Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 7 Epilogue
Epilogue
I hung up the phone and slipped it into my pocket.
"Phew..."
Takuma-san seemed busy, so I just gave him my brief thanks. He said he'd give me a detailed evaluation later. He would definitely give me strict but helpful opinions. For me, the Management Tournament wouldn't truly be over until that moment.
I parted ways with Hinako and killed about half an hour at the cafe.
It was probably about time.
I returned to the school building and headed for the classroom. As I was walking down the hall, I found the person I was looking for right in front of me.
"Narika."
"Itsuki!"
She noticed me at almost the same time.
I had to praise Narika today. She went all out to help Hinako. Not only did she plan the entire motorsports venture, she also brilliantly convinced Hinako at the meeting. I had helped, of course, but all the credit belonged to Narika's creativity and courage. I wanted to say a few words to her, which is why I had come back.
"Narika, congratulations on the New Business—"
"—Itsuki, you're amazing! You got first place in the rankings and the Management Consultant Award!"
Just when I was all ready to praise Narika, I was hit with even more enthusiastic praise from her. That's just like her.
"Thanks. You looked like you were surrounded by classmates earlier. Are you okay now?"
"Yeah... but why are you here? Is the tea party over?"
"We're going to hold it after school on Monday. Are you coming?"
"Of course!"
Narika said, beaming. She must have been dying to go.
"Let me say it properly. Narika, great work. That was a fantastic result."
"It's all thanks to you. Thank you for helping me."
Narika said, looking at me with her honest eyes.
How should I put it? I just felt like she was much more composed than before. She's usually a little embarrassed and hesitant...
"Itsuki, what's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing. I just think you seem more confident than usual. Did something happen?"
"Mm... I guess so. When I was presenting to Konohana-san yesterday, I thought about a lot of things. I think I've... sort of figured out the secret to facing people confidently."
Narika replied, seeming to have trouble putting it into words.
"U-Um, Miyakojima-san!"
Just then, a small girl came running from the other end of the hall. I didn't know her, and Narika didn't seem to either. She looked confused as she asked the girl:
"Uh, what is it?"
"S-Sorry to bother you! My family also runs a sporting goods store, just like yours. If you don't mind, could you... give me some advice?"
"I can... but are you sure you want to ask me?"
"Yes! Your results in the tournament were amazing! And yesterday, during the debate with Konohana-san... y-you were so cool!"
Narika was stunned by the direct compliment. Her expression briefly went slack with happiness, but she immediately composed herself.
"Thank you... Um, about the advice, would email be okay? I was just about to head home..."
"N-No problem! I'll give you my contact info!"
The girl quickly wrote her email address on a piece of notepaper, tore it off, and handed it to Narika.
"W-Well then, I'll be going."
The girl bowed deeply and went to leave. She must have still been nervous. Her steps were stiff—
"—Kya!?"
"Whoa."
The girl nearly tripped on thin air, but Narika instantly caught her.
Narika held the girl steady and gave a wry smile.
"Sorry. My expression is kind of intense, so I often make people nervous."
"N-No, it's not your fault..."
The girl looked like she was about to cry.
Normally, Narika would be thinking "I messed up again"—she'd be depressed, thinking her stern expression had troubled someone. But today, she was completely different.
"If you can, please don't misunderstand. I'd like to get along with you."
Hearing Narika say that, the girl's face turned as red as a volcano.
"O-Okay..."
The girl nodded, looking dazed. Then, she walked away with small steps.
My gaze shifted from the girl's back to Narika.
"...You've really changed."
"Honestly, that took all my strength. I'm still really stiff, but I want to get better at it."
It seemed she wasn't lying about figuring out the secret to being composed.
But... I looked again at the departing girl. Her pace was slow, and she kept looking back at Narika—
"Miyakojima... Onee-sama."
There were strange little hearts reflected in the girl's eyes as she stared at Narika.
...Did something just awaken inside her?
How should I put this... It looks like Narika is going to develop a different kind of popularity from Hinako and Tennouji-san. She's totally unaware... but I wasn't going to be rude enough to point it out, so I kept quiet.
"Itsuki, are you planning to join the student council?"
Narika suddenly asked me.
"Yeah. But the election isn't for another two months. I want to relax for a bit."
"That's good. Getting rid of fatigue is important too."
Kiou Academy holds its student council elections in December. The tournament ended, and before I knew it, it was mid-October. Even so, there's still time before the election. I want to let things settle down first.
"It's fun, changing yourself."
Narika murmured.
"It's hard, and I'm not used to it, but it's meaningful. If I keep this up, I'll definitely gain real strength."
Narika seemed to have realized something valuable from yesterday's meeting. Right now, she was staring firmly in the direction she needed to go.
"And so, Itsuki... I want to become the student council president, too."
"...............Huh?"
Her declaration was so unexpected, I was dumbfounded.
"I know it's reckless, but this is the kind of challenge I need right now."
...She was serious.
Seeing me speechless, Narika pouted.
"Hmph... Itsuki, what's wrong? Aren't you going to cheer for me?"
"Ah, no, of course I'll cheer for you... It's just so sudden, I'm still processing it..."
"Which means, it's a challenge that's very unlike me. That just makes it even more worthwhile."
You don't have to force yourself—I was about to say that, but seeing the fearless smile on her face, I didn't get the sense she was forcing herself at all. This wasn't out of desperation or a sudden whim. It was a well-thought-out, rational decision.
But, if that's the case...
(...Should I cheer for Tennouji-san or Narika...?)
If she's aiming for president, not just an officer, she'll be up against Tennouji-san. When that happens, who am I supposed to support?
"Itsuki, thank you. Really."
Narika said, looking straight at me.
"I learned something really important yesterday, and you're the one who taught me."
Maybe it was the glow of the setting sun. Narika's cheeks were slightly red.
"I can't do it on my own. But, as long as I have people by my side who trust me, I can be composed... So, for me... you really are a necessary and special person."
As she said this, Narika took a step closer.
And then, she leaned in—
—and something soft touched my cheek.
"Wha? Huh? N-Narika!?"
"~~~~~!!"
Mortified, with tears welling in her eyes, Narika covered her own lips and took a step back.
"I-I'm not listening to your answer! But, even if you regret it, it's too late!"
She pointed at me.
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