Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 4 Chapter 2

The Little Bombshell of the Summer Lecture

I had never forgotten the figure of the girl standing before me. Her soft, dark brown hair reached her shoulder blades. Her height... wasn't tall; she was on the small side for a girl her age. In elementary and middle school, she always stood at the front when lining up by height. I remembered every little thing about her. We'd spent elementary, middle, and high school together. She was my childhood friend of about ten years. As for why she was at this hotel—

"I-I see. So you're working part-time at this hotel..."

"Yep. Just like in my first year. A resort job."

The girl said, hands on her hips. I see. That explained the server's uniform. The top was a long-sleeved white shirt, though the sleeves were rolled up for summer. The bottom was a black skirt, with a simple red half-apron tied around her waist. The outfit was elegant, yet had a sense of understated luxury. From what I knew, this girl preferred more practical clothes, but since it was her work uniform, it made sense.

"B-But, it's amazing you managed to get a job here."

"Someone at the hotel I worked at last year liked my serious attitude and introduced me to a better job. That's how I ended up at this high-class place."

"Oh, so that's how it was..."

"This place is really something, isn't it? It's huge and has such an atmosphere... Itsuki, did you know? The three-star suites at the very top are members-only. Only high-society types can stay there; normal people can't. They live in a different world from us. It's kinda dreamy—"

"Y-Yeah, I guess so..."

A cold sweat dripped down my back. It was summer, but I was shivering. Is this the power of the Karuizawa resort...?

"So, what about you?"

She shot me a sharp look from below.

"You? Why? Are you here~?"

The girl tilted her head, pressing me.

"Uh, well, I'm..."

"You don't look like you're working... but considering your family's finances, you can't be here for fun, right~?"

"Um..."

"Hmmmm~?"

Her tone had the force of a readied fist.

"Itsuki-Wakasama."

Just then, someone called me from behind. I turned and saw Shizune-san in her maid uniform and Hinako in her Ojou-sama mode.

"You were taking some time, so we came to find you. This person is..."

Shizune-san looked at the girl. She beamed a bright, friendly smile and said:

"Hello! I'm Yuri Hirano."

The girl—Yuri—gave a small bow. She looked back up, her smile blazing, and said:

"I'm Itsuki's childhood friend!"

"...Childhood friend?"

"Yep!"

Yuri replied energetically. Shizune-san, perhaps sensing trouble, looked at me. I nodded deeply, apologetically.

"Yuri... knows everything about my past."

Meaning, it would be difficult to hide my true identity from her. Shizune-san grasped the situation, looked like she was swallowing a sigh, and nodded.

"It seems we'll have to change today's schedule."

◆

We canceled our walk and explained my circumstances to Yuri. The location was my two-star guest room. Hinako, visiting my room unexpectedly, shot a sharp glance at my bed before quickly looking away. She probably wanted to dive onto it, but she was in Ojou-sama mode, so she had to endure. Besides, you were sleeping in the car the whole time.

"...Okay, I'll explain everything from the beginning."

I explained my current situation to Yuri, who was sitting across from me. A moment ago, before we entered the room, Shizune-san had whispered to me, "Use the Tennouji-san model." In other words, tell Yuri what I'd told Tennouji-san—everything except Hinako's true personality.

"...And that's what happened."

"Oooooh? I seeeee? Is thaaaaat so?"

Yuri's expression was blank, her replies empty. Her eyes were terrifying.

"So, your parents skipped town on their debts, you had nowhere to go, and you were taken in by the ojou-sama from the famous Konohana Group. Now, you're working for this Miss Hinako Konohana right here, as an attendant? And you're attending that super-famous Kiou Academy..."

That was correct. I nodded.

"Huh? Which part is the joke?"

"...It's all true."

"No, no, no way. I'm not going to believe you just because you told me some manga plot."

She has a point, I thought. But it was all true. She just had to believe me. Also, I was really bothered by Shizune-san, who had been on her phone contacting someone. While I was explaining, she was on a call. Who was she talking to for so long...? Just as I was getting nervous, she pulled the phone from her ear and said:

"I've confirmed it."

"Huh?"

Yuri tilted her head, confused. Shizune-san put her phone away and continued.

"Miss Yuri Hirano, age 16. Attends Ryuuguu High School, the same school Itsuki-kun previously attended. You are a second-year. Your father's name is Heizo, your mother's is Minae. Your family runs a public diner, Hiramaru, started by your grandfather. It's a thriving business, very popular with the locals for lunch and dinner."

"Huh? H-H-How do you know..."

"Your shop's construction, insurance, and bank accounts are all with companies under our group. Your information is in our customer database."

Yuri was dumbfounded. I'd had my background checked the same way... In this country, there's probably no one who isn't connected to the Konohana Group somehow. Watching Yuri's blank expression, I was once again reminded of just how massive the Konohana Group is.

"Itsuki-san was telling the complete truth. Are you willing to believe him now?"

"I-I'll... believe him. I mean... not believing seems kind of terrifying..."

Yuri was scared stiff. I get it. I totally get it. I'm used to Shizune-san now, but I was just as terrified at first.

"Yuri, sorry for making you worry."

"I-I wasn't... worrying about you."

Yuri turned her head away.

"...But there were weird rumors about you at school."

"Huh?"

"The teachers just said you transferred... but everyone pretty much figured out your family situation. So all kinds of rumors were flying. Some said you were working in the red-light district, some said you were on a tuna boat in the deep sea, and some said you were sold into slavery."

That last one is way too absurd.

"Fine, I get your situation. I'll just make something up for the people back at school."

"Okay... thanks."

"Hmph. Don't worry about it."

When I thanked her, she puffed out her chest haughtily. I'd seen this gesture countless times. I had a feeling. Ah, she's going to say it.

"Because I'm—your big sister!"

"We're the same age."

We've had this conversation I-don't-know-how-many times. I couldn't help but sigh.

"B-Big... sister...?"

Hinako looked completely lost. Shizune-san and Hinako both know I don't have any siblings.

"Uh, this one was born six months before me, so she's always thought she's the 'big sister.' We're the same age. You can ignore her."

"Oh!? Is that what you're gonna say? Who took care of you when you were busy with your part-time jobs!"

"Well, that's true..."

When she put it like that, I couldn't argue. But her smug face pisses me off, so I don't want to admit it.

"You should respect me more!"

"...You're just a shorty."

"Wh-Whaaaaaat!? Age is more important than height!"

"And I'm telling you, we're the same age!"

I'm the one who usually gets mistaken for the older brother. We continued our unchanging, years-long argument. Just then, I noticed Shizune-san staring at me with wide eyes.

"Uh, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing... It's just rare to hear you speak like that."

"Speak like what?"... Ah, does she mean me saying "shorty"? It's true. I probably wouldn't talk like that to anyone but Yuri.

"And what's with you? Your hair and clothes are all neat."

"My environment is... special. So I've been making an effort."

"Is that so... Just plain old Itsuki, acting all high and mighty. Take this!"

"Ah, hey, stop messing up my hair!"

Yuri stood on her tiptoes and ruffled my hair. I was about to complain, but when I looked at her face—she was smiling gently.

"You've always been too tense. It's better to relax a little. Your school is on summer break, right?"

"...Well, yeah."

I thought she was teasing, but she was just worried about me. That's why I can't dislike her. I'm actually grateful.

"You two seem very close."

For a second, I thought a blizzard had hit. A terrifying pressure froze the room. Hinako, who had been silent this whole time, was just standing there, glaring at us.

"Y-Yeah. We've known each other for ten years."

"Ten years... I see."

Hinako's eyes narrowed. Yuri noticed something was wrong and whispered to me:

(Hey, hey, Itsuki! Huh!? I think Konohana-san is glaring at me!?)

(Yeah...)

I didn't get the situation, but Yuri had apparently made Hinako angry. Angering the ojou-sama of the Konohana Group... Looks like our ten-year friendship ends today. I was thinking this joke, but when I looked closely, Hinako was glaring at me, too. This atmosphere was getting dangerous.

"S-So, Yuri, isn't it time for you to get back to work? You're on the clock, right?"

"Ah!? I forgot!"

Yuri anxiously headed for the main building. On her way, she turned back and said:

"I work at the restaurant here! If I see you, I hope you'll be nice!"

With that, she ran off.

"She's very energetic."

"...She's helped with her family's business since she was little, so she's used to all kinds of people. She's got guts."

Her boldness has saved me more than once, so I know it's true. Just then, Hinako tugged on my clothes.

"Itsuki... let's go for a walk."

"R-Right. Good idea."

I was mentally exhausted, so a walk nearby sounded good. Thankfully, just exploring the hotel would be enough to kill time.

"Anywhere you want to go?"

Hinako heard my question and whispered:

"...Anywhere but the restaurant."

◆

The next morning, after Hinako and I enjoyed a leisurely walk. Yuri came up to our table in the main restaurant and bowed.

"Good morning. I'm Yuri Hirano."

Tennouji-san and Narika, who were eating with us, looked at Yuri. When we met at the restaurant and decided to eat together, I had warned them, "My friend might come say hi," so they weren't surprised. Hinako, having met her already, put on her elegant Ojou-sama smile.

"I'm working part-time at this restaurant. And as a side note, I'm Itsuki's full-time childhood friend!"

"Don't say it like that's your main job."

I put down my orange juice and retorted. It was a buffet, so the table was covered in plates of all kinds of food. Tennouji-san had salad and an omelet. Narika had soup and bread. Hinako had chosen a well-balanced variety, but that was just her act. In private, she would never touch vegetables. The seasonal vegetable and sashimi salad I was eating was elegant, nutritious, and delicious. It wouldn't have been out of place on the Konohana family's breakfast table.

"So you are Tomonari-kun's childhood friend?"

"Itsuki's childhood friend..."

Tennouji-san and Narika looked intrigued.

"You're still on the clock, right? Is this okay?"

"I'm just saying hi. The head chef said as long as it doesn't get in the way of my work, I'm free... But if you think I'm being a bother, I'll back off."

"No, I don't think you're a bother..."

I checked the others' faces, just in case.

"You are not a bother at all."

Tennouji-san said, putting down her teacup.

"This is a special connection for us as well. We have no reason to refuse. I hope we can get along."

"Oh, whoa... Amazing. So this is an ojou-sama..."

To Yuri, Tennouji-san's generous words and her polite, dignified, and elegant bearing were all novel. Yuri's reaction reminded me of my old self. I was also shocked by the ojou-samas' behavior at first... especially Tennouji-san. Her golden drills hairstyle added another layer of impact.

"I-I feel the same. I'd like to get to know you."

Narika said, looking at Yuri. However, she must have been nervous meeting someone new, because her expression was tighter than usual—it was the same look that scared everyone at school. This might give Yuri the wrong impression, I thought, and whispered in her ear:

(Yuri, Narika is just a little awkward...)

(It's fine, I get it. We have customers like that at our place.)

Yuri wasn't scared at all. She gave a relaxed smile and turned to Narika.

"Miyakojima-san, so you're the one Itsuki met when he was little..."

"Y-Yes. That's probably me. Itsuki... took care of me when we were children."

I had told Yuri about how I temporarily lived at Narika's house. She'd been curious about it for a long time, so she was staring intently at Narika.

"Ohhh~ So Itsuki takes care of people."

Yuri looked at me meaningfully.

"...What?"

"Nothing~ It's just new to me, seeing the guy I always had to take care of taking care of someone else."

Hearing Yuri say that, two of the ojou-samas reacted.

"Take care of...?"

"Take care of Itsuki...?"

Hinako and Narika tilted their heads, confused. They had both reacted to that strange keyword.

"By the way, you're all ojou-samas, so you must be in the three-star suites, right? Your meals are probably delivered, so you don't need to come to the restaurant..."

Hinako answered Yuri's question.

"It's a special occasion, so I wanted to dine with everyone."

"I see. It feels more like a trip that way, and it's more fun."

Yuri agreed. In reality, she "wanted to eat with Itsuki." Tennouji-san and Narika said, "It's a special occasion, so we want to enjoy the meal together." They're both very kind, and I can't deny they were probably accommodating me. Since that's the case, it'd be rude to point it out. I'll just accept their kindness.

"...Ah, my break is almost over. I'll be going now."

Yuri looked at the wall clock and made to leave.

"Ah, Yuri, wait."

I walked over to the paused Yuri and whispered:

"Like I said yesterday, I'm using a fake identity at Kiou Academy. I've told those three my situation, so it's fine, but please don't mention it to anyone else."

"Got it. I'll be careful."

Yuri looked me in the eyes and nodded.

"But, do you always hang out with such... colorful people?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

"...Are golden drills a common hairstyle for ojou-samas?"

"No, Tennouji-san is just special."

She's the only one with golden drills at Kiou Academy.

"Oh~............ All your new friends are girls."

Her tone had a slight edge. Yuri looked a little pouty and glanced at Hinako and the others.

"And they're all gorgeous... Are all the students at Kiou Academy that pretty?"

"N-No, those three are just... special."

"Then why are all these 'special' people gathered around you?"

"It's really just a coincidence..."

"Is it really~?"

Yuri narrowed her eyes, staring right at me. She doesn't trust me at all... I hadn't thought about it, but now that she mentions it, why is that...?

"By the way, Itsuki."

"What?"

"You didn't think yesterday's explanation just cleared everything up, did you?"

I went silent.

"I was really hurt when you left my messages on 'read'."

"Urk."

"And when I saw you at the arcade, I really wanted to grill you, but I read the room and held back."

"Urk..."

She remembered... I got her message right after I became an attendant. I did reply later when I found the time, but I can't deny I left her on 'read' at first. To be precise, Hinako had confiscated my phone, so I couldn't reply. In any case, being an attendant is a heavy responsibility, and my replies were more careless than usual. I really do feel bad about it.

"Come find me tonight. I'm free after the evening."

"...Yes."

I couldn't refuse that order.

◆

We said goodbye to Yuri for now and headed to the lecture hall. The lecture started today. We entered the log-cabin-style building, opened the classroom door, and saw about twenty students already gathered inside.

"Hey, those... are Kiou Academy people, right?"

"Real-life ojou-samas..."

"They're all so pretty."

"One of them looks like he'd be easy to talk to, though..."

That last comment was probably about me. Before the sports festival, while helping Narika, I'd also realized my own objective image. I'd decided to act in a way that wouldn't seem out of place, even next to Hinako and the others. I remembered that resolution and straightened my back. Unlike them, I'm not used to being the center of attention, so I was nervous, but at least I don't feel like I'm the only one who doesn't belong. Not long ago, that wasn't the case. I probably would have heard a few disparaging remarks.

"Ngh, looks like seating is assigned."

Paper with student names was taped to the front tables. The seats seemed to be in order of registration. Hinako was next to Narika, and next to me was—

"My, it seems we're sitting together."

Tennouji-san said as she walked over. I was next to Tennouji-san. I took my stationery from my bag and sat down. Soon, a man who looked like the lecturer stood at the podium.

"Good morning, everyone. Let's begin the first class."

The textbook for the lecture was passed back. It's only a week, so it wasn't thick, but the content was dense, which was a bit discouraging. Still, I've been managing to keep up with my classes at Kiou Academy. I frantically worked my brain, trying to keep up.

(...The morning session is finally over.)

The lecture runs from 10 AM to 6 PM every day. The schedule was tight, but thankfully, lunch was provided. Since Kiou Academy was the sponsor, they served high-class bento, which made the students from regular schools' eyes sparkle. Lunch break ended, and the afternoon classes began. A male lecturer, nearly sixty, entered the classroom.

"Alright, let's begin the class on microeconomics."

"...Micro... economics?"

I tilted my head at the unfamiliar term. As I sat there looking blank, Tennouji-san whispered to me:

"Didn't you read the handbook? The summer lecture invites professors from famous universities to give special courses on modern business and service industries. Specifically, we're learning commerce, management, law, and STEM."

"I-I see..."

I nodded, but I couldn't really picture it. Tennouji-san must have seen through me. She giggled and said:

"Simply put, it's 'Imperial Studies'."

"Imperial Studies" is a real thing...? I remembered the point was to learn things not covered in the normal curriculum, but I never expected "Imperial Studies"... This was beyond my imagination. I opened the textbook and saw that after microeconomics was macroeconomics. All unfamiliar.

The economics class finally ended. I was battered and bruised.

"Tomonari-kun, are you alright?"

"Not... really..."

"The textbooks were just handed out, so you couldn't prepare. It can't be helped."

Tennouji-san's comfort was warm. I glanced around the room and saw several other students also looked like their heads hurt. That class really must have been difficult. As Tennouji-san said, if I could have prepared, it might have been different. But seeing how composed she was, she must study this field normally. I've gotten used to life at Kiou Academy recently, and because of that, I feel more and more every day how amazing they are. Hinako as the Konohana Group ojou-sama, Tennouji-san as the Tennouji Group ojou-sama, and Narika as the ojou-sama of Japan's largest sporting goods maker... they live in a noble and harsh world. It's hard to even stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.

To relieve my mental fatigue, I slowly exhaled. Just then, I heard voices from the next seat:

"Konohana-san? You look worried. Is something wrong?"

"It's nothing. I am as I always am."

Hinako's voice was a little heavier than usual. I glanced at her, and she was looking at me. Our eyes met. Could she be... worried about me? It's okay, I'm barely hanging on—I gave a little wave to convey that. She looked relieved and turned back to the front.

Break time ended, and a woman in a business suit entered.

"Alright, let's begin the Introduction to Multimedia. In this class, we'll learn the basic technologies related to media we use every day... sound and visuals."

The person at the podium seemed to be an engineering professor. As I listened, I started to feel a sense of familiarity. (...Ah, I know this.) Before summer break, I'd often studied with my classmate Kita to get a national IT certification. The field we studied seems to overlap with this.

"Okay, for this question, I'll ask..."

The lecturer scanned the room, looking for a student. Most students looked away, except for Hinako and Tennouji-san. And I... didn't look away.

"Tomonari-kun, please answer."

The lecturer confirmed my name on the seating chart and called on me.

"Um... Quantization."

"That's correct. Very good."

The lecturer smiled, impressed.

"In the PCM process of digitizing an analog signal, after sampling, you quantize. And please remember, after that, you encode the data into binary."

Murmurs of admiration went through the class. It was lucky I'd happened to study this. But hearing the praise from others made me feel like I truly belong at Kiou Academy, and I was happy.

"Konohana-san, you seem to be in a good mood."

"Do I? I am as I always am, fufufu."

I heard them talking and looked at Hinako. She was puffing her chest out, looking proud.

"Tomonari-kun, it's impressive you knew that."

Tennouji-san whispered, praising me.

"It just happened to be a field I studied. A lucky guess."

"Are you planning to go into IT in the future?"

"I haven't decided for sure, but that's the plan for now."

At first, it was just for my cover story, playing the heir to a mid-level IT company. I started studying it to make the cover convincing, but thanks to Shizune-san's arrangements, I've received recommendations for IT companies, and after interacting with Kita, a real IT heir, my own motivation to learn has increased.

"In that case, I shall introduce you to a few companies in the Tennouji Group."

"Oh, no, um... that's really okay."

"We would properly assess your abilities, so an introduction is no problem."

To uphold the Tennouji name, Tennouji-san is always fair and impartial, so I knew she wasn't planning on hiring me through connections... but the Konohana Group is the same way.

"Personally, however, I would hope you'd join our group's core enterprises, the non-ferrous metals or general chemicals companies."

"Why is that?"

"Why, you ask... W-Well, um..."

Tennouji-san suddenly turned away, blushing.

"Depending on your promotions, you could take an important position within the group... a-and then, you could work with me..."

I see. So that's it.

"That sounds nice. I think I said something similar before, but working with you sounds like it would be fun."

"Aii... Y-Yes! I think so too!"

Tennouji-san said, overjoyed.

"You two, please pay attention."

The lecturer glared at us. The praise I just received was canceled out... I guess I relaxed a little too much. Tennouji-san and I immediately lowered our heads and went quiet.

"K-Konohana-san, you look like you're in a bad mood...!?"

"Do I? I am as I always am, fufufu."

I heard Hinako and the others talking. I only glanced at Hinako, but for some reason, she was glaring at me like I was trash.

◆

"That's all for today. Good work, everyone. There will be an exam in one week, so don't forget to prepare and review."

The last class ended, and the lecturer left.

"I'm a little tired."

We left the classroom and headed back to the hotel.

"Tomonari-kun, what are you doing now?"

"Um, I..."

I'm not meeting Yuri until tonight, so I was about to say I had no plans... but just then, I felt a light tug on my clothes from behind. Hinako was looking at me from a blind spot, as if she wanted to say something. I had a feeling I knew what she wanted. I swallowed the words I was about to say and corrected myself:

"...I'm tired today, and I want to prepare for tomorrow, so I'll just head back."

"Me too."

Hinako immediately agreed.

"Well, I can come to Karuizawa anytime. I suppose I'll take it easy as well."

I didn't quite agree with that logic, but it seemed Tennouji-san was also planning to relax in her room.

"Narika?"

"...My brain is at its limit."

Narika was even more tired than I was.

"Alright everyone, see you tomorrow."

I returned to my two-star room, while the ojou-samas naturally headed for their three-star suites. I got to my room and waited for a while. (Okay... time to go meet Hinako.) That's probably what the shirt-tug meant. I'd heard her condition was stable, but she must be a little tired and wants to relax in an environment similar to the estate. I didn't want Tennouji-san or Narika to see me visiting Hinako's room, so I waited about ten minutes until I thought the coast was clear, then reached for my door. Just then, my phone rang. It was Shizune-san.

"Itsuki-san*, I assume you were about to head over?"*

"Yes, I was just about to leave."

"About that... Ojou-sama is asleep."

"Huh?"

"I will watch over her, so you are free to do as you please."

"I see."

I'd gained free time unexpectedly. I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. (...It's a little early, but I guess I'll go see Yuri.) She said she was free after the evening, so this should be fine.

"Actually, I made plans to meet Yuri, so I'll go do that."

"Understood."

"If anything happens, please let me know immediately."

After I said that, I sensed Shizune-san smile on the other end.

"You rarely get a day off. Please take this time in Karuizawa to relax as much as you can."

"...Thank you."

I felt like my daily efforts were being recognized, and joy welled up in me.

"Although, with all this studying, you can't relax too much."

"You have a point..."

There were a lot of specialized classes, so I had to prepare and review. But she was kind enough to say it, so I'll allow myself to relax a little during this trip, while still keeping up with my studies. I hung up and sent Yuri a message.

Itsuki: I'm heading over.

Yuri: Come to the main building, room 204. And come on an empty stomach.

She replied instantly. It seems she's in a one-star room. But I thought resort jobs put you in a staff dormitory...

"Empty stomach...?"

Is she making me dinner? I sent Shizune-san a message: "I might be back after dinner."

"...Is this it?"

I stood in front of the door and rang the bell. The peephole went dark for a second, and then the door opened.

"You're here."

I entered Yuri's room. The room size was no different from my two-star room. The price difference must be the view. Compared to the two-star on the slope and the three-star on the hill, the one-star room was too low to see all of Karuizawa's nature. However, it had a panoramic view of the hotel itself, which was so grand and luxurious that it was a beautiful sight in its own right.

"Yuri, you're staying in this room?"

"Yep. I asked the hotel to halve my pay in exchange for a room. I came here to polish my cooking skills, not because I need the money. And since I'm here, I wanted to experience being a guest, too."

"...You're as serious about cooking as ever."

"Of course. I'm inheriting the family business."

Yuri pointed to a chair, and I sat. "Inheriting the family business." Hearing that, I couldn't help but think of Hinako and the other ojou-samas. We live in different worlds, but Yuri's path might be similar to theirs. She's also resolved to carry a family—to carry the restaurant's name.

"Anyway, enough about that... I'm a little mad at you right now."

She said this, looking calmly into my eyes.

"...Just a little?"

"If you say that, I'll get madder."

"Never mind."

I regretted my needless comment. Yuri had told me to sit, but she remained standing. I don't know if she realizes, but she's had this habit forever. She's self-conscious about her height, so whenever we talk about something important, she tries to stay standing, because sitting makes her look even smaller.

"Okay, do you know why I'm a 'little' mad?"

Yuri asked. The first thing that came to mind was how I'd carelessly handled her messages.

"...Because I replied so late."

"Honestly, I'm not that mad about that. You seemed busy."

She shook her head. Next, I thought about the time at the arcade with Tennouji-san in disguise. I hadn't thought about it, but from Yuri's perspective—

"...Because I disappeared, but was then having fun at an arcade?"

"I'm mad about that, too, but that's a separate issue."

So you are mad about it... But I couldn't think of anything else. As I struggled, she sighed lightly.

"Itsuki, your parents skipped town on their debts, and you had nowhere to go, right?"

"...Yeah."

"If that's the case..."

Yuri bit her lip, as if suppressing strong emotions.

"If that's the case... you should have come to me first."

Hearing that, my eyes widened slightly. She was that worried about me. I felt a mix of happiness, guilt, and all sorts of other emotions. Yuri, my childhood friend. To me, she was my closest friend, someone I could talk to about anything. At least, that's what I usually thought. But I'm reminded sometimes that "childhood friend" isn't such a simple relationship. Besides my parents, Yuri is the only person I've spent ten years of my life with. To me, she's my precious neighbor. And I must be the same to her.

"Sorry... but it all happened so fast. Right after I found out my parents bailed, I got dragged into Konohana-san's kidnapping."

Yuri nodded slightly, and I continued:

"If I hadn't run into Konohana-san... I definitely would have come to you first."

"............I see."

She nodded slightly again. We were silent for a moment, but it was a necessary ritual. The crack that had formed without us noticing was being mended by remembered trust. Finally, a small sigh escaped her.

"Itsuki, you haven't eaten dinner, right?"

"Yeah. You told me to come on an empty stomach."

"I'll make you something. This room has a kitchen."

Yuri grabbed an apron from the kitchen counter and skillfully put it on. It wasn't the elegant half-apron from her job, but the familiar diner apron I knew well. When she tied the sash tightly, she looked even more professional than usual, and her baby face looked more mature.

"What do you want?"

"Hamburg steak set, then."

"Got it. The usual."

Yuri said, opening a small fridge. It was stocked with meat, vegetables, and other ingredients, probably from her restaurant job. She began cooking with practiced ease. Her small back, the sound of the knife on the cutting board... it was all so familiar, it almost made me forget we were in Karuizawa.

"It's been a while since I had your cooking."

I said to her back.

"You used to come by on your way home from work all the time—"

"Yeah, yeah. You'd make me taste-test stuff."

As I said, Yuri is serious about cooking. This job must be part of that. Unlike my past self, Yuri isn't short on money. Ever since high school, she's used long breaks to apply for resort jobs, working in the kitchens of famous hotels. It's all to polish her skills.

"Your goal hasn't changed."

"Of course not."

Yuri is going to inherit her family's diner. But she has another ambition.

"I'm—going to turn Hiramaru into a national chain!"

She declared, clenching her fist. This has been Yuri's dream, her stated ambition, since we were kids.

"I'll be cheering for you."

"If you mean that, then don't just disappear. You're my official taste-tester."

"Sorry..."

My attendant job has gotten more flexible lately. I should take a day off and visit her family's place.

"While you were in class, I did some research."

She said, still chopping vegetables:

"Those three ojou-samas from this morning... at Kiou Academy, are they, like, especially high-status?"

"Yeah... They're from particularly good families."

"I knew it... Like I said this morning, how did you become friends with people that amazing?"

When she asked me this morning, I wondered too. But, thinking about it, the reason is pretty simple.

"It's probably because I met Konohana-san first."

It all comes down to Hinako. I met Hinako, and by being with her, I met Tennouji-san and Narika.

"For me, meeting Konohana-san was like a miracle."

It wouldn't be surprising if I used up my entire life's worth of luck on it. As I was reminiscing... I realized Yuri was watching me.

"Is... thaaat so."

"What's with that look?"

"Nothing... Just kinda annoying."

As I tilted my head in confusion, she brought over the hamburg steak set.

"Here, sorry for the wait."

Yuri sat across from me, with the same meal for herself. Salad, rice, and hamburg steak. This was a familiar meal from Yuri's place. She must have prepped the patties beforehand. Still, being able to whip up two meals this fast was a testament to her cooking experience.

"Time to eat."

"Time to eat."

We put our hands together, said our thanks, and started dinner. I immediately took a bite of the hamburg steak.

"How is it?"

"So good!"

Yuri looked satisfied.

"You've always loved hamburg steak."

"Yeah... What is that? You put something in it for flavor."

"Shiso. I minced some and mixed it in."

"That's it, that's it," I agreed, devouring the steak.

"It's nostalgic... I haven't eaten like this recently, so it tastes extra good."

"I figured as much, that's why I made it. You must be craving some commoner food, right?"

Because we've known each other so long, she saw right through me. There were no ojou-samas here, no prying eyes. This wasn't a luxurious full-course meal, but the familiar set meal I knew. I didn't have to worry about etiquette. I deliberately cut a large piece, took a bite, and got a little messy.

"That's great."

I looked up and saw Yuri resting her chin on her hands, watching me.

"Itsuki, you haven't changed at all."

"Neither have you."

Even though we'd been apart, we were still the same childhood friends, with no distance between us. I felt at peace, enjoying the meal Yuri made for me.

◆

After saying goodbye to Yuri, I walked along the darkening night path toward my room. To be safe, should I tell Shizune-san I'm free?... I took my phone from my pocket and contacted her.

"Ah, Shizune-san. I'm free to head over now. Do you need me?"

"I see... In that case, could you come over? It seems Ojou-sama would like to speak with you."

"Understood."

Hinako must be awake.

"Please hold on. Ojou-sama has something to say. I'll pass the phone to her."

There was a rustling sound from the phone. After a few seconds, I heard faint breathing.

"Hinako?"

"...Mhm... I want potato chips."

I nearly tripped. Shizune-san on the other end must have felt the same.

"Shizune-san said it's okay?"

"...Mhm—... She said yes."

"Got it. I'll buy some and bring them over. Wait for me."

In a way, she was her usual self, which was a relief. The hotel we were staying in was high-class, but as long as you paid, normal people could stay too. Behind the main lobby was a shop that sold a variety of common goods. I found the potato chips Hinako wanted and bought a bag. After leaving the shop, I looked at my phone and saw Shizune-san had messaged me the room number. With the chips in one hand, I headed for the suite Hinako was staying in. The suite they were in was less a "room" and more a "house." (I should make sure no one is watching...) Someone might have figured out Hinako is staying here. If a rumor started about me visiting her room at night, it would cause unnecessary misunderstandings, so I couldn't be seen. After confirming the coast was clear, I knocked on the door. After a moment, the door opened, and Shizune-san greeted me.

"Pardon the intrusion."

"Were you seen?"

"No."

I had checked, but I still slipped inside quickly, just in case.

"Ojou-sama is on the second floor."

The luxury of the three-star room was on a completely different level from my two-star room. I'd expected as much from the outside, but this was less a guest room and more a house. The first floor was a spacious living room with a large sofa set. The furniture and decorations were a clear step above the two-star room. There was also a bathroom with a wide view.

"So this is the three-star room... It's huge."

"This is what's known as a villa-style room. It's a suite."

"Villa...?"

"It means the guest rooms are like separate, detached houses. And for the record, 'suite' just means the living room and bedroom are separate."

I nodded, "I see." I'd always thought "suite" just meant an extra-luxurious room, but it actually had a specific meaning.

"By the way, this is a members-only room, right..."

"It's members-only, but the price isn't that high. A luxury hotel in central Tokyo can cost over a million yen for one night."

"A million!?"

I let out a yelp similar to the one Tennouji-san made in class. That's literally a different order of magnitude.

"However, I find this more refreshing than a hotel in the city center."

"Oh, why is that?"

"Because the environment we normally live in is even more luxurious. In that respect, Karuizawa hotels utilize the local landscape, so they still feel novel to us."

Shizune-san saw right through my inability to be genuinely impressed. Maybe she had a similar experience...

When I went up to the second floor, I found an extremely spacious bedroom.

"Welcome back~..."

Hinako was lying on the bed, waving at me.

"Here, I bought them."

"Yay...!"

Her eyes lit up when she saw the bag of chips. She sat up, and I thought she was going to eat them...

"Feed me~..."

"...Alright, alright."

Hinako lay lazily on the bed and opened her little mouth. Shizune-san nodded, as if to say, "Fine, just for today," so I picked up a chip and placed it in Hinako's mouth.

"N'hehehe... Potato chips are so good..."

She crunched on the chip. This was the ultimate form of laziness a modern person could devise. It was impossible to imagine that this was the same person who, just hours ago, was being whispered about at the lecture as "so beautiful," and "a true ojou-sama."

"You can have some, too..."

"Okay."

I ate a chip. Since becoming an attendant, I haven't been able to eat the kind of common home-style meals you'd get at a diner, but my opportunities to eat potato chips have probably increased. I fed Hinako a chip, then ate one myself. We continued this back-and-forth when I suddenly felt something was off. (Hm? This one's... a little soggy...) No need to make a fuss over a soggy chip, I thought, and ate it. But just then, I noticed Hinako staring at me, her face bright red.

"............"

"Huh, wait...? Was that... one you already bit...?"

"............Ngh... mh."

"S-Sorry! I didn't notice!"

I ate it all in one bite. Hinako's blush spread to her ears, and she shyly looked away. An awkward silence filled the room.

"Ahem."

Shizune-san, who had been watching from a short distance away, cleared her throat, bringing us back to our senses. I came to and saw the textbook from today on the desk. An open notebook was filled with traces of hard study.

"Hinako, you were studying?"

"Mhm. A little."

Hinako replied from the bed.

"Amazing... You solved almost everything perfectly."

"...You can praise me more."

She stuck her head out toward me. She wants me to pat her.

"You did a great job."

"Nngh..."

Hinako narrowed her eyes like an affectionate cat.

"Hinako, is it okay if I study, too? I want to prepare for tomorrow's class."

"Mhm. I'll watch you from behind."

"It's not very interesting to watch."

She shook her head at my words.

"The usual scene... makes me feel at ease."

She showed her true self, giving her characteristic sweet, goofy smile. I sat at the desk to study, and Hinako lazed on the bed. I see. This really is the usual scene from my room. With Hinako watching me, I started preparing for tomorrow's lessons. I heard a yawn from the nearby sofa.

"Shizune-san, you seem sleepy."

"...Yes. Work has been quite busy lately."

She must have been nodding off, as her reply was a bit delayed. It was 10 PM. A little early to sleep, but she's always busy at the estate. The fatigue must have suddenly caught up with her.

"I'll watch Hinako. You can go to sleep."

"No, that's..."

"Shizune-san, didn't you tell me? That I rarely get a break, so I should relax while I'm in Karuizawa... The same goes for you."

She probably never expected me to turn her own words back on her. I continued speaking to her wide, starry eyes:

"Please get some rest, just for once."

"...Understood. In that case, I will humbly accept your offer and retire."

She nodded as if in surrender, a gentle smile on her face. She headed to the first-floor bathroom to change. Once she'd changed, she'd probably sleep in this bedroom, so I gave Hinako a look, and we both moved to the living room on the first floor.

"Itsuki... thank you."

As I spread out the textbook I'd borrowed, Hinako thanked me for some reason.

"For what?"

"Shizune was happy."

Hinako said, lying on the sofa.

"It's rare to see... Shizune make that face."

"...I see. Well, that's good."

I was worried I was being nosy, but I'm glad I said something.

"Nngh... Hwaah."

Hinako let out a yawn, too.

"You're sleepy, too."

"Mhm... You too."

She caught me. I wanted to focus on studying, but sleepiness was creeping in, and she must have seen me nod off a few times. (I want to study a little more, but I don't want to be seen leaving this room... Oh well. I'll just go back while it's dark.) Even if I stay late, I can just go back in the middle of the night. But... I can't let my guard down like that—

I felt a chill in the air and opened my eyes. Soft sunlight was peeking through a gap in the closed curtains.

"Huh... It's morning............?"

I don't remember falling asleep. I immediately sensed something was wrong. I wasn't in my pajamas, and I wasn't in a bed. I was on the sofa, and next to me, Hinako was sleeping peacefully. The clock showed 7:00 AM.

"...Crap."

I fell asleep.

◆

"Please give me back the touched feeling I had yesterday."

"I am truly sorry."

I got off the sofa and performed a dogeza in front of the now-awake Shizune-san. It was 7:30 AM. Thirty minutes had passed since I woke up, but I still couldn't leave the room. I'd thought, It's still early, if I leave now, no one will see me, and had peeked outside several times, but two guests were unfortunately chatting right outside. This area has many benches and gardens for relaxing and enjoying the view. Compared to the main building, there are fewer pedestrians, but people tend to stay for longer.

"Itsuki-kun, have you bathed?"

"No... not yet."

"There are over three hours until the lecture begins. Considering time for breakfast and a bath, you cannot stay here long."

Hinako probably hasn't bathed either.

"Nngh... Itsuki? Mornin'..."

Just then, Hinako, who had been fast asleep on the sofa, woke up.

"Itsuki, you didn't bathe~...?"

Hinako asked, rubbing her eyes. She must have overheard us.

"Y-Yeah."

"Then... let's bathe together..."

"No, we don't have time for that..."

When I gently refused, Hinako puffed her cheeks, displeased. I felt bad, but I wasn't in the mood. Wondering if there was a way out, I glanced at the large window. I walked over and looked at the balcony and the view beyond. It was a bit of a drop, but below the railing was soft ground.

"...I think I can get out this way."

"If you're asking if it's possible, then yes. But it's dangerous, you know?"

"No, this whole problem is my fault for not being careful... I have to take responsibility for my own actions!"

I grabbed my shoes from the entryway and put them on out on the balcony. Luckily, there was no one on this side, but it might just be a matter of timing. I didn't have time to be scared. I immediately climbed over the railing and landed carefully.

"...Nice."

Self-defense, ballroom dancing, and tennis... My body has been well-trained since becoming an attendant. I gave Shizune-san a gesture from the balcony to let her know I was safe. Having cleared the hurdle, I let out a sigh of relief and began to walk nonchalantly toward my room. Just then—

"I-Itsuki...?"

Someone called my name from behind. I turned around. A small girl was standing there.

"O-Oh, Yuri. Good morning... Wh-What are you doing?"

"...My shift doesn't start until noon, so I was taking a walk. By the way..."

Yuri's expression was stiff as she spoke.

"I... I just... saw someone jump from the balcony of Konohana-san's room. That was... you, wasn't it?"

"I-I-I-I don't know... what you're talking about..."

She saw me. I turned my head, trying to play dumb, but her gaze was stabbing into me.

"A-And besides, how do you even know which room is Konohana-san's...?"

"Because I also help at the front desk, so I can see the guest register... No, don't change the subject!"

Ngh... a failure? I tried to casually change the topic, but she saw right through it.

"Th-That was a butler! A butler! The Konohana family has lots of butlers, you must have mistaken one for me."

"Oh, oh. What? So that's all it was..."

I thought it was a pretty good excuse myself. Yuri looked relieved—

"—No! Like hell I'd mistake someone else for you!"

She shot me down. It seems I've been seen by the one person I couldn't let see me. Cold sweat poured down my back. I couldn't think of any other excuses. With no other choice, I had to rely on my last resort—

"I-I'm in a hurry!"

"Ah!? Itsuki, wait!!"

—And I fled the scene.

◆

I hurried back to my room, bathed, changed, ate breakfast in the restaurant, and headed to the lecture hall. Yuri's shift starts at noon, so we didn't run into each other, but she's definitely going to grill me again. I need to think of a counter-plan.

During lunch break, I packed my textbook and notes into my bag, grabbed a high-class bento from the cart, and returned to my seat.

"I need to think of an excuse..."

"Itsuki, what's wrong?"

I thought I was mumbling to myself, but Narika, sitting across from me, heard. I just replied, "It's nothing." The four of us were sitting close, so we ate lunch together. It reminded me of the tea party a few months ago, and I felt nostalgic, but I didn't have the luxury of enjoying it.

"Tomonari-kun, it seems you prepared for today's classes."

"Yeah. Yesterday was a disaster, aside from a few subjects."

Tennouji-san was sitting next to me and noticed the difference in my focus. Because I'd prepared at Hinako's room, I was able to keep up today.

"By the way, Hirano-san wasn't here this morning."

Narika muttered, as if remembering, while eating a sweet-style chikuzenni.

"Her shift starts at noon today."

"I see."

I relayed what Yuri had told me, and Narika seemed to understand.

"It's a rare opportunity, I wish I could talk to her more..."

"I'm sure Yuri would be happy to hear you say that, but it seems we're all only free in the evenings."

Tennouji-san said, disappointed, and I gave a wry smile. We're busy with classes, too. Only the mornings and evenings are free.

"Ah, th-then, there's an activity I'd like to suggest...!"

Narika mustered her courage and spoke up.

◆

The activity Narika wanted to suggest was, in short—a pajama party. These ojou-samas have strict family rules about etiquette. They return to their own rooms at bedtime and can't stay over. Still, meeting at night, when they usually can't, wearing pajamas they don't normally see, would create a special, non-daily atmosphere. Everyone agreed to Narika's proposal, and I immediately called Yuri to check her schedule.

"Yeah, I'm free."

Yuri agreed without hesitation. She's always been an extrovert. Knowing her, I could guess she wouldn't be intimidated by the Kiou Academy ojou-samas, so I figured she'd be willing—

"Besides, I have some questions for you."

She ended with a terrifying line. That was the only thing that bothered me.

The party would be in Yuri's room. Hinako, Tennouji-san, and Narika were all in huge three-star suites, but their maids were staying with them. If we're having a pajama party, a space with just the five of us is better. To be honest, Hinako's room only has Shizune-san, who wouldn't be a problem. But, remembering the potato chip incident last night, I realized Hinako might let her true self slip in that environment. To avoid blowing her cover, I also agreed that Yuri's room was better.

"Still, Narika, you've really grown."

I murmured, looking at Narika as we walked to Yuri's room.

"Wh-What's this all of a sudden..."

"No, it's just... you're the one leading the event..."

"Hmph. I can handle this much now. Even if I were rejected, I'd only need one day in bed to mostly recover."

"That's still pretty serious."

I'm glad we didn't refuse...

"But where did you hear about pajama parties?"

"O-Oh. I was at a snack shop, and I heard some elementary schoolers nearby talking excitedly about one. I heard them and got jealous."

I see. I was wondering why an ojou-sama would suggest this, but the inspiration came from commoners. That makes sense. We reached Yuri's room, and I rang the bell.

"Welcome."

The door opened, and Yuri, already in her pajamas, greeted us.

"Hirano-san, thank you for having us."

"You too! I was so excited when Itsuki called~"

Yuri didn't seem to be merely polite; she looked genuinely excited.

"I pushed the sofa and bed together. Make yourselves comfortable."

"I'm fine with a chair."

"Nope. Pajama parties mean sitting on the floor or the bed."

Is that... so? I don't really know much about them, but it's my bias that they're mostly a girl thing. I felt a little resistant to sitting on the bed, so I sat on the sofa.

"This is my first pajama party."

"Y-Yeah... I'm the one who suggested it, but I'm starting to get nervous."

"It seems this will be a fun evening."

The three ojou-samas sat on the bed, chatting amicably. Seeing this... I felt a little out of place.

"Tomonari-kun, what's wrong?"

"No, it's just..."

Tennouji-san noticed my state and tilted her head. I looked away, trying to brush it off... but Yuri grinned mischievously.

"It's a pretty nice sight for a guy, isn't it~?"

"...Yeah. Though I'm already used to seeing you."

"Don't get used to it."

Yuri gave me a light chop to the head. Everyone's sleepwear was different from their usual look, fresh, and very pretty. For me, a guy, it had a strange charm that made my heart race. Even though she called them pajamas, we had to walk outside to get here, so they were all outfits that were decent enough to be seen. Pajamas were also available in the rooms, but since it was a special occasion, everyone wore their own. I was also wearing my usual simple pajamas.

Hinako was wearing a light pink, collared pajama set, retaining a formal, ojou-sama-like atmosphere. In private, she wears more casual stuff, but I see this set often at the estate. It must be a favorite. Tennouji-san's was a blue, dress-style nightgown with ribbons, but it leaned toward elegant. Perhaps because her rival Hinako was here, her hair was still in its drills, unlike when I stayed at her house. The combination of her hair and her natural nobility gave her the air of an ojou-sama at a ball in an evening gown. Narika was wearing a pure white set with cute ruffles, and, like her casual clothes, shorts on the bottom. Given Narika's personality, I'd have guessed she'd wear something easy to move in, like her imposing athletic look. But this was uncharacteristically and innocently girlish. I felt like I was seeing a new side of her.

"But I get why Itsuki's staring. Real ojou-samas are stylish even in their pajamas..."

Yuri looked at the three of them with envy. Yuri, incidentally, was wearing a camisole and a hoodie, with shorts on the bottom, all gray. The hoodie made it look more like loungewear than pajamas, but more importantly, I've been on edge this whole time. Maybe the camisole didn't fit right, because it looked dangerously close to slipping. Every time Yuri moved, I was forced to look away.

"...Honestly, yours is the hardest one to look at."

"Huh?... Hey, don't stare!"

I couldn't stand it and just said it. Yuri turned her back to me and pulled her hoodie closed. Even if I'm "used to her," I'm still a guy. I wish she'd be less relaxed.

"Anyway, let's ignore this pervert and start the party."

I couldn't deny I'd accidentally seen an eyeful, so I ignored her slander.

"So? What should we talk about? Pajama parties mean 'girl talk,' right?"

"Th-That kind of talk is still too early...!"

"Huh? Is it?"

Narika blushed and shook her head, and Yuri looked stunned. These ojou-samas are generally inexperienced in romance and have less immunity than normal people.

"Since you're here, I'd like to hear about your past."

"I'd like to hear about your past, too."

Tennouji-san said, and Hinako agreed. Yuri and I looked at each other.

"My past with Itsuki? It's mostly just stories of me cleaning up his messes."

"No, it's me getting dragged into your messes."

"Rude. I'm not that bad."

"Yuri... have you lost your memory...!?"

"No way! I'm saying it because I remember!"

Her statement was so unbelievable, I wondered for a second if she had amnesia. Who was it that summoned me last night?

"By the way, Hirano-san, yesterday you said you 'took care of' Tomonari-kun."

Hinako said. Yuri had indeed taken the liberty of saying that yesterday morning.

"Yep. It's no exaggeration to say I've always taken care of him."

"That's an exaggeration."

I quickly corrected her. But—

"It's an exaggeration... but it's true I would have been in a bad spot several times without her."

Hinako and the others all looked at me. I thought back and began to speak.

"When I started high school, I was working every day and didn't really join any class activities. I was worried everyone would hate me... but I fit in surprisingly well."

I still remember how strange that felt. To earn rent, food, and tuition, I started working right after starting school. I didn't join any class gatherings and was prepared to be an outcast for the year. But, in reality, the class was somehow very accepting. It was as if they knew my situation—

"I wondered why, so I asked. It turns out Yuri had been telling everyone about my situation... I was accepted thanks to her."

I was in the same class as Yuri in my first year. From what I heard later, Yuri had explained why I wasn't at the gatherings. She simply told them that due to family issues, I had to work many jobs and couldn't get deeply involved. On the other hand, she didn't answer prying questions about my parents, respecting my privacy while still explaining my situation. When I heard about it, I was so moved I almost cried. She had been supporting me, without me even knowing.

"Well, it was just the obvious thing to do."

Yuri said, looking pleased.

"Because I'm your big sister!"

"We're the same age."

Yuri puffed her chest out proudly, and I delivered my usual retort.

"By the way, I have a question for Tennouji-san."

"My, what is it?"

Yuri deftly changed the subject.

"About two months ago... you were the one at the arcade with Itsuki, weren't you? You were dressed completely differently, so I didn't notice at first..."

"Yes, that's right. That was me."

"Ooh... Are you two... a thing...?"

"Wh-!? I-I-I... Tomonari-kun and I are not in that kind of relationship...!"

Tennouji-san's face went bright red. A silent, awkward atmosphere filled the room. You could almost hear the seconds ticking by—then, Hinako spoke.

"For the record, I have also been to the arcade with Tomonari-kun."

"Huh?"

Tennouji-san looked stunned as Hinako gave a soft smile.

"F-For the record... I've gone with him, too."

"Huh?"

Narika added timidly, and this time it was Hinako's turn to be stunned. An unbearable silence fell over the room. I didn't really get it, but it felt like some intense sparks were flying between the three ojou-samas.

"Itsuki... you've become a scumbag while I wasn't looking."

"Scumbag!?"

"A perverted scumbag."

That's so harsh. Putting Tennouji-san aside, Hinako and Narika asked me to take them... Just then, Narika's eyes suddenly darted around.

"Um... has there been a nice smell for a while now?"

"Yeah. I was practicing some cooking."

"Cooking?"

Narika tilted her head.

"Yuri's family runs a diner, and she wants to be a chef,"

I added, realizing that, of this group, only Hinako and I knew her situation. Now that Narika mentioned it, I could smell a sweet, tart aroma.

"I figured we needed snacks for a pajama party."

"You make desserts, too...?"

"Yeah. We don't serve them at the diner, though. It's just a hobby."

Yuri said humbly, but I remembered her baking skills are excellent, too. She's made me stuff before.

"My, that blender is one of our company's products."

"Eh, really?"

Tennouji-san said, looking at the kitchen, and Yuri's eyes widened.

"It's small, but it's easy to take apart and clean, so I really like it."

"I'll be sure to tell the developer. He put a lot of thought into that design. He'll be delighted."

Tennouji-san nodded, as happy as if she'd been praised herself. In fact, she probably does see it as her own accomplishment. She understands the developer's care in a single product; she sees herself as part of it. The Tennouji Group's joy is her joy.

"What a strange coincidence."

"The Tennouji Group is involved in everything, so things like this aren't rare. That refrigerator is also one of ours."

"I-I see..."

Yuri, who thought the blender was a miracle, now realized it was an inevitability. She was less surprised and more bewildered.

"At a hotel of this level, I see many products I recognize... I imagine it's the same for Konohana-san."

Tennouji-san looked at Hinako, a competitive light in her eyes. Hinako gave a wry smile and nodded.

"For example, the beds in this hotel are Konohana Group products."

"B-Beds...? Come to think of it, this bed is super comfortable..."

The bed in my room is also amazing. It must be a brand that isn't sold to the general public.

"In that case, um, Miyakojima-san's family..."

"We're just a sporting goods store. Unfortunately, we don't make anything related to cooking or lodging... But, those white sneakers by the door are yours, right, Hirano-san?"

"Ah, yeah. They are..."

"Those are ours. We originally developed shoes for competition, but recently we've been expanding into sneakers for general customers."

"O-Oh, I see..."

Yuri didn't know how to respond and just blinked.

"Fashion design for diverse sectors is very welcome."

"Yes. For example, hiking bags are being bought by the general public, and fishing gear makers are rebranding to enter the apparel industry. That trend has become very strong recently."

"According to a report from our Tennouji Group apparel design company, recently—"

Their conversation had entered another dimension. I saw Yuri frozen in place, dumbfounded, and nodded deeply.

"Yuri, I get it. I had the same reaction at first."

"...You've had a rough time."

Tell me about it... I really have... The amount of effort it took me to act naturally at Kiou Academy...

"Ah, apologies. We got sidetracked."

Tennouji-san apologized. Well, it's good for Yuri to hear what normal conversation at Kiou Academy is like. It must be a new experience.

"Ah—... Anyway, I have a question for Konohana-san..."

Yuri looked at Hinako.

"I actually saw Itsuki coming out of your room this morning... What were you two doing?"

"—!"

It was like a knife was suddenly at my throat. I was speechless. I looked and saw Tennouji-san's and Narika's eyes were wide. This girl... she didn't ask me, she asked Hinako directly. I thought she was going to grill me after the party, so I'd let my guard down. I kept silent, trying to suppress my shock. Hinako, however, smiled without a trace of guilt.

"Oh, I'd forgotten about that."

She stood up and rummaged through the bag she'd brought. Come to think of it, why did she bring a bag?

"Tomonari-kun, here is this back."

Hinako said, and took out—the notes I'd borrowed in her room last night. Technically, I'd torn pages from a notebook, so it was more a stack of paper.

"I woke up early today, and while on a walk, I happened upon Tomonari-kun. He seemed to be struggling with his studies, so I helped him."

"...That's definitely Itsuki's handwriting."

Yuri peered at the papers I took from Hinako. You... you can even recognize my handwriting.

"W-Well, Tomonari-kun works for Hinako Konohana's family. I suppose that sort of thing could happen."

"Y-Yeah. He has to be with her for work, so..."

Tennouji-san and Narika said anxiously. For some reason, it felt like they were trying to convince themselves.

"...Really? It still feels a little weird... Hmm—..."

Only Yuri looked unconvinced. If she kept pushing, I'd probably slip up. I decided it was best to make a tactical retreat. I stood up.

"Ah—... Everyone must be thirsty, right? I'll go buy drinks."

I didn't wait for a reply and just left Yuri's room.

◆

(...He ran.)

Yuri stared at the door Itsuki had fled through. Running away meant he was guilty. If she pushed, he'd probably leak something else.

"What was Tomonari-kun like at your old school?"

Hinako asked from the bed. Yuri didn't show it, but every time she looked at this girl, she felt the difference in their 'womanliness' and 'class,' and nearly lost heart. Her striking features, her elegant bearing... she was the perfect embodiment of Yuri's image of Kiou Academy. Yuri hid her complex feelings and said, "Let's see..." as she thought back.

"He wasn't the most popular kid... but he was well-liked."

The ojou-samas looked intrigued.

"Everyone knew he was working hard every day, at his part-time jobs on weekdays and weekends. And he's decent at studying. He couldn't hang out much, but no one disliked him... Honestly, even if I hadn't secretly vouched for him, I'm sure everyone would have accepted him eventually."

Yuri spoke nostalgically, recalling the past.

"He's so straightforward, so a lot of people trusted him. And he's a 'good person,' so he'd always listen to other people's problems."

"He certainly is a 'good person'."

"A 'good person'."

"Yes, he's a 'good person'."

They were unanimous that Itsuki is a "good person." It seems he's kind to everyone at Kiou Academy, too.

"...But because he's such a 'good person,' he has some problems."

At Yuri's words, the ojou-samas' eyes widened. They couldn't seem to imagine what those problems could be.

(...These three seem trustworthy. It should be okay to tell them.)

It was a long story, but Yuri judged she could say it. She'd spent years dealing with customers in her family's shop and was confident in her read on people. She could clearly feel that all three of them trusted Itsuki deeply. They wouldn't intentionally harm him.

"In his first year of high school, a girl in our class confessed to him."

" "Huh!?" "

Mirei and Narika yelped.

"He turned her down, though."

Mirei and Narika visibly relaxed. Yuri felt their reaction was a bit off, but Hinako's expression hadn't changed. Yuri looked at her perfectly composed, gentle smile, filed that strange feeling away, and continued:

"But how he rejected her became a whole thing... About a month before she confessed, his dad got sick and couldn't work for a while. So he was even busier than usual."

Hinako and the others listened with serious expressions. They really do care about Itsuki, Yuri thought. And because they do, she wanted them to know.

"Because he's a 'good person,' he worked himself to the bone to feed his parents. But there's a limit to time and energy... He's the type to push himself to his absolute limit."

"Himself...?"

Hinako looked puzzled.

"Just as he got busier, the girl I mentioned fell for him... She was the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, so everyone knew she liked him. But she might have been trying to make him notice, so she didn't hide it."

Deliberately making eye contact, deliberately creating time alone with him—Yuri didn't know what was intentional and what wasn't, but the girl wasn't malicious. The class had sworn not to interfere. They figured she was a good kid and wouldn't hurt Itsuki.

"But, when she finally confessed... it turned out Itsuki hadn't noticed her feelings at all."

Everyone but Itsuki had noticed. Even kids in the next class knew. The one person who should have felt it the most was completely oblivious.

"Itsuki is a 'good person' who can give his all for others, but he often neglects himself... Maybe it's because of his family life. He's been under so much pressure since he was a kid, he can't imagine his own happiness. So he doesn't think about his own enjoyment, or taking a break. And that's why he's so dense about romance. He thinks... he's not allowed to have a normal youthful life."

Itsuki probably doesn't realize it. No, even if he did, it'd be hard to change. Giving your all for others isn't a bad thing. And given his personality, he'd make the same choices even if he knew.

"S-O-! That's why I have no choice but to look after him! As his big sister!"

As his childhood friend, Yuri had seen this tendency in him for a long time. That's why she'd secretly spoken up for him to their classmates. If Itsuki couldn't look after himself, someone else had to. Yuri took that role upon herself. After she finished, Yuri peeked at the ojou-samas' faces. They all... looked pained and were silent.

"Uh... huh? Sorry, did I kill the mood?"

She'd only pointed out his flaws—or rather, that he wasn't perfect—but the three of them were taking it with a seriousness she hadn't anticipated. This must mean they all care about Itsuki. Or perhaps... they feel something for him that can't be expressed with just the word "care"? (...Come to think of it, Tennouji-san's and Miyakojima-san's reactions earlier were pretty suspicious.) When she said he'd been confessed to, both were clearly shocked. And when they heard he'd rejected her, they were clearly relieved. As Yuri was pondering this, the doorbell rang. She opened it, and there was Itsuki with a convenience store bag.

"I'm back... What's with this atmosphere? Did you guys talk about something?"

"I was just telling them how you got confessed to in your first year."

"Hey."

Itsuki feigned anger. "Don't just spill people's private lives." Yuri knew he wasn't really angry. To Itsuki, that was ancient history. He was only pretending to be mad because he was embarrassed about being the center of attention.

"So, how did you reject her?"

"...I told her my family situation was a mess and I didn't want to drag her into it."

"I see... This is a bit late to ask, but was she your type?"

"No, I mean... I'd already decided to refuse her, so it wouldn't be fair to even think about that..."

That sounded just like Itsuki.

"Speaking of your 'type'—"

Yuri said, and glanced at the three ojou-samas. Mirei and Narika looked visibly tense, waiting for his answer. Hinako, however, was still unreadable. Was she not interested? Or... was she pretending not to be? (Oho~...) Yuri sized up the hearts of these young mistresses.

"...As your big sister, I think I'd better investigate."

"? Investigate what?"

Itsuki tilted his head, completely lost.

<<PREV | TOC | NEXT>>