Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 6 Chapter 2

Suminoe Chika

It was the first Friday since the Management Tournament began.

During the tournament, Fridays were off from school. Like Saturdays, this meant we could log into the game from morning till night. In other words, Fridays were holidays dedicated to the game.

"...Yes. You've grasped the key points of all three strategies."

That day, I was on a video call with Takuma-san. He looked over the assignment I'd submitted and spoke, satisfied.

"Tennouji is focused on M&A, trying to expand her scale and revenue. Hinako is playing conservatively, solid and efficient, maintaining an iron-clad position. And Miyakojima is churning out one groundbreaking product after another. Each has their own style."

Takuma-san succinctly summarized the three policies I'd spent the last few days investigating.

"The Miyakojima girl's method is particularly noteworthy... It's the work of a genius. In a good way, you could even call it 'cheating.' Most managers can't do that, which is why they have to rely on trial and error."

He said this with genuine admiration. I never thought Narika could surpass Tennouji-san and Hinako in this field, to be called a genius... I was surprised, but I understood. Narika's ideas came from a user's perspective, not just random brainstorming. If Hinako's was the orthodox "royal road," and Tennouji-san's was the "path of conquest," then Narika's... since it was like cheating, must be the "heretical path."

"Alright, so, of those three, which one do you think you should emulate?"

I thought for a moment. I couldn't copy any of them. I didn't have the capital for M&A, nor did I have superhuman knowledge. But if I had to choose...

"...Tennouji-san's policy of investing in a new venture."

"Correct. Your immediate priority is to start a new service or strengthen your current one."

Takuma-san nodded.

"Do you have a concrete plan?"

"Well... how about expanding the target market? That would grow my base profit and allow for long-term operation."

"Not bad... You're developing a head for business. That's good."

Of course I am. I'm studying like crazy just to keep up with you.

"However, before you fall into a trap, let me remind you: don't just focus on the operating profit margin. That's crucial."

On the other side of the screen, Takuma-san's expression turned serious as he explained.

"A corporation's value is multifaceted. Take a regional supermarket... In terms of profit margin, retail is a poor earner. But, it contributes greatly to the local economy, providing not just good products, but also jobs."

Hinako had said the same thing at the alliance tea party. A company's value is diverse and shouldn't be compared.

"Your service is intentionally focused on gifts, not a 'sell-everything' mall. If you only look at profit, you'll eventually conflict with your original purpose."

"...So it's important not to lose focus."

"Exactly. Expanding is fine, but don't get blinded by profit and lose sight of your original goal."

Simple, clear, and trustworthy. That's the kind of management customers want. In the end, the key to business is just "being liked by society." The numbers are important, but consumption is ultimately an emotional act.

"That's why I brought up the brand concept. And it seems you've found your answer."

"Yes. I'm trying to create a 'sharp, sophisticated, adult' image. I've already launched ads with that concept."

The Tomonari Gifts site was designed to frame the act of gift-giving as something sophisticated and mature. In reality, all I did was tell the AI engineer "I want it to feel like this," but I imagine the real-world process is similar.

"The policy is set, then. Let's end the consultation here."

"...I feel like all we did was confirm things."

"That means it's going well."

Takuma-san continued.

"Usually, when an amateur starts from zero, their ego takes over. They just cram in things they want to feature or sell... But you, from the start, have been able to think from the customer's perspective. You have a good head for this."

"...Thank you."

I was so surprised by the compliment. ...I was so happy. I'd been fumbling my way forward, so being praised felt incredible. And it was Takuma-san, of all people. Praise from someone so strict felt like real validation.

"You seem motivated, too. Any change of heart?"

"Not exactly a change of heart, but since the tournament started, I've seen how excited everyone at school is..."

I remembered the conversation I'd overheard in the gym.

"I want to enjoy this tournament, too. And honestly, even if it's a fake company, it's fun watching the numbers grow."

At first, I felt driven by crisis and obligation, but now I was just enjoying the game.

"Exactly. Management is fun. It's interesting."

Takuma-san smiled.

"More than half of Kiou's students will be CEOs. Not just because they're inheriting, but because they know it's fun. They grew up watching their parents and saw the appeal... There is no world more intellectually stimulating."

He said this with obvious pleasure. I suddenly thought... ...He loves this. He always seemed so inscrutable, but I felt I'd just seen a glimpse of his true self. That said, his values hadn't changed. He'd still dismantle the Konohana Group for Kagen-sama and Hinako's sake. He took me as an apprentice for his own benefit, not mine. But, even so...

(...He's not a bad person.)

He just... does what he wants, good or bad. He's beyond good and evil. In a way... that makes him reliable.

"Any other questions?"

Hearing his question, I remembered two days ago.

"When I was looking at Hinako's strategy, I saw the game has shareholder meetings... Will I have to run one?"

"Unless you're constantly fighting your shareholders, yours will probably be skipped. In real life, startups are in constant contact with their shareholders, so by the time the meeting happens, there's nothing left to say."

I thought I'd have to study up, but it seems like a low priority. A relief, honestly. I was swamped as it was.

"Then, your next assignment. You need to learn to read a company's condition. Specifically, I want you to understand the BS and PL."

"Understood."

BS is the Balance Sheet, showing financial status. PL is the Profit and Loss statement, showing profitability.

"Also, are you planning to take the company public?"

Going public... a term I hadn't considered.

"...I haven't thought that far ahead."

"...Right. It's only three years. Just plan your exit strategy."

Takuma-san muttered something.

"In that case, deepen your understanding of stocks."

"Stocks?"

"You just brought up M&A. You should look up how the market values your company's stock. It will tell you what you need to do."

"I see... Understood."

"It also helps you deal with situations where the stock price suddenly jumps and you can't pay the taxes... but that's probably not relevant to the tournament."

I logged the assignment in a text doc. This was getting complicated. I'd better review the meeting log later.

"It's a bit late to ask, but... you didn't go to Kiou, did you? How do you know so much about the tournament?"

"Did Shizune tell you that?"

I nodded. He was right. Shizune-san had told me... How did he guess? It could have been Hinako or Kagen-san. His intuition was terrifying.

"It's simple. I helped make the tournament."

"...Helped?"

"Yes. My name is in the credits."

I opened the game menu and checked the credits. He was right. ...I felt so conflicted. It was arrogant, but deep down, I'd started to see him as an obstacle to overcome—a rival. That's why I was so fired up. But hearing this, I felt like I was just dancing in the palm of his hand.

"You don't need to look so depressed. I only worked on a small part."

I wish you'd stop reading my mind.

"By the way, if you're starting a new venture, you need funding. Do you have connections?"

"No... I'll have to start looking."

In the tournament, the system assigns random shareholders at the start, and you get funds by hitting milestones. But you can also find other shareholders. I'd been relying on the system until now. My company was doing well. I could probably find investors.

"It's a good opportunity. You should ask a friend in the IT industry for an introduction. It could be an important connection for the future."

Hearing his suggestion, I thought. A friend... in the IT industry...

◆

Monday. I went to school and scanned the classroom, spotting the person I was looking for.

"Kita-kun."

Kita, who was on his laptop, turned to me. Until the tournament ends, students are free to use computers outside of class... though Kiou was always pretty liberal about it. Most students usually just use their phones, but laptops were much more common now.

"Tomonari-kun, what's up?"

"I wanted to return this reference book."

I took the "Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Exam" study guide from my bag. I'd borrowed it from him before the tournament. Kita took the book, flipped it open, and looked at me.

"Explain BPO!"

"Business Process Outsourcing! Handing over an entire business process, from planning to execution, to a third-party vendor!"

"When a system fails, the method of restarting the power to restore it to its initial state!"

"Cold boot!"

We pointed at each other, rattling off the Q&A. Kita laughed.

"All correct. You're as diligent as ever."

"If I'm not, the demon comes out..."

"?"

Kita tilted his head, confused. When I slacked off, the Head Maid turned into a demon.

"Kita-kun, can I ask your advice on the tournament?"

"Hm? Sure."

I'd become friends with Kita before the sports festival, and we'd stayed close. He was as easy to talk to as Taisho or Asahi-san. Since we were both studying IT, we often lent each other books. Though... since he was so far ahead, it was mostly me borrowing from him.

"The thing is, I'm looking for funding to expand..."

"...Ah, right. Because you started from scratch."

He must have looked up my company. I didn't remember telling him, but he knew.

"Sorry, I don't think I have any connections for you. Startups usually rely on VCs, but I started with an established company..."

"Right..."

VC, or Venture Capital. Companies that invest in startups. I wanted an intro, but Kita didn't have the connections. ...To be honest, I expected this. Our starting profiles were different, so we faced different problems.

"Ah, but..."

Kita suddenly looked like he had an idea.

"...Tomonari-kun, I have a proposal. How about we hold a study group for all the IT industry managers?"

"I mean, that would be amazing for me..."

"I've got my own problems, too. I'd like the chance to talk them over."

I see.

"And... I've always been a little jealous of that after-school study group you have."

Kita said, looking a bit shy. He meant the tea party... It's been coming up a lot.

"The 'Noble Tea Party,' right?"

"No, that's just what everyone's calling it..."

"Ahaha, true. But you can see why. It's like you've been... reborn? Or maybe you just fit in with Konohana-san's group now."

That comment made me genuinely happy. After all, being able to stand beside Hinako, Tennouji-san, and Narika... that was my current goal.

"Who should we invite? I don't know..."

"About that, I have someone in mind."

Kita continued.

"You know Suminoe-san in our class? Her family runs a massive IT corporation."

◆

After school, Kita and I went to the school cafeteria.

"Suminoe-san should be here soon."

Suminoe-san, Kita, and I were holding a study group. We'd kept it to just three, since any more would mean less time for each person's problems. We had invited Suminoe-san during a break, and she'd agreed immediately. She had a prior engagement, however, so she'd be thirty minutes late. She also mentioned a family matter, so she couldn't stay long. Kita and I arrived first, setting up our laptops and idly chatting while we worked on our own games.

"Sorry. When I said we were the only two from similar backgrounds, that must have been confusing... Suminoe-san is on a totally different level, so it's hard to count her."

"No... now that you mention it, I remember. I knew her family was in IT."

We just didn't have much in common, so I'd simply forgotten.

"By the way, Tomonari-kun, what are you working on?"

Kita asked, leaning over to look at my screen.

"I'm learning the BS and PL."

"Whoa... amazing. You're really studying this properly."

"You're not?"

"Nah. The game shows the numbers automatically, so I figured I don't need to know it right now."

I'd felt the same way while studying. If your only goal is to "win," you don't need to know the BS or PL.

"I think I get why you're improving so much. Even when you're busy, you're learning things that will be useful in the future."

Takuma-san was the one who assigned it, but the tournament had made me think I should learn things that would help me later. It seemed I was on the right track. I had Shizune-san and Takuma-san to thank for that mindset. Their strict but logical guidance had trained me to think with a long-term perspective. As I was silently thanking them, I heard footsteps.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

I turned to see Suminoe-san approaching, her long hair swaying as she gave us a nod.

"Not at all. Sorry for taking your time."

"Fufufu, you don't need to be so formal."

Kita and I stood to greet her, and she smiled gently. Suminoe-san sat down, and a waiter immediately rushed over. She ordered a black tea, clearly a regular.

"Your family runs a major IT company, right, Suminoe-san?"

"Yes. We primarily develop systems for the financial sector."

When I first transferred, Shizune-san had made me memorize all my classmates' profiles. I did know about her family's company, but since we never talked, it had faded from memory. Now, it came flooding back. Suminoe-san's family—SIS Co., Ltd.—was an IT company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime market. Their main business was financial systems, and they held 50% of the Japanese market share for credit card infrastructure. Incidentally, SIS stood for Suminoe Information System. No wonder she was so comfortable talking to Hinako in class. In the IT world, her family was easily in the top three at this academy. She was a first-rate ojou-sama.

"So, will you take over the company after graduation...?"

"No, I won't be inheriting the family business."

Suminoe-san shook her head.

"My older brother will be the one to succeed."

She stated it matter-of-factly. ...I see. Everyone I'd been around so far was an heir, so I hadn't realized. But of course, there were students like her, too.

"My parents were kind enough to let me attend this school, but I won't be involved in the family's management. After graduation, I plan to work for a different company."

"A different company?"

"Yes... I plan to work by Tennouji-san's side after graduation."

By Tennouji-san? Suminoe-san began to explain in detail.

"In my first year, I was just... coasting, with no real goals. Then she approached me. She recognized my grades and offered me a position at one of the Tennouji Group's IT companies after graduation... I'm so grateful to her for that."

I could hear the deep respect in her voice. She'd come to find Tennouji-san during our tea party, too. So this was their connection...

"The Tennouji Group's IT company... that's the subsidiary of the systems integrator, right? That's a Prime-listed company, too. It's huge."

"Yes. I'm honored that she values my skills so highly."

Kita clearly knew the company. It must be a famous one.

"Speaking of which, Tomonari-kun, you and Tennouji-san are quite close, aren't you."

Kita suddenly said, looking at me.

"I saw you two dancing together in the gym during the first semester. You looked great. Afterward, everyone was gossiping about what a good pair you made."

"Uh, that really happened?"

He must be talking about when I was getting lessons from her on exams and table manners. So that's why everyone was staring when I talked to her a few days ago. There had been rumors about us since last semester.

—Gkkh. Just then, I heard a strange sound. I instinctively looked toward the source... toward Suminoe-san.

"Is something wrong?"

She offered a gentle smile. ...Was I imagining it? I thought I heard... the sound of grinding teeth. But in the end, I wasn't sure.

"We should get to the main topic... I heard you both had something you were struggling with."

Suminoe-san said, opening her laptop. Kita nodded and began his explanation.

"Can I go first? My problem is simple, so it shouldn't take long."

I nodded. Kita showed us his screen.

"My company is developing an IoT service, but I'm having trouble finding a company to help with compatibility testing..."

"IoT requires devices. So you need to procure those devices and check if they're compatible with your system?"

"Right. I'm looking for humidity and acceleration sensors, but I don't have the connections."

IoT, the "Internet of Things," is one of the technologies changing the world. Refrigerators that text your phone when the door is open are a prime example. Kita's problem was similar to the one in Takuma-san's files. When you develop a new service, you need various devices, but he couldn't find a supplier. Suminoe-san touched a finger to her chin.

"I can introduce you to a few manufacturers."

"Really!?"

"Yes. IoT is a major field right now. My family's company has also started providing IoT services for manufacturing."

"That's a huge help..." Kita said, clearly relieved. "What about you, Tomonari-kun?"

"I'm looking for a way to raise funds..."

I briefly explained my situation.

"...You need capital for a new venture. I can introduce you to a VC, but first, could you explain the details of your business?"

"Of course. I'll send you the data."

I transferred my company's files.

"...I see. A shopping site specializing in gifts."

She finished reading my file in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

"May I ask about the new service?"

"Yes. I want to make a gift catalog."

"A catalog...?"

Suminoe-san's eyes widened. I nodded. The gift industry has always been dominated by catalogs. Tomonari Gifts was currently online-only. To capture the older demographic or those who prefer catalogs, I'd judged it was best to meet them where they were.

"I want to bring gift catalog users to my site. The costs will go up, but I want to create a paper version—"

"And that's why you need capital. It's a new venture, so you might also need to hire experienced staff."

As expected of Suminoe-san. She understood immediately. I could see why Kita said she was "on a different level." It wasn't just her family's scale; her mind was on par with Hinako's and Tennouji-san's.

"Understood. I'll introduce you to a VC that specializes in IT. Given Tomonari Gifts' current performance, I'm sure they'll invest."

"Thank you."

She'd assessed my company's health and made her judgment. Now I could move to the next stage.

"By the way, Suminoe-san, was there anything you wanted to discuss...?"

"My problem was just solved. I wanted to know what others in the same industry were working on."

She replied, sipping her tea. ...That was good. This meeting had been useful for her, too. Just then, a question popped into my head.

"Suminoe-san, is the company you're running in the game 'SIS,' just like your family's?"

"Yes... Why do you ask?"

"Oh, it's just... since you said you're not inheriting, I assumed you'd choose a different company."

"I see."

She nodded.

"Honestly, that was my original plan. Before the tournament, I asked Tennouji-san if I could manage one of the Tennouji Group's subsidiaries. I thought it would be good practice. But she stopped me. She said it would be a waste to throw away the 'Major Corporation' status I'd been given."

"...She wanted you to have free rein."

"That's what I think, too. I offered to at least form an alliance... but she put that on hold as well."

That's right... Tennouji-san had said she was holding off on an alliance with her. She must not have wanted to tie Suminoe-san down. Just then, Suminoe-san's phone vibrated on the table.

"I'm sorry, my ride is here..."

"Then let's call it a day. Even though it was mostly us asking you for help."

"Not at all. I enjoyed it."

Suminoe-san packed her laptop into her bag.

"Thank you for today, Suminoe-san."

"Thank you."

She walked out of the cafe. Kita also packed up his bag, ready to leave.

"You're not heading home?"

"I'll stay a little longer."

I'd told Shizune-san a pickup time, but the study group ended thirty minutes earlier than I'd expected. I could call for an early pickup, but thirty minutes would fly by if I just played the game. I said goodbye to Kita and turned back to my computer. I'd found a source of funding. With that, I could add the new feature, grow revenue, and maybe even hire more staff.

(...Suminoe-san really respects Tennouji-san.)

I thought, my fingers tapping the keyboard. She'd been aimless, and Tennouji-san gave her a new path... That sounded just like her. Anyone would respect her for that. ...I felt strangely happy. I thought Tennouji-san was amazing. It was nice to know someone else saw it, too. Maybe Suminoe-san and I were more alike than I thought. I stood up to stretch.

"...Hm?"

Something had fallen under Suminoe-san's chair. I walked over and picked it up. It was an elegant, leather-bound notebook.

(...Is this Suminoe-san's?)

Her name was written in cursive on the back cover. She must have dropped it when she took out her laptop. I'd noticed it right away. I could still catch her. I hurried out of the cafe and toward the school gate, scanning. She said she had a ride, so she'd be by the road. I found her.

"Suminoe-san."

"...Oh, Tomonari-kun?"

Her car hadn't arrived yet. She turned, surprised. I held up the notebook.

"You forgot this—"

"—!?"

The next second, her face went bright red.

"G-Give it back!!"

"Huh!?"

Suminoe-san's face was ferocious as she tried to snatch the notebook from my hand.

"Wait, that's danger—!?"

She lunged at me as if to strike, and I dodged on reflex. She knocked the notebook from my hand. At the same time, she tripped on the uneven curb—

"Kya!?"

Suminoe-san face-planted. There was a loud smack...

"A-Are you okay?"

I was worried. She was trembling, clearly in pain. The notebook she had tried to grab landed at my feet. It had fallen open. Inside... it was crammed with photos of Tennouji-san.

—What is this? Completely baffled, I subconsciously flipped the page. The next page, and the one after that, were also filled with photos of Tennouji-san. Tennouji-san laughing with classmates, Tennouji-san drinking water, Tennouji-san reading, Tennouji-san staring wistfully out a window... I was speechless. Suminoe-san scrambled to pick up the notebook.

"—You saw, didn't you?"

She asked, her voice as cold as a blizzard.

"...I'm sorry."

I'd seen something I shouldn't have, so I apologized first. But it was half-unavoidable...

"Um... you, and Tennouji-san...?"

"I love her. What of it?"

Her words were getting more intense.

"Of course I love her. It's impossible to see someone so noble and not fall in love. No such person exists."

That's a bit of an exaggeration. At this point, Suminoe-san must have decided there was no point in hiding it. She leaned into it, pouring out her love for Tennouji-san.

"Tennouji-sama is the goddess who saved my life. She is virtuous, gorgeous, more determined than anyone, more innocent than anyone, a perfect blend of strictness and kindness... Those jewel-like eyes, that hair that shines like the sun’s corona... they must be gifts from heaven... Ah, my dearest Tennouji-sama, you are my reason for living. How can I ever repay this debt...? A lowly person such as myself cannot even imagine."

 


But Tennouji-san's hair is dyed... Suminoe-san clasped her hands together like a devout worshipper praying to the heavens. The study group... no, her entire persona in front of us was an act. And I have no idea when she started calling her "Tennouji-sama."

...This went way beyond just respecting Tennouji-san. I'd thought it was admiration, but she was hiding an emotion that went far, far beyond that. I may have just learned a terrifying truth. The true face of one of the ojou-samas reigning at the top of the school pyramid was this... unhinged and obsessive. The gap with her pure-looking exterior was so vast it was creepy. ...For a second, I almost thought, "Well, at least she's better than Hinako," and felt relieved. I've really been corrupted. Oh well, I'm hiding my own identity, so I can't really judge... No, wait, I can definitely judge this.

"...Those were candid shots, weren't they?"

"It's fine as long as I don't get caught."

I highly doubt that. Suminoe-san suddenly bowed to the photo of Tennouji-san in the notebook.

"Tennouji-sama, I'm so sorry I dropped you... You must be disgusted, being touched by this filthy boy..."

But I'm the one who found it... If anything, that makes me the good guy here.

"Um, does Tennouji-san know how you feel?"

"How could she? If she found out, I'd just die."

Leaving aside whether she'd actually die, I expected that answer... No matter how open-minded Tennouji-san is, she'd never be able to accept love this heavy. They seemed normal at the tea party, so Tennouji-san must have no idea.

"...But, I get it. Tennouji-san just has that kind of charm."

Poking her any further seemed dangerous, so I tried to placate her by showing I was on her side. But, for some reason, her eyebrow twitched.

"Am I to interpret that as a declaration of war?"

"Huh? Why!?"

"My apologies. I mistook that for 'I understand Tennouji-sama better than you.'"

"I didn't say that..."

If I had said that, I feel like she would have murdered me. I respect Tennouji-san too, so it was a genuine compliment... A few minutes ago, I was thinking we might get along. How did it come to this?

"...Regardless, I will not acknowledge you."

Suminoe-san said, glaring at me.

"I'll take this opportunity to be blunt. I hate you."

"...Is it because I'm close to Tennouji-san?"

"Please don't confuse this with base jealousy. ...But yes, that is one of the reasons."

So I was right...

"Tennouji-sama has changed. She used to be more..."

Suminoe-san ignored my world-weary expression and muttered to herself. I couldn't hear the last part. She was just talking to herself. I tilted my head in confusion. Just then, a car pulled up. A chauffeur got out and bowed to her.

"In any case, you are not to speak of what you saw today. Understand?"

"Yes."

Even if I did, no one would believe me. Suminoe-san got in the car, and it drove off. And I let out a sigh so long it surprised even me.

◆

9 P.M. I was in my room at the estate, just logging off the game to take a break.

"Haa..."

I'd come straight back after dinner and played, but I was so focused that the time flew by.

(...I was so distracted by Suminoe-san that I barely made any progress today.)

Even after coming home, my head was a mess. Her true self was just that shocking. I lightly slapped my cheeks to get myself motivated. ...Honestly, there just wasn't enough time. I couldn't learn fast enough to keep up with the game. I had to study management, and at the same time, figure out how to expand my business. I'd planned to study for school after nine... but the tournament is a timed event. I should focus on that.

(This game is taking up too much time... Am I too into it? But it's going well, I don't want to stop...)

I told Takuma-san I wanted to be Konohana Group director. I told Tennouji-san I wanted to join the student council. I can't be sighing over something this small. I'll just have to pull an all-nighter. Just as I'd resolved myself, there was a knock.

"Itsuki... are you free?"

"Hm? Yeah."

The door opened, and Hinako came in.

"Hinako, what's up?"

I briefly glimpsed the hem of a maid uniform outside. Shizune-san must have brought her. She still gets lost in the mansion by herself.

"I made some tea."

Hinako was pushing a small cart. On it were an English-style teapot and two cups.

"You... you made tea?"

"Mhm."

I was shocked. This was a first. Hinako looked between me and the tea, apparently waiting for me to drink. I picked up the cup. It had the familiar vanilla aroma of the Konohana house blend. I took a sip. A light, sweet flavor filled my mouth.

"S-So...?"

Hinako asked nervously.

"...Thank you. It's delicious."

"Oh, good... I had Shizune teach me. I tried my best."

Honestly, it was a lot weaker than Shizune-san's, but... I was moved by something far beyond the flavor. Hinako—the Hinako who normally reverts to a lazy blob the moment she's home—had actually gone to the trouble of making tea for me. I was so happy I could cry. But at the same time, a question popped up.

"...Did something happen to you?"

"Nnh!? Wh-Why do you ask!?"

"Because you don't normally... do this."

Hearing me say that, Hinako blushed and looked down.

"From now on... I want to do things like this."

She answered, squirming adorably. The sentiment made me happy, but...

"But you'll get tired, won't you? You usually fall asleep right away."

"...For some reason, I'm not that tired."

Hinako said softly.

"...I think I've changed."

"Changed?"

"Mhm... I've been feeling... energized lately."

Hinako said, placing a hand on her chest.

"I... I like doing things for you."

She said this with a gentle smile. For some reason, I could almost see flowers blooming behind her. For a second, I thought my heart would stop. In that flowery, gentle smile... in her slightly flushed cheeks and misty eyes... I felt a special, unspoken message that just... blanked my mind. Calm down, calm down, calm down— I managed to get my racing heart under control.

"...I like doing things for you, too."

"...I know."

Hinako heard this and gave a sweet nod. ...Good. I'd managed to stay calm. She's been so aggressive lately, and so flustered... it's really starting to get to me. I don't know what's going on, but it's not good for my heart. ...Not that I mind it at all.

"Haa..." Hinako yawned.

"Want to take a nap? I'll wake you up when it's time for your bath..."

"Nn... no. I'm not sleepy yet..."

Hinako started wandering around my room, as if trying to walk off the drowsiness. She stopped next to me and looked at my desk.

"...You're studying hard."

"Yeah. The tournament's made me realize how much I'm lacking."

My desk was piled with more materials than ever. All stuff I needed for the game—business data, and, lately, stock information for Takuma-san's assignment.

"Is it tough?"

Hinako asked, peering up at my face.

"I guess. But it's meaningful, so I'm actually enjoying it."

"...That's good."

Hinako smiled, relieved.

"How was your study group?"

"I solved one of my problems... Sorry you had to go home alone again."

"It can't be helped... I'm not in the IT industry."

The whole point was an IT-only meeting, so Hinako had tactfully stayed away.

"Who was at the study group...?"

"Kita from our class, and Suminoe-san."

She just said, "Oh." To be honest, my conversation with Suminoe-san was so shocking I'd barely registered the rest of the meeting. But I took notes, so I'll be fine...

"...Hinako, what kind of person is Suminoe-san?"

As soon as I asked, Hinako's eyes narrowed, and she glared at me.

"Why are you asking that?"

"Uh, what do you mean, 'why'..."

How was I supposed to answer this...? I couldn't just ask, "Is she hiding her true self?"...

"...You playboy."

"No, it's not like that..."

I wish you'd stop making it sound like I'm hitting on everyone. Especially Suminoe-san. She just told me she hates me.

"...Suminoe-san is composed and determined."

Hinako at least gave me an answer. Then, she thought for a moment and added:

"But... she's also a little scary."

"Scary?"

"Mhm... Like she's always watching. Lying in wait."

She couldn't quite describe it either. Hinako said with a serious face:

"She talks to me in class sometimes... but I'm pretty sure she doesn't actually like me."

It didn't look that way to me, but Hinako must have her reasons for saying it. Maybe Suminoe-san still hadn't shown me her true self. Though I can't imagine what other secrets she could possibly be hiding...

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