Category: I’m a Childhood Friend, and I Want to Remain a Supporting Character, but for Some Reason I Became the Heroine’s Love Interest

51 It Seems to Be My Turn

“…Hmm.”

The sound of my phone alarm.

I set it so I wouldn’t be late for my plans with Riri-chan.

I forgot to turn it off.

Bright sunlight streamed through the curtains.

A typical lazy Sunday morning.

I didn’t feel like moving, so I stayed curled up in bed.

There’s no reason to get up since it’s a holiday.

If I don’t have to move, I’m a lazy person who avoids movement as much as possible.

“…Sigh…”

Along with waking up, I remembered yesterday’s events.

I acted strangely just from hearing Tachibana-san’s name from Riri-chan.

Riri-chan forgave me, but lately, I think I’m losing it.

I thought I was more selfish, able to maintain a calm demeanor.

But lately, when it comes to Riri-chan, my heart races, and I act impulsively.

I’m being controlled by my emotions rather than my logic.

I wonder why.

Is it because Shindo-kun and the heroines’ relationships aren’t going anywhere?

If this continues, a bad future awaits me.

Is that anxiety causing me to act strangely around Riri-chan?

No, but that would be taking it out on her…

I’m anxious, but I don’t think I’m so troubled that I’d take it out on Riri-chan.

“…I don’t know.”

I still couldn’t find the answer.

I didn’t feel like doing anything after I got home yesterday.

So I just went to bed, and my hair is a mess.

I thought about going back to sleep, but once I noticed it, I couldn’t sleep comfortably.

“…Can’t be helped, I guess I’ll get up.”

I gave up and got out of bed.

I left my room and went down the stairs to the first floor.

No one was in the living room.

Amatsuki Suzuna lives alone in this house.

Apparently, her parents are away on business.

Living alone at this impressionable age seems appealing, but it’s a pain to have to do all the housework yourself.

I’m sure Amatsuki Suzuna’s domestic skills improved thanks to this environment, but it doesn’t suit a lazy person like me.

I went to the changing room and took off my pajamas and underwear.

I took a shower.

“…I’m tired.”

After getting out, I dried myself with a bath towel and roughly dried my hair.

Amatsuki Suzuna’s hair isn’t that long, so it doesn’t take long to dry.

I returned to my room and sat down in a floor chair.

—Ping

A message notification sound from my phone.

It’s rare for my phone to make that sound.

Sadly, I don’t have any contacts besides Shindo Minato, Hinase Riri, and my parents.

I reached for my phone and checked the message.

“Suzuna, are you home?”

…It was from Riri-chan.

It was surprising to receive a message from her so soon after yesterday.

But the content of the message was unclear.

“I am.”

I read it immediately.

“Can you… see outside?”

Hmm…?

Still unclear.

Does she want me to look outside?

I opened the curtains, which had been closed, and looked outside.

“Eh…”

There was a girl standing on the street outside my house, waving both hands. She was wearing a cap, a hoodie, and denim shorts.

Or rather, it was Riri-chan.

Wait, why is she here?

“…”

While I was frozen, Riri-chan froze too.

No, you don’t have to freeze.

—Ping

My phone beeped again.

“Suzuna, you’re too sexy?!”

…Ah.

I’m still in a towel.

◇◇◇

“Wh-What’s the meaning of this?! Appearing like that… are you an exhibitionist, Suzuna?!”

That was the first thing Riri-chan said after I hurriedly dried my hair, changed into my loungewear, and let her in.

And she was breathing heavily.

I should be the one breathing heavily after rushing to get ready.

“Of course not! You told me to look outside right after I took a shower.”

“S-Seriously…?”

“It’s impossible for me to plan that.”

“Th-That’s true… Lucky.”

Riri-chan is still being cryptic.

“And why are you so calm, Suzuna? You were pretty sexy.”

“Well, even if you saw my body… it’s… worthless. I should be the one apologizing.”

Not that I wanted to show her, but it was from a distance.

Or rather, I should be the one apologizing for showing her my skinny body.

If anyone’s sexy, it’s Riri-chan… no, that’s not right.

My thoughts are going in a strange direction.

Calm down, me.

“…Should we go inside?”

Talking about me being in a towel at the entrance is the biggest waste of time.

“Is that okay?”

“No, that’s what you were planning all along, wasn’t it?”

“I was thinking it would be fine just to see your face, Suzuna.”

“…Oh.”

Riri-chan suddenly says the most unexpected things.

I don’t know how to react, so I wish she wouldn’t.

“But I’ll go inside if it’s okay. Excuse me.”

Riri-chan took off her white canvas low-cut sneakers and entered the house.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

Riri-chan tilted her head, noticing my gaze.

“Well, you seem different from yesterday.”

“Ah, ahaha, I’m usually like this. Yesterday was special.”

“…I see.”

Yesterday’s shopping trip ended awkwardly because I felt negative emotions towards Tachibana-san.

I’m really losing it.

I composed myself and led Riri-chan to the living room.

“Are your parents not home?”

“No, they’re both often away on business trips.”

Or rather, since I’m Yukitsuki Mashiro, they’re strangers to me.

“Eh, what? Same here.”

“…That’s true.”

It’s true that among the heroines, only Amatsuki Suzuna and Hinase Riri live apart from their parents.

“Hmm, hmm… that might be convenient.”

“What is?”

“Ah, nothing, it’s my own business.”

Riri-chan waved her hand dismissively.

“By the way, how do you know where I live, Riri-chan?”

She’s been near my house before, but she’s never come directly.

This is the first time.

“Eh…? I wouldn’t… secretly follow you home after school one day, would I?”

She had a mischievous look on her face.

Well, it’s fine since it’s Riri-chan.

“You could have just asked me directly.”

“Would you have told me if I did?”

“…Of course.”

I know where Riri-chan lives, so there’s no way I wouldn’t tell her.

“What if someone other than me asked for your address?”

“…I wouldn’t tell them.”

I’m not stupid enough to leak information like that.

“Fufufu, that’s good to know.”

But Riri-chan seemed pleased.

“So, what did you come all this way for, Riri-chan?”

“Ah, well. It’s already May, so we have midterms coming up, right? I really need to study, don’t I?”

Riri-chan showed me her backpack.

It probably contains textbooks and such.

“Okay, but you’re surprisingly studious, Riri-chan.”

I thought this before, but I didn’t think Hinase Riri was the type to study hard.

“It’s a perfect excuse, isn’t it?”

“…For what?”

“You wouldn’t understand, would you? That’s the kind of person you are.”

Riri-chan seemed unilaterally convinced and didn’t explain further.

Well… it’s not a big deal.

“Then I’ll go get my textbooks and stuff, so wait here.”

I have to go back to my room on the second floor to get my study materials.

“No, no, Suzuna, wait a minute.”

She stopped me dramatically.

“When you study with a friend, it’s always in their room, right?”

That’s the first time I’ve heard of that rule.

“My room is small, and the table is small. It’s much easier to study in the living room.”

I pointed at the dining table in the living room.

“No, stop prioritizing functionality! That’s a bad habit of yours, Suzuna.”

I don’t think anyone has ever told me that prioritizing functionality is a bad habit.

Anyway, Riri-chan seems to want to study in my room.

“…Well, okay.”

I don’t have a reason to refuse.

“Yay!”

“But it’s not very tidy.”

“That’s even better.”

…Riri-chan has been saying strange things ever since she arrived.

◇◇◇

I led her to my room.

“Here it is.”

I opened the door and invited Riri-chan into my room.

It felt a little strange.

“It smells like you, Suzuna.”

“…”

There’s a pervert here.

---

52 Facing Your Feelings

“Hmm… so this is Suzuna’s room.”

Riri-chan looked around my room curiously.

I wonder if I reacted the same way when I entered her room.

It feels a little embarrassing to have someone look at my room, like they’re peeking into my mind.

“It’s not that unusual, is it?”

“No, but it’s… heartwarming to think that you live here, Suzuna.”

She’s saying something strange.

Amatsuki Suzuna’s room lacks any sense of unity. A wooden bed, an ordinary study desk, a white low table, and a navy blue floor chair take up most of the space.

It’s not particularly stylish or personalized.

It’s not especially girly either; you could call it characterless.

“Riri-chan, sit there.”

I pointed at the floor chair in the center of the room.

“Is that okay?”

“It is.”

I can’t just have my guest sit on the floor, can I?

“What about you, Suzuna?”

“I’ll sit on a cushion.”

“I feel bad…”

Despite saying that, Riri-chan readily sat down in my floor chair.

It felt strange to see Riri-chan sitting in my usual spot.

“So this is the shape of Suzuna’s butt…”

She muttered something incomprehensible again.

Anyway, since Riri-chan said she came to study, let’s focus on that.

I have a history of acting strangely at Riri-chan’s house.

So I told myself to exercise self-control today.

It’s okay, Riri-chan isn’t wearing anything revealing today, so I should be safe.

◇◇◇

“Did you know? Apparently, Uemura and Endo are dating.”

Riri-chan suddenly started gossiping.

Why is she saying this, interrupting our study session?

Uemura-kun and Endo-san are classmates, a boy and a girl.

“…Is that so?”

I’m not a big fan of studying, so I wouldn’t say “Focus on studying.”

But I could only offer a minimal response to her sudden love talk.

“Isn’t that surprising? They have quite different personalities.”

“It is…”

Honestly, I don’t know them very well.

The only people I know are Riri-chan, Shindo-kun, and the other heroines.

I don’t really interact with other people, so I don’t have any information about them.

I probably wouldn’t have known if Riri-chan hadn’t told me.

“That’s a weak reaction. It’s a hot topic in class.”

“I don’t really know them.”

I’m not interested in celebrity gossip.

I tend to have an indifferent reaction to the love lives of people I don’t know.

I envy Riri-chan, who’s interested in everything.

“Hmm. You’re not interested in love talk, Suzuna?”

“Not really.”

They say a maiden in love is like a blooming flower, but if I walked past, the flowers would probably wilt.

I’m that kind of dry person.

“Then you’re not interested in my love life either?”

I realized that those words instantly changed my indifferent mood.

Riri-chan’s words easily sway my emotions.

“…I’m interested in yours, Riri-chan.”

“Oh? You’re interested in me?”

Riri-chan grinned mischievously.

She’s probably trying to get me to say something, but I can’t let my guard down because she’s a pervert.

“Of course I’m more interested in my friend than in strangers.”

“Maybe, but would you… listen to my relationship problems?”

“…Um…”

That would mean listening to her talk about the person she likes.

But imagining that made me feel… uneasy.

“Well?”

“…No.”

I don’t think I can be happy knowing that.

I felt strangely reluctant.

“Eh, that’s different from what you just said.”

“I can’t offer any advice to Miss Popular. I wouldn’t be a good listener.”

“Just listening is enough.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Then what about you, Suzuna?”

“Eh…”

Now Riri-chan was staring intently at me.

Her gaze seemed to say, “I told you mine, now it’s your turn.”

“Won’t you tell me about your love life, Suzuna?”

“…Of course not.”

“Eh, why? You can tell me.”

Because love talk presupposes that you have someone you like.

I don’t have anyone like that—

“It’s embarrassing.”

—I couldn’t say “I don’t,” and my voice trailed off.

“Suzuna, you’re such a shy person. Well, that’s what’s cute about you.”

“Don’t say such weird things.”

But I wonder what Riri-chan’s current love life is like.

Thinking about it won’t give me the answer.

“…Riri-chan, are you… in love?”

She said she has someone she likes, but what’s their relationship like?

“Aren’t we supposed to be talking about love?”

“I’m just asking.”

“Hmm? Fufu… I wonder?”

Riri-chan grinned, her most mischievous expression yet.

She seems to be enjoying my reaction.

“I’m the one asking, you know.”

“I’ll tell you if you tell me.”

…That’s not possible.

I can’t put into words emotions I don’t even understand myself.

“Just kidding. I know you’re shy, Suzuna, so let’s talk about love after you graduate from being shy.”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

Riri-chan sometimes plays with me like this.

This is one of those times.

“Ehehe. It would be fun to talk about that kind of stuff with you, Suzuna.”

Riri-chan smiled gently and stood up from the floor chair.

“What’s wrong?”

“Can I use the restroom?”

“Ah, it’s—”

I told her it was on the first floor, near the changing room.

“Thanks.”

Riri-chan left the room.

I heard her footsteps as she went down the stairs.

“…Someone she likes, huh?”

Well, I’m one thing, but the person Riri-chan likes…

I wonder who it is.

If that person knew, they’d probably confess to Riri-chan immediately.

She’s that charming.

But if Riri-chan gets a boyfriend, what will happen to our time together?

It’ll definitely decrease, won’t it?

That makes me feel very lonely.

I hoped the day we talk about love would never come.

49 You Can Do What You Want

Unable to resist Riri-chan’s persistence, I became a dress-up doll.

As she kept suggesting different outfits, the dress that didn’t suit me at first started to look… okay.

People get used to things, I guess.

“So, what do you think? Is this okay?”

“It’s… okay, I guess…”

“Well, you don’t have to force yourself. I just wanted to show you that you can pull off this kind of style too, Suzuna.”

…That’s what she said.

Well, if Riri-chan insists, I’ll believe her.

I changed back into my black sweatsuit and left the fitting room.

I was about to take the dress to the cashier, but…

“Suzuna, it goes over there.”

Riri-chan pointed to where the dress originally was.

“Hmm? Aren’t you buying it?”

I tilted my head, not understanding what she meant.

“Eh, you’re buying it?”

“Well, yeah.”

Riri-chan’s eyes widened.

It wasn’t cheap, but it was within my budget.

Amatsuki Suzuna, who rarely spends money, has quite a bit of savings.

“You don’t have to force yourself. You can choose something else if you like.”

“…You said it suited me, Riri-chan, so this is fine. I like this one.”

Or rather, I don’t have any particular style I like.

What Riri-chan says is good is good enough for me.

She should be aware of that.

As I was thinking that, Riri-chan looked up at the ceiling again.

…What is she doing, looking at the ceiling?

“Suzuna, what are you doing to me?”

Riri-chan suddenly hugged me.

Wait, wait, wait!

“Riri-chan, we’re in a store!”

“Ah, we can’t do this in public.”

That doesn’t mean it’s okay if no one’s around.

For some reason, Riri-chan was so happy she looked like she was about to start dancing.

“So, why don’t you change into it after we buy it?”

“…Seriously?”

“Seriously. Why wouldn’t you?”

“I’m fine with it, Riri-chan, but I’m not sure about… being seen in this by strangers…”

I know no one is paying attention to me, but I still feel embarrassed.

“Honestly, I think it’s more embarrassing to be seen in that sweatsuit…”

“Is that so?”

“It is.”

She sounded slightly exasperated.

“Okay…”

I have nothing else to believe in besides Riri-chan’s words.

I decided to listen to her.

I paid for the dress, borrowed a fitting room to change, and then we left the store.

“Suzuna, you’re so cute!”

And I was hugged again.

…What’s with her?

“Riri-chan.”

“Ah! Sorry, you’re just too cute.”

She’s saying things that sound like something a kidnapper would say.

But the light and airy fabric felt more comfortable than I expected.

The black sweatsuit, stuffed into the shopping bag, looked a little bulky.

“…I heard sweatshirts were functional, but was that a lie?”

“Suzuna, you’re banned from using that word for clothes.”

I don’t understand why, but Riri-chan issued a ban.

◇◇◇

“What about your shopping, Riri-chan?”

At the previous store, Riri-chan was only looking at clothes for me; she didn’t seem to be looking for anything for herself.

“Ah, I forgot.”

“Why…?”

“I was too focused on you, Suzuna.”

Was the sweatsuit that bad?

“So what did you want to buy?”

“Um, I wanted to look at some miscellaneous goods.”

We went to a nearby general store.

It had a stylish exterior and various cute knick-knacks.

Riri-chan wandered around the store.

She seemed to be browsing aimlessly rather than looking for something specific.

“How about this?”

Riri-chan suddenly picked up a stuffed animal.

It looked like a rabbit, but its ears and limbs were quite short. And its head was disproportionately large.

It had an awkward, stubby appearance, but it was still cute as a stuffed animal.

“…Cute.”

I generally like stuffed animals.

In my previous life, I had so many that it was hard to tell if my room was mine or the stuffed animals’.

I’ve been holding back since becoming Amatsuki Suzuna, but maybe I can start collecting them again.

“Ahaha, right? I think so too.”

Riri-chan giggled and stroked the stuffed animal’s head.

I don’t understand fashion or anything, but I was happy that we seemed to have similar tastes in this area.

“You like these too, Riri-chan?”

Seeing her with the stuffed animal made me want to do the same, so I stroked it too.

The soft, short fur felt pleasant.

“Yeah, I think I like them. …But Kaede probably doesn’t like this kind of thing.”

“…”

Why did she bring up Tachibana-san’s name?

I stopped stroking the stuffed animal.

“Suzuna?”

Riri-chan put the stuffed animal back and peered at my face.

“…What’s wrong with Tachibana-san?”

“Ah, well, her birthday is coming up soon, so I was wondering what to get her.”

“Hmm…”

I see, it’s Tachibana-san’s birthday.

So that’s it.

Riri-chan’s main purpose today was to buy a birthday present for Tachibana-san.

“Um… sorry, I didn’t tell you.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

I know that Riri-chan and Tachibana-san are friends.

And Riri-chan told me not to worry about it.

It’s normal for friends to give each other presents; it’s not strange at all.

So it’s weird that Riri-chan is apologizing.

“No, it’s because you seem angry, Suzuna.”

Riri-chan made an apologetic expression.

I don’t understand.

There’s no reason for her to make that expression.

“I’m not angry.”

“No, you’re clearly acting differently.”

“I’m not.”

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

Riri-chan reached for my hand.

I instinctively pulled away.

“…You are angry.”

Riri-chan looked at me, troubled.

But I’m the one who’s troubled.

I’m acting normally, but Riri-chan is unilaterally treating me like I’m in a bad mood.

It’s making me actually feel bad.

“I’m going home.”

“Eh, come on, that’s not fair.”

I don’t like this.

I don’t like Riri-chan treating me like I’m fragile.

And I don’t like that she was thinking about Tachibana-san while trying to touch me.

Or rather, she might have been thinking about whether Tachibana-san would like this dress.

Presents can be clothes too.

So maybe I was just an afterthought from the beginning.

I don’t like that either.

“Whatever.”

“Suzuna, I’m sorry! I’m apologizing!”

“I’m not angry, so I don’t want you to apologize.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?”

“Nothing.”

I’m tired of this back and forth.

Riri-chan can just choose a present for Tachibana-san.

She can think about her close friend, choose a present, give it to her, and have a good time.

It has nothing to do with me.

It doesn’t.

I don’t need to get involved in something that has nothing to do with me.

My thoughts were jumbled, my emotions a mess, and I felt disgusted.

I wanted to leave this place and throw away these feelings.

---

50 All Alone

My stomach churns.

As if driven by some unseen force, I continued walking.

Not heading anywhere in particular, just blindly pushing through the crowd.

At first, I could hear Riri-chan’s voice, but before I knew it, it was gone.

I think I lost her somewhere.

That’s fine.

I don’t feel like talking to Riri-chan right now.

An unsettling feeling lingered in my chest, and I kept walking, trying to shake it off.

But nothing changed.

I didn’t understand what I was feeling or what I should do.

The fluttering of my dress irritated me.

—Thud

“Ouch…”

I bumped into someone.

“S-Sorry.”

My mind was a mess.

I apologized for bumping into her.

“I should also apologize for not looking where I was—going…?”

“Eh…”

It was a familiar voice.

Standing before me was Futaba Yuu, with her short blue hair, wearing a black shirt and a long gray skirt.

“It’s Suzuna-chan. What’s wrong? You seem flustered.”

“Futaba…-senpai. No, it’s nothing.”

“Really? Walking so fast for no reason… are you always this hasty?”

Her lighthearted, elusive way of speaking was irritating in my current state.

“Just leave me alone.”

“It’s fate that we met here, so tell me what’s wrong.”

“It’s a coincidence. And I have nothing to say.”

“But I can’t just leave you alone after seeing that expression on your face.”

“…What expression?”

I thought I was making my usual expression.

“You look… angry and sad.”

“…That’s a vague answer.”

If you name half of the human emotions, you’re bound to be right about something.

This person is unreliable.

“But it’s not wrong, is it?”

“It’s just my normal expression.”

“Come on, just talk about it. It might make you feel better.”

…This person is persistent.

She’s not listening to me at all.

“It’s faster to just talk and be done with it, rather than being pestered like this.”

“You shouldn’t say that about yourself.”

I want to escape from her too. I was too focused on getting away from Riri-chan.

My feet hurt from wearing these unfamiliar boots, so I can’t walk any faster.

I sighed.

“…I’ll leave as soon as I’m done talking.”

“That’s what I want to hear.”

It’s annoying that she’s getting her way.

◇◇◇

I sat down on a bench in a nearby park.

I explained what happened as concisely as possible.

“—Yeah, that’s jealousy.”

Futaba-senpai nodded solemnly.

Honestly, I’m tired of hearing that word.

Jealousy, envy…

Everyone uses those words so casually, but do they even know what they mean?

“That’s not true. Jealousy is a feeling you have when you love someone, right?”

“Hmm? Don’t you love her?”

“I don’t. She’s my friend.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“…What do you mean?”

“There’s such a thing as platonic love. Friendship is surely a form of love.”

Isn’t that just wordplay?

Just because the word contains “love,” it’s not romantic love.

…Ugh, thinking about love is making my head spin.

“So you can be jealous even between friends.”

“…Do you experience that, Futaba-senpai?”

Since talking about definitions seemed to be causing a Gestaltzerfall, I simply asked if she had experienced it herself.

If there are other people who feel this way, I might feel a little better.

“I do. For example—”

Futaba-senpai moved closer, shortening the distance between us on the bench.

She didn’t look away, her gaze steady.

“—I’m jealous of the person who’s making you jealous, Suzuna-chan.”

“…Excuse me?”

Her voice was flat.

It was hard to tell if she was serious or joking with her calm demeanor.

“See? It happens to me too. You should be more honest with your feelings, Suzuna-chan.”

Futaba-senpai moved back to her original position.

“Are you saying I’m not being straightforward?”

“Yeah, you’re trying to hide your feelings, and that’s why you’re so tired. You should just accept them and put them into words.”

She spoke casually, but it felt condescending.

…Well, she is my senpai, so it’s only natural.

“And it might even be… true love.”

“I told you, that’s not true.”

Was she joking after all?

Futaba-senpai chuckled.

“—Suzuna?!”

A tense voice cut through the quiet air around Futaba-senpai.

Riri-chan was out of breath.

“Is that the person you were talking about, Suzuna-chan?”

“Ah, yes, but…”

“Hmm, unexpected. You have a type, huh?”

What’s with that way of speaking, as if I’m choosing a romantic partner?

Futaba-senpai’s lighthearted remark seemed to displease Riri-chan.

“Hey, who are you? What are you doing with Suzuna?”

Riri-chan glared down at Futaba-senpai.

Even I, watching from the side, felt the intensity of her gaze.

“I’m Futaba Yuu. Suzuna-chan seemed troubled, so I offered her some advice. Hinase Riri-chan.”

Futaba-senpai also seemed to know Riri-chan, who is exceptionally famous within the school.

I had told Riri-chan about Futaba-senpai, so she recognized her immediately.

But I don’t understand why her brow furrowed even deeper…

“I see. But Suzuna is with me, so give her back.”

Riri-chan grabbed my arm.

“That’s why Suzuna-chan is hurting, you know? Treating her like she’s your possession.”

Riri-chan’s demeanor became even more tense.

“You don’t know anything about Suzuna or me, so don’t act all high and mighty.”

“Hmm, so it’s okay to make her suffer if you do know a lot about her?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“That’s how it sounds. And Suzuna-chan seemed to be having a hard time being swayed by your words.”

“That’s…”

Riri-chan’s voice trailed off, which was unusual for her.

“Well, if you want to treat her like an object, then you have to truly cherish her, you know? You can’t be flirting with other girls—”

Futaba-senpai stood up, her tone still ambiguous, a mix of seriousness and jest.

She placed her hand on Riri-chan’s shoulder.

“—Otherwise, someone else might take her away.”

“—!!”

She whispered the last part into Riri-chan’s ear, so I couldn’t hear it.

But Riri-chan’s expression hardened, so I knew it wasn’t anything good.

“Well, you two should get along. See you later, Suzuna-chan.”

Futaba-senpai waved and left the park.

…She’s truly an enigma.

“She’s annoying. I don’t like her type.”

Riri-chan was indignant.

It’s true that they don’t seem very compatible.

Or rather, Futaba-senpai probably doesn’t care.

“…Is that so?”

I couldn’t shake off Riri-chan’s grip on my arm and didn’t know what to do.

The animosity I felt earlier had somehow faded.

“Suzuna, I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean it like that. Kaede’s present was a last-minute thought. I should have told you.”

“…Ah, okay.”

I’m not an afterthought.

I’m not just an extra, that’s what Riri-chan is saying.

I couldn’t process it earlier, my emotions were all over the place.

But now, I could calmly accept those words.

“I think I was just… upset that I felt left out. …But I shouldn’t have acted like that. I’m sorry, I was being stupid.”

I’m probably more foolish than anyone, being swayed by emotions I don’t even understand.

I felt guilty for dragging Riri-chan into this mess.

“I won’t leave you behind, Suzuna, so don’t worry.”

“…Okay.”

I should trust Riri-chan more.

I’m weak-willed, easily swayed by my emotions.

But I should cherish Riri-chan, who stays by my side.

I held her hand tightly and stood up.

“I can’t leave you alone, Suzuna. You always get caught up with someone else.”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m a child.”

The dress fluttered around me, and this time, it felt… light.

47 Customer Service is Scary

The sky was clear, and the temperature was moderate, hinting at the end of spring and the arrival of summer.

The wind might be a little cool, but it would probably get warmer around noon.

A perfect day to go out.

“…Sigh…”

And yet, my mood was as gloomy as the weather was bright.

Nothing particularly bad happened.

But the future that awaited me filled me with endless sighs.

“Ah, Suzuna! You’re early.”

A bright, cheerful voice, as radiant as the sun.

It was Riri-chan, waving at me with a smile.

She was wearing a natural-colored jacket and skirt, a white inner shirt, black sneakers, and a square shoulder bag slung across her body.

Her skirt was short, revealing her legs, but that was typical Riri-chan, and it was somehow reassuring.

Her makeup was also more defined than usual. She looked very fashionable and cute, even more radiant than usual.

A beautiful girl who would catch anyone’s eye.

“Ah, no, I just got here.”

I waved back and replied.

“…Suzuna?”

Riri-chan suddenly stopped.

“Yes?”

“…Um, you do know what we’re doing today, right?”

“Going shopping with you, Riri-chan.”

Riri-chan’s gaze kept moving up and down.

Just like I was looking at her casual clothes, she’s probably looking at mine.

“…You’re not… planning on going to the convenience store, are you?”

Her tone was vague, but she seemed to be struggling to say something.

“No, but I thought we’d be walking a lot in town, so I chose functional clothes.”

I’m not fashionable like Riri-chan, so I prioritized practicality.

Nothing too flashy, nothing too drab. No criticism, no praise.

A perfect balance, or so I thought.

“…Wh-Why are you wearing a sweatsuit?”

“You said I couldn’t wear a tracksuit.”

“…D-Didn’t you consider anything else?”

“Well, if I’m choosing based on functionality after tracksuits, I thought this was the next best thing.”

“Um, I don’t… usually hear the word ‘functionality’ used for clothes…”

“Really? But even though you might not think of them that way, if you trace the history of sweatshirts, they started as sportswear, and—”

“U-Um, wait a minute. People also don’t usually say ‘trace the history,’ you know?”

Oh dear…

Riri-chan seems to have a lot to say about my outfit.

Could it be that I made a mistake, despite choosing such a safe option?

“Is this outfit… bad…?”

“N-No, it’s not bad! It’s not bad, but… it’s not really something you wear when you go shopping in town…”

Ah… I failed.

I really am hopeless.

“I thought it was a safe coordinate, all black, with matching colors…”

“Ah, well… it’s safe in a sense. But it’s a bit… heavy for spring/summer clothes…”

S-Season…?

Do I have to consider the season when choosing colors…?

I can’t keep up.

“I see… Since it’s you, Riri-chan, I’ll ask, is there anything else wrong?”

“…Why are you wearing boots?”

Oh, that’s wrong too?

Wait, wait, hold on.

I thought this was okay.

I didn’t know what shoes to wear, so I searched online, and I settled on these black boots.

“The internet said, ‘Complete a casual outfit with leather shoes.’”

“…No, you’re not wrong. You’re not wrong, but… it’s… not quite right.”

Riri-chan finally looked up at the sky.

She’s given up, I guess.

I’m not wrong, but I’m apparently wrong.

What’s with fashion?

“Sorry, I guess I’m not worthy of walking next to you, Riri-chan.”

I’m only embarrassing her further.

Even the most brilliant diamond looks bad in a shabby box.

I’m tarnishing Riri-chan’s brilliance.

“N-No, it’s not that you’re not worthy…”

“I’ve never seen you choose your words so carefully, Riri-chan. It must be really bad.”

Riri-chan, who usually speaks her mind, was being incredibly considerate.

That’s also mentally damaging.

I’ll just leave…

“Let’s go buy some clothes together.”

“…Eh?”

“I’ll choose some clothes for you.”

Riri-chan smiled.

S-So that means…

“We’re going to a clothing store?”

“Yes, but…?”

“…But you have to do your own shopping, Riri-chan.”

“No, I wanted to look at clothes too, so it works out perfectly.”

I-I see…

Well, then I have no choice but to go.

I promised to accompany her.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“O-Okay!”

Riri-chan took my hand.

Riri-chan, in light and airy colors, and me, in heavy, dark colors.

I wonder if we, a contrasting pair, will blend in with the cityscape.

◇◇◇

“How about this?”

I followed Riri-chan into a building.

Clothing brands lined the floors.

It seemed to be a women’s fashion floor, as all the clothes on display were for women, and most of the customers were female.

She said, “I think this store might have something that suits you, Suzuna,”

And we entered the store, but…

“Suzuna, are you listening?”

“Ah, yeah…”

Riri-chan picked up one outfit after another, asking, “How about this?” in rapid succession.

She was holding a white dress.

“So, what do you think? Is this okay?”

“…Y-Yeah, I guess.”

Honestly, I don’t know.

I think the dress is cute, but I’m not sure if I can wear it. It feels wrong.

I don’t think such a frilly and innocent outfit suits me.

And more than anything…

“Would you like to try it on?”

There it is…!

Customer service…!

And she’s recommending I try it on…!

“Suzuna, do you want to try it on?”

“Ah, um…”

No, I’m embarrassed.

It’s a waste for someone like me to wear such lovely clothes. It’s not appropriate for me.

And after I try it on, the shop assistant will come and shower me with insincere compliments.

Before I know it, they’ll create an atmosphere where I have no choice but to buy it, and I’ll end up buying it without really understanding why.

Ah, this is painful.

“I-Is this dress… sold online…?”

I whispered to Riri-chan.

“Hmm? It’s a famous brand, so you should be able to find it if you search online.”

“Then let’s buy it online. So I don’t have to try it on, right?”

Riri-chan’s eyes widened, and she raised her voice.

“You don’t want to try it on even though it’s right here? What about the size?”

“I’ll just… go with the vibe.”

“No way, the size makes a big difference.”

“But this sweatsuit is big, and I don’t really mind…”

“Don’t compare it to that! Just try it on.”

“Ehhh…”

I was pushed towards the fitting room by Riri-chan.

Clothing stores are a huge hurdle for introverts…

---

48 Just Trust Me: Hinase Riri’s Side

Fufu…

Things took an unexpected turn, and I managed to secure a promise from Suzuna.

She generally doesn’t like going out.

And I know she’s even less inclined to do so on holidays.

She’ll probably come with me if I insist, but I’ve held back until now, worried that she might start to dislike me.

But this time, Suzuna gave me an excuse.

I can’t miss this golden opportunity.

This is a date.

I don’t know what Suzuna thinks, but this is a date.

Thinking that, I naturally put more effort into getting ready.

I often go out in casual clothes, but I can’t let Suzuna see me like that on our date.

I took out a new set of shirt and skirt that I bought but never had the chance to wear.

Today is the perfect day to wear this.

I also spent more time than usual on my hair and makeup.

“Alright, Suzuna, I’m coming!”

My heart fluttered with excitement for my first holiday spent with Suzuna, and I opened the door.

◇◇◇

Ten minutes before our appointed time, I left my apartment and saw that Suzuna was already waiting.

She’s earlier than I expected.

I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t the one waiting first.

But I was happy to see her so soon.

“Suzuna, you’re early!”

I waved at Suzuna.

She noticed me right away and shyly waved back, but…

I froze.

“Ah, no, I just got here.”

Suzuna was saying something, but I couldn’t process it.

I was too distracted by her outfit.

“…W-Why are you wearing a sweatsuit?”

Suzuna was wearing a black sweatsuit from head to toe.

With her black hair, she was just… black.

Like she was absorbing all the sunlight.

I thought she’d dress up a little more…

When I asked her why, she said she chose it for “functionality.”

No, no, I’m not looking for “functionality” in girls’ clothes. Or rather, I don’t use that word.

Suzuna continues to express her unique worldview in strange ways.

And I just noticed she’s wearing black leather boots.

No, no, you don’t wear boots with a sweatsuit.

When I asked her about that too, she said,

“The internet said, ‘Complete a casual outfit with leather shoes.’”

Apparently, it was based on internet knowledge.

This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of not properly understanding what you read online.

But this is also the result of Suzuna trying her best.

I’m happy that she even thought about it, and the fact that it turned out strangely is endearing.

I don’t understand how this could happen.

I looked up at the sky.

…Someone, please stop this cute creature’s rampage.

◇◇◇

So, I came to buy clothes with Suzuna.

I pushed Suzuna, who for some reason hated trying on clothes, into the fitting room.

“Riri-chan, I’ll try it on, but promise you won’t laugh if it doesn’t suit me…”

A faint voice came from behind the curtain.

“I won’t! It’ll suit you, Suzuna, so don’t worry.”

“…I wonder. I feel like it’ll be a comedy show.”

I heard the rustling of clothes as she grumbled.

Sometimes, I think Suzuna’s self-deprecation is excessive.

She often puts herself down and over-praises me, creating an imbalance.

She seems to lack confidence in almost everything and is always trying to read the room.

Even now, just trying on clothes, she’s being negative, saying it won’t suit her.

Suzuna is slender, so she looks better than me, with my curvier figure.

I think it’s stranger to wear a baggy, all-black sweatsuit.

“Riri-chan… I don’t think this is good…”

Suzuna peeked her head out of the fitting room curtain without opening it.

She was frowning, looking anxious.

“I can’t tell if I don’t see it.”

“I saw it.”

“I mean I haven’t seen it.”

“…Seriously?”

Suzuna was being so hesitant.

She’s still resisting, even after coming this far.

It’s endearing, but I also want to see a different side of Suzuna.

“Just show me.”

—Swish

I forcefully opened the curtain.

“Whoa…”

There was Suzuna, flustered, in an ivory dress.

Her arms and legs were slender, her waist was trim, and the dress complemented her fair skin.

“No way, it’s super cute!”

“…You’re just pitying me because I look so ridiculous. I’m not falling for it.”

She laughed self-deprecatingly, using complicated words.

She’s such a stubborn child.

“Stop being so negative and just accept it for once.”

“I’m not being negative.”

“You’re deliberately avoiding it. Do you hate being called cute that much?”

“Because I’m not cute.”

Suzuna turned away, blushing.

What’s with this girl? She’s trying to act aloof, but she can’t hide her embarrassment.

“Hypothetically, let’s say someone thought you weren’t cute. Which is impossible.”

“That’s a fact.”

“Hypothetically!”

She’s so stubborn.

“But does that matter?”

“…What are you trying to say?”

“As long as you like it, it doesn’t matter what other people think.”

“Hmm…”

Suzuna, seemingly at a loss for words, kept fiddling with the hem of her dress.

“But… I don’t think I look cute…”

I see, Suzuna really is insecure.

I’m not always confident either, but there are times when I like myself.

It’s a waste to constantly put yourself down without ever experiencing those moments.

“I think you’re cute, so isn’t that enough?”

“Eh…?”

“It doesn’t matter what other people think. I think you’re cute. Just trust me, Suzuna.”

“But…”

“Don’t you trust me, Suzuna?”

It might be manipulative, but this is what it takes for Suzuna to acknowledge herself.

“…I trust you.”

Suzuna mumbled.

“Then it’s fine, isn’t it?”

“…Yeah.”

Suzuna finally nodded.

Suzuna is stubborn, but she listens to me.

That makes her even more endearing.

“How are we doing?”

“Hmph!”

—Swish!

Suzuna closed the curtain as soon as she heard the shop assistant’s voice.

“Um, excuse me…?”

The shop assistant looked bewildered, unsure of the situation.

…She probably doesn’t want to be seen.

“Ah, she wants to… try on something else…?”

I made up an excuse on the spot.

“I-I see. Please let me know if you need anything.”

The shop assistant bowed and left, still looking slightly puzzled.

I turned back to the closed curtain.

“Suzuna? It’s fine to let them see, you know?”

“…I told you.”

“Eh, what?”

I couldn’t understand her muffled words from behind the curtain.

Then Suzuna peeked her head out again.

“You said, ‘Just trust me,’ Riri-chan.”

“I did, but…?”

“Then there’s no need to show anyone else.”

So that means…

She’ll show me because she trusts me, and she won’t show anyone else because she doesn’t trust them?

“…I see.”

“And I would never show anyone else this embarrassing outfit besides you, Riri-chan, so please think before you talk to the shop assistant.”

“…Sorry.”

“Seriously, get a grip, Riri-chan.”

She turned away and went back behind the curtain.

Suzuna’s tsundere behavior made me swoon.

45 I Want to Know More

Futaba Yuu.

Her blue, short hair flowed smoothly, and she had a tall, slender figure.

Her almond-shaped eyes and mature demeanor gave her an androgynous aura.

And she seemed interested in me, saying I seemed “interesting.”

This was as expected, but…

“What’s your name?”

Apparently, she wants me to introduce myself.

I’d be happy to.

“Shindo-kun, introduce yourself.”

“Ah, well, I’m Shindo—”

“Thank you, but I was asking the girl.”

That didn’t work.

Apparently, she’s interested in me, not Shindo-kun.

I don’t understand why.

“I’m Amatsuki Suzuna…”

“Suzuna-chan, huh? I’m Futaba Yuu.”

I know.

I know you well, since you’re also a heroine.

“So, what did you mean by me falling for him?”

“Shindo-kun here is a perfect match for you.”

I pointed at Shindo-kun next to me.

Futaba Yuu is a cool, melancholic girl, bored with her everyday life.

She should be immediately interested if she sees someone as interesting as him.

“Hello, I’m your future husband.”

Ah… this guy is really something.

No, maybe this will work.

He’s so strange that Futaba-san should be intrigued.

“…You’re joking, right?”

Ah, it didn’t work at all.

She’s probably turned off.

What are you doing, Shindo-kun?

“No, she’s the one who’s joking. She tricked me by saying she could see the future. She’s the root of all evil.”

“Hey, Shindo-kun, don’t blame me just because your joke flopped!”

“It’s the truth! You said she was a potential girlfriend, but she’s not even looking at me! I’m the victim here!”

This guy…

I’m trying to get him together with a heroine out of a sense of responsibility, and he’s pushing the blame onto me.

“Hmm, so Shindo-kun, you were instigated by Suzuna-chan?”

“Yes, that’s right. It’s all her scheme. If you want an apology for my rudeness, tell this girl. I, the victim, will be taking my leave.”

Saying that, Shindo-kun turned on his heel.

Wait, wait, what are you doing?

“Hey, why are you leaving?”

“You should apologize to your senpai for your rudeness. And to me later.”

After saying what he wanted to say, Shindo-kun went down the stairs.

I was left alone.

…This is awkward.

“So, why did you do this?”

Futaba-san looked at me, her smile unwavering.

“…Because you two are a good match.”

“You can say that even though you don’t know anything about each other?”

“I just know.”

“Fufu, you really are interesting.”

…Why am I being labeled as “interesting”?

I’m not the funny one.

“I think Shindo-kun is more interesting.”

“Hmm? No, he seems to lack confidence.”

She gave a unique reason.

It’s true that in the original story, Shindo Minato would have already formed a harem by now.

Shindo-kun, without that, might be lacking in confidence.

In that sense, her argument might be valid, but it’s also contradictory.

“If you’re interested in someone confident, then I don’t think I’m your type.”

“Is that so? You seem somewhat confident to me.”

“…I’m telling you I’m not.”

“People are often unaware of their own qualities.”

Futaba Yuu’s insightful remarks are characteristic of her, but this is off the mark.

I’m not confident.

I’m the type of person who can’t be confident even if I want to.

So I wish she wouldn’t say such strange things.

“Um, I should go back now.”

“Really? That’s too bad, I wanted to talk more.”

No, there’s no point in talking to me.

I wanted Futaba Yuu to talk to Shindo Minato.

“Sorry, I’ll excuse myself.”

“Okay, see you later, Suzuna-chan.”

Futaba-san waved her long, slender arm.

I bowed slightly and left the rooftop.

…Nothing is going my way.

◇◇◇

“Well, well, Suzuna-san? Don’t you have something to tell me?”

Back in the classroom, Riri-chan was waiting for me, sitting with her legs crossed, her bento box open on my desk.

“…Sorry I’m late.”

“You are, aren’t you? What were you doing?”

“I was… submitting a late assignment to the staff room…”

That was the excuse I used to get away from Riri-chan.

“It takes at most three minutes to walk to the staff room, six minutes round trip. So why did it take you thirty minutes?”

This is bad.

She’s angry, Riri-chan is angry.

Should I tell her the truth…?

No, if she finds out I was with Shindo-kun and another heroine, she’ll be even angrier.

Riri-chan hates being neglected.

“Um… the teacher asked me to do something else.”

“Hmm? What?”

“Uh… well, right before I was about to ask, the teacher got a phone call, and I had to wait until they finished.”

Th-That was close…

I somehow managed to come up with a plausible excuse.

“What? That’s terrible. Didn’t they say anything?”

“No, they apologized. They thought I had already left.”

“Huh? Then they should have told you from the beginning. This is why I hate inconsiderate adults.”

“W-Well… I was also being… obedient and waited.”

“It can’t be helped, Suzuna. Actually, you’re amazing for waiting so patiently.”

“R-Really? Ehehe…”

Alright!

I managed to deceive her.

Now, if I can just have a peaceful lunch—

“By the way…”

“Hmm?”

“I said six minutes round trip, but you walk pretty fast, Suzuna. So I thought it was strange after five minutes.”

“…You were timing me?”

I didn’t know she had such a meticulous side.

“And you don’t really like adults, Suzuna. I know because I’m the same, so I thought there’s no way you’d stay in the staff room for that long.”

“…Well, it was agonizing.”

What is she trying to say?

Why is she digging into a resolved issue? This kind of pettiness isn’t like her.

“So, ten minutes after you left the classroom, I went to the staff room.”

My blood ran cold.

“You weren’t there, even though I waited for thirty minutes. Was my eyesight bad?”

“…Uh, um…”

I desperately tried to suppress my trembling knees.

“Ah, I asked all the teachers who were there, and they said they didn’t see you come to the staff room.”

Th-This is impossible…

There’s no room for excuses.

“Suzuna, I’ll ask you one more time. Don’t you have something to tell me?”

“I… I have something to report.”

It goes without saying that I was severely scolded by Riri-chan after that.

---

46 Grant Me a Wish

I calmly explained what happened on the rooftop, trying to be objective and hiding my true intentions.

However, after being thoroughly scolded by Riri-chan, I realized there was little time left of lunch break.

“You really do fuss over Shindo a lot, Suzuna.”

“Ah, no, it’s not like that.”

We were eating our belated lunch.

Riri-chan still seemed to have more to say. While she wasn’t angry anymore, she continued to grumble.

“I know you’re childhood friends and close, but you never usually interact with anyone like that, Suzuna.”

“…I don’t want to do that either, if I can help it.”

I don’t want to interact with him at all, but Shindo-kun just wouldn’t get along with the other heroines, so I ended up getting involved.

I have to interact with him now to avoid interacting with him in the future.

It’s ironic, but I can’t laugh about it.

“Then don’t.”

“There’s such a thing as… a complicated relationship, you know? It’s like that.”

A relationship that will eventually be severed.

“Hmm… well, I’m not happy about it.”

Riri-chan often gets upset when I interact with other heroines or Shindo-kun.

The source of that emotion was a bit of a mystery.

But lately, I’ve started to understand.

The feeling I had when I saw Riri-chan and Tachibana-san together.

Riri-chan called it “jealousy.”

Since she used that term herself, there’s no doubt that she also feels that emotion.

“Riri-chan, is that… jealousy?”

Riri-chan froze at my question.

“J-Jealousy…? Why would you think that?”

“Because when we were talking about you playing volleyball with Tachibana-san, you said it was jealousy…”

“…Ah, I see. So my own words came back to bite me…”

Riri-chan made a troubled expression.

“What would you think if I said it was jealousy, Suzuna?”

“…Eh?”

What would happen if she said it was jealousy?

Jealousy, or envy, is a feeling you have towards someone you “admire” or someone you have “romantic feelings” for.

But Riri-chan would never admire me.

Then… romantic feelings…?

No, that’s ridiculous.

Riri-chan is supposed to fall for Shindo Minato.

Even if she doesn’t have feelings for him now, could those feelings shift to someone else other than the protagonist?

Even if that were possible, there’s no way she’d have those feelings for me.

“Ahaha… no, don’t think about it so seriously. It was just a hypothetical.”

Riri-chan laughed lightheartedly, trying to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

“You’re right… it was a hypothetical.”

“Exactly. I was just teasing you about Kaede. I didn’t think you’d take it so seriously.”

That’s right… there’s no way.

I’m bad at communication, so I take everything literally, even jokes.

“Sorry, I don’t understand those kinds of things.”

“I’m just worried about you, Suzuna.”

“Worried?”

“Yeah, because you’re kind, Suzuna. I’m worried that other people might take advantage of you.”

…I’m not particularly kind.

But I don’t mind being worried about by Riri-chan.

“I see. I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“It’s fine.”

“But I feel bad, so…”

“Well, it wasn’t good that you neglected our lunch break.”

“Y-Yeah… I’ll do anything as an apology.”

Riri-chan froze again.

“A-Anything…?”

“Well, within reason.”

I can only grant very small wishes.

But I thought it would make Riri-chan feel better if I did something, rather than nothing.

It’s the least I can do to atone.

“A-Anything…? Anything means… anything, right…?”

Riri-chan suddenly raised her voice.

I think this is a normal conversation between friends, but is it different?

“S-Suzuna, you sometimes drop bombshells, so I can’t underestimate you…”

“Is that so…?”

Is this really such a surprising thing?

…No, I don’t think it is.

Riri-chan seemed deep in thought.

“Calm down, calm down… I can’t rush into this…”

She muttered something.

“Ah, you probably don’t have any wishes for me, anyway.”

“I do! I have plenty! It’s just that there are too many to choose from.”

“Really…?”

“Yeah, I’m worried they might make you hate me.”

“H-Hate me…?”

What is she imagining me asking her to do…?

She’s not thinking of anything weird, is she…?

Riri-chan pondered, weighing various options.

“Okay, I’ve got it. Suzuna, are you free tomorrow?”

Tomorrow is Saturday, so there’s no school.

I don’t have anything to do, since I’m not in any clubs and don’t have any friends.

“I’m free.”

“Great! Then come shopping with me tomorrow.”

“Shopping…?”

“Yeah, I could go alone, but it’s more fun with someone. I want to go with you, Suzuna.”

“I’m fine with that.”

Or rather, it’s such a simple request.

I would have gone even if she hadn’t made it a wish.

“Ehehe, then it’s settled!”

Riri-chan’s expression finally softened.

She’s been frowning since we returned to the classroom, so I’m glad she’s cheered up.

“I’ll let you know the time later.”

“O-Okay. And where are we going?”

“Just shopping in town. So can we meet at my house?”

“Okay—”

Wait.

Tomorrow is a holiday.

That means we’ll be in casual clothes, not our uniforms.

Wouldn’t that make the difference between Riri-chan and me even more obvious, creating an unbearable situation?

Ah, this is bad.

It’s an obvious thing, yet I’m getting nervous…

“Riri-chan, can I make a suggestion?”

“What?”

“How about we both wear tracksuits so we can easily recognize each other when we meet?”

“Absolutely not.”

“…I figured.”

What clothes do I even have in my closet…?

The childhood friend is the losing heroine.

I think Amatsuki Suzuna’s casual clothes were also unremarkable…

And I, Yukitsuki Mashiro, have terrible fashion sense, so I don’t even know what to wear.

I couldn’t stop sighing.

43 It Would Be Nice If We Felt the Same

“Hey, Suzuna, wait up!”

Riri-chan’s voice called out from behind me.

I was walking ahead, and Riri-chan was following.

“I won’t.”

“Why not?”

It’s obvious, isn’t it?

Because she suddenly licked my neck.

How am I supposed to face Riri-chan after that?

“Why don’t you put your hand on your chest and think about it?”

“It’s because you’re embarrassed, right?”

She answered instantly.

She definitely didn’t even put her hand on her chest.

She’s giving off a strong “I know what you’re thinking, Suzuna” vibe.

“…No, I’m not embarrassed.”

“There was a pause before you answered.”

“No one gets embarrassed from being licked.”

That would make it sound like I enjoyed it.

Normally, you’d be uncomfortable being licked.

That’s the correct reaction.

That’s why I’m angry.

What else could it be?

“I think I’m looking at one right now.”

“No, that’s just you, the perverted Riri-chan.”

A kiss on the cheek is still somewhat understandable.

But licking my neck has a different meaning.

It’s clearly not normal behavior.

“I think you’re the pervert, Suzuna, getting embarrassed from being licked.”

This person…

I’m denying it, so why is she so convinced that I’m embarrassed?

And it’s Riri-chan who’s the pervert, so it’s strange that she’s projecting it onto me.

“I am not a pervert.”

I stopped walking and turned around.

I actually wanted to go home alone, but if I ran away now, she’d probably label me a pervert, so I wanted to make it clear.

But Riri-chan just grinned.

“But, Suzuna, you didn’t tell me to stop, and you didn’t seem to hate it, even though you were surprised.”

“…W-Well, I wouldn’t say I hated it when you did it, Riri-chan.”

“Fufu, that means you accepted it, right?”

“But I wasn’t embarrassed. So I’m not a pervert. You’re the pervert for licking me.”

Yes, that’s sound logic.

I’m not saying anything strange.

But Riri-chan’s confident smile didn’t falter.

“And you seem to be forgetting, but this was a punishment game, remember? It’s only natural that you’d be subjected to something slightly unpleasant.”

“Wh-What…?”

That’s such a sneaky way of putting it.

Riri-chan was the one who suggested the punishment game and decided on the content.

She’s trying to justify her actions by using the punishment game as a shield.

“So it can’t be helped, can it?”

“That’s not fair, Riri-chan, that’s not a valid excuse.”

“It’s your fault for being embarrassed, Suzuna.”

“I’m telling you, I wasn’t embarrassed! Anyone would react that way! You don’t understand how I feel because you haven’t been on the receiving end.”

That’s right.

Anyone would be flustered if they were suddenly licked like that.

Riri-chan doesn’t understand because it’s never happened to her.

“Hmm, is that so?”

“Yes, that’s why you don’t understand, Riri-chan.”

Only the victim understands the victim’s feelings.

It’s common sense.

Even if the perpetrator tries to explain it, it’s just conjecture.

“Then tell me, Suzuna.”

“…Yes?”

“Why don’t you do the same to me? Then I’ll admit that I’m not a pervert if I react the same way.”

“…D-Don’t say such ridiculous things.”

Does she even understand what she’s saying?

“So you are a pervert, Suzuna.”

“W-Wait a minute! Why would you think that?!”

“Because there’s no way to verify it. I even gave you an idea to find out, but you refused, so it can’t be helped if I call you a pervert, right?”

How much does she want to call me a pervert…?

She’s probably assuming that I won’t do it.

W-Well, I won’t lose…

“Fine, I’ll show you.”

“Eh? You don’t have to force yourself. You can just admit that you’re a pervert.”

“I’m not forcing myself! I’m just going to teach you, the clueless Riri-chan, the truth.”

That’s right, this is an educational experience for the ignorant Riri-chan.

It’s a friend’s duty to correct them when they’re doing something strange.

So this is a necessary act.

“Come on, now.”

“Hmm, you’re serious. Then, here you go.”

Riri-chan closed her eyes.

Why is she so readily accepting this…?

Anyway, I have to do it.

To recreate the situation, I approached silently.

I moved my face closer to Riri-chan’s fair neck.

Just as I was about to stick out my tongue and touch her skin, I stopped.

…Wait, if I do exactly the same thing, it won’t be a true recreation, will it?

I was completely unaware of what was about to happen when she suddenly licked my neck.

But Riri-chan knows what’s about to happen.

Then she won’t truly understand how I felt.

So I should choose a different spot.

But where?

I already kissed her cheek, so there’s no element of surprise.

Her forehead is too cliché.

Her lips are… no, no way.

My gaze naturally drifted downwards.

Below her neck, her exposed chest.

I could see her collarbone.

…This is it.

Unexpected, yet within reasonable bounds.

Riri-chan should be able to understand my feelings if I do this.

I moved my face closer to her chest, my cheek brushing against the collar of her shirt.

Ignoring that, I stuck out my tongue again.

My tongue touched the hollow of her collarbone.

“Eh, ah…?”

A surprised gasp escaped Riri-chan’s lips.

As expected. I continued without hesitation.

The softness of her skin and flesh, the hardness of her bone, transmitted through my tongue.

I moved my tongue upwards, tracing the line of her collarbone.

As I licked her skin, Riri-chan’s sweet scent filled my nostrils.

A faint hint of sweat mixed with her fragrance.

“Nn… mm…”

Riri-chan let out another sound.

It sounded like a mixture of surprise and… something else, perhaps a ticklish sensation.

See? Now you understand how I felt.

I continued to extend my tongue—

“W-Wait, stop, Suzuna! Wh-Where are you licking?! That’s not my neck!”

Riri-chan’s flustered voice stopped me.

Satisfied, I pulled away.

“Surprised?”

“O-Of course I am! Why isn’t it my neck?!”

“Because if you knew where I was going to lick, you wouldn’t truly understand how I felt.”

“Th-That’s the reason…?”

Fufu, even Riri-chan seems quite surprised.

Her blushing face is proof of that.

Now she should understand my feelings a little better.

“See? Anyone would react that way if they were licked like that. Now you’ll admit that I’m not a pervert, right?”

“No, you’re definitely the pervert, Suzuna! That’s confirmed now!”

Riri-chan grabbed the collar of her shirt and clutched it tightly.

It was an unusual gesture for Riri-chan, who usually has her chest exposed, a gesture of self-protection.

“…Why? Riri-chan, just because you lost the argument doesn’t mean you can resort to such nonsense.”

“Licking my collarbone is way too advanced! I wasn’t expecting something that sophisticated!”

“Eh…”

Riri-chan’s flustered and blushing face was cute, but apparently, I did something strange.

It seems like it’s better not to do things I’m not used to.

---

44 Wanting to Know More

“…”

“…”

Silence between the two of us.

The usual walk home was filled with an awkward silence.

Or rather, it was because Riri-chan stopped talking.

Riri-chan usually talks to me about various things, but without that, the silence became unbearable.

“…Riri-chan.”

“Wh-What?”

“This silence is killing me…”

“You have the courage to say that, but not the courage to start a conversation yourself…”

Riri-chan scratched her cheek, looking troubled.

“Sorry, are you… angry…?”

Apparently, I did something strange.

And Riri-chan seems to have fallen silent because of it.

Maybe I upset her.

“No, I’m not angry. I wouldn’t be angry about something like this.”

“I-I see. Then say something.”

The silence made me feel like I had upset her, and I was restless.

“Well… don’t worry too much about what happened with Kaede. We’ve just known each other for a long time, that’s all.”

“Ah, okay…”

“I didn’t mean to neglect you, Suzuna.”

“O-Of course not.”

Being told that directly made me blush…

We walked in silence for a while, and before I knew it, we arrived at the downtown area.

This is where Riri-chan and I part ways.

“See you tomorrow, Suzuna.”

“Yeah, bye-bye.”

We waved goodbye.

I walked home alone.

Riri-chan said I was jealous of Tachibana-san.

Jealousy means envy.

One type of jealousy is “the feeling of resentment towards someone who is superior to you.”

Tachibana-san is beautiful, glamorous, and good at sports.

She’s far superior to me.

But am I envious? Honestly, I’m not sure.

There are countless people who are better than me.

There’s no end to envy if I keep comparing myself to others.

Then it must be the other meaning of jealousy: “the feeling you have when someone you care about shows affection towards someone else.”

But that’s also strange.

Because that would mean I like Riri-chan.

The affection that jealousy refers to is “romantic love,” not “friendship.”

So that’s impossible.

…But why does my chest ache every time I deny it?

An intangible emotion continues to wander within my heart.

◇◇◇

“Suzuna, you’ve changed a lot, haven’t you?”

Shindo-kun said the next morning at school.

“I-Is that so…?”

“Yeah, you suddenly started hanging out with Hinase Riri, and you’ve become friendly with Kokona, even though you used to be at odds with her. And lately, you seem to be close with Kanaori Reika too.”

“…Well, yeah.”

“What’s with your flashy social circle? Has the quiet, unassuming Suzuna who was only nice to me disappeared?”

It can’t be helped since I’m no longer the Amatsuki Suzuna you know.

Though I’m still quiet and unassuming.

“You don’t come to pick me up in the morning anymore, you don’t make me lunch, you don’t help me with my studies, and you don’t introduce me to your girlfriends. What’s up with that, as my childhood friend?”

No, what’s up with your demands, as my childhood friend?

Those are all things you should take care of yourself.

…Well, I do feel responsible for the “girlfriend” part.

“But you haven’t been in the classroom during lunch break lately, Shindo-kun. Where are you eating?”

I’m curious about his whereabouts.

“Lately, I’ve been buying lunch at the school store and eating in the hall or the courtyard. Today, I’m thinking of changing things up and eating on the rooftop.”

“…Excuse me?”

This protagonist… I thought he’d been absent lately, but he’s been wandering around all these places?

And his “girlfriend” should be on the rooftop.

The timing is perfect.

“I’m going too.”

“Huh…? It’s fine, but why?”

“There should be a senpai there, Shindo-kun. Talk to her.”

“What are you talking about? Talking to a senpai I don’t even know is impossible.”

“No, you have to talk to her!”

Otherwise, the event won’t happen.

“I’m telling you, it’s crazy to talk to a senpai I don’t know.”

“It’s not crazy. If you don’t talk to her now, you’ll never get a girlfriend, Shindo-kun.”

“…Huh?”

“She’s a potential girlfriend for you.”

The girl on the rooftop is the final heroine.

But Shindo-kun froze.

…He doesn’t believe me, huh?

“Wait for me, my future wife!”

Ah, well, that was unexpectedly simpleminded.

◇◇◇

This is how Shindo Minato meets the final heroine.

◇◇◇

A girl with a melancholic expression gazed at the sky on the rooftop.

She sighed, weary of her boring, repetitive daily life.

“I wish something interesting would happen…”

—BAM

As if in answer to her words, the door opened with a bang.

The girl turned around in surprise. Students rarely came to the rooftop at this time of year.

“Damn it… every single day… being chased by a gal, my little sister, and the student council president… what is this life?!”

The words uttered by the seemingly innocent boy were strangely out of place.

The girl became interested in him.

“Hmm? You’re being chased?”

“Eh, ah, I didn’t know anyone was here… Sorry, I’ll leave.”

The shy boy, realizing she was his senpai, tried to retreat.

“Wait, keep me company.”

“…Um, are you talking to me?”

“Yeah, I’m talking to you.”

“Excuse me, but I don’t understand why.”

The girl smiled.

“Because you seem interesting.”

◇◇◇

…Well, that’s how it’s supposed to go.

The previous heroines’ encounters were altered by my influence, but this encounter is a simple meeting between two people.

So if I recreate this scene, the heroine should be interested.

“…So, Shindo-kun, let’s put our plan into action.”

“O-Okay.”

During lunch break, Shindo-kun and I arrived at the rooftop entrance.

I managed to slip away from Riri-chan with a convincing excuse.

She might be angry if she finds out, but it can’t be helped this time.

Because this is our last chance.

I can’t miss this opportunity.

I carefully opened the door and peeked through the gap.

…There she was.

A girl with short blue hair, looking at the sky.

She’s definitely the final heroine.

“Okay, Shindo-kun, do exactly as I said.”

“…I understand, but… are you sure this will work?”

“I’m sure. I can see the future.”

“…Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

I’ve played the original game, after all.

And there have been no irregularities this time.

I stood by the door and listened.

“I wish something interesting would happen…”

Yes, the heroine’s introductory line.

“Go, Shindo-kun.”

“O-Okay!”

—BAM

Shindo-kun, urged by me, opened the door.

He took a deep breath and…

“DAMN IT… EVERY SINGLE DAY… BEING CHASED BY A GAL… MY LITTLE SISTER… AND THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT… WHAT IS THIS LIFE?!”

He delivered an incredibly over-the-top performance…

What is he doing?

“…?”

The heroine, turning around, stared at the suddenly appearing ham actor.

“…”

“…”

A few seconds of heavy silence.

—Click

Unable to bear it, Shindo-kun closed the door and crouched down.

“Shindo-kun, what are you doing?! You ruined it!”

“That’s my line! That’s not how it’s supposed to go at all! She gave me the coldest stare!”

“That’s because your acting was so bad!”

“Of course it was! Saying such nonsensical lies to a senpai is so embarrassing! I deserve praise for even attempting it!”

Damn it…

That was the problem.

The altered facts made Shindo-kun’s line lose its impact.

That’s why the heroine wasn’t interested.

“Ah, seriously! It would have worked if you had just played the part properly, Shindo-kun! You should have trusted me!”

“No, that was too much. Saying those light novel protagonist-like lines convincingly is crazy.”

“That’s his line, though!”

“Huh? I would never say that. Suzuna, are you glitching?”

—Glitch.

That word gave me pause.

But this isn’t the time for that.

“I know it would have worked if Shindo-kun had just said it properly. That senpai would have fallen for him.”

And yet, this guy…

No, there’s still a chance if I can attract her attention another way.

“Hmm? I would have fallen for him?”

…Eh?

A calm, low-pitched girl’s voice.

I looked up, and a girl with blue hair was looking down at us.

“I’d like to hear more about that.”

…This is bad.

She definitely overheard us.

I have no choice but to run…

“Wait, keep me company.”

The heroine called out to me.

I have a bad feeling about this.

“…Um, are you talking to me?”

“Yeah, I’m talking to you.”

“I don’t understand why.”

The girl smiled.

“Because you seem interesting.”

Her name is Futaba Yuu.

The last one, the senpai heroine.

41 A Clash of Wills

The gymnasium.

Half the court was being used by the girls’ basketball club, and the other half was empty.

And there I was, completely out of place.

“Alright, Amatsuki-san. Let’s begin.”

Kanaori-san called out to me clearly.

“Hey, wait a minute. Why are you giving instructions?”

Riri-chan’s tone was critical.

While a large group was practicing on the other side of the court, we were just three people.

We were wearing our gym clothes, but I still felt bad for taking up space when we weren’t even in a sports club.

“Um… I was thinking… even if half the court is free, shouldn’t other clubs be using it?”

Even if not, wouldn’t the basketball club want to use the full court?

“Don’t worry. I’ve already spoken to the teacher in charge.”

As expected of the student council president. She’s so efficient.

“Y-You got permission?”

“Yes. I explained that there was a student eager to improve her volleyball skills, and they readily agreed.”

There’s no need to phrase it like that…

Now I feel like the basketball club’s teacher is glancing at us.

They’re probably thinking, “That klutz is practicing?”

I-I’m starting to have second thoughts…

“Isn’t that… abuse of power…?”

“The student council doesn’t have that kind of power. And I told you I spoke to the teacher. Please listen carefully.”

The atmosphere between Riri-chan and Kanaori-san was still hostile.

Can we really practice volleyball together when they’re being so prickly?

“First, Amatsuki-san, let’s start with receiving practice. Please get into the position I showed you this morning.”

“O-Okay!”

I got into the position she taught me.

Kanaori-san stood opposite me, holding a volleyball.

The net was also set up, and everything was ready for a game.

“I’ll serve, so please adjust to the falling ball, Amatsuki-san. You don’t need to swing your arm.”

“O-Okay!”

Kanaori-san served.

—Toss

The ball arced slowly towards me.

The ball, aimed at my position, seemed like it would fall right into my hands even if I didn’t move.

Kanaori-san was being very considerate.

“…Huh?”

Suddenly, a figure appeared before me, blocking my view.

Her back arched as she jumped high, her ponytail swaying.

“That’s too easy!”

With a beautiful form, she swung her arm fluidly.

—Whoosh

The ball flew straight over the net.

A perfect spike landed right at Kanaori-san’s feet.

“Hmph… I thought the ball had stopped, it was so slow.”

Riri-chan landed gracefully on the court, a confident smile on her face.

Of course, I didn’t do anything.

“Hey, what are you doing?! Don’t interrupt Amatsuki-san’s practice!”

“That’s why I said, stop ignoring me! I’ll practice with her instead!”

Riri-chan strode boldly onto Kanaori-san’s side of the court and picked up the ball.

“Here, Suzuna. You don’t have to return her serves. I’ll serve to you.”

“Ah, o-okay…”

Well, it doesn’t matter if Riri-chan serves.

Or rather, I couldn’t refuse in this atmosphere, so I just nodded.

“Here, Suzuna. Here I go.”

—Toss

A very gentle serve came towards me.

It was completely catered to my skill level, probably.

Grateful for Riri-chan’s kindness, I braced myself, determined to do it right this time.

“…Eh, w-what?”

But again, a figure appeared before me, blocking my view.

Her back arched as she jumped high, her long golden hair swaying.

“That’s too easy!”

With a beautiful form, she swung her arm fluidly.

—Whoosh

The ball flew straight over the net.

A perfect spike landed right at Riri-chan’s feet.

“Hmph… That serve was so weak, I thought it had stopped.”

Kanaori-san landed gracefully on the court, a confident smile on her face.

Of course, I didn’t do anything.

…W-Wait a minute.

This is the exact same scenario as before, just with Riri-chan and Kanaori-san switched!

“Hey, what are you doing?! Don’t interrupt my practice with Suzuna!”

“This was originally practice between Amatsuki-san and me. You, an outsider, should just watch quietly.”

“O-Outsider…? Who are you talking to?”

“I’m talking to you, Hinase Riri. Is that not clear?”

Their gazes clashed.

They were both ready to fight…

“I’m obviously the better choice. Suzuna and I are friends, so it’s definitely easier for me to teach her.”

“That’s not a valid reason. If that’s the case, why didn’t Amatsuki-san invite you to practice this morning?”

Kanaori-san said something that made even me flinch.

“W-Well…”

“The answer is simple. Amatsuki-san decided she didn’t need to learn from you.”

“Huh…? What’s that? That’s just your imagination!”

“At the very least, Amatsuki-san agreed to practice with me. So it’s an undeniable fact that she chose me over you.”

Riri-chan gritted her teeth.

“Suzuna! Are you really choosing Kanaori over me?!”

The spear of her anger turned towards me.

“N-No, I’m happy with anyone who’s willing to teach me…”

I’m not in a position to choose, and I haven’t even considered who’s more suitable.

“See? It’s all your imagination!”

“But being ‘friends’ isn’t a valid reason to prioritize you.”

“Fine, fine, I get it. Then it’s obviously better for someone who’s good at volleyball to teach her.”

“I agree. Then I have no objections.”

Kanaori-san walked onto the opposite court.

She reached for the ball that was at Riri-chan’s feet… and their hands overlapped.

“Hey, Kanaori, what are you doing?”

“Hinase-san, please move your hand.”

“Didn’t you hear me? I said the better player should teach Suzuna.”

“Yes, of course. And haven’t we just established that I’m the better player?”

…These two… they don’t know how to compromise.

“Huh? I’m obviously better. Didn’t you see my spike earlier? I should be the one teaching her.”

“You seem to have missed my spike. I see, with such poor dynamic vision, your skills are obvious. I should be the one teaching her.”

They both grabbed the volleyball and refused to let go.

“You stubborn idiot, you clearly don’t understand unless I show you directly.”

“I agree. Let’s settle this.”

They both went to opposite sides of the court and faced each other.

I watched from the corner of the gymnasium.

“Let’s see if you can return this serve!”

—Whoosh

Riri-chan served with a full-powered spike.

“You call that a serve? You’re quite the comedian.”

But Kanaori-san received it effortlessly.

She tossed the ball to herself and—

—Whoosh

“How about this? Will you surrender now?!”

She returned a lightning-fast spike.

“I can see that coming from a mile away…!”

But Riri-chan received it too.

She tossed the ball to herself and—

—Whoosh

Returned another spike.

“Impressive…! But I can handle this!”

“Are you… receiving it again?!”

Wait… what about my practice?

◇◇◇

The two of them continued their battle.

I watched for a while, and the ball still hadn’t touched the floor.

The sounds of spikes, receives, and tosses echoed continuously through the gymnasium.

“Hey… wasn’t the volleyball club off today?”

“No, those two aren’t in the volleyball club.”

“No way? They’re way better than the volleyball club…”

“Neither of them are in any club… One is the student council president, and the other is in the going-home club.”

“…Talent is cruel. I’m thinking of quitting club activities.”

Their skill was so impressive that it was discouraging to those who were actually trying to improve in their clubs.

And am I supposed to play after this?

Am I supposed to show my pathetic volleyball skills after witnessing such a high-level battle?

…H-Help me.

---

42 Wanting to Know More

“…You’re… too persistent.”

“…You’re the one who’s being stubborn.”

In the end, neither of them yielded an inch, and the match remained undecided.

Before me were two girls, knees trembling like newborn fawns, their pride refusing to let them fall.

I picked up the ball that had rolled over to me.

“Hey, shouldn’t you have just asked Suzuna which of us she preferred from the beginning?”

Riri-chan, looking at me, said something strange.

“You’re right. It would have been best to respect her wishes.”

Kanaori-san agreed and looked at me as well.

“Eh…”

After such an intense match, it’s up to me in the end?

I wanted to ask what the point of their battle was, but I couldn’t say anything insensitive since they had worked so hard for my sake.

“…How about you two take turns?”

“Seriously?”

“Is that so?”

It was a suggestion that seemed to render their battle meaningless, but I couldn’t possibly judge which of them was better.

It was mortifying to show my pathetic volleyball skills after Riri-chan and Kanaori-san’s match.

But I endured.

After I managed to return the ball somewhat consistently, the practice ended.

Thanks to their cooperation.

“Ah, I’m tired.”

Riri-chan sat down on the court and sighed.

“Amatsuki-san has improved, and we’ve achieved our goal, so I’m relieved. I’ll excuse myself now.”

Kanaori-san turned to leave the gymnasium.

“Are you going home?”

“No, I still have work to do, so I’ll return to the student council room.”

She still has work to do after all that exercise…?

I’m in awe of her energy.

“D-Do your best.”

Kanaori-san looked momentarily surprised, then—

“Yes, thank you.”

—She smiled shyly and left.

“Hey, Suzuuu-na, whaaat was that?”

“Eh, ah, Riri-chan…?”

Riri-chan suddenly put her arm around my shoulders from behind.

I was surprised by her closeness.

“I’ve never been told ‘do your best’ by Suzuna.”

“Eh? I-Is that so…?”

“Nope. You told Kanaori to ‘do her best,’ but not me? I can’t believe it.”

Riri-chan pouted.

She seemed quite dissatisfied.

“I-It was just a coincidence! I cheer for you too, Riri-chan.”

“Really? But Kanaori looked happy, and I’m not really feeling good about it.”

Riri-chan was acting like a spoiled child.

She’s been busy today, getting angry and throwing tantrums.

“It’s true. More importantly, practice is over, so let’s change and go home.”

I couldn’t bear the stares of so many people anymore.

I wanted to escape the gymnasium quickly.

“Well, I guess it can’t be helped. Suzuna…”

For some reason, Riri-chan’s face lit up at those words.

I don’t understand, but I’m glad she’s no longer upset.

◇◇◇

“It’s already dark outside.”

Since we’re both in the going-home club, we don’t usually stay at school this late.

So it felt new to walk home together as the sun set.

“It really is. It’s usually cold, but it feels just right after exercising.”

The cold night air seemed pleasant to Riri-chan’s flushed body.

She fanned the front of her shirt, which revealed more skin than usual, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

I quickly looked away.

“Y-Yeah. It’s hot, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. But I never thought I’d be exercising with you like this, Suzuna.”

“…That’s true.”

“So why did you suddenly decide to play volleyball?”

Riri-chan asked the same question she asked this morning.

“…I told you, I don’t really know myself.”

“No, you must be feeling something, Suzuna. Come on, tell me.”

“W-Well…”

I don’t want to say it.

And how does she know?

It’s embarrassing to tell Riri-chan that she’s the reason for this.

“Don’t think you can keep secrets from me! There’s no way I’d miss you doing something so unusual, Suzuna.”

Riri-chan put her arm around my shoulders again.

“N-No… it’s really nothing.”

“Hmm. You’re being very stubborn today. You really don’t want to tell me?”

Riri-chan’s arm tightened around me.

She moved closer, and I felt like we’d be touching if I moved even slightly.

“I’m not being stubborn…”

“And since when did you become so close with Kanaori? I wasn’t told anything about this.”

Riri-chan’s voice dropped a tone.

I sensed some dark emotion in her voice.

“No, she just talked to me.”

“Hmm. So you’re not denying that you became closer. Hmm, so you made a friend besides me?”

It was a question, but it also sounded like an accusation.

But wait a minute.

I wouldn’t call my relationship with Kanaori-san a friendship yet, but I should be allowed to become close with other people.

“Is that not allowed?”

“It’s not that it’s not allowed, but… it bothers me. I don’t like that your relationship progressed without me.”

It’s arrogant of her to try to know everything about me.

“…You have Tachibana-san and the others, Riri-chan.”

“Why are you suddenly bringing up Kaede?”

It’s strange that she’s so focused on me when she has friends like Tachibana Kaede, who’s also popular.

“You’re close with Tachibana-san, and you were having fun playing volleyball with her. So it’s unfair that you’re criticizing me for getting a little closer to Kanaori-san.”

“…”

…Ah, I messed up.

I spoke more emotionally than I intended.

My tone was too strong.

That’s probably why Riri-chan fell silent.

I ruined the mood.

Wh-What do I do?

“S-Sorry, Riri-chan, I didn’t mean—”

“Mufufu…”

“—Eh?”

Just as I resolved to apologize, Riri-chan giggled.

No, that’s a strange reaction.

“What, what, what? Suzuna, were you watching Kaede and me like that? Oh my, is someone jealous~?”

“Eh?! N-No, that’s not… it’s not like that…”

“So you started practicing volleyball because you didn’t like seeing Kaede and me having fun and standing out during P.E.? That’s why you couldn’t tell me.”

“I-I’m telling you it’s not like that…”

“Hmm? Really?”

“It’s true!”

“Suzuna, your face is bright red~”

N-No way…

That’s definitely not true.

My face is burning, but it’s not visible to Riri-chan.

“M-Move away. You’re too close, Riri-chan!”

“It’s too late to run away now. That’s like saying, ‘You got me.’”

“That’s not true! I don’t know what you’re talking about! It’s just your imagination!”

I struggled, but Riri-chan was stronger, and I couldn’t escape.

“But you apologized earlier, didn’t you, Suzuna?”

“…That’s because…”

Riri-chan only asked; she didn’t accuse me of anything.

So I think I was wrong to raise my voice.

“You suddenly raised your voice at me, Suzuna. That hurt my feelings.”

“…I think I got too emotional too.”

“What should I do? Do you want me to forgive you?”

She made it sound like she might not forgive me.

“…Are you not going to forgive me?”

“I’ll give you one punishment. If you accept it, I’ll forgive you.”

“What is it?”

“Close your eyes.”

Th-This is scary…

What is she going to do?

Not knowing, but wanting to be forgiven, I closed my eyes.

“You’re so obedient and cute, Suzuna.”

“Stop saying weird things and just do it already.”

“Fine, fine.”

My vision was filled with darkness, and there was no sound.

Then, I felt something wet on my neck.

Like a drop of water trickling down my skin.

A lukewarm sensation, completely different from a fingertip.

What is this?

I was confused, unable to comprehend the unfamiliar sensation.

Curious about what she was doing, I opened my eyes slightly.

Riri-chan’s face was right next to my neck.

But there was one unexpected movement.

Riri-chan’s soft, red tongue darted out.

“Riri-chan, what are you doing?!”

I recoiled instinctively.

“Ah, Suzuna! You weren’t supposed to open your eyes!”

Riri-chan pulled her tongue back, sounding disappointed.

“Riri-chan, answer me!”

The sensation on my neck, the wetness…

That was…

“I licked you, Suzuna.”

Riri-chan replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Th-That doesn’t make sense! And right after we exercised!”

I’m all sweaty.

Licking my neck now is crazy.

If she’s going to lick me, at least do it when I’m clean… no, that’s not the point!

“You’re clean, Suzuna.”

“That’s not the issue!”

She’s a pervert, there’s a pervert here!

39 Waiting Is Also Important

In the morning, I arrived at school much earlier than usual.

I went to the empty gymnasium.

Seiran Academy is a preparatory school and doesn’t focus heavily on club activities.

Therefore, the gym is empty in the morning.

I had just sent Riri-chan a message saying, “I’m leaving early this morning, so I can’t go with you.”

If I told her in advance, she might say, “Then I’ll go with you.”

Still half-asleep, I held a volleyball in one hand.

Yes, I came for morning practice.

“An introvert in the gym this early in the morning… so out of character.”

I couldn’t help but scoff at myself.

But what’s driving me to do this?

The scene from yesterday wouldn’t leave my mind.

The image of Riri-chan and Tachibana-san playing volleyball together so harmoniously kept flashing through my mind.

It’s probably because I feel embarrassed that I’m friends with Riri-chan, who’s so good at volleyball, while I’m so terrible at it.

So I felt like I couldn’t allow myself to remain bad at volleyball.

I’m sure this hazy, unsettled feeling feeling will disappear if I get better.

But I won’t improve if I don’t practice.

And I don’t want to be seen failing repeatedly.

The answer I came up with was morning practice.

—Thump, thump

I bounced the volleyball on the floor, and it returned to my hand.

Yeah, I feel like I’m getting a better feel for the ball than yesterday.

I tossed the ball into the air and swung my arm.

—Whoosh… Thump, thump…

The sound of my miss and the ball rolling across the floor echoed through the morning gymnasium.

“…Hmm. Am I swinging too early?”

Then maybe I should swing more slowly.

I tossed the ball again.

—Thump, thump… Whoosh…

This time, the ball hit the floor first, and then the sound of my swing followed.

“Too late this time…”

My timing is off.

Is a ball really this disobedient?

It looks round and harmless, but it’s not cute at all.

“Um… Amatsuki-san, what are you doing so early in the morning?”

A clear, dignified voice cut through the tense morning air.

I turned around, and Kanaori-san was looking at me with a puzzled expression.

I didn’t expect an audience.

“As you can see, I’m practicing volleyball.”

“I apologize. The movements you were making were quite different from the volleyball I know…”

It was hard to tell if she was being sarcastic or if she was genuinely confused.

“…Was it… that strange?”

“It was… peculiar.”

“…I see.”

I felt my spirits sink.

I knew I was bad, but it hurts to be told that directly.

And more than anything, there’s no point in practicing early in the morning if someone sees me.

“What are you doing here so early, Kanaori-san?”

“I always arrive at school around this time. I heard noises coming from the usually empty gymnasium, so I came to check out of concern.”

…As expected of the student council president.

She’s so exemplary that I’m speechless.

“I see. Then there’s no problem. I’m just practicing volleyball, as you can see.”

I wanted her to leave if she had no business here.

I don’t want her to see my peculiar movements.

“You’re practicing volleyball… by yourself?”

“Yes.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to practice with someone?”

…Doesn’t she understand that I’m alone because I don’t want to practice with anyone?

“It’s fine, I’m practicing alone.”

“Volleyball is a team sport, so I think practicing alone is inefficient.”

Kanaori-san wouldn’t leave.

What does she want?

Do I have to be more explicit?

“I’m bad at it, so I don’t want to be seen. That’s why I’m practicing alone. I’ll play with everyone after I get better.”

She’ll understand if I say this.

It’s embarrassing to say, but I’ve just been through a much more embarrassing situation, so my sense of shame is numb.

“I see. That’s why.”

Even though she sounded like she understood, Kanaori-san still showed no signs of leaving.

Instead, she picked up the volleyball that was at my feet.

“Then you’re mistaken about what you should be ashamed of.”

“Eh?”

“You’re trying to improve yourself, and that attitude is commendable. You should be more confident.”

Kanaori-san stood opposite me and got into position to hit the ball.

“I’ll join you in your practice.”

“Eh, no, that’s too much trouble.”

“If you’re worried about being embarrassed, I’ve already seen you. There shouldn’t be a problem.”

“…Well, that’s true, but…”

Even so, I’m hesitant to take up the busy student council president’s time.

“Here we go.”

—Toss

But Kanaori-san tossed the ball without hesitation.

The ball arced towards me.

“Eh, ah, th— Hiya!”

—Whoosh… Roll, roll…

The same thing happened again.

“Amatsuki-san, may I offer some advice?”

“…Please.”

“Why are you trying to spike every ball?”

“…Hmm?”

What is she talking about?

“Well, I thought it might be because you’re trying to hit every ball with a spiking motion, which is making it difficult.”

“Kanaori-san, with all due respect, it’s not volleyball if I don’t hit the ball back.”

“…No, if you receive the ball, you can return it if you wait for the right timing.”

Kanaori-san extended her arms and clasped her hands together.

Since she said “Go ahead,” I tossed the ball.

Kanaori-san positioned her hands to receive the ball as it fell.

—Thud

The ball arced beautifully and returned to me.

I see, this is what they call a rally!

I swung my arm with all my might.

“Hiya!”

—Whoosh… Roll, roll…

“…Amatsuki-san.”

“…Yes?”

“Were you listening to me?”

“I was.”

“Then why are you trying to spike again?”

“…A habit?”

“You’re not that good yet!”

This is painful, so painful.

Even unskilled people have habits!

“Well, I understand. I need to learn how to receive.”

“O-Okay…”

The start of class was approaching.

I could hear people in the school building.

It’s about time to stop.

“Thank you very much. You’re good at volleyball too, Kanaori-san.”

“I only received the ball…”

Kanaori-san was being modest.

That also showed her magnanimity.

“Compared to me, you’re a god.”

“…No, but everyone starts out unskilled. You worry too much, Amatsuki-san.”

People say that, but people with natural talent are good from the start.

“So you were also bad at it at first, Kanaori-san?”

“Yes, I’m not very athletic. I was just like you at first, Amatsuki-san. I just practiced.”

“Hmm…”

Even Kanaori-san experienced that.

“So you shouldn’t worry too much about what others think and be afraid to show your weaknesses. If you do that, someone will teach you how to improve, like today.”

…I see.

Such insightful and mature advice, unexpected from someone my age.

But I felt a slight dissonance in her words.

“Then, Kanaori-san, maybe you should also… relax a little?”

“…Eh?”

“Well, you have this image of being talented, beautiful, and perfect. But you’re actually not good at some things, like sports, right?”

“Well, yeah…”

“But aren’t you trying too hard to live up to the ideal image of a student council president?”

“…I can’t say that’s not true.”

“Then you’re being contradictory. Isn’t that the same as what you just told me?”

“You shouldn’t worry too much about what others think and be afraid to show your weaknesses. If you do that, someone will teach you how to improve, like today.”

Those words should also apply to Kanaori-san’s approach as student council president.

“But I felt that everyone expected that ideal image of a student council president from me.”

“Ah… that’s such a boomerang statement. No one cares that much.”

“…Is that so?”

“That’s what I think.”

“…I see.”

“That’s very insightful.”

Kanaori-san nodded repeatedly.

I just repeated her own words back to her, though.

---

40 A Game of Catch with the Heart

“Amatsuki-san, why did you decide to practice alone?”

Even after leaving the gymnasium, Kanaori-san continued to talk to me.

Since we’re both second-years, our routes home are mostly the same, so she apparently intends to walk with me to the classroom.

“Well, I thought it would be bad if I remained unskilled…”

“Why did you think it would be bad to remain unskilled? There must have been a trigger.”

She’s being quite inquisitive.

I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.

“My friend was good at it, so I thought… I’d be left behind if I didn’t improve… I guess.”

“I see. You wanted to be on the same level as your friend.”

“Well, yeah… I guess.”

Even as I said that, something didn’t feel right.

I’m not that competitive. I’m more of a pacifist.

So I don’t get along with sports, which are based on competition.

It’s strange that even I felt motivated to practice…

“A friend who motivates you to improve is a rare find. You have a good relationship.”

Ah, I wonder about that…

In my case, I only receive stimulation from Riri-chan; I don’t think I’m giving anything back.

So in that sense, maybe it’s not a good relationship.

“Well then, I’ll excuse myself.”

“Ah, okay.”

We had just reached the second-year classrooms, so I parted ways with Kanaori-san there.

◇◇◇

“Eh…”

When I entered the classroom, someone was already in my seat.

A beautiful girl with long legs crossed, resting her chin on her hand while looking out the window.

It was Riri-chan.

Noticing me, Riri-chan immediately turned around.

Her furrowed brow told me she had something to say.

“Suzuna, good morning.”

“M-Morning…”

Even her greeting felt different from usual.

“So, what was that about today? Why did you leave me?”

I sent her a message this morning saying, “I’m going to school early,” but apparently, she wants to know more.

“Eh, was something wrong…?”

“Not wrong, but… it was too sudden, and you didn’t say what you were doing, and you weren’t in the classroom when I got to school. It was a bit… confusing.”

No, it was wrong…

Riri-chan was swinging her crossed leg.

Her displeased mood was evident in her attitude.

“Well, I had something to do at school early this morning…”

“…Hmm. Well, that’s fine, but… you’ll tell me what it was, right?”

She’s… that bothered by it…?

Well… Kanaori-san also told me not to worry so much about what others think, so maybe I should be honest.

“I was… practicing volleyball. I can’t use the gym freely except in the morning.”

“Eh, volleyball practice? Suzuna, you liked volleyball that much?”

“No, I actually hate it…”

“I know. Then why?”

Because I felt uneasy after seeing Riri-chan and Tachibana-san playing volleyball so well together?

Or because I’m disgusted with myself for being so unskilled that I can’t join them?

Both seem true, and yet not quite true.

“…I wonder why.”

“You don’t even know yourself?”

It’s true that waking up early and doing something I’m not used to requires considerable effort.

What’s the driving force behind this uncharacteristic burst of energy?

I’m sure it has something to do with Riri-chan.

—Clatter

The teacher entered the classroom.

Noticing the teacher, Riri-chan stood up.

“Well, whatever. Don’t do that again.”

“Ah, okay…”

I don’t understand why I shouldn’t do it again, but it seems like she won’t budge unless it’s absolutely necessary.

It’s not something I’m passionate enough about to argue over, so I just nodded obediently.

Riri-chan left, and I sat down in my seat.

(It’s warm…)

I must have been sitting there for a while.

The chair felt slightly warm, like someone had been sitting there.

Thinking that it was Riri-chan’s body heat made me feel like I was doing something wrong.

But then I thought, isn’t it strange that I’m being affected by something like this? And I became confused.

◇◇◇

After school.

Riri-chan cheered up after that.

But since I can’t do morning practice anymore, it’s impossible to improve in secret.

Well… I’m so bad at it anyway, so maybe it’s fine as it is.

Maybe accepting my limitations is part of growing up?

I was thinking the complete opposite of what I thought this morning.

“Amatsuki-san, are you free now?”

“…Huh?”

An unexpected voice called out to me.

It was Kanaori-san.

Why is she talking to me?

“It’s not ‘huh.’ It’s volleyball practice time.”

“B-But it’s after school…”

Don’t you have club activities?

“You’re in luck. The volleyball club has their spring tournament coming up, so they’re only having a meeting today. Half the court is free.”

“Wh-What?”

I wasn’t sure if this was good timing or bad timing.

Or rather, that’s not even the main issue.

“Kanaori-san, are you going to teach me again?”

“Yes, I couldn’t just leave you like that. I’ll teach you the basics.”

Th-Thank you… but I’m not happy about it.

Why are the heroines so concerned about me instead of Shindo Minato?

I wish they’d direct their attention towards the protagonist a little more.

“Hey, Kanaori, what are you doing with Suzuna?”

Riri-chan’s voice was colder than ice.

It was a tone I’d never heard her use with me. Even when she’s angry, she’s usually more gentle.

“Oh, Hinase-san. I was just suggesting volleyball practice.”

“…Huh? Why are you doing that?”

“It was just a coincidence. I saw Amatsuki-san practicing alone this morning, so I offered her some advice.”

Hearing that, Riri-chan’s head turned slowly, like a rusty machine.

Her sharp gaze pierced me.

“Suu-zuu-na? What’s that? I wasn’t told anything about this.”

“I told you…”

“I wasn’t told you were practicing with her.”

Riri-chan pointed at Kanaori-san.

…It’s true that I might not have mentioned practicing with Kanaori-san.

But that’s only because Riri-chan was giving off such a scary vibe that I didn’t have the chance to explain everything…

And is it really such a big deal that I practiced with Kanaori-san…?

“Hinase-san, don’t point at people. It’s rude.”

“I’m the one who’s offended! Why were you practicing with Suzuna?”

“…? As I said, it was a coincidence. If you have a problem with that, shouldn’t you be blaming yourself for sleeping in this morning?”

“I would have woken up if Suzuna had told me!”

“You can’t do anything unless you’re told? That’s something a child would say. Ah, my apologies. You’re not even a child, considering you can’t even wear your uniform properly.”

“Why you…!!”

“Did I say something wrong?”

Why are they suddenly insulting each other…?

This is scary…

“Come on, Amatsuki-san, let’s go. Let’s ignore this delinquent.”

“Wait a minute! I’m going too!”

“Eh…”

I, the person involved, felt the most left out.

37 Something Intangible

“Suzuna, I can’t do this anymore…”

After about an hour of studying at the cafe, Riri-chan slumped onto the table, defeated.

I could practically see smoke coming out of her head.

“But you were the one who said you wanted to study…”

“I didn’t think I’d have to concentrate for this long.”

“But it’s only been about an hour.”

“Even classes aren’t this long.”

That might be true, but…

“You’re not good at studying, are you?”

Not that I’m good at it either.

“I don’t like it. I can’t… keep reading.”

“Then should we switch to math?”

“That doesn’t mean numbers are okay.”

“Oh, I see…”

Duly noted.

“Let’s take a break, a break.”

Riri-chan rested her chin on the table and tapped my textbook with both hands.

That gesture was childish and somehow cute.

“Well, you’re right. Studying too much is tiring.”

I might have been too tense, thinking I had to teach Riri-chan.

I realized I had been studying quite seriously, and I was surprisingly tired.

I let out a breath and leaned back against the sofa.

“Then, next is love talk.”

“…Excuse me?”

Riri-chan was grinning.

She looked really excited.

“Love talk, it’s normal to talk about love.”

“…I-I don’t know what ‘normal’ is.”

Romance is something that exists in a faraway world, as far as I’m concerned.

It’s not a topic I’d talk about personally.

“No, no, what are you saying? You used to like Shindo, right? Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

“…That’s true, but…”

It’s true, but it’s also not true.

That was Amatsuki Suzuna, not me, Yukitsuki Mashiro.

But I can’t say that, so I just nodded silently, feeling frustrated.

“So, you don’t have anyone you like now?”

I couldn’t look Riri-chan in the eye, so I averted my gaze.

“O-Of course not!”

This complicated situation is because I can’t bring myself to like Shindo Minato, the protagonist.

“Really? You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

No, it would be embarrassing, no matter how you look at it.

“What about you, Riri-chan? Since you brought it up, do you have someone you like?”

I desperately tried to deflect the question back to Riri-chan.

I don’t think I can escape this topic, but being bombarded with questions is also tough.

“Yeah, I have someone I like.”

Riri-chan said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

She has someone she likes.

“Eh…?”

No, that’s strange.

Riri-chan isn’t interested in Shindo Minato, the protagonist, right now.

The character Hinase Riri is designed to like Shindo Minato.

Is it even possible for her to like someone else?

“S-Seriously…?”

“Seriously.”

“Wh-Who…?”

Riri-chan chuckled and sipped her tea, teasing me.

She’s being very coy.

“Do you want to know?”

“I do.”

Who is the person who captured Hinase Riri’s heart?

I’m curious, for various reasons.

“It’s a secret.”

“Eh…”

I was completely shut down.

Isn’t this supposed to be the part where she tells me?

“Because you won’t tell me, Suzuna. It’s not fair if I’m the only one who shares.”

“…Well, I guess that’s true.”

It’s true that it would be presumptuous of me to expect her to just tell me.

“Fufu, if you want to know, you have to confess too, Suzuna.”

Riri-chan wouldn’t tell me, no matter how much I asked.

◇◇◇

“Well, we ended up just chatting, didn’t we?”

Leaving the cafe, Riri-chan stretched widely.

It was already completely dark outside.

We ended up spending the last two hours just chatting about random things.

It’s incredibly inefficient that we spent far more time talking than studying.

“I was thinking we should study…”

This counts as loitering; Kanaori-san will be angry.

“Well, it’s fine. I had fun spending time with you, Suzuna.”

“…Yeah, that’s true.”

Time really does fly when I’m with Riri-chan.

I thought I was bad at talking to people, but it was a discovery that I could talk for this long.

“Ehehe.”

Riri-chan grinned and leaned against me.

“Riri-chan?”

“Let’s take a picture.”

“…A picture?”

“Why are you speaking English?”

I’m not good with pictures, so I wanted to escape.

It’s that thing, right? Taking selfies at flattering angles.

“It’s fine since we’re friends, right?”

Riri-chan’s eyes sparkled.

For some reason, she wants to take a picture with me.

But I don’t want to…

“Um, well, it’s already dark outside. I don’t think the picture will turn out well.”

“Ah, then let’s take it by the store’s sign. It’s lit up, and there are streetlights too.”

I guess it can’t be helped…

Unable to think of another excuse, I let myself be dragged along.

“Okay, say cheese!”

“Ah, a-a-a…”

What expression should I make? And where should I look? Wait, the pose is also important, isn’t it? Should I keep my mouth closed? But that might make me look grumpy. But if I open it, I might look stupid…

Ah, I don’t know the right answer!

—Click

The camera shutter clicked.

“Suzuna, your expression is so stiff.”

Riri-chan giggled, looking at the picture.

I looked at the phone. Riri-chan was making a cute peace sign near her face, while I was looking off into the distance with my mouth half-open.

“I… request deletion…”

“Eh, it’s fine. It’s cute in its own way.”

“H-How is this…?”

“Then let’s take another one.”

This… ordeal… again…?

I can only imagine a future filled with more of these failed pictures.

“It’s fine, look at the phone screen properly. You only messed up because you were acting so strangely.”

I did as Riri-chan said.

The camera shutter clicked again.

“See? This one is good, right?”

“…I guess.”

My expression was still stiff, but it was a picture of Amatsuki Suzuna that I could at least bear to look at.

Well, compared to Riri-chan next to me, it’s like the difference between the moon and a mud ball.

“I’ll send it to you later.”

I hesitated for a moment.

Should I really keep such an unflattering picture of myself on my phone?

I briefly considered what kind of masochistic act this was, but…

“Okay, please.”

But since Riri-chan is next to me, I’ll take it.

“Okay. Then I guess we’ll call it a day. See you later, Suzuna.”

“Yeah. Bye-bye, Riri-chan.”

We waved goodbye.

I walked home along the streetlit road.

It was a little chilly at night.

Perhaps because of the silence, I felt a little lonely, separated from Riri-chan’s lively presence.

“I have someone I like.”

Riri-chan’s words came to mind.

I don’t know who it is, but Riri-chan is apparently in love.

Thinking about it, I felt a strange sensation in my chest.

An uncomfortable feeling, a mix of unease and a slight pang.

I don’t know what it is.

Being alone like this, that feeling only intensified.

But I don’t know what it is, so I can’t do anything about it.

“…Strange.”

My words, spoken to no one, disappeared into the night air.

But the intangible something in my chest wouldn’t disappear.

---

38 Even Volleyballs Hurt When Hit

P.E. class.

It’s the class I hate the most.

“Sigh…”

Heaving a sigh filled with gloom, I somehow made it to the changing room.

Apparently, we’re having volleyball class in the gym today.

I hesitantly changed into my gym clothes.

“…”

Naturally, the other girls were also changing.

They were, of course, in their underwear, and I had a thought.

(Looking at my classmates’ underwear… doesn’t do anything for me, huh?)

I panicked when I saw Riri-chan’s underwear at her house, but I don’t feel anything towards the other girls.

I might think, “She has a nice figure,” or “She has more belly fat than I expected,” but…

That’s about it.

I only have indifferent observations.

But I think that’s normal.

Then why did my heart race so much when I saw Riri-chan’s?

“Suzuna?”

“Wh-What?!”

Riri-chan, in her gym clothes, appeared, bouncing lightly.

“I was wondering why you were looking around so much.”

“I-I wasn’t looking!”

I panicked inwardly, as if Riri-chan had seen right through me.

“Hmm, suspicious. Suzuna, are you interested in girls?”

“Why would you think that?”

“Who knows? Maybe I should take a look too~”

Riri-chan stared intently at me.

“Wh-What?”

“You really are fair-skinned and slender, Suzuna.”

Riri-chan’s gaze moved up and down my body.

Since I was in the middle of changing, I was also in my underwear.

“H-Hey, where are you looking…?”

“Hmm? Where? …Everywhere?”

I don’t understand how she can say that so boldly with a grin.

“Pervert.”

“You were doing the same thing, Suzuna.”

That’s different. I was just looking around, taking in the scenery. I wasn’t focusing on anyone in particular like Riri-chan.

And commenting on someone’s body is the act of a pervert.

“I wasn’t doing tha—”

I was about to say “that,” but I stopped.

I did something similar at Riri-chan’s house.

Even though it was unavoidable, I kept staring.

So does that make me a pervert too?

“You weren’t doing… what?”

“I don’t know.”

Unable to come up with a good excuse, I quickly finished changing into my gym clothes.

◇◇◇

We were playing volleyball in P.E.

The teams were randomly assigned, but we could also form groups with people we liked.

I joined a group that needed an extra person.

They’re nice people for including me, but I felt awkward since I don’t usually interact with them.

Riri-chan, on the other hand, was with Tachibana-san and her usual group of friends.

Riri-chan kept trying to include me, but I asked her not to.

I can’t join their group.

It’s not just because of my social anxiety.

—Tweet

The teacher’s whistle signaled the start of the game.

My team served first, and the other team returned it.

We received the ball, and the toss went up.

…To me.

“Amatsuki-san, here!”

The girl who tossed the ball even called out to me politely.

Thank you.

But I don’t need that.

“Suzuna, go for it!!”

I heard Riri-chan’s voice.

She’s probably watching from the sidelines.

But I don’t have time to check.

Because the ball is falling towards me.

I stared at the ball and jumped, timing my jump.

All I have to do is match the highest point of my jump with the ball’s trajectory and swing my arm.

It’s simple.

“Hiya!”

—Whoosh

My arm sliced through the air.

Strange.

I didn’t hear the sound of the ball being hit.

I looked up again.

The ball was still far above my head.

Apparently, I jumped and swung too early.

“Ouch!”

The ball landed on my head.

A volleyball is quite hard, so it made a decent impact.

The ball rolled at my feet.

“…”

Everyone’s silent.

They’re speechless after witnessing my painful miss.

This is the worst.

“Suzuna! You jumped too early! The ball was still way up there!”

Riri-chan’s cheering was painful to hear.

Stop it, please stop.

Don’t add insult to injury.

I’m just not good at sports.

And I’m especially bad at ball games, which require a sense of timing and practice.

Why do I, a human, have to match the timing of a ball made by humans?

The volleyball should be the one adjusting to me.

“D-Don’t worry, Amatsuki-san. Let’s do our best next time!”

“Yeah… I’m hoping there won’t be a next time.”

“A-Ahaha…”

Even the girl who invited me gave a strained laugh.

I continued to miss the ball every time it came towards me.

Someone kill me.

◇◇◇

Naturally, my team lost.

I don’t care about winning or losing, but if I’m the reason for the loss, I can’t help but feel guilty.

I huddled in a corner, trying to avoid everyone’s gaze.

I wish I could just disappear.

“Suzuna, you were spiking at the air. You’re supposed to hit the volleyball.”

But Riri-chan, ignoring my shame, spoke to me without hesitation.

“I’m trying to hit it, but I can’t.”

“It’s amazing, though. You missed every single one.”

Riri-chan, please don’t rub it in.

I know.

“Now you understand. I didn’t want to burden you with my lack of skill, Riri-chan.”

“Ahh, is that it? You don’t have to worry about it.”

No, I do worry about it.

I don’t want to burden anyone, especially those close to me.

I didn’t even want to be seen playing.

“Riri, it’s our turn.”

Tachibana-san called out to Riri-chan.

“Okay, I’m coming. …Suzuna, watch my game!”

“Yeah, good luck.”

Riri-chan grinned, swung her arms, and entered the court.

…Come to think of it, I wonder how athletic Riri-chan is.

It wasn’t described in detail in the original story.

Well, Riri-chan is in the going-home club and a gal.

So she’s probably not good at sports.

She’s probably leagues better than me, but I’d be happy if we were in the same category.

—Tweet

The whistle blew, signaling the start of the game.

Riri-chan was serving.

“Here I go~”

She tossed the ball and jumped.

Swinging her arm as if to smash it, the ball transformed from a sphere into a line.

—Whack

The next moment, the ball bounced powerfully off the floor.

“…Did you see Hinase Riri-san’s serve just now?”

“I did, I did! And the receiver was Endo-san from the volleyball club! She’s been playing since her first year!”

I also overheard the whispers of my classmates.

…Seriously?

She’s a gal, and she’s good at sports?

“Here, Kaede.”

The game became one-sided.

This time, Riri-chan tossed the ball to Tachibana-san.

“Riri, that was a sloppy toss.”

Even though Tachibana-san complained about the oddly high and off-center toss, she adjusted well and scored a point.

Apparently, Tachibana-san is also good at sports.

Popular people are good at socializing and sports. How nice.

Please be good at just one of them.

I’m not good at either. Sigh…

“But we got the point.”

“Thanks to me.”

They high-fived each other, laughing.

…Seeing that, I felt a pang in my chest.

I wonder why.

Their friendly, understanding atmosphere made me feel… uncomfortable.

I never felt anything before, no matter how close Tachibana-san and Riri-chan were.

But now, it bothered me a lot.

The game ended quickly.

“Suzuna, did you see? I did my best!”

Riri-chan came back to me.

But right now, I wasn’t sure I could talk to her properly.

“I didn’t see.”

“Eh, really? Even though I was so amazing?”

“I don’t care.”

“Aww, that’s too bad. Make sure you watch next time!”

“…Maybe.”

I don’t know why.

But I wasn’t sure I could bear to watch Riri-chan getting along with other girls.

35 Things Left Unsaid

Lunch break.

“Onii-chan, do you have a minute?”

I asked Kokona-chan to come to our classroom to talk to Shindo-kun.

“What’s up, Kokona?”

“I’m going to teach you some techniques to instantly become popular with the ladies, even though you’re so unremarkable.”

Um, that’s a strange way to start.

I wonder if anyone would readily agree after being talked to like that.

“Please.”

Here we go.

“Kokona realized something. Popular men need sex appeal.”

“I see.”

“So I think you should unbutton your shirt and loosen your tie. Showing a bit of your chest is sexy, right?”

“…Isn’t that only allowed for handsome guys?”

“You can become one, Onii-chan—a handsome-in-spirit kind of guy.”

“Okay, got it.”

Is that really okay?

And what’s with their smooth conversation?

Is this sibling telepathy?

“Now, how’s this?”

Shindo-kun adjusted his clothes as instructed.

“Lame— no, I mean, it’s… not bad.”

“Did you just say ‘lame’?”

“I didn’t.”

“Oh, okay.”

Kokona-chan then took Shindo-kun out into the hallway.

I watched from a distance.

“Good, this is perfect. Now walk down the hallway like this.”

“I’ll show them.”

Shindo-kun strutted confidently down the hallway.

He didn’t realize it, but Kanaori-san was heading towards the student council room, coming in our direction.

If they kept going, they would pass each other.

“…Hey. I did what you said, but is this really okay?”

Kokona-chan came over to where I was watching.

“Yeah, I think it’ll be fine.”

“Why did you choose the timing when Kanaori Reika, the student council president, was coming?”

“You might not believe this, but they’re a good match.”

“Eh…?”

Kokona-chan looked at me skeptically.

Still, I desperately watched their encounter unfold.

They drew closer, only a few steps away from passing each other.

And Kanaori-san’s feet stopped right in front of Shindo-kun.

…Here it comes!

“Shindo-san, wait a moment.”

“Ah, yes?”

“Your shirt is unbuttoned. And your tie is loose.”

“This is… masculine sex appeal…”

“Do you require individual guidance?”

“Oops, my bad! I got too relaxed because it’s lunch break. Thank you, President Kanaori!”

Shindo-kun flashed a dazzling business smile and adjusted his uniform.

“Taking breaks is important, but please maintain a proper appearance.”

“Yes! I’ll be careful!”

—Stroll

Their encounter ended abruptly.

“Eh, wait, that’s it?”

“…Well, yeah, obviously.”

Kokona-chan sighed next to me.

Eh… Kanaori-san is supposed to be more aggressive with Shindo-kun.

So just his clothes aren’t enough to move the story forward…?

“Does it have to be… a harem situation…?”

“Harem?!”

Kokona-chan shrieked next to me.

Well, taken out of context, it does sound like I suddenly made a lewd remark.

“Ah, no, I didn’t mean me. I was talking about Shindo-kun.”

“So it’s not about Amatsuki Suzuna, but about Onii-chan… which still doesn’t make sense!”

In the original story, Shindo-kun is constantly being pursued by the heroines, creating a harem situation.

Unless that becomes the norm, and Kanaori-san reprimands him for it, the Kanaori route won’t be triggered…

So does that mean… it’s a dead end?

“Suzuna, what are you doing in the hallway? It’s time for lunch.”

Riri-chan appeared in the hallway.

“…Hinase Riri.”

“What do you want, Shindo’s little sister?”

The air grew heavy with their animosity…

“Sorry, but Suzuna is eating with me. First-years should obediently go back to their classrooms.”

“What’s that? Pulling the seniority card?”

“…I’m telling you to go back where you belong.”

“Kokona can do what she wants.”

Ah, these two haven’t been getting along since the bento battle.

Why are these relationships the same as in the original story, even though the routes with Shindo-kun have gone off track?

“Now, now, both of you. Let’s get along.”

“It’s because Suzuna ditched me!”

“It’s because you called Kokona out here!”

They both snapped at me simultaneously.

“…I’m sorry.”

Since it was my fault, I apologized.

I’m not confident I can win an argument against these two.

“You three, loitering in the hallway obstructs the flow of traffic.”

The clear, firm voice belonged to Kanaori-san, who was passing by.

…Shindo-kun had to try so hard to get her attention, but she notices me even when I’m not doing anything.

Such is fate.

“S-Sorry! We’ll move right away!”

I was the first to apologize.

Let sleeping dogs lie, as they say.

“…It’s you three again.”

Kanaori-san looked at us and sighed, looking exasperated.

“What do you mean ‘again’?”

Riri-chan retorted.

“It’s only been a day since yesterday. I see your behavior hasn’t improved.”

Now the atmosphere between Kanaori-san and Riri-chan turned hostile.

“Now, now, Riri-chan, Kanaori-san, let’s get along.”

“It’s because Kanaori keeps nitpicking!”

“It’s because Hinase-san lacks decorum!”

…I was scolded by both of them again, simultaneously.

But it can’t be helped that the heroines are at odds with each other when the protagonist is absent.

I want them to make up.

“Riri-chan might be acting all prickly now, but she complimented you this morning, Kanaori-san. She said you were beautiful.”

“Hey, Suzuna…?!”

Riri-chan looked flustered.

“…I find that hard to believe.”

Kanaori-san tilted her head.

“Riri-chan doesn’t lie, so it’s true.”

“Suzuna, that’s a lie.”

“Eh, Riri-chan, you lied…?”

Shocked, I looked at Riri-chan, and she averted her gaze, looking embarrassed.

“…It’s true.”

Yeah, yeah, I know.

“Th-That doesn’t excuse your usual bad behavior! You need to be more responsible!”

“That’s why I don’t like your condescending tone…”

I stopped Riri-chan, who was about to retort.

“Kanaori-san, your words might be harsh, but you’re just saying that because you’re worried about Riri-chan.”

“Ah, Amatsuki-san…?!”

Now it was Kanaori-san’s turn to be flustered.

“W-What do you mean…?”

Riri-chan tilted her head.

“Kanaori-san, you’re just trying to help Riri-chan and make this school a better place, as the student council president. You don’t mean any harm.”

“Even so, there’s a way to say things.”

“Kanaori-san is also a girl our age. And yet, you carry the burden of being the student council president and work for the sake of the students. It must be tough, so it’s understandable that your tone gets harsh sometimes. You worry a lot behind the scenes, don’t you, Kanaori-san?”

“H-Hey, Amatsuki-san?! I never told you that!”

Ah…

That was completely based on my knowledge from the game.

Kanaori-san is always struggling with her own weaknesses and worries, trying to fulfill her duties as student council president.

Knowing that side of her, the relatable Kanaori Reika, makes it easier to tolerate her harsh words.

“So, let’s all get along.”

“…”

“…”

Their animosity seemed to have dissipated.

“To be able to persuade both the gal, Hinase Riri, and the student council president, Kanaori Reika… Amatsuki Suzuna, you’re amazing.”

Kokona-chan next to me seemed impressed.

---

36 It’s Okay to Be the Same

“So, what was that about earlier?”

In the end, my attempt to manage the Shindo-kun and Kanaori-san route failed.

Shindo-kun disappeared down the hallway, so Riri-chan sat in his seat and we ate lunch together.

“What was what about?”

“You sounded like you understood Kanaori really well.”

…Hmm.

Riri-chan’s tone seemed a bit prickly.

It might be better not to talk too much about it.

“It was just a general observation. Being the student council president is tough, no matter who you are.”

“Is that so? I don’t think Kanaori would react like that to just a general observation.”

“…It’s true.”

Even the strict Kanaori-san will show a cuter side once she opens up to Shindo Minato.

…Well, she doesn’t break out of her student council president mode until much later in the story.

“It’s true. No one would ever think Kanaori has worries.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, she can do anything. No one worries about her.”

“Hmm…”

It might be because I have an objective perspective on this story that my impression of her is different.

“Th-That’s why I’m wondering… what’s with you suddenly understanding her so well, Suzuna?”

She’s smiling, but her eyes aren’t.

She’s definitely not happy.

“…If that’s what it means to understand Kanaori-san, then my understanding of Riri-chan is maxed out.”

“Eh, r-really…?”

“Yeah. Because what I said was just a general observation about how tough her job is. I’m not even friends with her, unlike you, Riri-chan.”

“W-Well, that’s true.”

“…So, what you said doesn’t really resonate with me.”

When I said what I was thinking, Riri-chan started nodding.

“You’re right. Compared to me, you barely know Kanaori.”

“Uh, yeah… well…”

“Okay. That’s fine then.”

Riri-chan seemed convinced and returned to her usual smile.

Her eyes softened, unlike before.

I’m glad she’s no longer upset, but Riri-chan often gets angry when other girls are involved.

She didn’t react like that with Tachibana-san, her friend. I wonder if it’s just rivalry between heroines.

…But she’s still nice to Amatsuki Suzuna (who’s also a heroine)…

Strange.

◇◇◇

“By the way, Suzuna, are you studying for the midterms?”

Riri-chan suddenly asked as we were walking home after school.

“…Not really.”

As April came to an end, midterms were waiting for us in May.

It was a topic I didn’t want to think about, a gloomy topic.

My grades as the real Yukitsuki Mashiro were average.

I think Amatsuki Suzuna is probably a bit smarter.

“Then, want to study with me?”

This is another unusual thing for Riri-chan to say.

“Okay, but were you always so studious, Riri-chan?”

She asked me to teach her during break time the other day. These are unusual actions for someone like Hinase Riri.

“Yeah, I recently started becoming more studious.”

“Why?”

“…Suzuna, would you go to karaoke with me?”

Huh, the topic completely changed.

But I can’t just ignore Riri-chan’s question.

“I don’t usually go.”

Listening to music is fine, but I don’t like the atmosphere where everyone has to sing.

I don’t want to sing, and I hate being treated like I’m ruining the mood if I don’t.

“It’s not the season yet, but what about the beach or the mountains?”

“The beach is too sunny, and there are too many bugs in the mountains.”

I’m a creature of concrete jungles, where the sun is blocked and there are no bugs.

“…I see.”

Riri-chan sighed and muttered.

What does that have to do with studying?

“Is there a rule that you can’t go out if your grades are bad?”

Riri-chan’s dad, who lets her live in a luxury apartment, must be wealthy.

He seems like an elite, so maybe he’s strict about that kind of thing.

“Yes, yes, that’s it.”

“…?”

Her tone sounded like it wasn’t the real reason, but if that’s what she says, then it must be true.

Anyway, Riri-chan seems to be serious about studying.

And Kanaori-san warned me that she would suspect Riri-chan’s bad influence if my grades dropped.

For the sake of route management, it’s best if our test results are good.

“Then, want to come over to my house?”

“…Um…”

Being invited, I recalled Riri-chan’s unguarded appearance from the other day.

I felt like steam was about to come out of my ears.

“I think… somewhere else would be better today.”

“Eh, why? Then where?”

That’s a good question…

I barely know the geography of this world.

I usually only travel between home and school.

“Ah, let’s go to that cafe you took me to before, Riri-chan.”

“Well, that’s fine too.”

Going to Riri-chan’s house again is still too stimulating, so I’d like a little more time.

“Ah, but…”

“Hmm?”

Come to think of it, Kanaori-san told me not to loiter after school.

…But this isn’t playing around, it’s studying for tests, so maybe she’ll forgive me.

“It’s nothing.”

Thinking optimistically, I followed Riri-chan.

◇◇◇

We visited the cafe again.

It’s been a while since that day, but after just one visit, I no longer felt any resistance.

Or rather, it might be thanks to Riri-chan being here.

“What are you ordering?”

Riri-chan handed me the menu.

“I’ll have pancakes and tea.”

“Oh, you’ve already decided? There are other good things here.”

“No, this is fine.”

I don’t have any reason to order anything else.

“Hmm. Suzuna, you really like pancakes and tea, huh?”

“It’s more like… you introduced them to me, Riri-chan.”

“…Hmm?”

“You’re the one who told me about this cafe, and the first thing I ate here was pancakes. And I’ve been into tea lately ever since you made it for me the other day.”

Riri-chan’s eyes widened, and she was speechless.

“S-Stop it, Suzuna. That was a surprise attack!”

“…? I was just telling the truth.”

“That’s why it’s dangerous!”

I don’t understand what’s dangerous about it.

I couldn’t see Riri-chan’s expression because she was hiding behind the menu.

But her voice was high-pitched, so I could tell that I might have said something strange.

“What are you ordering, Riri-chan?”

“Oh, I’ll have the same.”

“Eh, but you said there were other good things here?”

“No, I’ll have the same as Suzuna, on purpose.”

“Okay, but why?”

I don’t understand the reason.

“…As a memento.”

Even after asking, I still didn’t understand.

33 The Student Council President Is a Worrywart

“Now, there’s a reason why I called you here.”

“Sigh…”

Alone with Kanaori-san in the student council room.

I had a pretty good idea of how this conversation would go…

I was hoping I was wrong, though.

“Amatsuki-san, if I recall correctly, you used to wear your hair in pigtails and glasses.”

“That’s correct, but…”

As expected of the student council president.

She has incredible observation and memory skills to remember such an unremarkable student.

“I believe you’ve had that style since your first year, so why have you recently started wearing your hair straight and contacts?”

“Well… it was just… a change of pace, I guess…”

Ah, I have a bad feeling about this.

“It wasn’t Hinase Riri’s influence, was it?”

“…What do you mean?”

“There’s nothing wrong with your current appearance according to the school rules. However, I’m concerned about the cause of this change.”

“Are you saying it has something to do with Riri-chan?”

“Can you deny it? I know you’ve recently become close with Hinase Riri. She attracts attention, for better or worse, so information naturally gathers around her. And you changed your appearance around the same time.”

“…What are you trying to say?”

Ah, this pattern.

It’s completely… the same as what she was supposed to do with Shindo Minato.

“I’m worried that you’re being negatively influenced by her.”

As expected. Of course. This is what happens.

In the original story, the flow was like this:

…The target of her reprimand has completely shifted to me.

But I never thought I, who’s supposed to be upholding school order, would be on the receiving end of Kanaori-san’s scrutiny.

How can I get Kanaori-san to focus on Shindo-kun instead of me?

“N-No, that’s not true. It was just… a change of pace…”

“People are influenced by others. And in your case, it’s clear that Hinase Riri is that influence.”

“…Why are you assuming that when I’m denying it?”

“People often have difficulty understanding themselves. And Hinase-san’s attire violates school rules and is frivolous. I don’t want you to be influenced by that any further.”

“…Thank you… for your concern.”

It’s more trouble than it’s worth.

“I don’t understand why a serious and exemplary student like you would associate with someone so unreasonable. But I think you should choose your friends wisely.”

“…”

I understand that Kanaori-san is saying this out of goodwill.

From her perspective, she’s just doing what she’s supposed to, and she’s not saying anything particularly unreasonable.

I also know that in the original story, this is how she interacts with Shindo-kun, gradually getting closer to him.

But I can’t help but feel uncomfortable hearing her unilaterally disparage Riri-chan.

“Hinase-san’s grades are far from commendable. If your grades were to drop at this time—”

“Kanaori-san.”

I couldn’t listen any longer and interrupted her.

“—Yes?”

“…Please… don’t badmouth Riri-chan.”

“But Hinase-san is hardly an exemplary student…”

“Riri-chan isn’t a bad person like you think she is.”

“I understand that you’re offended by my remarks about your friend. However…”

This is no good.

I don’t want to hear any more.

I don’t want to hear any more bad things about Riri-chan.

“Her clothes might be… sloppy, but Riri-chan is a good person. You don’t understand that, Kanaori-san.”

“No, people with sloppy attire also have sloppy lifestyles.”

“I think you’re a little too rigid, Kanaori-san.”

“M-Me?!”

“Yes, what’s wrong with a slightly shorter skirt?”

“That’s not all. Wearing makeup at school is also prohibited…”

“Other people do it too. It’s just a matter of how much they wear.”

“But rules are rules.”

“Kanaori-san, if you’re going to talk about this modern age of diversity, then freedom of dress should also be recognized!”

“W-Well…”

I used Kanaori-san’s own words against her.

It’s a bit of a sneaky tactic, and it might be unfair considering her position as student council president.

But I couldn’t just agree with her.

“Anyway, I haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s no need for us to continue this conversation, is there?”

Since it seemed like it would just become a pointless argument, I turned to leave.

“Wait! I’m worried about you…”

“Then your worry is unnecessary. I can live a virtuous life.”

“Says the person who kisses in public…!”

“I-I’ve reflected on that!”

I left the student council room, feeling Kanaori-san’s piercing gaze on my back.

◇◇◇

—Click

I closed the heavy door of the student council room.

That took longer than I expected.

But I’m relieved that it’s finally over… or is it?

I’m still being targeted by Kanaori-san, aren’t I?

…What should I do?

Can I still get Kanaori-san to focus on Shindo-kun from here?

“Wait, I can’t. I’m keeping Riri-chan waiting.”

I hurried towards the entrance.

◇◇◇

“Ah, Riri-chan, I’m sorry. I kept you waiting, didn’t I?”

When I arrived at the entrance, Riri-chan was leaning against the wall in the hallway.

Hearing my voice, she pushed herself off the wall and turned around.

“I wasn’t waiting that long. But if you’re that sorry, you can make up for it with a kiss.”

And she said something ridiculous again.

Didn’t we just talk about not kissing anymore, especially after what Kanaori-san said?

“I told you, I’m not doing that anymore.”

“Stingy.”

“I’m not stingy.”

I’m going to live a virtuous life.

So Kanaori-san won’t reprimand me again.

And so she’ll reprimand Shindo-kun instead.

“Then how about holding hands?”

“That’s embarrassing, it’s weird.”

“It’s fine if no one’s around, right?”

…Holding hands… is that okay?

Yeah, that’s definitely not indecent.

And it’s not embarrassing if no one’s around.

“…Well, if no one’s around…”

“Ehehe. Yay!”

Riri-chan smiled happily, even at something like this.

◇◇◇

We left the school and walked through a quiet residential area.

“Here, Suzuna.”

Riri-chan reached out her hand.

“…Okay.”

I hesitated slightly, but then I took her hand.

Riri-chan’s hand was a little bigger than mine.

But her fingers were slender and soft, enveloping mine.

“Your hands are always warm, Suzuna.”

“Your hands are still a little cold, Riri-chan.”

Apparently, I have a higher body temperature.

---

34 Seeking What’s Missing

“Hey, Riri-chan.”

During our morning commute to school, which had become a routine, I decided to ask a question that had suddenly come to mind.

“What is it, Suzuna?”

“Have you always been like that with Kanaori-san?”

“…What about Kanaori?”

Riri-chan’s expression immediately soured at the mention of her name.

“Well, I was just wondering if you’ve always been on such bad terms…”

“Pretty much. I seem to be a thorn in her side. I might be breaking the rules, but there are other students who do the same, you know?”

Riri-chan said, flicking her skirt.

I worried that it would flip up.

“I think other people probably fix their uniforms or try not to stand out when Kanaori-san is around.”

“Maybe. Kaede is always like that.”

She knows, but the fact that she doesn’t do it herself shows she’s a big shot…

Or maybe it’s pride.

“So why are you asking?”

Riri-chan leaned closer.

“Well, it just seemed like you two didn’t get along…”

And I was thinking about how to get Kanaori-san to reprimand Shindo Minato.

Currently, there’s zero sign of a harem forming around Shindo-kun. (It’s my fault, but still.)

So it’s difficult to approach it from that angle.

Judging from Riri-chan’s story, maybe getting him reprimanded for his attire would be effective.

“…Is that really all?”

“That’s all…”

The distance between me and Riri-chan didn’t shrink, and she gave me a skeptical look.

“I don’t think you’ve ever asked me about another girl before…”

“S-So?”

“Well, Kanaori is pretty, at least on the surface. You’re not… admiring her or anything, are you?”

“No way, definitely not.”

Kanaori-san does have an elegant, ladylike beauty, but being such a strict student council president seems tough.

I admire her, but I could never do it. It seems too restrictive.

“Hmm. Okay, if you say so.”

I finally escaped Riri-chan’s suspicious gaze.

“…But, well. You think Kanaori-san is beautiful too, Riri-chan.”

It showed Riri-chan’s good nature that she could admit that, even though they seem to be at odds.

“H-Hey! That’s not true! I don’t care about someone like her!”

“…Eh, wait, really?”

She just admitted it, and now she’s suddenly backtracking.

She seems a little flustered, too. What’s going on?

“Suzuna is way cuter than her!”

“N-No… we weren’t talking about me. And I can’t compare to Kanaori-san…”

The topic suddenly shifted from Kanaori-san to me.

“That’s not true! I think Suzuna is better!”

She said that with a serious look in her eyes.

…I don’t want to have this conversation in the morning.

I didn’t know how to react.

“O-Okay…”

Riri-chan is troublesome.

◇◇◇

“Yo, Suzuna.”

“…Morning.”

When I sat down at my desk, Shindo-kun greeted me languidly.

I looked at Shindo-kun’s attire.

His shirt was buttoned all the way up, and his tie was neatly tied.

There was nothing wrong with his blazer or slacks either.

…Kanaori-san wouldn’t reprimand him for this.

“? Why are you staring at me?”

“Ah, well… it’s about your clothes—”

I shuddered.

I felt a familiar cold gaze and quickly looked away.

“(What are you talking about?)”

Riri-chan was looking at us, mouthing the words with a smile.

…This is no good.

Casual conversation is one thing, but if I say,

“Why don’t you loosen up your clothes a bit?”

I’ll definitely be scolded later.

She’ll definitely say, “What do you mean, worrying about Shindo’s clothes?”

“What about my clothes?”

“…Nothing.”

I ended the conversation with Shindo-kun.

But now I have to find another way to change Shindo-kun’s appearance.

I only knew one person who could do that.

◇◇◇

During break time.

I went down to the first floor and visited the area near the first-year classrooms.

I came looking for Shindo Kokona-chan.

The atmosphere among the underclassmen was more energetic and youthful than the second-years.

I felt so out of place. I wanted to go home.

…But I have to do this.

“What class is Kokona-chan in…?”

A critical mistake.

I didn’t know Kokona-chan’s class.

And I don’t have the courage to enter each classroom, nor the courage to ask a stranger, even if they are underclassmen.

…I’m stuck.

Standing in the hallway with unfamiliar students passing by, my spirit broke.

“—Amatsuki Suzuna?”

A familiar voice called out from behind me.

I turned around, and there was Kokona-chan, her twintails swaying.

“Ah, Kokona-chan! Thank goodness, I was looking for you!”

“Eh… you were looking for Kokona?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t know where you were, so I was in trouble.”

Speak of the devil, as they say.

“Wh-What? Did you hit your head or something? Why would you come looking for Kokona?”

That’s harsh…

Well, it is unusual for me to do this.

“No, I have a favor to ask.”

“That’s also unusual. What is it?”

“It’s about Shindo-kun.”

“Onii-chan?”

“I want you to… unbutton his shirt.”

“…Huh?”

…Right?

I’m saying something strange, aren’t I?

“N-No, that’s not it. He needs to do that.”

“…I think you’ve lost your mind, Amatsuki Suzuna.”

“N-No, I haven’t! Look, Shindo-kun doesn’t have a girlfriend yet, right? Aren’t you worried, as his little sister?”

“…Well, I don’t see Onii-chan getting a girlfriend anytime soon.”

“So what do you think he’s lacking?”

Kokona-chan put a finger to her chin, thinking.

“…Intelligence?”

That was harsh.

Well, I can’t say she’s wrong.

“D-Don’t you think he also needs… sex appeal?”

“…Well, I don’t see that in Onii-chan. Or rather, it would be scary if I, his little sister, did.”

She’s supposed to be obsessed with her brother, but she’s changed so much.

It’s frightening.

“So, how about… unbuttoning his shirt a bit, or loosening his tie? What do you think?”

“…Well, some boys do dress like that. But you want Onii-chan to do that? It seems like he’d be trying too hard.”

“It’s okay, he’ll definitely find someone nice if he does that.”

That’s how Kanaori-san will notice him, reprimand him, and start their destined encounter.

“I still don’t understand. Why can’t you just ask Onii-chan yourself?”

Kokona-chan seemed annoyed and uncooperative.

I wish I could do it myself, but it wouldn’t be a problem if I could.

“I can’t. You’re the only one I can ask… please.”

I clasped my hands together and pleaded with Kokona-chan.

“…F-Fine. I guess I have no choice.”

Oh, really?

I thought she’d refuse, but she readily agreed.

“Really…?”

“You’ve never asked Kokona for a favor before. It’s fine.”

“Really? Thank goodness, thank you!”

“I-It’s fine. You don’t have to thank me for something like this.”

“No, I would have been in trouble without your help, Kokona-chan. Thank you.”

I was truly grateful.

I sighed in relief.

“W-Well, I’m glad I could help…”

Kokona-chan mumbled something.

“Hmm? What?”

“N-Nothing!”

Kokona-chan raised her voice and looked away.

She rejected the idea at first, then immediately accepted it, and now she’s sulking.

Was she always this complicated?