Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 3 Chapter 4

The Sports Festival

Five days remained until the sports festival.

These past few days had been so packed, my memories were a blur. I was handling my attendant duties as usual, practicing tennis, and working on my social relationships, so by the time I went to bed, I was sleeping like the dead.

The schedule was tight, but I felt it was paying off. And so, I headed to school today feeling positive.

"By the way, Hinako."

I said to the sleepy-looking girl next to me.

"Suminoe-san wants to invite you to a tea party."

"Nngh... I'm tired from sports festival practice... If possible, I'd rather not..."

"Got it. I'll let her down gently. But you've turned down her invitations before. If you keep refusing, it'll get awkward, won't it?"

"Mhm... Thanks."

I confirmed Hinako's feelings and made a note in my memo pad. Recently, I've had more things to think about, so I've started carrying one.

"...Just like a president and his secretary."

I felt Shizune-san whisper from the passenger seat.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. Just pondering the future of the Konohana Group."

As the head maid, she must also think seriously about the group's future. She works in the same environment as me, but her responsibilities are several times greater. Will I ever be able to repay her?

Just then, I noticed a small piece of fuzz in Hinako's hair.

"Hinako, there's something in your hair..."

I said, and reached out to touch her hair.

"Nngh!?"

Instead of her usual reaction, she jumped, her shoulders trembling.

"Sudden..."

"Sudden?"

"It's... troubling when you do that so suddenly..."

She said, lowering her head slightly.

As I removed the fuzz, I saw her face was red all the way to her ears. She looked like she had a million question marks over her head, as if she didn't understand her own reaction. Seeing that, I just tilted my head, confused.

What is this atmosphere? This awkward... weird feeling...

"...Must be hard, being so dense."

I thought I heard Shizune-san mutter with a sigh.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. Just thinking about Konohana Group scandals."

"Huh?"

Is the Konohana Group in some kind of danger...?

"By the way, Itsuki-san."

She said, looking at me through the rearview mirror.

"That suggestion I made about you working at an IT company... it's been approved."

"Approved...?"

"Here is a business card."

She turned and handed me a card.

It had the name of an employee in the HR department.

"After you graduate, if you're interested, this company is willing to hire you. Apparently, even without a university degree."

"Huh? Huh...?"

She meant... it's real.

"I thought that was just... an example?"

"It's better motivation if it's real, isn't it?"

Well, that's true... but... I can't believe they'd go this far for me.

"This... I've seen this company in commercials."

"It's a company that develops office security software. It's been profitable for the past few years, and employee turnover is low."

It's one of those 'good' companies.

"My personal opinion, however, is that you should hold off on accepting."

"Huh?"

"If your skills improve further, we may be able to arrange an even better position than this one."

I hadn't thought of that. This is already more than I deserve. I couldn't possibly dream of anything more.

"...It feels like I'm job hunting."

"Yes. You can work with that mindset from now on. For example, if you become adept at public-facing work, you could support the Ojou-sama in areas she dislikes. It would make you well-suited for a support role..."

"? Hinako's...?"

"...Apologies. A slip of the tongue."

Shizune-san covered her mouth. The car drove quietly toward the school.

(If my past self saw me now, he'd probably faint...)

Before this, I was a poor student just trying to survive. I wanted to go to university, but I knew it was difficult, so I planned to work right after high school. That's why I know just how valuable this offer is. And I could get an even better one based on my efforts. Is it really okay to have this much? I couldn't help but feel lost.

Shizune-san, as if reading my mind, said:

"It means we have high expectations of you."

"...Thank you."

I held onto those words.

◆

After second period.

I was walking in the hall to clear my head and heard students talking.

"Miyakojima-san seems different lately."

A Class B student whispered.

"More approachable than I thought..."

"Yeah, maybe she's not as scary as she looks..."

I overheard them and immediately walked away. If I keep listening, I'm going to get a gross, smug look on my face.

"Itsuki!"

A cheerful voice called my name from behind. I turned. It was a girl with black hair.

"Narika... You seem to be in a good mood."

"Yeah! Someone else talked to me today!"

She beamed, walking over. Like a friendly puppy. (I didn't say it.)

"Hehehe... Now that I've felt the warmth of human kindness, I'm invincible!"

She declared, proudly. She's getting a little carried away. It's going well, but in reality, it's still just a few students in Class B.

"Then why don't you try initiating this time?"

"Huh? N-No, if I do it..."

She panicked. But I'm not trying to be mean. I genuinely want her to try.

"Your image is getting better. It might go well."

"...Y-Yeah! Okay, I'll twy!"

I have a bad feeling...

Narika's face tensed up—expressions tight—and she called out to a passerby.

"H-Hey, you there."

"Kyaa!"

The boy she called out to ran away in terror.

"Why..."

Narika hung her head, pressing her forehead against the wall.

"Narika, was that guy in your class?"

"...No."

He wasn't in mine, either. The positive image change hasn't spread to the whole grade.

(...It's hard to change a deep-seated prejudice.)

For people who only know her by rumor... it'll take time to fix her image. The Class B students, for example, aren't just going by rumors; they've seen the change in Narika with their own eyes and are starting to appreciate her. But people who don't know her can only judge by those old rumors, which have become prejudice. Since they don't have a chance to see the real her and overturn that stereotype, the old image just becomes more entrenched. It makes sense. It's hard to overturn a year's worth of rumors in just a few days.

"We might need... a dramatic trigger."

Five days left. My intuition told me these small steps wouldn't be enough.

As I was worrying... I saw a head of golden drills.

"Tennouji-san."

Before me was the heiress of the Tennouji Group, a family that rivaled Hinako's.

"My, Tomonari—"

Tennouji-san noticed me...

"Hmph."

As if remembering something, she turned away, pouting.

"...Uh, what's wrong?"

"Because you've been ignoring me... so, hmph!"

I've never heard someone actually say "hmph" before. She's surprisingly childish.

(Given her mood... asking her for help is a good idea.)

Even if she tries to talk to people, she scares them off. Narika is stuck at that first step. We need a big, wide-reaching event to break her old image. Someone like Tennouji-san, who is naturally elegant and draws attention, might have an idea.

"Tennouji-san, I actually have a favor to ask..."

"Hmph."

She won't listen. What do I do? I didn't expect her to sulk...

"...Tea party."

She muttered.

"If you invite me to your next tea party, I might feel better."

"...Understood. If you'll have me, anytime."

She beamed.

"You leave me no choice! Very well, tell me!"

She says "leave me no choice," but she's clearly thrilled. She loves being relied on. I looked at Narika, who nodded. It's a sensitive issue, so I was worried, but it seems okay.

I explained the situation.

"...I see. So that's what you've been up to."

She understood immediately.

"Then, to the point. To really overturn this, you need a more dramatic action..."

She nodded.

"In short, you need an event where everyone can see her."

Exactly. I nodded. Narika looked worried.

"Nngh... I don't like being the center of attention."

"...But you already are."

In a bad way...

"What about PE? I hear Miyakojima-san always dominates."

"Maybe..."

Narika said, lacking confidence. Even if she didn't say it, I knew. Class A and B have PE together. She does dominate, but her image doesn't change. Someone focusing intensely can sometimes look fierce. Narika's negative image just makes people misinterpret it.

"Then, conversely, how about this?"

Tennouji-san proposed an idea to Narika. Narika looked surprised, but then nodded with determination.

◆

PE that day was badminton. The school provided rackets, and we paired up to rally.

"Tomonari, let's play."

"Sure."

I started rallying with Taisho. With a sharp sound, the shuttlecock flew in an arc toward Taisho.

"Oh, you're pretty good."

"I've been practicing tennis, so maybe I'm better with rackets now. Compared to tennis, a shuttlecock's initial speed is fast, but it slows down, so just rallying is easier."

"We haven't talked much lately, huh."

Taisho said while playing.

I froze. This is what I was afraid of. If I try to make new friends, I spend less time with old ones. If I start hanging out with the top-tier... I create distance with others. If I try too hard to please everyone, I might lose everyone. Maybe Taisho sees me as a suck-up now.

But—

"Is something wrong?"

Taisho's voice wasn't accusatory. It was just concerned. Worry over suspicion. That's his personality. His attitude was so bright it blew away my worries.

I hit the shuttlecock back. Taisho's always been nice to me. I decided to be honest.

"Actually, I'm trying to make more friends. Since I transferred here to Kiou Academy, I want to meet all kinds of people."

"I see. So that's why you were talking to Kita."

Taisho understood. The shuttlecock flew back.

"You're surprisingly hard on yourself."

"Am I?"

I hit it back. I caught a glimpse of Taisho smiling wryly.

"Well, in that case, I'll cheer you on. I know some other guys you might get along with. If anything's on your mind, just let me know."

"Thank you."

He really is a good guy. But in truth, I already used Taisho's help to get close to Kita. I'll have to thank him properly someday.

As I thought that, I noticed someone talking to Narika in the distance.

(Is that... Kita?) Narika was talking to Kita.

"Don't hit it directly overhead, hit it slightly behind. That way, the racket face is angled up, and it'll fly in an arc."

"Y-Yes...! Thank you!"

It looks like Narika is teaching Kita badminton.

Other students, seeing them, approached Narika.

"U-Um, if it's okay, could you teach me too...?"

"!? Y-Yes! Of course!"

Narika was surprised to be approached, but she immediately agreed.

(It's going well...)

This was Tennouji-san's plan. Not to show off, but to let others have a chance. If she has the skill to dominate, she has the skill to teach—that was Tennouji-san's idea. And it was right. Narika taught Hinako and me tennis. As I thought, Narika is a good teacher. Tennouji-san's plan was a success. Students were gathering around Narika. Tennouji-san had called it "Operation: Noblesse Oblige!" I guess she meant... with great power comes great responsibility.

The whistle blew. Five-minute break.

"Narika."

"Itsuki!"

I called out to Narika as she was wiping her sweat. She turned, smiling brightly.

"Looks like it's going well."

"Yeah... I feel less nervous myself."

That's great. As others' perceptions changed, Narika herself was changing for the better.

"Have you never tried this before?"

"I did... but before, everyone just ran away."

Narika said, looking down.

(Because her negative image is gone, she has more options...)

In the past, Narika probably couldn't teach others. But now, she's slowly being accepted, and this new image made her actions a success.

(If this keeps up, the rumor that she's not scary might spread...)

It's already spreading through A and B class. However, it'll take time to reach the other classes.

"...There's still a little time before the sports festival. I don't know how much we can change, but let's keep at it."

"Right!"

Narika nodded, full of spirit.

◆

After school.

I went to see Tennouji-san before meeting Narika.

"Tennouji-san."

"My, Tomonari-kun."

Tennouji-san, in the classroom, turned when she heard my voice.

Just that simple movement was elegant. Kiou Academy is already a grand space, but the air around Tennouji-san is on another level.

"Thank you. The thing with Narika went well."

"That's wonderful."

I didn't want her to sulk, so I'd planned to report to her immediately. She smiled elegantly.

"Tomonari-kun, are you heading home?"

"No, I'm meeting Narika to discuss next steps."

"I wish I could help more, but I have family matters today."

"Just the thought is more than enough."

I know she's busy.

She left the classroom, walked down the hall—and went in the opposite direction of the shoe lockers. I was confused, but I followed.

We reached the staircase landing. She looked around.

"Ahem... By the way, Itsuki-kun."

"Yes."

Tennouji-san cleared her throat, her cheeks slightly red.

"It's just the two of us now."

"Ah... right."

I remembered our promise to speak normally when alone.

...She came the wrong way just for this.

I felt a little restless. I listened for footsteps.

"You look like a suspicious person."

"N-No... I just get worried at school."

"But you speak normally to Miyakojima-san, don't you?"

"Because Narika... I've known her since we were kids. I don't have that... resistance."

Hearing me say Narika, Tennouji-san thought for a moment.

"...As I thought, you should call me Mirei. That might lower your resistance."

She said.

But I couldn't just accept.

"Umm..."

"Wh-What is that reaction? I-If you don't want to, fine..."

"Ah, no, it's not that..."

She looked more dejected than I expected. I quickly shook my head.

"To me, you're the most ojou-sama-like person I know. Always elegant, noble, and facing your identity head-on... I respect that, so I... wanted to keep calling you that."

Calling someone "ojou-sama-like" might be a stereotype to some. Hinako would probably hate it. But for Tennouji-san, it's the highest compliment. She wants to be an ojou-sama worthy of her name. She's sacrificed her own happiness for it. But now, she's pursuing her own happiness while being that noble heiress. I truly support her. That's why "Tennouji-san" is a sign of my respect. I want to affirm her as a magnificent ojou-sama.

"S-Since you put it that way... I suppose it can't be helped!"

She looked away. She was trying to act casual, but she couldn't hide her smile.

"If you respect me that much... I'll permit you to continue."

Tennouji-san paused.

"...Besides, I like the name Tennouji myself."

That one short sentence held so much weight. How happy she must be to say that... we both understood how important it was to be able to say that honestly, not out of duty.

I left Tennouji-san and met up with Narika.

"Narika, sorry to keep you waiting."

Hinako was there too. This has become our regular meeting. But this isn't a tea party for fun; we need results.

"Tennouji-san's plan went well. I want to keep this momentum."

"Yeah! I'll try anything right now!"

Narika was fired up. We don't have much time. We have to do what we can. Maybe we can even use Tennouji-san's plan outside of PE.

We decided not to give up.

However... the next day, an unexpected event.

Narika was absent.

◆

"Huh? Absent?"

The next day, break time. I hadn't seen Narika, so I went to Class B. She wasn't there. I asked a classmate—she was out.

(Did we push her too hard...?)

I've been making her do things she's not used to. Was she just silently enduring the burden? My worry grew. Was I doing the right thing...?

Class was starting. I went back, but I couldn't focus.

Lunchtime.

I went to the old student council building with Hinako and immediately called Shizune-san.

"Itsuki-wakasama, what is it?"

"Actually—"

I put it on speaker so Hinako could hear. I explained Narika was absent, and made my request:

"So, I'd like to go visit her..."

"Understood."

She approved immediately.

"I... want to go too."

"Your presence would put the Miyakojima Family on high alert, Ojou-sama."

"Ngh..."

Hinako went quiet at Shizune-san's calm rebuke. Being revered at school is inconvenient at times like this. Hinako sympathizes with Narika. If Narika is absent due to mental exhaustion... Hinako knows that pain better than anyone. That's why she's worried.

"Well then, Itsuki-wakasama, please schedule a time with Miyakojima-san."

"Yes... ah."

I was about to hang up when I realized a fatal flaw.

"...Come to think of it, I don't have Narika's contact info."

I completely forgot.

"Then we'll contact her family..."

"Um, my family... has some history with her parents..."

I forgot that, too. If I want to contact Narika, I have to go through her. My family has bad blood with the Miyakojima Family. My mother's gambling addiction... we stayed with them as relatives. I met Narika back then. I remember my mother acted arrogantly and angered them.

If that grudge still holds, I won't be welcome.

"Sorry, I asked, but... I might be turned away at the door."

"...Then I will contact them. Please wait."

Shizune-san hung up. She's calling them now.

I nervously ate my bento. Hinako said "Mhm," and opened her mouth. I fed her. Her happy munching calmed my nerves.

A moment later, my phone rang. That was fast.

"Shizune-san, how did it go?"

"No problem. A car will take you after school."

Her reply was beyond unexpected. It was... easy.

◆

After school—

I arrived at the Miyakojima estate to visit Narika.

"...It's been a while."

I gave a small bow to Shizune-san and got out of the car, heading toward the Miyakojima family's grand home. It's a sprawling, old-fashioned, samurai-style residence, completely different from the Konohana or Tennouji manors.

I was about to ring the bell.

The door opened automatically.

"You must be Tomonari-sama. We've been expecting you."

"Ah, yes."

A maid in a simple, crested kimono appeared. I bowed.

I nervously followed her. However, she didn't lead me inside.

"Ojou-sama is in the garden."

She turned and bowed composedly.

"...Thank you."

So Narika's not bedridden. At least it's not mental exhaustion like Hinako's.

The maid pointed to a large, Japanese-style garden. I walked onto the stone path. The Konohana estate and Kiou Academy are both Western-style, so this felt new.

(Ah... I remember...)

I've been in this garden before. I played here with Narika. Some things are different, but this is it.

(There should be a secret path...)

The wall looked high, but if you followed the hedge, there was a small foothold... It was our secret path to sneak out. It was so small only a kid could use it.

But looking now... the foothold was gone. It's been repaired.

"Hm?"

I heard a girl's voice. I turned. Narika, in a hakama.

"I-Itsuki!? Why are you here!?"

"I came to see if you were sick."

Narika's eyes went wide.

(Did no one tell her...?)

Shizune-san made an appointment.

"S-Sick... I just jammed my finger."

"Jammed..."

She held up her right hand. Her index finger was bandaged. Nothing else looked wrong... just a jammed finger.

I let out a breath of relief that it wasn't mental exhaustion. However, after a moment, I realized this wasn't good either.

"...Will you be okay for the sports festival?"

"It's fine. This is nothing."

She looked at her finger.

"I wasn't going to skip, but my dad's overprotective and dragged me to the hospital."

"...I see."

I only remember her dad as strict. This was a surprise. Anyway, I'm glad she's okay.

"But, wow. You were worried, so you came all the way here."

Narika muttered, with a weird, syrupy smile.

"Of course I was. Who do you think has been on my mind lately?"

"Mhm! ...Y-You're usually so casual, saying stuff like that... it's unfair..."

She looked away, her face and ears bright red.

"Also, Hina—Konohana-san wanted me to tell you, 'When you don't feel well, sleeping is the best medicine'."

"...That sounds like the voice of experience."

Sharp. It is her advice, based on experience.

"But I'm not sick... I'm just antsy. I haven't moved all day."

Narika said, restlessly. Well, that advice was for if she was stressed, but if it's just a jammed finger, she doesn't need extra sleep.

"You exercise every day?"

"Yeah, early morning, swinging my sword. I missed it today because of the hospital... I'm full of energy."

I see. That's why she's wandering the garden. And she practices that early... no wonder she's good at sports.

"I came all this way. If there's anything I can do, let me know."

"Even if you... Ah!!"

Narika suddenly shouted.

"Th-That's right! Itsuki! You remember I won that tennis match!?"

"Oh, right. I remember..."

"I-I-I want to use... that right... n-n-now...!"

She said, bright red, staring at me.

"W-Will you go out wif me!!"

She totally fumbled her words and bowed.

◆

I agreed, and we left the Miyakojima house.

"Did you get permission?"

"Yeah. They're not restrictive."

We walked down the long slope. She's much freer than Hinako or Tennouji-san.

"I think I told you... my family is... the 'martial arts faction'."

She said.

"The head of the Miyakojima family has to master all martial arts. If the heir is recognized... they get freedom. I beat my dad in judo and kendo, so... I'm mostly allowed to do what I want."

"...What a unique family."

I couldn't help but smile. It's not trust... it's that she convinced them. That "martial arts faction" rumor... must be why she has that image. Kiou Academy has no delinquents. They have no immunity to that kind of aura. That's why she stands out.

"So, Narika, where do you want to go?"

"Of course... here!"

She pointed. A small shop.

"The dagashi-ya."

"Yep! So many memories!"

Well, I expected this... The old candy shop we used to go to. The inside had changed more than I expected. It used to be older, but the walls are new and there are movie posters up. It made me pause, feeling the passage of time.

"You still come here all the time?"

"Yeah. Almost every day."

I had no idea. She really loves her snacks.

"Since it's a special occasion, I'll recommend my favorites. Umaibo corn potage flavor. When you want to pig out, Kabayaki-san Taro or Don't Cry Anymore Super-Spicy Cod. When you want to relax, ramune... and this canned ramune is great, you can try different flavors."

"I-I see..."

I could only nod at her passionate explanation. She knows more than I do... I was shocked at how... off-track... her growth had been.

"Let's buy some and go to the park."

"Okay!"

Narika's eyes sparkled. She pulled out a separate coin purse just for snacks and paid the old woman at the counter. She's much more in tune with common life than Hinako or Tennouji-san. That's why she could explain sports to Kita using video games. She understands common pleasures.

I bought a few things, and we went to the park.

"It's been so long... eating snacks with you here."

"...You're right. We did this a lot."

We sat on a bench.

"Itsuki... what's that?"

She asked, staring at my snack.

"What, it's an Umaibo."

"B-But I've never seen that flavor! It must be new...!!"

To Narika, the dagashi connoisseur, this was a shock. Umaibo, Matsumae-zuke... pickled squid flavor. It's a flavor I've never seen. If she doesn't know it, it must have just come out. That's dagashi-ya for you.

She was staring at it, excited.

"...Want some?"

"R-Really!?"

"I'm not picky."

I offered her the stick.

"W-Wait. Since it's a special occasion... um..."

Narika blushed and opened her mouth.

"F-Feed me..."

She looked away, mouth open. I knew what she wanted...

"...You're not embarrassed?"

"Nofe."

She is.

"Y-You used to feed me! Just like then...!"

"...Alright, alright."

I was only able to stay calm because I'm used to pampering Hinako. The difference... is that Narika looks so embarrassed. I brought the snack to her red-eared face.

Just before she could bite... I moved it to the right.

"Mph?"

She followed it. I moved it left.

"Mph? Mph?"

She followed. A strange desire to tease her welled up. I waved it left and right. Narika's little head followed.

After a moment...

"Y-You're not... gonna give it to me...?"

She looked up, worried. I brought it back to her mouth.

"Go ahead."

She bit down. Crunch.

(She's really like a dog...)

She can't fight her instincts, but she obediently follows my command... It makes me want to tease her.

"Mmm—Mmm—This is good too!"

Narika chewed.

(...Maybe Hinako was right.)

She'd said we looked "natural." She might be right. When I'm with Hinako or Tennouji-san, I'm tense. But with Narika, I can relax. I wish this moment could last.

"Hehe... This is my special privilege, isn't it?"

Narika whispered, looking into the distance.

"What?"

"You're always around the school's ojou-samas, but you don't go out like this, just the two of you, right? Konohana-san said you did... but she must have been bluffing. And Tennouji-san has strict parents..."

Your family isn't much different, but...

"No, that's not true. I've been out with both of them. Once each."

"Huh!?"

Technically, Hinako had Shizune-san with her... but it felt the same.

"Wh-When!? Where!?"

"With Tennouji-san about a month ago. Konohana-san shortly after."

That's when I asked Tennouji-san to drop the engagement.

"We went to the arcade."

"Th-The arcade!? Th-Th-That noisy place!?"

Even Narika, the dagashi expert, is wary of arcades.

"............So unfair."

"Huh?"

Narika stood up.

"So unfair! I want to go too!"

◆

I called Shizune-san just in case, and then we went to the arcade. We got out of the Miyakojima car.

(This is my third time.)

First Tennouji-san. Second Hinako. Third Narika. I never thought I'd be giving arcade tours to the top three ojou-samas of Kiou Academy.

Since we're here, I have to be—alert. I scanned the area.

"Itsuki, what's wrong? Why are you looking around?"

"Nothing. Just checking if I know anyone..."

I ran into my childhood friend last time... It was awkward. I'd rather not see her. If we planned to meet, it'd be fine... but I haven't heard from her since I texted her, so I'm honestly afraid to run into her.

"But Itsuki... Konohana-san and Tennouji-san... really came here?"

"Yeah."

"W-Wow. It's my first time... I can't picture it."

Me neither.

"Anyway, let's play."

Like before, I had her try everything.

"Hm?... Oh, I see!"

Narika adapted much faster. Racing games, rhythm games... she was getting average scores on her first try.

This might be Narika's place to shine. An ojou-sama shining in an arcade... how novel.

"Itsuki, what's this!?"

"That's air hockey."

All three ojou-samas were drawn to this. Tennouji-san thought it was a frisbee. Hinako thought it was a coaster...

"I see. A game where you hit this white disc."

Narika understood immediately. Her intuition for physical games is sharp.

"Itsuki! I want to try!"

"Okay, sure."

I put in the coin. We faced off.

We got lost in the game—

"............No way."

Thirty minutes had passed. I stared at the score.

"That's three wins in a row for me!"

We just finished our third game. I only kept up for the first half of the first game. After that, she figured it out and crushed me.

(Can you even dominate at air hockey...?)

I didn't score a single point in the third game. This wasn't a game. It was a massacre.

"C-Can we play again?"

"Of course. I accept your challenge."

I couldn't leave it like this.

(Like Hinako did...)

I tried her feint. Pretend to hit, then shoot—

"Ngh."

Narika countered it easily.

"...It's a game of rebounds... so I thought it'd be like squash, but it's totally different. Even with a kid's strength, if you hit it hard, it's faster than your reflexes. There's not much strategy. But it's a good test of intuition."

Narika, the sporting goods heiress, analyzed air hockey. Her family might start selling air hockey tables soon.

"Phew... I'm satisfied!"

She said, looking refreshed.

"I've never been to an arcade, but that was fun!"

"...Yeah."

I lost horribly. My feelings are mixed. Is this how Tennouji-san felt?

"...This makes up for losing to Konohana-san and the others."

Narika muttered.

Makes up...? I didn't get it, then I did. She meant because I'd come here with them first.

"This isn't a competition."

"...Of course it is."

Narika whispered.

"Because... I'm the one who met you first, Itsuki."

She looked down.

"I met you before anyone else at that school... but when I looked... you were already liked by so many people..."

She looked like a sulking child. She pouted her lips and looked bored.

This isn't rivalry, it's—

"...Are you... jealous?"

"Wha—!?"

She turned bright red.

"J-Jealous!? I-I-I'm not...!?"

"Right. Sorry. That was weird."

She's a friend I can be casual with. I just said what I thought.

But... she looked thoughtful.

"............No."

She denied it, her voice trembling.

"J-Jealous..."

"Huh?"

She looked at me, as if protesting...

"I... I... am jealous...!"

Her ears were red. She stared right at me.

"But what..."

"..."

I didn't know how to respond. I thought Narika was the one I could relax around... but now I see I was wrong. Her eyes were glistening, her cheeks flushed. I couldn't stay calm.

Right now, I just thought Narika was... cute—

"Narika-ojou-sama."

A voice interrupted. A Miyakojima maid in a kimono was suddenly beside us.

"It's getting dark. I'm here to escort you."

"O-Okay. Got it."

A beautiful woman in a kimono appearing in an arcade made us stand out quite a bit.

I headed outside to escape everyone's stares.

"And, Tomonari-sama."

As I got in the Miyakojima car, the maid said to me:

"The Master... Musashi-sama, wishes to see you."

"...Huh?"

◆

After arriving at the Miyakojima estate by car, I said goodbye to Narika and went to Musashi-san's location. I entered through the entryway and proceeded down a long, narrow corridor. I opened the paper sliding door, stepped into a Japanese-style room floored with tatami mats, and saw a fierce-looking man sitting inside.

"L-Long time no see."

"...Hn."

This man was Musashi Miyakojima... Narika's father. He's the president of the country's largest sporting goods manufacturer and has an excellent business sense, leading to ever-growing profits. I'm scared of him. When we were children, I once took Narika outside, and he scolded me severely for it. That incident was my fault, so I'm not angry at him, but the fear from that time is deeply ingrained in me. Just facing him like this makes me shrink back.

The maid bowed respectfully and left the room. Only the two of us remained. Neither Musashi-san nor I said a word. (...Why isn't he saying anything?) Huh? Did he really ask to see me? The doubt flashed through my mind, but his expression showed no sign of confusion. I waited nervously for a long time before he finally spoke slowly.

"I hear you've been interfering in my daughter's social life lately."

He said. His voice was like a taiko drum beating right in front of me, a sound that resonated deep in my gut. He wasn't yelling, but it was powerful. That force was undeniably coming from the man sitting before me.

"Yes. I'm helping her."

"Helping..."

Musashi-san's reply was heavy with meaning. He didn't seem like he was about to yell at me. As I let out a breath of relief, a question welled up.

"Excuse me... are you aware of Narika's reputation at school?"

"More or less."

He answered without batting an eye.

"She doesn't need protecting, as you seem to think."

Musashi-san stated in a resounding voice. An invisible pressure washed over me, making me want to apologize and bow immediately. I just wanted to escape this terrifying room. However, something else made me more curious. Based on his answer, "More or less"... could it be he didn't really understand Narika's current troubles?

"...I'm not being arrogant or anything, but she is troubled."

I don't have this intention to "support" or "help" her. Maybe I did at first, but not anymore. I know Narika's good qualities, and I want other people to see them too. This isn't out of "goodwill." It's my own personal wish, born from my respect for her.

"Troubled, eh."

Musashi-san muttered in response.

"That's your fault."

"...Huh?"

He'd said something completely unexpected. How is Narika's trouble my fault...?

"We're done."

He said, then stood up and slid open the door behind him. I couldn't help but call out to his departing back.

"P-Please wait! What did you mean by that—"

"Leave... I'm busy."

Musashi-san left the room without a backward glance. The paper door slid shut, and he was gone. At the same time, the maid opened the door behind me.

"I will show you to the entrance."

I couldn't quite respond properly, but I followed her guidance toward the estate's main gate. Along the way, I heard powerful, rhythmic thumping sounds. (...The dojo.) The private dojo within the estate. A wave of nostalgia washed over me. That's where I first met Narika.

"...Excuse me, could I see Narika one last time?"

"Of course."

I was surprised; I'd expected to be refused. I gave the maid a small bow and went to find Narika.

I walked into the dojo and saw Narika holding a bamboo sword (shinai). Sweat trickled down her cheeks, glistening in the sunset. Her back was straight, her expression imposing, as she swung the shinai silently—and solemnly.

"...Itsuki?"

Narika finally noticed me and turned around, unhurried. I don't know how long I'd been standing there, but I had been completely mesmerized watching her.

"Practicing?"

"Yeah. The sports festival is close."

She said, relaxing her stance.

"Did my dad say anything to you?"

I wasn't sure how to respond to that. I was very curious why he'd said it was my fault, but there was no need to tell Narika that.

"...No, not really."

"Oh. Well, Dad likes you, so I figured he wouldn't say anything weird."

"Huh?"

I heard something that made me doubt my own ears.

"Musashi-san... likes me...?"

"Yep. That's what he said."

Narika replied, looking a little happy. But I was just confused. (Is he... lying to his own daughter?) Maybe it's a fatherly thing, not wanting his personal feelings to affect her relationships...? I couldn't understand his true intentions, but I definitely didn't have the courage to ask him. It was getting late, I should be heading back—

"...Narika, is there another shinai?"

I found myself asking her as she was about to resume practice.

"Hm? I can go get one..."

"Since I'm here, let me be your practice partner. Though I don't know if I'll be much help."

This was my way of thanking her for the tennis lessons.

"That's great! I'll go get it, wait here!"

She ran off toward the dojo's storage, her footsteps pattering as she went to get a shinai for me. I wasn't wearing any protective gear, and night was falling. I didn't intend for this to be a serious session.

"Ah, right. Itsuki, let me tell you one thing first."

"What is it?"

She said this after we had both taken our shinai and assumed our stances.

"I... don't really like holding back."

The tips of our shinai touched. In the next instant, Narika closed the distance with lightning speed. Her body didn't bob up or down; she used footwork that made the distance impossible to read. It caught me completely off guard. I reflexively took a step back, but her shinai was already above me. I lost my balance and fell right onto my backside.

"Whoa, whoa...?"

"Don't worry, I won't actually hit you. You can attack however you like."

Narika said, offering me her hand. I took it, got to my feet, and raised my stance again. (I've practiced kendo a bit, too...) I hadn't told Narika, but I'd learned kendo from Shizune-san for a while as part of self-defense training. Kendo is a martial art that requires a shinai... meaning it's useless without a weapon. Self-defense assumes an emergency where you have to protect yourself without one, so kendo wasn't a great fit. I didn't study it too deeply. As a result, my kendo is only slightly better than a total beginner's. But even so—Narika was overwhelmingly strong.

"Here, again!"

I had fallen on my butt again, and she offered me her hand as she spoke. I gripped my shinai and immediately felt a terrifying presence from in front of me. (This is... Narika...!) Just facing her filled me with intense pressure. It was the exact same feeling I got from Musashi-san earlier. (Is this how everyone else sees Narika...!!) It's terrifying. She's completely unaware of it herself, but it feels like the heavy pressure of a blade pressed against your neck.

Until the very end, I lost to Narika without being able to do a single thing. I failed to block one of her swings, and my feet stumbled.

"I-Itsuki, are you okay!?"

"Yeah... barely."

Narika rushed over to me in a panic.

"S-S-S-Sorry... When I get into it, I just... Don't hate me..."

She looked like she was on the verge of tears, apologizing, probably feeling she'd gone too far. Seeing that, I almost laughed. The contrast was just too much... A second ago, she was as strong as a monster, and now she's a timid girl. That drastic swing reminded me a bit of Hinako.

"...Amazing."

Once I'd calmed down, all I felt was respect.

"You're so strong."

"I'm... not good at most things, so I wanted to at least be proud of the one thing I'm good at... That's why I practiced so hard."

"That's a strength that comes from knowing your own weakness."

Because she's bad at other things, she must polish her strengths. That's a conviction you can't have unless you understand your own weaknesses. As I was admiring her words... she suddenly looked pouty for some reason.

"...You really forgot."

"Huh?"

"'Strength that comes from knowing your own weakness.' You're the one who taught me that."

Narika sighed.

"A long time ago, I told you that you were strong, and that's what you said to me."

"...Ah."

A memory from the past surfaced. 'Itsuki... you're stronger than me.' Narika had said that to me, a long time ago. Maybe it was when I got rid of a bug that got into her room, or when I comforted her after Musashi-san scolded her... I don't remember the details... But what did I say back then? I think... I replied...

"...I'm not strong."

I told her I wasn't strong at all.

"I just know my own weaknesses... That's why I have to try so hard."

That's what I said to Narika. As I recalled those words, Narika gave me a gentle smile.

"Yeah... Those words are still engraved on my heart."

She placed her hand on her chest, as if holding a precious memory. My past self is connected to my present self. My family was poor, so things were tough growing up. After starting high school, I was busy with part-time jobs every day, and balancing that with studying was exhausting. Even now, I'm running myself ragged trying to get used to Kiou Academy and my job as an attendant. It's what I chose, but it's not without its struggles. Then and now, I'm just doing everything I can... desperately. I don't have the luxury of putting on airs, so I'll even ask for help when I need it. To others, I might look pathetic. But I think that's exactly why I've been able to (just barely) overcome the challenges I've faced.

"That's why I don't want to hold back in the sports festival, if I can help it. Because this... this is the one thing I found, thanks to you, that I can pour my entire heart into."

Narika said this with an expression that was both shy and proud. She's also doing everything she can. If that's the case—I think she deserves to have her wish granted. The sports festival is almost here. But Narika still hasn't completely shaken her negative image. Is there anything I can do... I left the Miyakojima estate with that thought weighing on my mind.

◆

The sports festival—the day itself. A huge crowd had gathered on Kiou Academy's athletic field.

"There are so many people."

Kiou Academy's field is far larger than a normal high school's, and it was packed with students and guests. Despite that, the atmosphere wasn't noisy, but rather elegant and relaxed. It must be due to the academy's refined air and the tidy dress of the guests.

"...I bet half of them are servants."

Hinako, standing next to me, said this to my surprised expression.

"Not students' families?"

"Mm... Everyone's parents are busy."

That's true.

"Does that mean Kagen-san isn't coming either?"

"I have come in Master's stead."

A voice suddenly spoke from behind me, making me jump.

"Sh-Shizune-san, when did you...?"

"I just arrived. The Master has ordered me to film Ojou-sama today."

"Nngh... It's embarrassing, so don't."

Shizune-san explained, holding a home video camera in one hand. Hinako looked slightly displeased. It felt just like a normal family conversation. (He unexpectedly does thoughtful family-man things...?) It is Kagen-san, so maybe he just wants to check if Hinako slips up... but I'd like to hope that he's watching over her as a father, at least a little.

"Tomonari! The dance squad's performance is starting! Let's go to the front!"

Taisho's voice called out from a distance. I bowed to Shizune-san and headed for the guest seating. Hinako and I went to the spot Taisho had saved. "It's Konohana-san..." "W-We have to make way...!!" The crowd parted, with Hinako at the center. In the past, I would have drawn stares...

"Tomonari-kun."

Kita called out to me quietly. I gave him a wave. Behind him was Suminoe-san, one of the top-tier students in Class A. She gave a silent bow, and I returned a small nod. It's okay now. Compared to before, I can stand by Hinako's side a little more openly.

"You two, over here."

I heard Tennouji-san's voice as we finally reached the group. At the same time, the dance squad's performance began.

"Asahi is in the front row."

Just as Taisho said, Karen Asahi was in the most conspicuous spot. They were dressed as cheerleaders and dancing. Dedicated corporate cheerleading teams are rare, but they've been popping up recently, and someone related to one of those teams choreographed the routine. Maybe that's why their dance was so professional; the crowd was going wild.

"...Looking at her like this, Asahi is actually kind of cute."

"Yeah, that cheerleader outfit really suits her..."

I'd spoken my true feelings almost unconsciously, but the next moment, I felt glares from all sides. Hinako went "Ohhh...", Tennouji-san said, "Is that so," and Narika made a "Ngh" sound. I... might have just said something incredibly careless.

"The dance squad performance has now concluded. All students, please move to your event venues."

As the performance ended, the crowd roared with applause. Asahi's look of pure accomplishment from the front row left a deep impression on me.

"I'm in the skiing event, so I'm heading out."

"And I must get to the polo field."

Tennouji-san and Taisho's venues were different from ours. Their schedules were tight, so they left quickly.

"Narika, are you okay?"

I asked, turning to her. The sports festival, which had left a scar on her last year, was officially starting. How was she feeling?

"...I'm okay."

She placed a hand on her chest and answered slowly.

"This morning, a classmate came up and told me they'd be cheering for me. They probably don't know what happened last year... but it gave me strength."

She said this happily, then looked at me.

"Thanks to you, I'm not scared anymore."

"...I see."

It seemed her state of mind had cleared up enough to face the festival. The people who'd changed their impression of her were in Classes A and B. I wondered about C, D, and E. Truthfully, I wanted even more people to get to know her. But that was my own selfish wish, so I couldn't say it.

"Let's both do our best."

"Yeah! Good luck!"

I said goodbye to Narika and headed to the tennis venue with Hinako.

"The changing room is over there."

Tennis was split into men's and women's divisions, with different courts. The matches were about to start. We'd meet up next after our first round.

"See you later, Hinako."

"Mhm... I'll win a few and be back."

She said it so matter-of-factly, heading for the changing room. She sounds like an invincible character... as expected of last year's champion.

I went into the changing room, changed, and headed to the court. The school provides loaner rackets and shoes, but Shizune-san had prepared a set for me while I practiced with Narika, so I brought my own. I'd practiced hitting against a wall at the Konohana estate, just as Narika advised. Because of that, I felt a little more confident in my control.

First match. I walked onto the court against a guy I didn't know. We spun the racket, I called it, and it landed on my call. I won the right to choose. I chose to serve first.

"One-set match. Begin!"

The umpire announced the start. I hit my cram-session serve, but my opponent couldn't return it properly. Shizune-san had said Kiou Academy students were masters of both arts and sports, but just like Kita, there were students who weren't very athletic. My opponent today might be one of them. Still, with my skill level, I couldn't let my guard down. (Scatter the shots to both sides, make him run...!) I remembered the basic strategy Narika taught me and returned the ball. I deliberately made him run, avoiding the center and aiming for the corners. As the match went on, he grew clearly tired, and by the end, he could barely move.

"Game, set, match!"

The umpire called the end. I had won.

"—Yes!!"

I couldn't help but pump my fist. If Narika hadn't coached me, I probably would have lost in the first round. This was a moment where hard work paid off.

I left the court and immediately went to our meeting spot with Hinako. I saw a beautiful girl sitting on a bench in the shade behind the school building.

"Hinako, you're already done?"

"Mhm... V."

She made a 'V' sign with her index and middle fingers. The 'V' for Victory... so she won.

"How about it? We have time before the second round. Want to walk around?"

Hinako nodded. If we just sat around, our bodies would get cold, which might affect the next match. We decided to walk around and watch other events as a cool-down.

"By the way... Itsuki."

"Hm?"

Hinako stood up and looked at me with a serious expression.

"...What?"

She spun around once in front of me. I had no idea what she wanted me to see... I thought about it, and one thing came to mind.

"Speaking of which, you slimmed down nicely."

"Nngh!?"

Ah, that was probably the wrong answer—but it was too late. Hinako marched over and kicked me hard in the shin.

"R-R-Rude...!!"

"S-Sorry! You looked like you wanted me to say something, so I just assumed..."

After kicking me, she used her hands to hide her upper arms and stomach, as if to shield her figure from my view. I re-thought what she wanted me to say. She spun around on purpose, so it must be about her appearance. In that case, maybe—

"Er, that tennis uniform looks good on you."

"...Too late."

It seems she was showing off her uniform. It was different from the one she wore when we practiced. This one was white on top and bottom, giving her a more innocent look than her practice gear.

"I already complimented you before, so I thought it wasn't necessary."

When I said that, her cheeks turned slightly red.

"...Always... compliment me."

Hinako whispered in reply. I nodded at this slightly roundabout... yet honest, childlike gesture. There's still a lot I don't know about Hinako.

◆

"There are a lot of different events."

We mingled with the crowd, watching various competitions. Baseball, basketball, soccer... there were plenty of events familiar to commoners like me.

"I'd like to see Tennouji-san's or Taisho's match, if we can..."

"...That's... over there."

Hinako pointed at the school building. It was the sports festival headquarters. A row of large monitors was set up out front.

"They're live-streaming it."

It seemed we could watch events from other venues on these screens. The top-right monitor showed a mountainside. Looking closely, I could see green artificial turf covering it, and students were skiing down.

'Don't underestimate Taisho Moving Aaaah!!'

Taisho's loud voice boomed from the speakers.

'Please give your business to Shiba Inu Express—!!'

'Go, Sayama Freight, gooooo—!!'

Three guys were hurtling down the slope at incredible speed. Taisho had said it was a summer slope so it wouldn't be fast... but that looked like full speed to me.

"Oh, looks like your son is winning again this year."

"No, no, your son is the one who looks well-trained..."

"Speaking of which, we were just arguing over that new collection point. How about it? Should we just let the winner of this match have it...?"

A group of men in suits and ties were watching the monitor, having a terrifying conversation. I'd accidentally wandered into a scary place. I moved a short distance away from them and watched the monitor. Then, I heard a very conspicuous voice.

'Ohohohohoho! Ohohohohohoho!!'

A ojou-sama with golden drills was riding a horse, galloping across the grass without impedance. Mirei Tennouji was dominating at polo.

"...She looks like she's having fun."

"...She's shining."

Hinako saw Tennouji-san glittering with sweat as she excelled, and gave a small nod. Everyone was enjoying the sports festival in their own way.

"Let's go check on Narika, too."

I thought of the one girl who might not be enjoying this, and we headed for the gymnasium where the kendo matches were held.

"KOTE!!"

A referee's shout echoed from within the gym. (Narika... doesn't seem to be here.) I scanned the venue but couldn't see her. I looked at the tournament bracket on the wall and saw she seemed to be advancing smoothly. Well, I never doubted she would. I was more worried about how others were seeing her, but she wasn't here, and the matches were still in the preliminaries. No one was talking about her yet.

"We still have a while until our next match."

I said, looking at the clock. It was a long walk from the bench behind the school. It felt like a pain to go back there just to rest.

"...We can rest in the classroom."

"Good idea. Since we have time, let's go there."

Hinako nodded "Mhm," and we went inside the school building. As Hinako said, there were a few students resting in the classrooms. Still, most were probably like us, absorbed in watching the events. The classroom was isolated from the outside noise, a final destination for those who'd had their fill of spectating and wanted quiet.

"E-Excuse me, Konohana-san!"

As we were walking down the hall, a female student came out of a classroom and called out to Hinako. I didn't recognize her, and Hinako's reaction was the same. But the girl was looking at Hinako with an expression full of courage. She must be one of Hinako's admirers.

"Should I ask her to leave you alone?"

"...No. I'll go."

Hinako shook her head when I whispered.

"Because... Miyakojima-san is trying, too."

She said that and walked over to the female student. Faintly, I could hear them talking. "Your match was amazing!" "I was so moved!" "Are you aiming for the championship again this year!?" I figured I shouldn't interrupt and went up the stairs, moving to a spot where they couldn't see me.

"Itsuki?"

As I was about to look out over the grounds from the upstairs hallway, someone called my name.

"Narika?"

Narika was standing there, in her hakama.

"You're taking a break, too?"

"Yeah. It's the break between matches. I'm just taking a walk."

It seems our situations were similar.

"You seem to be advancing smoothly... Is your finger okay?"

"No problem at all. I should be able to win it all again this year."

"If you get cocky, you'll be caught off guard."

"I'm not cocky. Even objectively, I'm in great shape today."

That's good to hear. As she said that, something occurred to me.

"You can talk so casually when it's just the two of us like this."

"Ngh...!"

Narika looked away, embarrassed.

"B-But, I have made progress! Last year, I was so worried about what people thought, I couldn't even take a walk like this..."

"What did you do last year?"

"...Hid in a bathroom stall."

I shouldn't have asked... That's just too sad.

"If you have time before your match, want to walk around with us? Konohana-san is here, too."

"I'd like to... but the kendo bracket moves fast, so it'd be difficult."

Well, can't be helped. We had just finished our rounds anyway and were just trying to kill this awkward amount of time. We couldn't hang out for long either.

"I'm really grateful to you... If I hadn't talked to you, I'd probably still be terrified of the sports festival."

Narika said this very seriously. But I shook my head at her reaction.

"It's not thanks to me. It's because you worked hard."

Narika's eyes widened.

"Konohana-san acknowledged your effort, too... It's not just me. Everyone recognizes the effort you've put in lately. So you should be prouder—"

As I said that, something felt wrong. Has Narika only been working hard... "lately"?

"...No, that's wrong."

I corrected what I just said.

"You've always worked hard."

"—!"

Narika's eyes shot wide open. Why hadn't I said that before? It's not just her recent efforts that deserve recognition. She must have been working hard in places I couldn't see, too. She's this troubled because she's been trying so hard for so long.

"So it's even less about me... You've been working hard all this time, long before I knew. That's why your effort is finally blooming now."

She could have easily broken, given up, stopped expecting anything from others, and chosen to be alone. But she didn't. Was that because she's weak? No, just the opposite. She was misunderstood and treated terribly. But despite it all, she held on to the hope that "If I keep trying, it'll work out"... Narika definitely has a strong will.

"You've really tried... Even when you were so misunderstood, you never gave up."

My feelings moved my body. I reached out and gently stroked the small head in front of me.

"Uu... uu..."

A choked sound came from Narika.

"...Narika?"

"I-It's... nothing... J-Just... don't look at me for a second."

She said, turning her back to me.

"That's... not fair... Y-You really... always know how to catch me off guard..."

"...Sorry."

I knew she wasn't blaming me. Narika's back was shaking slightly. After a little while, she turned back to me.

"Calmed down?"

"...Yeah."

Her eyes were still a little red, but she seemed to have composed herself. She looked straight at me.

"I hope you can slowly add more 'special' people to your heart."

"...'Special'?"

"You said before that you only thought of me as special, right? So I thought it'd be good if more people like me appeared in your life."

I was surprised when Narika said I was "special," but she surely didn't mean it in a deep way. In short, I'm the only one she feels she can trust right now. If that's the case, she just needs to make more close friends, and eventually, I won't be "special" anymore; I'll just be a normal part of her life. She's almost there. With her abilities, I'm sure she can do it.

"Itsuki, that's..."

She started to say something. But just then, I remembered Hinako downstairs.

"Sorry, Konohana-san is waiting. I should probably get back."

We'd talked for longer than I thought. Hinako's conversation is probably over. It seems better to meet her there. I turned to head downstairs. But on my way... my clothes were pulled tight.

"...Wait."

Narika was gripping my shirt with both hands.

"Narika...?"

◆

Narika couldn't look Itsuki in the face as he said her name. She had grabbed him almost on instinct. When she snapped back to reality, it was too late. She knew he was looking at her, confused, which made her panic and look down. Normally, she would have just let him go without trying to stop him. It wasn't too late. She could just say, "It's nothing, see you later," and everything would go back to normal. But... she felt she had to stop him. She had to clear up—that misunderstanding.

"Uh, you still haven't calmed down?"

Itsuki asked, puzzled.

"Itsuki, no... That's not it."

Narika wasn't denying that she was upset. She was denying what Itsuki had just said.

"Thanks to you, I've become able to talk to lots of people."

Narika said, haltingly.

"Konohana-san, Tennouji-san, Taisho-kun, Asahi-san... and lately, I've been able to talk to Kita-san, too."

Itsuki nodded.

"But, to me, you—"

As Narika spoke, she finally realized something. Yes, that's it. That's what it is. Saying those other names didn't bring up this feeling. Only when she said Itsuki's name did her heart feel warm. Relief, trust—and an indescribable feeling of happiness and heartache. And the heartache came from her own insecurity. She was always causing Itsuki trouble. She was always making him worry. She didn't want to be a burden to him anymore. Because of that, Narika had planned to keep this feeling locked away, at least until she'd grown a little more. And yet... she couldn't hold it back. No, this was the one time she couldn't hold it back. If she didn't say it now, she felt she would regret it for the rest of her life. Because Itsuki is a little dense. She had to say it clearly—or he wouldn't understand.

"I-Itsuki! I... I...!!"

Narika looked up, into Itsuki's face. There were a thousand things she wanted to say, but they wouldn't form into words. She hated how clumsy she was. But even so, Itsuki just waited quietly for her. —It's that kindness. Other people don't have it. Only Itsuki does. She's felt that kindness since they were children, so she knows. It's irreplaceable. That's why Narika Miyakojima, to Itsuki Tomonari—

"I... It's only you!"

The emotion burst out first, like a runaway horse. But even so, Itsuki would surely wait for her to finish. That trust gave Narika courage. Her feelings overflowed into words.

"No matter how many friends I make... you'll always be the only special one for me! For my entire life, it's only you!"

Her cheeks burned. The feelings she couldn't express with words turned into tears and rolled down.

"So, I'll never feel this way about anyone else... so please, absolutely... don't forget that...!"

Her heart grew calm. This was the one feeling that hadn't changed from the past to the present, so it wouldn't change in the future. Itsuki would be confused. Narika felt bad about that, but she didn't regret it. For her—this was something she had to say.

◆

After parting with Narika, I turned back before heading down the stairs. She was already gone... Even if she were, I wouldn't have known what to say. Her serious expression was seared into my mind. Even as I descended the stairs, I didn't feel like I was walking. It was more like... floating, as if I'd stumbled into the space between dreams.

"...Itsuki?"

Someone suddenly called my name.

"Hinako?"

Sometime, somehow, Hinako was standing in front of me. I must have walked to her on autopilot.

"...What's wrong? You're spacing out."

"No, it's nothing..."

I stopped mid-sentence. It wasn't "nothing." I couldn't just brush it off as nothing.

"...Something important happened."

"Important..."

"Yeah... very important."

To me, and to Narika. That brief conversation was incredibly important. (Please, absolutely don't forget... huh.) There's no way I could forget. I'll probably remember what happened today... for my entire life.

"...This is a heavy responsibility."

The only special one... huh? Without even realizing it, I've been placed in an unbelievable "special seat." Those must have been difficult feelings for Narika to sort through. And even hearing them, I couldn't fully understand what she meant. But she said them anyway, believing she had to. I can't possibly ignore those feelings.

"...Right."

I switched gears. I have a mountain of problems to deal with. Right now, I'm Hinako's attendant. I have to focus on the task in front of me.

"The second round is starting soon. Let's go back."

"Mhm."

We returned to the tennis venue. As expected, the second round was about to begin. If we'd been ten minutes later, we might have forfeited. Never mind me, but if Hinako forfeited, it would cause trouble for a lot of people.

"Okay, Hinako. See you later."

"Mhm... You do your best, too."

I parted with Hinako and walked onto the court. It's customary to shake hands at the net before the match. I walked up, racket in one hand.

"Still sucking up to people, I see."

The boy standing in front of me was familiar.

"You're..."

I hadn't forgotten. This was the guy who'd been so cold to Narika... the one who first made me worry about my social standing at Kiou Academy. With mixed feelings, I shook his hand and we decided the serve.

"One-set match. Begin!"

This time, I started by receiving. I barely managed to return his sharp attacks, thinking back to that day. Thanks to him, I was forced to rethink my position, so in a way, I should be grateful. But... I still couldn't forgive his coldness toward Narika. Even if it was the result of considering her family's power, that's no excuse to hurt someone.

"You're the one person I can't lose to...!!"

My opponent held his serve. If that's the case, I can't afford to lose mine. His technique seemed better than mine, but I had a slight edge in stamina. I didn't force the points, just stubbornly returned every ball, trying to bait him into making a mistake.

"So persistent...!!"

He started to get anxious, and his errors increased. My stamina was also at its limit, but even so— —To me, you'll always be the only special one! Narika's words echoed in my head. I want to get one back on this guy who was so cold to her. This isn't for Narika. It's entirely for me. I vaguely felt that I was allowed to do this. I couldn't just see Narika as some "other person." The set was neck-and-neck, going to a tie-break, and then—

"Game, set, match!"

The match was over. Somehow... I had won by a hair.

"Hah... hah... You're pretty good..."

"Thanks..."

We bowed at the net one last time. Maybe it was because we'd sweat it out together, or maybe the fatigue had washed away my anger, but I didn't feel any negativity toward him now.

"Hey, let me ask you something."

He said, gasping for breath.

"You... what's your relationship with Konohana-san?"

I fell silent. Seeing his awkward, shy expression... I sensed a certain possibility.

"Uh, you... about Konohana-san...?"

"...Just answer the question."

He pressed, as if to hide his embarrassment. I was so tired I just wanted to collapse, but I forced my brain to work.

"Our parents just know each other."

"I know that. But plenty of people at this school are connected to the Konohana Group. You're the only one who's especially close."

If he knows about our parents' relationship, he's probably already looked into it. My suspicion became a certainty. This guy probably likes Hinako. That's why he recognizes me and sees me as a rival.

"Please keep this to yourself... but on my parents' orders, I'm working at the Konohana residence."

"As a servant?"

"Sort of like an intern. I'm not familiar with high-society etiquette, so the Konohana family is looking after me."

In reality, I'm the one doing the "looking after." It was a bit of a lie, but it was closer to the truth than just staying silent.

"...I see."

He looked like he understood.

"Tomonari... if I have to say it."

He scowled.

"I still can't bring myself to like you."

"...That's unfortunate, but I understand."

That's fine. It makes sense. To him, I'm a love rival.

"But... I'm going to go apologize to Miyakojima-san later."

He said that and walked off the court. I was surprised by his last words... It must have been weighing on his conscience. Just knowing that was satisfying enough. His coldness to Narika hadn't come from a place of malice.

I left the court and went back to the bench behind the school to meet Hinako.

"You won, too."

"Mhm."

Hinako made another 'V' sign. Unlike me, she still had plenty of stamina.

"Itsuki... are you okay?"

"Barely... No, honestly, I need a break..."

I sat on the bench and let out a long breath. Tennis is more exhausting than it looks. You have to run all over a wide court by yourself. That match took an hour, and I was mentally and physically drained. So, if possible, I'd like to rest for a bit...

"...But the third round is up next."

"...Huh?"

My face froze. I realized too late that as you advance in a tournament, the number of players dwindles, and the matches speed up. Since there were empty courts, I had to play my third-round match immediately. The result—

"...Don't worry about it."

"Hah... hah... hah... D-Damn it..."

My third-round opponent was a strong player. I was defeated without being able to do a thing.

On a side note, several hours later, Hinako won the championship with ease.

◆

The sports festival tennis tournament was over. Hinako won the women's division, handed her certificate to Shizune-san, and came back to me.

"Hweeh... I'm tired."

With the match over, her tension finally broke. It would be nice to just relax together... but today, there was one other girl I was worried about.

"Hinako, is it okay if I go check on the kendo matches?"

"Mhm... I'm curious, too."

Hinako was also concerned about Narika. If it's like other years, kendo should have finished before tennis, so it might already be over, but we went to check just in case. When we got to the gym, the kendo matches were still going.

(It's running later than I thought.)

When I checked the bracket, I saw they were in the middle of the semi-finals.

"Excuse me, did something happen?"

I asked a male student watching nearby why things were so delayed. He looked startled but quickly explained.

"The air conditioning broke mid-tournament, so they had to pause. That's why kendo is running so far behind."

I see... That's why a crowd is gathering. Most of the other events must be finished. Students with nothing to do were all filtering into the gym.

"—Winner!"

A match ended. Next up was the other semi-final match. A familiar girl appeared in the arena.

"...Narika."

A girl with her black hair tied back stood there, looking dignified. However, Narika's eyes darted over to our side... Hinako stands out, so it was easy to spot me next to her.

"!"

Our eyes met, and she immediately looked away. Her cheeks were bright red... and I'm sure mine were, too.

"...Itsuki, did something happen with Miyakojima-san?"

"N-No, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

"Suspicious..."

Hinako stared at me, but I could only stay quiet. Across the way, Narika tied her tenugui (head towel) with practiced motions. She took a deep breath, and her eyes—narrowed. (...That focus is part of her charm.) Narika flipped a switch in her head. It was different from Tennouji-san's aura; this was an atmosphere that could only be called "dominance." She was filled with a dignity that didn't seem to belong to someone our age.

"—Begin!"

The referee's call signaled the start. Narika and her opponent quietly tested each other. (Her form... looks fine.) I thought back to our conversation in the hallway. I was worried it might have thrown her off, but that was needless. If anything, it seems to have cleared her head. Her movements were free of hesitation.

"Hey, is Miyakojima-san... trying to make friends?"

Just then, I heard voices nearby.

"Huh? Why?"

"My friend in Class B said she's gotten friendlier lately. And thinking back, she's shown signs before, so I was wondering..."

"Mmm... but still..."

It's not that she "got" friendly; she's always been friendly. But that feeling just never got through.

"That's Miyakojima-san...?" "Just like she looks, so scary..."

Narika really is famous. Just by standing here, I could hear all sorts of chatter. (This is bad... because a crowd gathered, the general opinion is...) Narika had managed to change her image somewhat with her recent efforts. But that new image hadn't permeated the whole academy. Among the entire student body, those with a favorable impression were still in the minority. In the increasingly crowded gym, she swung her shinai.

"Match!"

She won, surrounded by a huge audience. She glanced at the crowd for just a second. She was probably hoping for a different reaction than last year—but reality was cruel. The audience began to shy away from her. She returned to the rest area, her back looking so lonely it was hard to watch. —Why? Narika is clearly in top form. Didn't she just win spectacularly? Why did the atmosphere turn out like this... Next is the final. This is shaping up to be a repeat of last year.

(...I have an idea.)

I thought of one sure-fire way to make everyone stop fearing Narika. I remembered Tennouji-san's "Noblesse Oblige" plan. The key wasn't for Narika to shine, but to let others shine. If so... we can just do the same thing. The reason Narika scared everyone last year was her overwhelming victory. So, what if she just... lost?

"If she gives up the championship..."

"...I'd never thought of that."

My unconscious mumble got a response. I turned in surprise and saw Narika standing right there.

"Narika, when did you..."

"I've been here. You just looked so serious, I was waiting..."

She gave an awkward smile.

"Losing on purpose... making myself look weak... I'd never thought of that."

Narika said "Hmm," and nodded, looking strangely convinced. But to me, it just looked like she was forcing herself to be calm.

"Narika, that was just one idea..."

"It's fine. I'll act my part. It's not like I can't hold back."

She said that and walked toward the rest area. The final was up next, but I couldn't bring myself to cheer for her. She definitely told me in the dojo that she "doesn't like" holding back. Not that she can't, but that she doesn't want to. And for me, that "dislike" is the entire problem. Am I about to make Narika do something she hates...?

"—Begin!"

I snapped my head up at the referee's voice. While I was agonizing, the final match had begun. In the tense atmosphere, I could see Narika's movements were duller than before.

"Huh? Miyakojima-san..."

"She seems... off."

The audience also noticed something was wrong.

"...!!"

Narika was being unilaterally attacked. That's right. She... she's planning to lose. (What should I do...?) Her opponent scored a point. But then Narika took one back. Is she trying to make it look like an even match? Kendo is a three-point match. If her opponent scores again, Narika will lose. She's torn between reason and instinct. Her image of being "scary" and "strong" are linked. If people see she's not that strong, their fear will surely weaken. And—Narika's finger is injured. She won the semi-final so easily I forgot, but her finger is still bandaged. She might lose because she's injured... the audience would surely assume that. The conditions are all set for Narika to lose. This plan will definitely work. But... I just felt sick. What do I even want...? I want Narika to be accepted by everyone. That's true. I don't want her to do something she hates. That's also true.

"Itsuki... what do you want to do?"

Hinako whispered, so others wouldn't hear. It was as if she'd seen right through me... and was verbalizing my own thoughts.

"I..."

I started to speak, trying to sort through the storm in my head.

"I... love Narika's sincere attitude toward martial arts. She knows her own weaknesses, and because of that, she wants to shine in the one area she's good at... I love that about her."

"Love that about her" might be an overstatement. But putting my muddled feelings into words made my head feel clearer. (...I see.) It's that nobility that impresses me. Hinako, suffering under her burden, but still desperately searching for her own happiness; Tennouji-san, always acting elegantly to protect her family's prestige. Narika's nobility is similar to theirs. Because she knows she has weaknesses that others don't... she wants to be proud of her strengths. My words might have been the trigger, but she's the one who built on that with her own power. Striving hard, even with her weaknesses. After all, Narika Miyakojima is a high-class ojou-sama.

"...It'll probably be fine."

Hinako said, looking straight at me.

"Even if Miyakojima-san wins, and the atmosphere gets weird... If you're the first one to praise her, I think it'll all work out."

"What does that mean..."

She didn't answer my question, but continued.

"So, you... should just tell her how you feel, in your own words."

Hinako said with a gentle smile. In that instant, my mind was made up. As she said, I still haven't told Narika how I feel. If she wants to make friends, maybe losing here is the "better" move. But I don't want that. That's not the Narika I like. —Just as she told me I was special. —I want to tell her that she's special, too. Even if this is just my own selfishness... No, it's because it's selfish that it's my true feeling. I don't want Narika to be just some average, boring person. The Narika Miyakojima I like is cool, dignified—and a much, much stronger person than that.

"Narika!!"

I yelled at Narika, who was clenching her shinai but looked like she was about to be beaten. One mistake, and all her past efforts might be for nothing. If that happens, I'll just help her start over from zero. But this plan, right now, is wrong. I don't want her to do it. So—

"Go all out—!!"

The next second, fighting spirit exploded from Narika's entire body. The weakness from a moment ago vanished. She stepped forward, sharp and decisive.

"—!?"

Her opponent was stunned. It makes sense. Narika had just reversed the entire flow of the match in an instant. Her opponent panicked and went for a kote (wrist) strike, but Narika saw it coming and parried. A sharp thwack echoed. Narika powerfully stomped her foot and swung her shinai straight down.

"MEN—!!"

With the force of a thunderclap, her shinai struck her opponent's mask. A shiver ran through me. Not from fear, but from a power so strong it could inspire fear—Narika was radiating a solemnity that came from complete focus. This is the charm of the Narika I know. This is what's so cool about her.

"Miyakojima wins!"

The referee declared. The final match of the kendo tournament... was Narika's overwhelming victory. The two students bowed to each other. Even a novice could tell: Narika's skill was on another level. That terrifying strength created fear, and the students in the audience fell silent. And to break that silence—I started clapping. For me, reading the room was less important than supporting Narika's heart. I wanted to tell her that even if no one else said a word... I was on her side. But just then. Applause started up next to me. Hinako was clapping elegantly. And then, from a bit farther away, more applause. Asahi, Kita, Suminoe-san, the guy I played in the tennis match... they were all clapping. Before I knew it—the entire venue was filled with applause.

"Hey, that... was amazing, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, I was shocked..."

"I thought she was scary at first, but..."

I could hear the students' voices mixed in with the clapping. This was the moment we'd been waiting for—the moment Narika's image changed.

"Miyakojima-san is incredible."

The applause continued. And mixed within it, there were definitely words of praise. Narika stood in the center of the arena, mask off, eyes wide, frozen. She was so surprised, her mouth was hanging open. But finally, tears welled in her eyes.

"...Haha."

She smiled, a smile of pure joy.

"...See? Just like I said."

Hinako puffed out her chest, looking smug.

"Because I know you best..."

I had no idea what she meant, but I felt she was right. I'm glad I trusted Hinako and cheered for Narika. The atmosphere in the venue wasn't one of rejection. Narika—had won.

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