Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 4 Chapter 3

The Childhood Friend Investigation Team

The day after the pajama party.

It was 6 AM. It was still early morning, but in the summer, the sky was already bright. Yuri was her usual energetic self, taking a walk through Karuizawa. This wasn't a place she could visit often, and she wanted to savor the special environment. As she was about to head back to the hotel, she saw a familiar girl walking ahead. Yuri quickened her pace and called out:

"Miyakojima-san?"

"!? O-Oh, Hirano-san."

Narika turned around. The bright morning sun illuminated her sweaty skin. As she swung her lustrous black hair and turned her fair face, she exuded the beauty of a quiet and elegant sapphire. However, Narika—was extremely tense. They had only just met, and she hadn't let her guard down. The most important thing in these situations is to ignore it. Yuri spoke casually:

"You out for a walk, too?"

"N-No, I'm jogging. It's cool here, so I thought it'd be good for a run..."

So that's why she was in sportswear; it seemed too formal for a walk. She was slightly sweaty and looked like she had just finished. ...This was the perfect chance. Yuri immediately decided to execute the plan she'd decided on last night—to ask the ojou-samas what they thought of Itsuki.

"By the way, at the pajama party, we mostly talked about me and Itsuki. We didn't hear much about you."

"M-Me? I don't have anything interesting to say..."

"Itsuki lived at your house before, right? Tell me about that."

"O-Oh! That, I can do! I can definitely talk all about that!"

Narika's expression suddenly brightened. The two walked slowly as Narika recounted the past. How she was even more timid back then, and how Itsuki had led her—

"Whoa! He did that!?"

"Yeah. Thanks to him, I got to know the outside world."

Yuri was a little moved hearing the story about Itsuki taking Narika to a snack shop. That Itsuki... he's pretty cool. Narika's eyes sparkled as she shared her memories of Itsuki. Hearing this, Yuri felt a sense of pride as his childhood friend.

"See? Are you less nervous now?"

"Huh? ...Ah, n-now that you mention it..."

Narika's stiff expression had, at some point, softened into one more fitting for a girl her age.

"I usually make people scared... but you're easy to talk to."

"Thanks. When you talk about a topic you like, it's easy to relax."

"Yeah."

Narika nodded, seeming to have calmed down completely. She was just talking about Itsuki. Can she really just openly admit that's a 'topic she likes'?... She must have let it slip unconsciously, Yuri mused.

"Were you and Itsuki already good friends back then, Hirano-san?"

"We were. I've known him since first grade, so we'd known each other for five years by then."

"I see... That's a longer history than mine."

The fact that she used the word "history" clearly showed she held special feelings about her relationship with Itsuki. Yuri remembered that time. One day, Itsuki and his mom had run away from home. Before that, the Tomonari family had been poor, but they'd seemed close, so it had shocked Yuri. Itsuki hadn't taken any days off school, so the Miyakojima family must have been driving him. After school, Itsuki would leave the classroom immediately to go back to their house. Yuri had wondered, "Why the rush?" "What's going on?" It seems he had to take care of Narika.

When she'd asked Itsuki after he returned home, he said, "I'm staying in a huge house," "I'm living with a girl," and "But I got yelled at in the end." He must have been pretty shaken by that last part, because he wouldn't share the details. It had been a long time since she'd heard stories about an Itsuki she didn't know. It was a little nice... but also a little complicated.

"I've caused him trouble, then and now. But you've always been his support."

"Well, yeah. I've cooked for him, gave him my hand-me-downs when we were the same height, and helped him study."

"You helped him study?"

"Yep. He was probably tired from work and couldn't concentrate in class. I often tutored him after school. I really did take care of him a lot."

By the time she realized it, Yuri was puffing her chest out proudly. Narika was genuinely surprised.

"I always thought Itsuki was the type to take care of himself, so I'm a little surprised."

Hearing Narika's words, Yuri thought back.

"...He really didn't have the luxury for that back then."

Thinking about it, his situation was much better now.

"Honestly... how do you feel about Itsuki?"

"Ngh!"

Narika stopped in her tracks at the sudden question, clearly flustered.

"N-No, I mean, not particularly, um, I don't have any special feelings..."

"If you're honest, I might be able to give you some advice~"

Yuri peeked at Narika's face with a knowing smile. Narika looked down, and finally, as if she'd made up her mind, spoke:

"W-Well... I do... have some feelings for Itsuki..."

I knew it. Yuri had thought as much since the pajama party.

"How far have you two gone?"

"E-Even if you ask 'how far,' we haven't... Ah, but I've sort of... expressed my feelings."

"Tell me more."

This was further along than she'd thought. Yuri couldn't help but press. She'd thought Narika Miyakojima looked fierce but was delicate inside. Maybe she was surprisingly proactive.

"Even if I say 'expressed,' I haven't said it clearly. How do I put it... I told him he's in my heart!"

"In your heart...?"

"Like, I told him he's special to me..."

"...Huh. So you've basically confessed?"

"N-No! That's not what I meant!"

Narika shook her head vigorously, blushing. She was so shy. Given her personality, this was probably very fast progress for her.

"But if you've said that much, all that's left is to get closer, right?"

"...I'm a little worried about that."

Narika said, casting her eyes down.

"What you said yesterday is stuck in my head... Itsuki is busy right now. If I do something, will I just be getting in his way?"

Hearing Narika's worry, Yuri thought, Crap. She was overthinking it.

"Sorry, I might have said something misleading yesterday... I don't think you need to worry that much."

"...You think so?"

"I don't think Itsuki's 'good person' personality is ever going to change. Even if we're considerate, he's just going to take on more responsibility anyway."

Narika didn't say, "That's true," but her expression agreed. Yuri could tell Itsuki's 'good person' side was active at Kiou Academy too.

"And besides, that's part of what you like about him, right?"

"Ngh... Y-Yes, that's true."

"So, I don't think you should let that side of him hold you back... In short, I think you can be more assertive."

Narika nodded at Yuri's advice and said a simple, "I see." She was more concerned about Itsuki's situation than her own budding feelings... This girl was just as much a 'good person' as Itsuki was.

"Besides, if he's struggling, I'll help him!"

"Help...?"

"I told you, right? I've always taken care of him... My job has always been to support that 'good person.' If he's about to overload, I'll do something about it."

Because I'm Itsuki's big sister, Yuri chanted inwardly. It had been about four months since Itsuki suddenly left school. It had been an awkward time, but from now on, they could contact each other freely, like in the past. She could definitely help the girl in front of her.

"B-But, specifically, how do I 'get closer'...?"

"Huh... W-Well, um..."

Asked that, Yuri finally realized: ...What should she do? She knew Itsuki well, but she didn't know romance. She'd never told Itsuki, but she'd been pursued by guys in her class and part-timers at the diner. But it never felt right, and she'd turned them all down. So, she didn't know how to "get closer" herself. Still, she felt she knew more than Narika. She racked her brain, recalling shoujo manga plots and love troubles her friends had told her, searching for a usable technique.

"...What about a kabe-don?"

"Kabe-don?"

"You know, you corner him against a wall, slam one hand on it, and get your face real close..."

"...That's a technique, huh."

The fact that Narika called it a "technique" made Yuri lose confidence, but she didn't know much about kabe-dons herself, so she didn't elaborate.

"Other than that, it's obvious, but I think you could just talk to him more."

This was probably the right advice. Yuri may look like a middle schooler... or even an elementary schooler... but she was a high school girl in the prime of her youth. The amount of love talk she heard increased every year, so she could use her imagination to fill the gaps in her experience.

"T-Talking... Honestly, that's not my strong suit..."

"It doesn't have to be talking. You could message, right? I don't know the ojou-sama situation, but you have apps for that on your phone, right?"

"I-I know they exist..."

Narika said with a bitter look.

"...But Itsuki and I haven't exchanged phone numbers or message accounts."

"...Huh?"

They seemed so close, but they didn't have each other's contact info. The problem was probably Itsuki. He'd only gotten a phone last year, and it was just for work. It was a cheap, low-spec phone. He wasn't used to using it to chat with friends and probably didn't even think to exchange info.

"Then let's start there."

"Okay... Hirano-san, thank you. Um, I think I can try to take the first step."

"No problem. I'll be rooting for you."

If she could help a Kiou Academy ojou-sama, it was an honor.

"U-Um, Hirano-san!"

Yuri was about to leave, but Narika called her back.

"Um, how do you feel about Itsuki?"

"Me?"

Narika looked worried. Yuri couldn't help but smile.

"I'm Itsuki's big sister, so I don't feel that way about him."

"I-I see...!"

When Yuri answered with a smile, Narika let out a huge sigh of relief, a bright smile spreading across her face. Narika said she was going to jog a little more and ran off. Yuri stood still until Narika was out of sight, then, unable to hold back the feelings she'd suppressed, squatted down right there.

(Whaaaat—!? Wait! They're already that far along!?)

It was one or two stages further than she'd imagined. Yuri had just been thinking, "If she likes Itsuki, I'll help her," but once they talked, she found out Narika didn't just like him, she was in love and had already made a move.

(That Itsuki... what the hell... I underestimated him.)

Making a Kiou Academy ojou-sama fall for him. As his childhood friend, Yuri was proud. But it wasn't surprising. Itsuki had called meeting Hinako a "miracle," but Yuri disagreed. Right after discovering his parents had skipped town, he'd tried to help a complete stranger who'd lost her student ID. How many people in the world would do that? It was because she was his childhood friend that Yuri understood. Itsuki being at Kiou Academy, being adored by ojou-samas... it wasn't a miracle. He had earned it.

—How do you feel about Itsuki? Yuri suddenly stopped. She replayed Narika's words in her head. Her giddy mood vanished.

(I... don't feel that way.)

She murmured it in her heart, as if convincing herself, not asserting it to anyone. Above, the branches formed a canopy. The sunlight filtering through felt strangely dazzling, as if it were forcefully illuminating the feelings she'd pushed into the corner of her heart. A sense of irritation welled up.

"Alright! Next up is Tennouji-san!"

Yuri shook her head, forcing her spirits back up. Though no one was watching, she put on a smile and started walking.

◆

On her way back after her shift, Yuri walked outside, feeling the cool, quiet night breeze. Her next target was Mirei, but she seemed diligent. She spent her time between classes, and even her free time, studying in her room. I guess I missed my chance today... Yuri thought. But then, she unexpectedly found Mirei sitting on a bench, looking up at the sky.

"Tennouji-san."

When she called her name, the ojou-sama with the golden drills turned her head. Her hairstyle was eccentric, but what was more mysterious was how she pulled it off. The ethereal moonlight seemed to melt into Mirei's golden hair.

"My, Hirano-san. Is your shift over?"

"Yeah. What are you up to?"

"I'm watching the stars. You can see them so clearly here."

Mirei said, looking up at the star-filled sky. So elegant, Yuri thought. If a normal high school girl said she was "watching the stars," she'd be laughed at for being pretentious. But coming from this ojou-sama, it was poetic.

"I actually have a question for you."

"A question for me?"

"Yeah. Something we didn't get to talk about at the pajama party..."

Okay, how should I approach this? Yuri racked her brain. Mirei, however, smiled gently at her.

"Do you want to know about me? Or about Tomonari-kun?"

Yuri's eyes widened at the question. But she immediately shrugged, as if giving up.

"Both, I guess... How did you know I'd ask about Itsuki?"

"I don't have any siblings, but if I were a big sister, I would always worry about my little brother. I'd want to hear about him from a third party as much as possible."

"...You saw right through me."

"Because you really are like Tomonari-kun's big sister."

Yuri had two questions for the ojou-samas. One: How they felt about Itsuki. Two: If Itsuki was doing okay at school. She had only asked Narika the first question. She'd wanted to ask the second, but Narika had been so preoccupied with the first that Yuri didn't dare ask more.

"I trust you as Tomonari-kun's friend. If there's anything you want to ask, please, feel free."

As Mirei said this, Yuri felt an indescribable joy. To be told "I trust you" by someone this elegant... it was almost thrilling. Yuri shivered, goosebumps rising on her skin.

"...You trust Itsuki a lot."

"He's not the type to befriend bad people."

"You're right about that."

That was so accurate Yuri couldn't help but laugh. If Itsuki saw someone doing something bad, he'd gently say, "That's probably not a good idea." And the troublemakers themselves would feel awkward around him. If she was facing a girl who understood Itsuki this well, she could trust her completely. Yuri dropped all her worries and asked plainly:

"So, how is he? Is he doing okay at school?"

"He's fine. No problems at all. After all, he is the person who, however briefly, I genuinely believed was a normal Kiou student."

Yuri immediately understood what Mirei meant. Itsuki had faked his identity and, through sheer effort, had acted the part of a Kiou Academy student. That effort, however brief, was enough to fool Mirei's eyes.

"I see, that's good. Kiou Academy seems to have a good environment. I guess there's no stuff like being forced to run errands or bullying."

"Run errands...? I don't know what that is, but there are no bullying issues. Even if there's pressure from family backgrounds, he's skillfully avoided it."

The fact that she didn't even know what "running errands" meant spoke volumes about the school's safety.

"Whoa. He's surprisingly good at navigating social stuff."

"Yes. He's been working especially hard lately."

Before the sports festival, Itsuki had helped Narika make friends, and in the process, had learned his own reputation and tried to improve it. Mirei had noticed that improvement. It was plain to see. At first, Itsuki had been like a lost chick, but in the blink of an eye, he'd learned to observe his surroundings and act. His observation of others hadn't changed, but its meaning had. He was originally afraid of the Kiou Academy environment, but now he was striving to become someone worthy of the school's name. Kiou students will one day become managers or politicians, leaders of people. That means being in the spotlight. Mirei and other high-society children were trained from childhood by their parents and teachers to understand this. It was crucial that Itsuki had gained this awareness. As a Kiou student, he was finally, truly becoming someone who wouldn't be a source of shame, no matter where he went. Of course, his knowledge was still shallow, but he had grown enough to not embarrass himself in small social gatherings.

"Tomonari-kun... really is working hard."

Mirei was as happy about Itsuki's growth as if it were her own. Seeing this, Yuri spoke:

"Tennouji-san, do you like Itsuki?"

"Hwaaah—!?"

A strange sound escaped Mirei's lips.

"Wh-Wh-What... What are you suddenly babbling about...!?"

"Ah, uh, sorry. When I talk to you, I just feel like I can be direct, like I don't need to beat around the bush..."

"I get flustered, too!"

But her straightforward attitude didn't suggest that at all.

"Ahem... Y-Yes. I suppose I have some good feelings toward him."

Mirei cleared her throat pointedly and said. Her cheeks were red... she probably thought that would be enough to deflect.

"If you explain, I might be able to give you some advice. I may not look it, but I'm Itsuki's big sister. I know him well."

"Ngh...!"

A flicker of indecision crossed Mirei's face. That expression alone revealed her feelings. But, unlike Narika, she was strong-willed. Even if she was worried, she wouldn't just admit it. So, Yuri pressed her advantage.

"Compared to people at Kiou Academy, our relationship is more distant. Wouldn't I be a better person to talk to?"

"Nngh...!"

"Stewing on it won't do you any good. You want to focus on the lecture, right?"

"Agh...!"

The imposing aura she'd had was gone. She was like a normal girl... no, far more innocent and delicate than a normal girl. Seeing her, Yuri suddenly found her adorable.

"...I... sometimes feel insecure."

Mirei quietly confessed.

"As you can see, my appearance is... conspicuous. And even if it weren't, my family background is special. So, even with people I'm close to, I have to be considerate. Just being with me makes them stand out."

Mirei looked down, pouring out her worries. Yuri listened silently, her expression serious.

"And... Tomonari-kun... probably doesn't like the 'conspicuous' type."

It wasn't because he was a commoner, but just his personality. That type was rare at Kiou Academy, but not non-existent. In every circle, there are "back-room" types. Itsuki, out of necessity, had trained himself to be presentable, but he didn't seek out the spotlight.

"Uh... so, you're worried Itsuki will feel uncomfortable being with you?"

"That's the gist of it."

It was a surprisingly pure-hearted worry. Narika was the same. She wasn't thinking of her own feelings, but of Itsuki's, and that's what was stopping her. If that's the case, the advice was simple. Just like with Narika, she just needed a push.

"He definitely doesn't like the spotlight, but he doesn't hate it. If it's necessary, he'll do conspicuous things."

"...But if I'm the reason he has to deal with unnecessary trouble, I'd still be a burden."

"Ah... I see."

Her worry made sense.

"And, thinking about what you said at the pajama party, I feel bad adding to his burdens."

Her concern seemed to be the same as Narika's. Yuri organized the worries in her head and gave advice in order. First, about the pajama party topic.

"Sorry if I gave the wrong impression. It's good to be considerate, but he's going to overload himself no matter what. If you keep thinking 'I can't add to his burdens,' your relationship will never change. You might get a 'thank you' from him, but..."

Mirei nodded slightly. It seemed a "thank you" wasn't what she wanted.

"And, as for you 'making him stand out,' I think you should just ask him directly. He'll give you a straight answer."

"That's... true. Asking him directly really is the best way."

Mirei must have been reaching a similar conclusion. She nodded. She couldn't give amazing advice, but this was enough. Mirei still seemed worried, but now that she had a clear goal, she would probably take action eventually.

"But, honestly, I'm surprised. You give off such a confident impression, but you're worried about this."

"...I'm only human. Of course I get scared."

Mirei looked frustrated, perhaps because she rarely complains.

"Not to mention, um, this is the first time I've ever... had this kind of problem. I'm not used to it."

"Oh. I thought a beauty like you would have all kinds of romantic experience. I guess not."

Yuri said, surprised. Mirei just looked resigned.

"...When your family name is famous, you get a lot of trouble to go with it."

Yuri could vaguely sense the bitterness and conflict behind those words.

"It's tough being an ojou-sama."

"Yes. It's not quite at the level of 'strategic marriages,' but my position doesn't allow for 100% romantic freedom... Oh, well. I was just trapping myself, anyway."

Yuri didn't get the last part and tilted her head. Mirei's situation was... her parents wanted her to live freely, so romance was fine. But until recently, Mirei herself had been too conscious of her position and had actively cut off that option, believing she should marry someone "worthy," regardless of her own feelings. To Mirei, that self-imprisoned past was distorted, but as a memory, it was almost sacred. After all, it's what led her to Itsuki. Being trapped wasn't so bad. It was because she'd been curled up in a hard cocoon for so long that she'd met someone she was willing to break out for.

"...Thank you for helping me with my worries."

Mirei gave a deep bow.

"Yeah. If anything else comes up, let me know."

"I will. But for now, this is the end of it."

Yuri tilted her head, "Hm?" Mirei continued:

"I am Mirei Tennouji. The prodigy who will one day carry the entire Tennouji Group—therefore, I will only allow myself to complain until this very moment."

The imposing aura that had vanished was, at some point, restored.

"I must ask you to keep this a secret."

"O-Okay..."

Mirei put a finger to her lips, and Yuri nodded nervously. Mirei's eyes held their usual power. Maybe Tennouji-san didn't need my push at all... Yuri thought. Mirei was humble enough to say she wasn't perfect, but that was proof she could see her own flaws objectively. And she was strong enough to face them. If so, she would have taken that step sooner or later.

"Hirano-san."

Mirei called to the departing Yuri.

"I forgot to ask... And how do you feel about Tomonari-kun?"

She'd been asked the same question again. Why is everyone asking me this? Yuri wondered.

"I don't feel that way about him."

"Really?"

Mirei stared at Yuri and continued:

"Because you—are thinking about him very seriously."

Mirei was implying that you don't think that hard about someone unless you care deeply. In that instant, Yuri felt something she'd kept locked away about to burst out. She knew her expression must look awful, but Mirei said nothing, just waited. Yuri used the silence to regain her composure.

"I told you, didn't I? It's because I'm Itsuki's big sister. That's all."

"...That's true."

Mirei looked convinced. However, her knowing half-smile seemed to say she'd just "decided to accept that as the answer." Yuri said goodbye to Mirei and returned to her room. She opened the mini-fridge, grabbed a mineral water, and gulped it down. A refreshing coolness spread through her.

(Man... she's got presence.)

When she was face-to-face with Mirei, she'd felt an indescribable pressure. She'd relaxed as they talked, but the ojou-sama had a solemn air that commoners just don't. Yuri had never felt that in her life. She was an ojou-sama you'd never forget. And she was sharp. Yuri prided herself on her read of people, but she was no match for her.

(Come to think of it... Kiou Academy students fall in love just like normal people.)

But their circumstances weren't normal. Ojou-samas have their own obstacles. Yuri had always looked up to Kiou Academy, but now it felt a little suffocating.

'Because you—are thinking about him very seriously.' Mirei's words came back to her. She was flustered for a second, but then, it seemed obvious. Because I'm Itsuki's big sister. There was no other reason.

"...Okay. One person left."

She'd investigated Narika and Mirei. As she'd expected, both had feelings for Itsuki. One left. Yuri thought of the last ojou-sama and felt a little nervous.

◆

Yuri looked for a chance to investigate Hinako. But unlike Narika and Mirei, she couldn't find an opening. They met in the restaurant every morning, but the questions she had were hard to ask in public. After the lecture, Hinako would return to the hotel with Itsuki and the others, but Yuri never saw her outside after that.

(Konohana-san... is she an indoor type?)

They were in Karuizawa. She could be jogging like Narika or stargazing like Mirei. There should be other things to do... but Yuri never saw her. No, she was the Konohana Group ojou-sama. Karuizawa probably wasn't even special to her. Thinking that, it made sense. But that meant she'd never get to talk to her.

(Should I just go to her room? But I only know the room number by chance, which is an abuse of my job... Ugh, I don't want her to get the wrong impression of me.)

Yuri fretted, slowly walking toward Hinako's suite. It was dark. The fatigue from her shift made her want to get this over with. When you're tired, it's hard to think. Fine, I'll just go visit. Yuri thought, and was about to take a step—

"You're Miss Hirano, correct?"

"Yaaah!?"

Someone suddenly spoke from behind her. When she turned, a woman in a maid uniform—Shizune—was standing there. She hadn't sensed her at all.

"You've been observing Ojou-sama's room... May I ask your business?"

Shizune's eyes were narrowed sharply. She was completely on guard. This maid wasn't just a servant. Yuri realized she was also Hinako's guard.

"U-Uh, um... I wanted to chat with Konohana-san..."

"...Chat?"

"Y-Yeah. If it's a bad time, that's okay..."

Shizune put a finger to her chin and stared at Yuri.

"...We've already run a background check, so I suppose there's no need to be suspicious."

Shizune said, "Please wait," and took out her phone. A moment later, she put it away.

"I will take you to Ojou-sama's room."

"Ah, okay. Thank you..."

She must have gotten Hinako's permission. They walked up the slope to the three-star suites. Shizune knocked. Footsteps approached, and the door opened.

"I've kept you waiting."

The ojou-sama, Hinako Konohana, appeared, her amber hair flowing. Her gentle smile was so bright, Yuri momentarily thought the light in the room was coming from her.

"Please, come in."

Hinako said, and walked inside. Shizune held the door, and Yuri slowly stepped in.

"Whoa... amazing."

The high ceiling, the luxurious furniture. Every single decoration was exquisite. It was like visiting another world. Come to think of it, a co-worker had said: He'd been so shocked delivering room service to a three-star suite that he'd dropped the tray. If you stayed here long, your values might change.

"Hirano-san?"

"S-Sorry, just a sec. This is even more amazing than I thought... Give me a minute to calm down..."

If she scratched the furniture, she'd never be able to pay for it. Yuri put a hand on her chest and took a deep breath. Hinako just watched, confused. As if she couldn't understand why Yuri was so flustered—

"Ojou-sama, Tomonari-kun is practically one of us, so you can't treat them the same..."

"...That's true."

Shizune whispered to Hinako. Yuri vaguely overheard. Itsuki wasn't this shocked when he visited. Thinking that, Yuri felt a strange surge of strength. She sat across from Hinako and let out a small breath.

"This is an herbal tea."

Shizune brought a tray and placed two cups on the table. Hinako picked hers up, so Yuri took a sip. The tea was mild and easy to drink, probably blended with black tea. On the second sip, the distinct aroma of the herb hit her.

"...This is rosemary."

"Yes. You know your herbs."

Rosemary is used in cooking and for deodorizing. Yuri also knew it was used to relieve fatigue. She must have specifically chosen this for Yuri, who was tired from work.

(Waaaah... Their hospitality level is off the charts...)

You're supposed to pay a lot of money for this kind of treatment. It's not something you get just by casually visiting a friend. This was the real world of an ojou-sama. This is the terrifying world Itsuki just stumbled into... Yuri thought.

"Um, sorry for taking your time."

"Please don't worry. I was hoping to get to know you better during this trip."

She was such a kind, gentle girl. An innocent warmth enveloped Yuri.

"I actually wanted to ask about Itsuki."

"About Tomonari-kun?"

Hinako tilted her head charmingly.

"I mean, Itsuki is a total commoner, right? So I was worried..."

"I see... You're very kind."

"N-Not really. I'm just asking as his 'big sister'."

Yuri looked away. Hinako smiled gently at her.

"He's having no problems. He struggled a bit with school life at first, but he's clearly gotten used to it. He's even relaxed a little."

"...I see. But he's surprisingly clumsy, right? School is one thing, but he's working at your house. Does he mess up a lot?"

"It's fine. Shizune... my maid... taught him one-on-one. He learns faster than most servants."

"O-Oh. That's good."

Shizune, whose name was mentioned, bowed. Yuri had thought the same when talking to Mirei, but Itsuki seemed to be fitting in better than she'd expected.

(...Huh? What is this feeling?)

Why did she just feel a pang of depression? A negative feeling, like loneliness or pain. As if... she didn't want Itsuki to be doing well. No way.

"By the way, Hirano-san."

Hinako stared at Yuri.

"In the end, what is Tomonari-kun's type?"

"...Huh?"

The question seemed to come out of nowhere.

"You started to say at the pajama party."

"Oh~... Right. Um, honestly, I just said that to see your reactions..."

"But you know, don't you?"

"...W-Well, I have an idea."

"Since this is a rare chance, could you tell me? Maybe because you left it hanging, I've been very curious."

Hinako said with a "fufufu" smile. She was being more persistent than Yuri expected— But, if you're curious, it's understandable. Now that she mentioned it, she had left it on a cliffhanger. It makes sense she'd want to know the end. Is that all it is... ...No, that's a stretch. Countless question marks popped up in Yuri's head.

"I-I see..."

Yuri said, confused, looking at Hinako. No matter how she looked, Hinako was a flawless ojou-sama. Yuri felt the difference in their "class" as women and as people. The thought that this ojou-sama might also like Itsuki vanished. This ojou-sama was different. She must be asking out of simple curiosity. Yuri convinced herself.

"...Itsuki is a 'good person.' He's hardwired to take on tasks and get busier, but that's actually what satisfies him."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning, he likes people who keep him busy... To put it bluntly, he likes people who need him."

"I see."

Hinako nodded.

"...Hehehe."

"? Konohana-san, what is it?"

"No, it's nothing... Hehe."

Hinako was smiling, for some reason, looking overjoyed. Yuri didn't know why, but she found it incredibly cute.

"You're probably not Itsuki's type. I mean, you seem like you can do anything... You're perfect."

"Perhaps."

Hinako nodded calmly. She didn't look upset. She really doesn't have feelings for Itsuki.

"Sorry for taking your time. That's all I wanted to ask."

Yuri said, "I'll be going," and went to leave. In the next second—

"And how do you feel about Tomonari-kun?"

Ah, of course. I knew she'd ask. Yuri didn't know why all three had asked her this, but what happens twice will happen a third time. She was prepared. She answered immediately, calmer than she expected.

"I think of him like a little brother. Nothing more."

Yuri said it decisively, as if to make up for her previous flusteredness. In response, for just a split second—it was so tiny, it might have been her imagination—Yuri saw Hinako's expression look slightly relieved. When Yuri blinked, Hinako's usual flower-like smile was back. Must be my imagination, Yuri decided, and said goodbye.

Yuri returned to her room alone and let out a small sigh. As the air left her lungs, the tension she'd been holding back was released.

(Man... Konohana-san is on another level. Itsuki definitely doesn't have anything special going on with her.)

She'd been hiding it so she wouldn't look pathetic, but she'd been intimidated by the ojou-samas' presence. Hinako's aura, in particular, was so strong that if she'd let her guard down, she might have started fawning over her like a fan. It's amazing Itsuki can talk to them so calmly. She even felt a little respect for him.

(...All three of them are amazing in their own way.)

Hinako was the flawless, perfect ojou-sama. Just seeing her, you felt the class difference, but talking to her was strangely calming. A true ojou-sama might even be able to manipulate her own popularity. Mirei was a symbol of grace and elegance, strong and sharp, but with a gentle side. She was reliable and easy to talk to. Yuri had been the one giving advice, but Mirei was surely the one most people relied on. Narika's strength and weakness were extreme, so you could feel both aspiration and empathy for her. According to Yuri's research, she'd won every martial arts tournament. She definitely had talent to match the other two. And Narika, intensely aware of her own flaws, had the most potential for growth.

(I don't know what Itsuki thinks... but I get their appeal.)

Yuri generally understood their "appeal." Hinako was the one you'd yearn for. You couldn't help but fantasize about how happy you'd be by her side. Mirei was the one you'd respect. Earning her approval would be the ultimate joy. Narika was the one you'd want to support. When she finally overcomes her weakness, she'll be incredible.

(...Whoever Itsuki marries, he'll be happy.)

Knowing that was enough. That's why Yuri had talked to them.

"Aah~ Everyone's so young and in love~"

The kitchen was a mess. While the ojou-samas were agonizing over love, Yuri started washing dishes. Mirei and Narika would probably make their moves. She was curious who would get him, but honestly, she didn't care. Itsuki would be happy marrying Mirei or Narika.

..................What about me?

"Idiot."

Yuri scolded the question in her head.

"Idiot, idiot, idiot... I'm Itsuki's big sister."

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