“Now, the second semester is almost over,” 

The principal began, standing on the podium.

The first-years groaned, wishing it were already the closing ceremony. 

While the rest of us eagerly waited for what was to come. 

“To keep the closing ceremony brief, I’ll announce what I need to say now.”

The first-years were stunned. Of course, they were; this wasn’t something you’d expect any principal to say. It was more of a long-standing custom here. 

The content itself was mundane at first—warnings about the cold weather, advice to take care of your health, and encouragement for the upcoming third semester. Whether it be advancing to the next grade, job hunting, or preparing for exams. 

After the usual announcements, the principal made a declaration: 

“From this moment, we begin the ‘Appreciation Gathering!’”

Cheers erupted from everyone except the first-years, who were startled by the sudden excitement. 

“Excuse me, Higashitani-senpai, but… what’s this ‘Appreciation Gathering’?” 

“Oh, Shirogane-kun! Welcome.” 

Shirogane-kun and Fujimoto-san approached me with confused looks. They were asking about the event. 

I couldn’t help but laugh as I explained. 

It’s basically an event to unwind after the chaos—sports festivals, midterms, preparation for the culture festival, the festival itself, and then cleaning up afterwards, all topped off with final exams. 

So, this Appreciation Gathering is about giving everyone a break. 

Classes are entirely canceled—an extreme move. 

The idea is that anything you’d normally do can wait until the third semester. 

As long as it’s not against school rules, you’re free to self-study, practice your club activities, or just chat endlessly with friends. 

But attendance is still mandatory, so everyone comes. 

“That’s why it’s essentially a no-classes day, and everyone’s thrilled.” 

Even the teachers benefit, as they use the time to catch up on their piled-up work. I’d heard them say it’s a relief to have time to focus on those tasks. 

“And the one request we have for you is to not tell the next batch of first-years.” 

“What a nice surprise…” 

“I was shocked too…” 

Since it’s a tradition to keep this a secret from the incoming first-years, no one tells them. It’s both revenge and a way to make memories. 

“So… Naoto-kun, would you like to exercise together?” 

“Oh? What do you have in mind?” 

“Um… well… sorry, can you lean in for a second?” 

Blushing, Fujimoto-san leaned closer to whisper something into Shirogane-kun’s ear. 

Shirogane-kun listened, his gaze shifting as he muttered, “I see…” 

“Hmm, in that case, jogging might be a good start.” 

“Ugh…” 

“Don’t worry. Jumping into it too hard will just leave you sore and miserable. 

Let’s gradually increase the pace.” 

And so, it seemed the two of them would be exercising together. 

Apparently, Shirogane-kun wanted to start with something enjoyable to help Fujimoto-san warm up to physical activity. 

He mentioned how doing extreme sets of exercises from the start would only make someone hate it. So it’s better to start slow—a few light sets of easy exercises. 

Swimming might be the best option since it’s like playing while exercising, he’d said. 

After they left, I was chatting with Shizuku when Nanase-san and her group approached us. 

“Hey, you two! I’ve made something great!” 

“Can we see it?” 

“Of course!” 

With Nanase-san’s approval, I joined Shizuku in looking. 

This… is… 

“What do you think? It’s set in this school.” 

“It’s… unique…” 

“Really unique…” 

The drawing depicted a giant hole in the ground of the schoolyard, with a pale blue light erupting from it. 

People with blackened eyes, possessed by something glowing blue-white, were gathered above the hole. They formed a massive sphere. It was like some kind of legion. 

Meanwhile, people were fleeing in terror. 

It was honestly scary. 

“What about you, Satsuki-kun? What do you think?” 

“It felt like a depiction of those resisting their desires versus those succumbing to them.” 

“As expected of you…” 

Satsuki-kun replied casually, and Nanase-san looked touched. 

I didn’t want to get too involved in their world…

“Well, I’m off to work on my next drawing. See you!” 

And with that, she left. 

As Shizuku and I resumed studying, Oumi-kun and his group arrived. 

“Um…! …uh…” 

“It’s fine. I’m just here to back you up.” 

“Y-yeah, I know… it’s just…” 

Patiently, I waited. I’d gotten used to this kind of thing with Shizuku. 

“I-I’m sorry… I’m really sorry…” 

Suddenly, Imakoga-san apologized. 

For what, though? 

Before I could ask, she continued. 

“I-it’s about… back then, when I saw you and… I ran away…” 

Ah, now that she mentioned it, I remembered something like that happening. 

Apparently, from Aiba’s perspective, she had found this annoying. 

But now, Imakoga-san had come all this way to apologize. 

I should accept her apology gracefully. 

“It’s fine, really. Right, Shizuku?” 

“Yeah, it’s okay now, Imakoga-san.” 

“Th-thank you…” 

From what Aiba observed, it seemed Imakoga-san was naturally quiet. It was perhaps a survival strategy, which made speaking up difficult for her. 

“We’d be happy if you stayed friends with us. Right, Haruka?” 

“Yeah, and Oumi-kun is here too.” 

“Thank you, all of you!” 

Oumi-kun shouted in joy. 

Despite it only being the third semester of their second year, those two had already decided to attend the same university. 

It seems Imakoga-san is also planning to move in with Oumi-kun. 

Apparently, her father had taken a liking to Oumi-kun. It was so much so that he welcomed him as a potential son-in-law with open arms. 

Imakoga-san found this level of enthusiasm suffocating and wanted to get away. 

Whether this was a joke or serious, I didn’t know. But as long as the two of them were making the decision together, it would probably be fine. 

After we studied together, it was time to head home. 

As Shizuku and I were leaving, Kanefune-senpai approached us. 

“Hey there, Higashitani-chan, Shizuku-chan!” 

As she greeted us, she suddenly shifted into her “lady of the manor” persona. But there wasn’t any of her usual intimidating presence. 

“It’s nothing important. I just wanted to let you know—I’ve got a boyfriend now.” 

“Wha—!?” 

Kanefune-senpai!? Who in the world accepted her!? 

“Remember the guy who pulled my hair at the sports festival? It’s him.” 

Oh, the heroic member of the festival committee? Wait, how did she even manage to win him over? 

“Even though I told him to stop, he didn’t. 

Even when I shouted that no one would marry me now, 

He yelled back that I should regret not being able to marry. 

When I complained to my family that I’d been wronged, they sided with him.” 

It’s not technically a lie, but… isn’t that just maliciously deceptive!? Borderline fraud! 

“So…… your family siding with him means……” 

“Oh, no, they immediately saw through it and gave me a stern lecture.” 

Ah, as expected of a reasonable family. At least they weren’t fooled. 

“Well, anyway, I thought his boldness to stand up to me was impressive. Once I told him the whole story, we officially started dating.” 

By the way, she mentioned that her boyfriend tends to act unpredictably when left alone. So she plans to keep a close watch on him and hold the reins firmly. 

A true hero… 

“That’s all. Just a little happiness report. Oh, but I’ll still keep pestering you. Though I have to settle things with him, too.” 

With that, she left—either heading back to her hero of a boyfriend or going home. 

Kanefune-senpai had exited the scene. 

And it was then that I remembered………..the existence of Ichijou. 

Shizuku is thinking about our future together. 

Fujimoto-san is facing her weaknesses with Shirogane-kun by her side. 

Nanase-san is creating the art she envisions alongside Satsuki-kun. 

Imakoga-san is planning her future with Oumi-kun. 

Even Kanefune-senpai has found someone to admire and cherish. 

—

The feelings of admiration, the reasons for being close………

And you…….are no longer here.