Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 11 Chapter 4

 

A Young Lady who is as sweet as candy

The atmosphere of the academy is becoming entirely dyed in the colors of the cultural festival.

Stages to be used for each class's attraction were being prepared one after another on the school grounds and in the school building. The rapid construction could not be handled by the students' power alone, so many were outsourced. The administrative work required for this outsourcing is mainly handled by us in the student council.

When you think of a cultural festival, the image is usually of students livening up the event with their own strength. However, in the case of Kiou Academy, since financial power and personal connections are also recognized as the students' power, it ends up like this.

Seeing aquariums and planetariums being built makes me feel like I've come to a theme park, which is exciting. It's completely different from the cultural festivals I know, but it's good in its own way. If Joutou had become the student council president, the kind of cultural festival I'm familiar with might have been held.

"Ugh... I'm sleepy..."

Bathing in the morning sunlight, Hinako already looked like she wanted to go home.

It seems the play practice has entered its final stages, so it was decided that Hinako would attend school today as well. As for me, I'm still anxious, but compared to the first time, I'm much calmer.

While walking toward the school building, I made eye contact with Tennouji-san.

Tennouji-san beckoned to me alone with a small wave of her hand. I wonder if she needs something?

"Tennouji-san is calling."

"Ngh... My eyes aren't used to the light yet, so later is better..."

Do you think Tennouji-san is a sun or something?

...Though I kind of get it.

Since it couldn't be helped, I had Hinako wait there while I headed toward Tennouji-san.

"Good morning, Tennouji-san."

"Y-Yes... Good morning."

"? What's wrong?"

"Well, I am just not used to your tone of voice yet... I feel like I might accidentally call you Itsuki-san."

She said the second half in a low voice that only I could hear.

Ah... That's true. Until now, Tennouji-san calling me "Itsuki-san" was the signal for me to speak in this tone. ...I understand the feeling well. Even I feel like I might accidentally call the current Hinako "Hinako" instead of "Konohana-san."

"By the way, why isn't Hinako Konohana coming over?"

"Umm... It seems the sun is too bright for her..."

"So she is in the middle of her acting practice."

The "sun" reached her own conclusion.

"Then I would like you to pass this on to Hinako Konohana later... If it is alright with you, would you like to have a tea party during lunch break today?"

"A tea party? That sounds fine, but..."

Since it was so sudden, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a reason.

"There is no major reason. If I had to say, it is because I thought I would like to talk with that group again after so long."

"...Now that you mention it, we haven't had a single tea party since the election ended."

"Yes. It brings shame to the name of the Noble Tea Party."

Tennouji-san said jokingly.

Even though it's a group name that was decided without my permission...

"Well, personally, I do not favor this name."

"Is that so? I thought you'd like it, Tennouji-san..."

"I do not like the nuance that seems to relatively look down on others."

I see.

It seems Tennouji-san wants to say that the other students should also be considered noble.

"...You really have the caliber of a student council president."

"Did you just realize that now?"

"Hmph," Tennouji-san said with a proud face.

"That being said, we are all busy people right now, so I thought we should hold it during the lunch break."

"That's a good idea. We have student council work, and the others have cultural festival preparations."

With the current Hinako, it feels like she'd just fall asleep even if she joined the tea party, but I wonder if she'll come.

...If possible, I want Tennouji-san and Narika to take a good look at the current Hinako at least once.

Why has Hinako become like this?

Is it really okay for things to stay like this?

I feel like those two could give me hints regarding these worries inside me.

Having received the invitation for the tea party, I parted with Tennouji-san and tried to return to Hinako. However, I realized it then. Hinako, who had been right there until just a moment ago, was gone.

"Itsuki~~, where are you~~~~...?"

Before I knew it, Hinako had walked all the way to the end of the hallway.

I raised my voice amidst the noisy hallway.

"Hina—Konohana-san!! O-Over here!! I'm over here!!"

Crap, if I leave the current Hinako alone, she'll get lost.

Acting practice. I wonder just how long that excuse will hold up...

◆

Lunch break. As planned, we gathered at the cafe to have our tea party.

You can also eat lunch at the cafe, and bringing your own food is not a problem. Tennouji-san, Asahi-san, and Taisho, who usually go to the dining hall, ordered food, while the three of us—myself, Hinako, and Narika—spread our bentos on the table. For times like this, the contents of my and Hinako's bentos are completely different. It shouldn't be exposed that they were made in the same kitchen.

Even though it was also serving as lunch, since it wouldn't feel much like a tea party with just this, we all ordered drinks and some small baked sweets.

When everyone's food had arrived, Tennouji-san briefly looked at our faces.

"I appreciate you all gathering despite the sudden notice! We do not have much time, but let us have a relaxing chat like always—"

"Sleepy............"

Hinako, who was sitting next to me, rested her head on the table.

A few seconds later, quiet breathing from her sleep could be heard.

"D-Did she really just fall asleep?"

"It looks... like that..."

Tennouji-san and Narika stared intently at Hinako, observing her.

Then, Hinako slowly raised her face.

"Ah, she woke up."

Asahi-san said in a whisper.

Hinako picked up one of the baked sweets right next to her and munched on it.

"Mmph............ potato chips are better..."

After only uttering a complaint, Hinako went back to sleep.

"She ate a cookie, and went back to sleep..."

Taisho stated exactly what had just happened.

...Is she a panda at a zoo?

She's acting entirely on instinct. She's closer to an animal than a human. However, strangely enough, this overlapped with the image of Ophelia she was playing in the cultural festival's play. Taisho and Asahi-san, who knew the contents of the play, naturally didn't question it, and Tennouji-san and Narika must have heard at least a summary of it. No one doubted her.

Hinako rested her cheek on the table, sleeping soundly.

Drool was dripping from her small lips facing my direction.

"Good grief..."

Thinking that it couldn't be helped, I wiped the corner of Hinako's mouth with my handkerchief.

Right as I carefully folded the handkerchief... I realized that everyone was staring at me all at once.

"T-Tomonari-san?"

"What did you just do...?"

Tennouji-san and Narika were, for some reason, extremely surprised.

What do you mean, what...

I just wiped her drool, though...?

"Ah."

What am I doing.

No matter how much Hinako is supposedly practicing her acting, normally, there's no way someone would wipe someone else's drool without permission.

I did it out of my usual habit...

"I-Is that part of the acting practice too...?"

"That looked extremely natural just now. It is as if you always do that."

Asahi-san and Taisho were also perplexed.

"More importantly, what is with that handkerchief? The Itsuki I know doesn't have those kinds of tastes."

Narika said, looking at the pink handkerchief I was holding.

This guy... suddenly making such a sharp observation...

"T-This is, um..."

It is a handkerchief exclusively for wiping Hinako's drool.

At first, I used my own handkerchief to wipe it, but since I also use it when washing my hands in the restroom, I decided to separate them. By the way, Hinako probably doesn't know about the existence of this handkerchief. I mostly use it while Hinako is sleeping, after all...

"I-I used to have a pet dog in the past! It reminded me of those times, and I just unconsciously wiped it, I guess you could say!"

"Ohh~, that's the first time I've heard that."

"B-Because I never had the chance to mention it. I'd put it to sleep in bed, or wash it in the bath. Hahaha, hahahaha..."

Sorry, Hinako.

Just for now, let me treat you as a dog...!!

"The handkerchief is, well, just a coincidence..."

"............Hmm."

Narika looked at me with cold eyes.

It's no good... I'm the one who hasn't been able to adapt to Hinako's change.

After that, the tea party regained its usual atmosphere, but I kept dripping in cold sweat until the very end.

◆

"Oh my, it is already this time."

Triggered by Tennouji-san noticing the time, today's tea party came to an end.

"Konohana-san was sleeping the whole time until the very end, huh."

"She's amazing... This year's play is going to be something incredible."

Asahi-san and Taisho were staring at the sleeping Hinako.

That being said, if I let her sleep forever, we'd be late for class, so I lightly shook Hinako's body to wake her up.

"Konohana-san, class is going to start soon."

"Ngh... Five more minutes..."

It was a line I heard every morning.

I'm used to waking Hinako up from here, but I must maintain a certain distance so I don't get suspected like before...

While faking a wry smile, I continued to shake Hinako's body.

"Nngh... Carry me..."

"This is acting, you know~~!! This right here, is acting, you know~~!!"

While explaining it to the people around us just in case, I somehow managed to wake Hinako up.

"It was fun being able to talk after such a long time. Let us call it a day here for today."

Tennouji-san spoke the closing words, and we disbanded.

We were about to head back to the classroom just like that, but... I stopped walking and whispered in Hinako's ear.

"Hinako, could you wait here for a moment?"

"Yes, I do not mind."

Eh.

Why did the perfect young lady suddenly come out... Ah, I see. Since her true self and the perfect young lady have swapped places, even while we're at the academy, when we're talking in secret, she becomes this perfect young lady.

...This is confusing!!

My head is getting all jumbled up.

"...Make sure you don't wander off somewhere on your own like this morning."

"I will be fine. You are quite the worrier, Tomonari-kun."

Is that the same mouth that just said "carry me" a moment ago...?

I feel bad, but I can't trust her, so I moved while keeping Hinako in my line of sight.

"Tennouji-san, Narika!!"

Separating from Hinako, I stopped Tennouji-san and Narika.

I asked a question to the two who turned around.

"Umm... What did you think after seeing Konohana-san today?"

"Even if you ask me what I thought, I certainly had various thoughts about it, but..."

"Anything is fine. Could you give me your honest impressions?"

Seeing my serious attitude, Tennouji-san and Narika also began to think seriously.

Taisho and Asahi-san are in the same class, so I've already heard their thoughts on the current Hinako. If possible, I wanted to hear something from Tennouji-san and Narika as well.

Because that might become a hint regarding the cause of why Hinako became like this.

"...Tomonari-san, you taught us the three-second rule before, did you not?"

At Tennouji-san's words, I nodded my head.

It was during a tea party quite a while ago.

"At that time, Hinako Konohana picked up a baked sweet that fell on the table and demonstrated the three-second rule. Even now, I think that behavior was very unlike Hinako Konohana, but..."

Tennouji-san spoke while thinking.

"...The current Hinako Konohana is a little similar to the Hinako Konohana from that time."

"——"

At her overly sharp observation, I caught my breath.

"However, if that were the case, it would mean that Hinako Konohana was practicing her acting back then as well... Oh my? I am starting to not understand what I am saying..."

So close. ...It's the opposite.

The correct answer is that she wasn't acting back then or now, but rather, both back then and now, she was in her true state.

But Tennouji-san managed to notice that her state back then and her state now are the same. The lazy Hinako that sometimes slips out by accident, and the current Hinako being covered up under the guise of acting practice. If she realizes these two are identical, she will eventually arrive at Hinako's true personality. ...Aside from acting, Hinako Konohana might have a side like this to her. Tennouji-san is right on the verge of thinking that.

(...This is bad.)

I can't afford to take it easy.

At this rate, she will definitely be found out.

And in the not-so-distant future at that...

"I also kind of get what Tennouji-san is trying to say."

Narika spoke while placing a finger on her chin.

"However, I thought I kind of liked the current Konohana-san in her own way too."

"...Eh?"

Hearing an unexpected opinion, I was surprised.

But Tennouji-san was nodding deeply.

"I also understand what Miyakojima-san is saying. ...With human beings, no matter how perfect they are said to be, if you stay by their side long enough, you will eventually see one or two shortcomings. However, Hinako Konohana does not have that. ...To be honest, I do not feel it is very natural."

In other words, she's unnatural.

In other words, Tennouji-san is thinking that the Hinako up until now might be fabricated.

It was a situation where I should have been panicking. And yet, my heart was calm.

I kind of like her in her own way too. ...The words Narika spoke were echoing strongly inside my head.

"Sorry, my next class requires moving classrooms, so I have to go soon."

"...Yeah, sorry for holding you up."

Narika was about to leave, but before that, she stared intently at my face.

"Itsuki, I don't know what you're worried about, but I will help you out as much as you need."

Declaring so, Narika left.

"Of course, I share the same opinion."

"...Thank you."

At their reliability, I let out a smile of relief.

I'm blessed with good friends...

...Taking them up on their kind words, maybe I should ask a slightly more intrusive question.

"Tennouji-san."

"What is it? You can rely on me for anything, you know?"

Then, without holding back.

"Tennouji-san, you dyed your hair, and you changed your tone to that weird one later on, right?"

"Wha-!?"

Tennouji-san let out a scream while clutching her chest.

"Wh-Wh-Why are you suddenly stabbing me!?"

"S-Sorry. But it's a serious talk."

My phrasing might have been a bit bad.

"That kind of thing, in short, means you're trying to create a new you, right? At that time, did your past self ever come out, or mix together with it?"

Did it ever swap places? That's what I wanted to ask, but as expected, if I used such a direct expression, she might catch on to Hinako's condition.

"I do not understand the intent behind your question... but yes, there certainly were times like that."

She was probably recalling her childhood days.

Having cast her thoughts to her past hardships, Tennouji-san continued with a gentle look in her eyes.

"But, I believe that is an eternal challenge."

"An eternal challenge?"

"The self you want to be and your true self. The gap born between those two will always exist as long as the goal called 'the self you want to be' exists."

As long as you are looking upwards, the gap with the present cannot be filled. Therefore, you cannot escape the suffering and confusion caused by that gap.

In Hinako's case, it wasn't that she was looking upwards by choice.

However, the gap born between the two also exists inside Hinako. It occasionally eats away at Hinako's mind and body in the form of a fever.

...It might be an extension of that.

The current change in Hinako might essentially be the same as the fevers caused by the exhaustion from acting.

"...How did you recover from that suffering, Tennouji-san?"

"Rather than recovering, it is defiance!!"

Refreshing, Tennouji-san declared firmly.

"As a daughter of the Tennouji family, I will constantly continue to aim higher!! Therefore, this suffering will continue infinitely!! In that case, there is no point in being saddened by every little thing!!"

So Tennouji-san chose the path of continuing to aim higher over being freed from her suffering.

She's so cool...

The people capable of such defiance are surely limited.

"I would like to consult with you further, but we should probably head back soon."

Tennouji-san said while taking a quick look around. We were the only students left in the cafe. Perhaps the other students had also finished preparing for class, as the school building had fallen silent.

"Come to think of it, I had not handed this to you yet."

Saying so, Tennouji-san took a small bundle of papers out of her pocket and handed them to me.

"These are the cultural festival invitations that Yodogawa-san made for us. We plan to distribute two to each student in the entire school from now on, but we student council officers can invite an unlimited number of people. Please let me know anytime if you run out."

"Got it, thank you."

Although she said unlimited, I still have to keep it within the bounds of common sense. ...Well, to begin with, I don't have that many people I can invite.

There was at least one person I definitely wanted to invite, so I decided to meet with that person in the near future.

I also wanted to ask for advice...

◆

The next day, Saturday, I visited Yuri's house alone.

"Yo."

"Welcome."

It had been a while since I last met with Yuri in this town.

The time was 3:00 PM. I avoided lunchtime, but there were still several customers inside Hiramaru, the diner run by Yuri's family.

I made eye contact with Yuri's father, who was shaking a frying pan. Not wanting to get in the way of his work, I just gave a light bow and entered Yuri's room.

"To think you'd become the vice president of Kiou Academy~"

"Well, I worked hard."

When I answered shortly, Yuri looked at me with slightly surprised eyes.

"Ooh~, you've gotten a bit of presence. Before, you used to do that meaningless humility like, 'No, no, someone like me couldn't...'"

"...I wasn't that wimpy, was I?"

The words "meaningless humility" pierced deeply into my chest.

I need to change how I hold confidence. I remembered what Tennouji-san's father... Masatsugu-san, told me before. Confidence is one's own track record. In times of emergency, what supports you are your past actions, Masatsugu-san had said.

I already have plenty of track records.

I received an award in the Management Tournament. I was chosen as vice president in the student council election.

If I always have the "I'm still lacking" mentality, people won't follow me. From now on, as vice president, I have to lead various people, so I must hold my head high in the truest sense.

Just having the mentality of "I'll do my best from now on!" is no longer enough.

"I did my best!" ...I must become someone who can say that.

"I brought the cultural festival invitations."

To Yuri, who was sitting on a large cushion, I handed the bundle of papers I had in my bag.

When I sat on another cushion facing Yuri, my body sank in and fit perfectly. What was it called again, this overly large and comfortable beanbag cushion? I feel like they were popular a long time ago.

"You could've just given them to me at Konohana-san's house, you know. I'm going there tomorrow, remember?"

"Well, yeah, but I thought it'd be better if I handed these over to you myself."

"Hmm. ...Thanks."

Yuri feigned an indifferent attitude, but her expression softened, showing she was a little happy. For me, too, having her come to the cultural festival, and having her come pick up the invitation... felt like a guest-like distance, which I thought was lonely, so this was just right. I didn't want to just attract customers; I wanted to use the invitations to invite my friends.

Also, as expected, I wanted to consult Yuri about Hinako's change.

I considered consulting her at the estate, but while I'm at the estate, Hinako is almost always by my side. It's hard to discuss this in front of the person herself, so I wanted to change the location.

I also wanted to stay by Hinako's side as much as possible, but... the current Hinako is very quiet when she's at the estate. Judging with Shizune-san that it should be fine at this rate, and still having Shizune-san stay by her side until I return just in case, I came to meet Yuri.

"I'll give you five invitations for now, but will that be enough?"

"Hmm... By the way, is it okay to invite people from our previous school?"

People from our previous school.

In other words, people who know my true identity as a commoner.

Given my current position, inviting them carries risks. However, I had anticipated Yuri suggesting that, so...

"I thought you'd say that, so I consulted Shizune-san beforehand. Apparently, it's not a problem if it's just a few truly trustworthy people."

"Roger that. Then I'll decide who to give them to by the end of today and let you know just in case."

That would be helpful.

...I'm nervous, but I'm looking forward to it.

At my previous school, I was busy with my part-time job and had almost no time to make friends. Thanks to Yuri acting as a mediator, I wasn't completely isolated, but my relationships were sparse enough that Yuri is the only one I still keep in touch with like this.

Even if I don't necessarily want to do those days over... a few people come to mind whom I feel I could have become good friends with.

I'm excited to reunite with those people at the cultural festival.

"My parents also want to go, is that okay?"

"Absolutely fine."

Yuri's parents can be trusted.

After all, they are Yuri's parents.

"Konohana-san is in the play, right? I'm looking forward to it."

"Yeah. I occasionally peek at the practice, but I've never seen a run-through, so I'm looking forward to it too."

"Ah... the student council can't participate in the attractions, right?"

Yeah, that's right...

Student council work is rewarding, but there are times when I suddenly feel a bit lonely about it.

"Since we have the chance, want to watch it together? You're going to watch it anyway, right?"

"That sounds good, let's do that."

Watching the play with someone sounds fun too. We'd be able to share our thoughts. ...But when I watched last year's play in Kagen-san's office, I was so moved that I ironically didn't want to say anything. Well, that would be satisfying in its own way, so it's fine.

"...Just asking to be sure, but do you have free time?"

"Eh?"

"Haven't you made promises with other people?"

I haven't made that many promises, so I think I'll be fine, but...

Accompanying Narika as she helps with the traditional skills attraction.

Dancing just one song with Tennouji-san.

Aside from that, there's student council work, of course.

And as her caretaker, I have to be by Hinako's side...

(...Oh?)

I'm starting to feel like I won't have any time to rest.

"...That might be bad."

"Sigh, what did I tell you."

Yuri sighed.

"If it gets too tight, just tell me. I can just go around with someone else."

"No, but I want to go around with you, Yuri..."

".....................................Then make some time for me."

Looking away, Yuri said.

For us who are pushing forward toward our goals, opportunities to relax are precious. I want to spend time together at least on occasions like this.

"By the way, Yuri."

"What is it?"

"There's something I want to consult you about."

"You really come to me for advice every single time, huh."

Because... she's reliable...

Also, because she isn't at Kiou Academy, it conversely makes it easier to consult her. There are surprisingly few people around me right now who can offer opinions from the perspective of a commoner like myself.

"...Yuri, do you think you're the type to have two sides to yourself?"

"I don't think so."

Right~~...

What should I do? It's hard to ask for advice without showing her the real thing.

"How should I put it, I want to talk about acting..."

"Acting... Does it have to do with the cultural festival play?"

"Well, something like that."

"Hmm. ...Konohana-san is working hard for the cultural festival play too. Just the other day, she asked me to lend her some acting-related manga because she wanted to use them as reference."

Is that so...

But, that reason is probably a lie. Hinako isn't struggling much with acting for the play. I accompanied her practice a few times, and she seemed to have grasped the trick right away.

In other words, Hinako had been worrying since around that time.

About her true self, and the perfect young lady.

"When did this happen?"

"Ummm... It was this past Wednesday."

That was the day I started speaking to everyone in the class using my normal tone.

For a moment, Narika's prediction crossed my mind. The theory that she got jealous because I started talking to everyone in my normal tone. ...But if that were the cause, wouldn't it result in a change where she gets more clingy to me or something? Although it's really awkward for me to say it myself.

"What kind of manga did you lend her?"

"Just a common one, you know? Where the protagonist joins the drama club and becomes unparalleled."

...Well, it might be common, but...

Hinako had always been negative towards acting. It was only natural, considering it made her suffer high fevers. However, what if Hinako, who is like that, read a manga that portrayed acting positively? Her values might have been violently shaken.

Something she thought had no value, actually had value.

I also felt that shock just recently.

That one sentence Narika spoke. —I kind of like the current Konohana-san in her own way too. Those words had been lingering in my head, but I finally understood the reason for it now.

It was the first time.

That everyone recognized the value of the real Hinako, rather than the perfect young lady.

Recently, Hinako's lazy appearance has been accepted under the excuse of play practice, but that is ultimately only recognized for its value in making the play a success. However, Tennouji-san and Narika's reactions were different. Those two evaluated the lazy Hinako as a unique individual personality.

I found that mysterious... and I also felt happy about it.

Isn't that exactly what Hinako wanted to know?

...Maybe.

Maybe Hinako wondered, What would happen if I showed my true self? Seeing me show my true self, perhaps she wanted to see what would happen in her case.

Her true self, and the perfect young lady act. She wanted to ascertain the value of each, didn't she?

...I feel like I'm hitting the mark.

But, if that's the case... how long does she intend to keep this up?

Ultimately, what does Hinako need to confirm before she's satisfied and returns to normal?

(...Could it be that she doesn't intend to return to normal anymore?)

I didn't think she would have such a sudden change of heart, but I realized anew that there is no guarantee Hinako will return to the way she was before.

Judging from how things went at the tea party, if things stay like this, Hinako's true nature will definitely be found out. If that happens, surely even Kagen-san won't be able to stay quiet.

It's already been half a year since I became her caretaker. I have continuously felt the heavy responsibility borne by the Konohana family firsthand through the backs of Hinako and Kagen-san. If Hinako doesn't return to normal, the foundation of the Konohana family will be greatly shaken. When that happens, what will become of me and those around Hinako... I can't even imagine.

However, even so...

(Then telling her to 'go back' is not what a caretaker does.)

There are already more than enough people to tell her that.

If we consider the sake of the Konohana family, it's better for Hinako to return to normal. I understand that. But, wouldn't that leave the real Hinako isolated?

...I want to talk things over with Hinako at least once.

But, how?

It seems Hinako thinks her current state is natural, too.

"Hmm..."

"You're deep in thought, huh~"

Yuri watched over me as I massaged the wrinkles between my eyebrows, without prying into it herself.

This kind of consideration is much appreciated.

"...If anything, I want to talk about acting in human relationships, rather than in a play."

Saying so, I looked at Yuri's face.

"You probably don't act much in front of people, do you, Yuri?"

"Obviously. I can't be bothered to do something so troublesome."

"...Isn't it just that you lack the skill to act?"

"What did you say?"

"Sorry, sorry, it's a joke, so stop the Iron Claw, owowowowowowow!!"

Befitting a cook, she kept her nails short, but also befitting a cook, her finger strength seemed to be well-trained, and my face was squeezed with great force.

Those arms are meant for cooking, they shouldn't be for hurting people...!!

"...Even I put on a bit of a front in front of people other than you, you know."

Yuri said, looking embarrassed.

"I mean, even you change your stance somewhat depending on the person, right? For example, isn't your attitude when you're with me different from your attitude when you're with Konohana-san?"

"...Now that you mention it, yeah. In my case, I feel like I can show my true self the most when I'm with you, Yuri."

I learned about this area at the company I visited during the Management Tournament, too.

We switch our attitudes as a matter of course. Cheerful topics with energetic people, and calm topics with quiet people. We should be doing this normally, but when we get nervous, we tend to forget that and strangely try to stick to our own ego.

This level of switching attitudes might not be called acting. In reality, I can definitely show my true self the most when talking to Yuri, but that doesn't mean I feel exhausted talking to other people.

But Hinako might be different.

For Hinako, it might be an acting performance so grand that she has to create something like another personality.

As I was thinking such things, Yuri floated a smirking smile.

"What's with that face."

"Noothing~~. Just thinking, so the person you show your true self to the most is me, huh~~."

Ugh... I shouldn't have said it.

Since they were words that naturally slipped out of my mouth, it's hard to deny them now.

"...It's me for you too anyway, right?"

"H-Huh!? W-W-W-I haven't said a single word like that!!"

"So I'm wrong?"

"Ugh."

Yuri choked on her words.

"............W-Well, um... It is you, but..."

"See?"

"Shut up!! Don't look at me!!"

Oho~~? Your face seems quite red, doesn't it~~?

I wanted to savor the pleasant feeling of reversing the situation a little more, but I remembered that I wanted to have a serious consultation.

"For example, let's say,"

Perhaps sensing the serious atmosphere over here, Yuri looked at me with her face still red.

"If you were to do the opposite of what you've done until now... put on an innocent act in front of me, and show your true self to everyone else, what do you think would be the cause of that?"

"...So you're asking, if I were to put on an innocent act in front of you, what would be the reason?"

"Yeah."

I am aware that I asked a difficult question.

I silently waited for Yuri as she thought for a while.

"Hmm... Well, what normally comes to mind is that our relationship soured and we distanced ourselves from each other, right?"

"...You and me?"

"Unlikely, right."

"Not going to happen."

We might have the occasional fight, but I can't envision a future where our relationship becomes that distant and formal.

And the same can be said for Hinako.

If the relationship between me and Hinako were to be severed, the difference in family status would likely be the cause. But I have been making an effort every day to avoid that, and recently, the results have been steadily showing. At the very least, I feel family status has nothing to do with Hinako's change this time.

"Anything else?"

"Hmm... This is also kind of hard to imagine, but..."

Yuri answered, looking a little hesitant to say it.

"............Because if I act sweet and innocent, you'd be more likely to fall for me, maybe?"

Yuri said in a softer voice than usual, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Fall for..."

"L-L-Like as in, you know!? As a p-p-person, okay!? Don't get the wrong idea, alright!?"

"I know that, but..."

"............Maybe I should just spill everything right now."

Yuri suddenly put on a serious face.

Because I was deep in thought, I didn't really remember what I had just said. Did I say something weird...?

"But, isn't that exhausting? Feigning innocence to get people to like you..."

I knew very well the hardship of wearing a mask to be liked by people, because I've been watching Hinako.

However, Yuri did not sympathize,

"Is it really?"

Floating a warm smile, Yuri said.

"If it's for someone you like, acting a little bit isn't a pain at all. ...Especially for girls."

◆

When I returned to the estate, it was already time for dinner. Given the hour, Yuri had suggested I eat at Hiramaru before leaving, but I was worried about how Hinako was doing, so I came back.

Passing through the entrance, my eyes met Shizune-san's as she was giving instructions to the maids.

"I'm back."

"Welcome back, Itsuki-san."

"How is Hinako doing?"

At my question, Shizune-san paused for just a split second.

As if to say that something unbelievable was happening.

"The young lady is currently helping Kagen-sama with his work."

For a second, my mind went blank.

She's even studying independently after returning to the estate. It's true that if it's the current Hinako, it wouldn't be unnatural for her to do such a thing... I see, she's gone that far, huh.

Since both of them were apparently in the office, I decided to at least go show my face. If I was in the way, I could just leave immediately.

"Excuse me."

I knocked on the office door. Hearing Kagen-san's reply of "Come in," I opened it.

"Oh, Tomonari-kun. Welcome back."

"...I'm home."

From the desk next to Kagen-san, Hinako smiled sweetly at me.

She really is helping with his work...

When I looked toward Kagen-san, our eyes met. He looked slightly bewildered. As expected, even Kagen-san seemed to be at a loss on how to handle this Hinako.

"Father, since he is here, shall we have Tomonari-kun help with the work as well?"

Because Hinako nonchalantly made such a proposal, I was startled.

"No, but aren't there company secrets and stuff..."

"...I do not mind. You are not the type to go around spreading rumors, are you?"

I feel like spreading rumors isn't the issue here, but...

...I guess it's too late for that now.

I am already someone who has participated in a general shareholders' meeting under a falsified identity. If this is an invitation into a gray zone paved with trust and expectations, I should just focus on responding to it and, if possible, using it as a learning experience.

Kagen-san tapped the laptop on his desk with his finger, so I went to receive it. Then Hinako, this time, gently patted her own desk with her palm.

"Tomonari-kun, right this way, please."

"...Yeah."

Carrying the laptop, I went next to Hinako.

...To think I would end up doing the Konohana Group's work shoulder-to-shoulder with Hinako.

I placed the laptop on the desk that a servant had probably brought in for Hinako. There was a spare chair leaning against the wall, so I decided to use it.

...Why is there a spare chair?

Could it be that Hinako intended to have me help with the work from the very beginning?

So that I could study about the Konohana Group?

...Am I overthinking this?

I opened the laptop and prepared for work. Meanwhile, Hinako and Kagen-san were proceeding with theirs.

"Father, regarding the improvement of shared services, there were a few opinions from investors, so I have summarized them here."

"You can ignore the BPO proposals. Lighting a fire under our rotting governance structure is the top priority. Please prepare an explanation outlining the grounds that ensure our uniqueness."

Whoa...

This is bad... I can barely understand what they're saying.

I know they're talking about managing group companies. Shared services... if I recall correctly, it means consolidating miscellaneous tasks like accounting and general affairs, which are scattered across subsidiaries, into a single department.

BPO means outsourcing that. And governance refers to management audits, so... in short, the investors are proposing to outsource the miscellaneous tasks, but Kagen-san wants to utilize the existing departments.

Okay, okay... If I take my time, I should be able to keep up. When the recall cover-up of Hinako's company was discovered during the Management Tournament, I'm glad I seriously studied up on group company management.

When I opened the laptop, there was a file currently being worked on. I guess I just need to help with this.

(A transfer simulation of various tasks aimed at improving shared services... it really feels like a corporate executive's job.)

It seems they want to calculate exactly how much benefit can be gained by centrally managing the miscellaneous tasks scattered across group companies. Once this is completed, it should be easy to gain the approval of the group company employees, not to mention the investors.

"Itsuki-kun, is there anything you don't understand?"

"I'm fine. I'll try completing it for now."

The targets of the shared services are four companies. All of them recently joined the group.

Hmm... I see. I thought it was strange that the world-renowned Konohana Group had such poor management strategies as a whole, but their subsidiaries have increased through repeated spin-offs and M&As, making them difficult to manage.

It's like regular maintenance and inspection in management, huh. If that's the case, they've probably repeated this work many times, so there should be something like a procedure manual. When I searched for it... oh, there it is. I'll try proceeding while reading this for now, and if it seems too difficult, I'll ask Kagen-san.

As we silently focused on our work, a long silence hung over the office.

However, my concentration didn't last that long.

(...What about Hinako?)

I wonder if Hinako is able to concentrate.

Thinking that, I glanced next to me, and Hinako, noticing my gaze, turned around and our eyes met. After floating a gentle smile, Hinako stared at the monitor again and focused on her work.

That figure is exactly the ideal for those who worry about the future of the Konohana family.

But, what does Hinako herself think?

Her slender fingers, delicate back, and eyes tinged with a certain transience. Is this really the ideal for Hinako, a hard worker who tends to push herself too much? I wonder if thinking that is just my ego after all.

...It might be ego.

I remembered what Yuri told me.

The possibility that all my anxieties were just groundless fears sprang up.

"Hinako, please hand these documents to Shizune."

"Certainly."

Hinako, who was handed the documents by Kagen-san, respectfully bowed in front of the door and left the room.

"...Phew."

Immediately after being left alone with me, Kagen-san let out a deep sigh.

I stopped my work and looked at Kagen-san. Kagen-san also interrupted his work and gazed at the ceiling diagonally above him while leaning his weight against the backrest.

Seeing that atmosphere, I guessed it.

Kagen-san had Hinako leave the room so he could talk with just the two of us.

"It is a strange story. The previous me should have seen the current Hinako as the ideal, yet..."

Kagen-san said, as if muttering to himself.

That's right. When I first met him, Kagen-san wanted Hinako to be the perfect young lady more than anything else. But now, those values seemed to be wavering.

Everyone has changed since back then. Me, Hinako, Shizune-san, and Kagen-san too.

"...Regarding Hinako at the academy, several people are starting to catch on to her true personality. In order of how deeply they interact with her, I believe she will be found out eventually."

"I see. ...Either way, once the cultural festival is over, the excuse of play practice will no longer be usable. She will have to return to normal by then, but..."

Having said that much, Kagen-san gazed at the door Hinako had exited from.

"...Regardless of that, I am surprised to find a part of myself thinking that things cannot stay this way."

Kagen-san massaged the wrinkles between his eyebrows.

As her caretaker, Kagen-san's statement just now made me happy. Setting aside the matters of the Konohana family, Kagen-san told me he felt resistance to leaving the current Hinako as she is. That feeling, which only I used to harbor in the past, I was now able to share with Kagen-san.

"...Perhaps, the current Hinako overlapped with my wife."

Kagen-san's face as he quietly muttered looked lonely.

"Forgive my rudeness, but Hinako's mother has already..."

"Passed away, yes. When that child was five years old."

"...I offer my condolences."

Kagen-san spoke calmly, but it was clearer than day that his inner feelings were complex. The ring still worn on his ring finger told the tale.

But, when Hinako was five...

I've heard that age somewhere before.

If I recall...

"...That is the same time Takuma-san started living in a separate estate, isn't it."

"...You know it well."

When Hinako first got a fever and collapsed in front of me, Shizune-san told me.

Takuma-san left the house when Hinako was about five and started living in a separate estate.

"Was Takuma-san's separation triggered by her mother's death?"

"...That is correct."

Her mother's death, and Takuma-san's separation. Perhaps it was unexpected that those two connected within me; Kagen-san began to speak in a resigned manner.

"This is a private matter rather than a matter of the Konohana family, so I will omit the details for now, but... my wife's cause of death was overwork."

Lowering his gaze, Kagen-san continued.

"She was a person who kept telling me, 'You are fine just the way you are,' as I suffered from the pressure of my position after being adopted into the family as a son-in-law. ...However, her good nature was taken advantage of."

Kagen-san intertwined his fingers.

I didn't miss him gently touching his ring for just a split second.

"My wife's death gave our family a turning point. I decided to become a cog in the Konohana Group, and Takuma, conversely, began to question the structure of the Konohana family. And Hinako, who was young at the time, began to play the perfect young lady on my orders."

It seems the daily lives of the remaining family members changed because of Kagen-san's wife's death.

That makes sense. Even Hinako hasn't been acting since she was born. There had to be a trigger somewhere that made it necessary for her to do so.

"...Umm, may I ask a very rude question?"

"You being rude did not just start today."

Eh...

...I thought I was inexperienced, but I hadn't anticipated being thought of as rude.

As I felt a bit down, Kagen-san sighed.

"However, sometimes people cannot understand each other unless they step in knowing that. ...You always pay attention to the timing of when you step in, and that is conveyed to me as well. Do not worry unnecessarily."

...Is he being tsundere?

I don't need to ask such questions anymore... Kagen-san was saying that.

Then, I'll take him up on his offer and step in.

"Even though your wife died from overwork, you still force Hinako into such unreasonable acting?"

To the extent that she gets fevers and becomes bedridden...

Anyone can see that Kagen-san still thinks about his deceased wife even now. If so, I thought it was unnatural for him to force such a heavy burden onto Hinako.

However, at my question, Kagen-san chuckled lightly.

"True overwork is nothing like that. ...That is the best measure to prevent it from happening."

I caught a glimpse of deep darkness in the back of Kagen-san's eyes.

True overwork. It might be a hell that draws a clear line from just getting a fever or becoming bedridden.

...It's only natural.

Because someone dies from it.

"I doubt it, but you do not think I force Hinako to act because I like to, do you?"

"...Of course not."

At the high society gathering right after I returned as her caretaker, I asked Kagen-san a question.

Does it have to be Hinako? —I asked.

In response, Kagen-san indeed answered like this:

If there was a replacement, I would jump at it myself. —He said.

"You possessed a talent similar to Takuma's, didn't you."

Kagen-san beckoned me.

When I approached, Kagen-san moved his computer monitor and showed it to me.

"These are reports submitted from group companies. The contents vary from new businesses, capital investments, accounting audits, and so on, but well, take a look."

I didn't understand his intent, but because I was purely interested, I read through the reports without feeling any particular doubts.

There were various reports from various group companies.

The industries, formats, and contents were all different, but... there was only one thing common to them all.

"...Huh?"

What is this?

What is this horrifying desire?

My talent to look behind the data, which was recognized by Takuma-san, was reacting.

The faces of the executives lurking in the depths of these reports.

Their despicable mugs—.

—I want to profit.

I could hear the roars of beasts driven by greed.

I want to earn. I want to act important. I want to boast. I want to snatch away. I want to dominate. I want to monopolize. I want to stand at the top. I want to kick others down. I want to squeeze them dry. I want to laugh. I want to take it easy. I want to play.

A tremendous vortex of personal greed.

The executives lurking behind this are thinking of nothing but indulging in pleasure.

It is boundlessly................ ugly.

"Ugh."

Feeling a desire far too intense, it brought on a wave of nausea.

It was a discomfort as if my face had suddenly been shoved into a gutter. It made me want to cry.

"...You have the exact same reaction as Takuma did in the past."

Seeing me cover my mouth, Kagen-san poured a look of sympathy upon me.

Because I experienced the Management Tournament, I know.

This is hard to call healthy management. To be blunt, it is bizarre.

The Konohana Group is abnormal.

"As expected, at this level, even I feel something. The upper echelons of the Konohana Group are full of these sly, old monsters."

Kagen-san said as he closed his laptop.

"To cross swords with monsters, we have no choice but to work recklessly and continuously produce results. Me resolving to become a cog means exactly that, and..."

Kagen-san announced with a complex face.

"...Because I alone am lacking in power, Hinako has been dragged into this."

At his quiet way of speaking, I fell silent.

That was probably a confession.

Letting me hear that was Kagen-san's own form of sincerity.

"Please return Hinako to normal. I would rather have her spend her time slovenly in this estate than have her expose her true self outside."

Kagen-san bowed his head.

It wasn't just courtesy towards me. His head looked as though it were currently being crushed by the remorse of his own lack of power.

Until just a moment ago, Kagen-san was worrying about the current Hinako in a place unrelated to the Konohana family. But his position doesn't allow him to act on emotion. That's why he cast his emotions aside and asked me.

That the Konohana family is in danger if things stay like this, so please help him. ...Swallowing the words that he was worried as a father.

I owe Kagen-san a great debt of gratitude.

Since being picked up by the Konohana family, everything in my life has changed. Through precious encounters and precious experiences, I believe I have grown a size or two as a person.

Therefore, if it is possible, I want to compensate for Kagen-san's lack of power.

I think so, but even so...

"I'm sorry, I cannot make that promise."

Kagen-san was astonished. He must have thought that our goals aligned this time around.

In fact, until a little while ago, I harbored the same anxieties as Kagen-san.

Isn't it bad if things stay like this?

Won't this be painful for Hinako?

But, by talking with Yuri, a different possibility came into view.

Perhaps, what I need to feel... is not anxiety.

"Instead, I can promise something else."

What I should do is much simpler.

"No matter what happens, I alone will continue to stay by Hinako's side."

I will stay close to Hinako for the share that Kagen-san is enduring due to the constraints of his position. If it's compensating for his lack of power in that way, the current me should be able to do it.

Thinking about it now, there was no need to overthink difficult things.

I am Hinako's caretaker.

That is all I need to remember.

◆

Leaving the office, as I walked down the hallway asking the passing servants if they had seen Hinako, I found Hinako walking towards me from the end of the hall.

"Hinako."

"Tomonari-kun? Have you already finished helping Father?"

"Ah... well, yeah."

I can't say... I left because it got awkward.

Well, I advanced it to a good stopping point, so I don't think there's any problem, though.

"This is perfect timing. Tomonari-kun, do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? It's Sunday, so I don't have anything in particular, but..."

"Then, would you like to go watch a play?"

A play? As I tilted my head, Hinako explained the reason.

"I received tickets from a classmate, saying they might serve as a reference. They told me it's fine if I only go if I have free time, but they are good seats, and since it's a rare opportunity, I thought I would like to watch it with you, Tomonari-kun."

I understood the situation.

However, I was surprised by the fact that Hinako wanted to go out on a day off itself.

I see... The usual Hinako wouldn't try to go outside even if she had to cling to the walls to stay in, but if it's the perfect young lady, it wouldn't be strange for her to think it's more meaningful to go out on a day off.

"Sure. But are you fine with me? If you want to use it as a reference for the play, rather than me, a classmate participating in the play would be..."

"If studying were the only goal, that might be true, but..."

Hinako said, looking slightly embarrassed.

"It is a day off, so I am going to prioritize having fun."

"...I see."

As a result of prioritizing having fun, she chose me?

I should say I'm happy, or honored, or a little embarrassed...

...This is perfect timing.

Actually, I was also thinking of doing something with Hinako tomorrow. I was wondering if there was something we could do at the estate, but it's more convenient for me if she goes outside with me.

"Then, let's go watch the play together tomorrow."

"Yes, I am looking forward to it."

I silently stared at Hinako's brightly smiling face.

I harbored various anxieties because Hinako became like this. I consulted Shizune-san, consulted Tennouji-san, consulted Narika, consulted Yuri, and talked with Kagen-san too.

And finally, a conclusion was reached within me.

Why didn't I just do this from the start?

I decided to fully and unreservedly enjoy the days spent with the perfect young lady.

◆

The next day. We traveled to the theater in a car provided by the Konohana family.

After getting out of the car, Hinako and I headed to our destination together.

"So this is the theater..."

In an elegant cityscape lined with offices and commercial facilities, the theater looked as if it fit perfectly like a piece of a puzzle.

True to its reputation as one of the country's premier historic theaters, it was just a flat building in shape, but the glossy black pillars and subdued brown window frames exuded a sense of luxury. The clientele being sucked into the building were mostly dressed-up madames.

"Have you ever been inside, Hinako?"

"A few times. But it is not as if I am used to it."

It might have been consideration for the nervous me, but in reality, she didn't seem used to it. The usual Hinako sleeps whenever there's a chance, and rarely goes out except for socializing.

Well then, let's head right in... before that happened, I checked my wristwatch.

"...There's still time until the performance."

On top of discussing going early just in case, combined with the thought that we would probably wander around sightseeing locally, we arrived a whole two hours early. As expected, we came too early.

As I was thinking of how to kill time, Hinako pointed to a tall building nearby.

"How about killing time at that department store over there?"

"Let's do that."

As we moved, I felt like several adults nearby moved along with us. The Konohana family's SPs were probably secretly watching over us.

This area is a high-end brand district, so the scenery is neat, but with heavy foot traffic, you couldn't say the public safety was definitively good. There were quite a lot of foreigners, and taxis carrying them were coming and going.

...I should casually walk on the street side.

Pretending to be interested in a shop across the road, I secretly switched places with Hinako.

Then, Hinako immediately smiled softly and said,

"Thank you."

I was found out in an instant...

That's undeniably embarrassing. I want to be able to escort her naturally like this.

The pedestrian crossing turned red, so we stopped. Having nothing to do, I unintentionally looked towards Hinako, and my eyes became glued to her.

"Tomonari-kun, is something the matter?"

"No, um..."

Come to think of it, I hadn't said it yet, so I declared it anew right here and now.

"Those clothes look really good on you."

The usual Hinako prefers rough and easy-to-move-in outfits, but today's Hinako, unlike before, was wearing a dress decorated with fine ruffles. The chocolate-like brown and check pattern produced an elegant and girly feel.

"Thank you. It was worth the effort."

Hinako blushed happily.

I won't say it out loud, but today's outing was undoubtedly a date, and seeing Hinako put in the effort for that date made my heart fiercely shake.

She might have just put in the effort out of courtesy, but there is a part of me that selfishly imagines something more. The clothes as well, but the faintly applied makeup and the smoothly combed hair were clearly things that took time to prepare.

Averting my eyes from Hinako to hide my agitation, we headed to the department store.

Entering the department store, which was as historic as the theater, I unintentionally stopped at its tranquil atmosphere.

"Come to think of it, this is my first time entering a department store."

"Is that so?"

Hinako made a face as if she had seen something rare.

I feel like it's rarer for a high school student to be used to department stores... no, I wonder? Could it be that Yuri and the others are normally used to frequenting them?

Even before becoming a caretaker, I lived a life that was hard to call normal, so I sometimes lose track of normal sensibilities.

"Does the Konohana Group have department stores too?"

"The group does not have any. However, there are companies that operate commercial facilities of a similar scale."

"That was Konohana Estate, right? A pretty large company even within the group."

"My, so you studied for me."

Well, yeah.

Partly because I've earned Kagen-san's trust, I've been advancing my studies of the Konohana Group recently.

The calm atmosphere of the department store had something unique to it. ...Jewelry, watches, and the other products lined up were all first-class brand items, so if you were to accidentally bump into them and drop them on the floor, the blood would undoubtedly drain from your face.

Because of that, you rarely see young children, and it felt like elegant people who wouldn't be intimidated by brand-name goods were the central figures shaping this calm atmosphere. This vibe... is somewhat similar to Kiou Academy.

And I am on the side of the intimidated people.

Looking at the clothes lined up in the apparel shop, I let out a small sigh.

(Everything is expensive...)

But probably, the clothes Hinako is wearing right now are even more expensive...

As I was thinking such things, Hinako peered into my face.

"Do you want clothes?"

"No, it's not like that, but... the prices."

I ended up pouring my gaze onto the price tags instead of the products.

Seeing me like that, Hinako tilted her head curiously.

"But Tomonari-kun, you are earning money, correct? I haven't wondered about it until now, but... what do you usually spend it on?"

"..."

It finally came, huh, that question.

Just as Hinako said, I'm actually earning a decent amount. A caretaker's salary is 20,000 yen a day. Since there are no days off, I get 600,000 yen every month, and on top of that, because I live in, rent and food expenses are covered. It's such favorable conditions that a new employee would feel murderous intent if they heard it.

Normally, my savings would pile up... they are supposed to pile up.

"...Um, I buy suits to use in high society, shoes, and also wristwatches."

"? The outfits used for work should be provided for you, though."

"That's true, but I can't calm down in the provided clothes. Because of the price, I end up thinking about what I'd do if I stained them and various other things... So lately, I just have Shizune-san pick out the type, and I pay for them myself."

Because of that, I don't actually have that much money to spare.

"If you are satisfied with that, Tomonari-kun, then I do not mind, but... the money you earn from working is meant to be spent on yourself, you know?"

"Ugh."

I felt like my poor man's nature was pointed out, and it's very embarrassing.

I thought she would say something like that, which is why I wanted to keep it a secret.

But, the suits provided by the Konohana family cost around 200,000 or 300,000 yen, so when I go to buffet-style high society parties, I get so desperate not to stain my clothes that I can't enjoy the food... I can't be distracted and neglect my manners either, so I reluctantly started buying them myself, but it's true that this is hard to call shopping to satisfy myself.

(Come to think of it, I... haven't really shopped for myself much.)

When I was a struggling student, I was literally earning money from part-time jobs just to survive.

"This is something I will have to teach you, isn't it."

Abruptly, Hinako brimmed with motivation.

"Until the play starts, let's buy one thing in this department store. Today is a day for accompanying you on your shopping, Tomonari-kun."

A weird objective has been added...

But, it might be a good opportunity.

The one standing next to me right now is Hinako, who has become the perfect young lady. Normally I'm the one taking care of her, and I'm satisfied with that, but... maybe I'll have her tag along with me for once.

I decided to accept Hinako's kindness.

◆

"First is clothes, of course."

"Clothes, huh..."

The first store. The first thing we focused on was the apparel shop right in front of us.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't interested. Since becoming a caretaker, for better or worse, I've started wearing clothes from various brands.

However, that is limited to formal social settings, and it's a bit different from the fashion or trends that a normal high school student imagines. What I harbor an interest in is strictly suits and leather shoes, not denim, blousons, or sneakers.

To begin with, since Hinako is an indoor type, the fact that I didn't need to buy a wardrobe of casual clothes for going outside is a big factor.

Taking this opportunity, buying at least one outfit should be fine.

(...When we stand side-by-side, my side lacks individuality, too.)

I looked at our figures reflected in the mirror.

In contrast to Hinako's girly coordinated outfit, I was in a simple shirt and slacks.

"Shall we try on the ones that caught your eye?"

"Since we're here, why don't you try something on too, Hinako? You'll be bored just waiting, right?"

"No, just the thought of seeing your various outfits is fun to me, Tomonari-kun."

Is that so...

In that case, without holding back―――― I'll try on a bunch of things!!

I took the clothes that caught my eye into the fitting room one after another.

First, a safe styling of a jacket and jeans!

"My, it suits you very well."

A relaxed styling using a shirt one size larger!

"I think it is fresh and nice."

A slightly bad-boy styling combining a hoodie and swishy pants!

"Hehe... that one is, a little... hehehe."

A sexy styling combining a tank top and a see-through shirt!

"It would be better if you stopped."

I might have chosen clothes too haphazardly.

I put on all the clothes I had on hand for now, so I closed the fitting room curtain and picked up the clothes I was originally wearing.

"Tomonari-kun, could you put on the first outfit again?"

"? Sure, but..."

Dropping my familiar slacks to the floor again, I put on the jacket and jeans once more.

When I opened the curtain, a shutter clicked from the smartphone Hinako was holding up.

"Personally, this one suited you the best, so let's have Shizune take a look just in case."

I see, that's a good strategy.

Hinako operated her smartphone and sent a message to Shizune-san.

"Ah, a reply came."

Isn't that too fast?

Shizune-san... are you working?

Hinako showed me the screen, so we checked Shizune-san's reply together.

"The young lady's sense is correct but considering Itsuki-san's physique I think it would be fine to go down one size for both top and bottom since recent trends have intense shifts between formal and casual it is safe to secure the middle ground but if a high school student dabbles in casual poorly they cannot wipe away a childish impression and especially since I think Itsuki-san has baby-faced features it would be better to unify it with a clean coordinate here and neutralize the plain-ish atmosphere with accessories—"

"Whoa."

I accidentally said "whoa."

Ignoring the recoiling me, Hinako was smiling happily.

"This is the first time I've seen such a long text from Shizune."

"Did you not have these kinds of exchanges before I became a caretaker?"

"Yes. ...Since you came, Tomonari-kun, Shizune has been acting more freely."

Well, she even wears cosplay and asks for photoshoots now, after all...

"Would you like to try buying something, using Shizune's advice as a reference?"

"That sounds good too, but... if I'm going to buy clothes anyway, it might be better after I study more. I don't know anything about trends."

"That is true. There is no need to rush, so shall we save the clothes for another time?"

Through Shizune-san's enthusiasm, I felt like I caught a glimpse of the profundity of the world of clothing. I thought it would be better for a beginner to act like a beginner and do proper research before buying. If you make a mistake shopping for clothes, it's hard to fix.

"For the next store... how about something like this?"

After going up the escalator, the second store Hinako guided me to was...

"...Furniture, huh."

Sofas, beds, tables, and so on; various furniture spread out as far as the eye could see. It seemed a mass furniture retailer occupied half of this floor.

This might be good.

Since becoming a caretaker, I've spent all my time in a servant's room, but it's about time I could add some new interior decor. I know that some of the servants decorate their own rooms with paintings or houseplants.

There was a table to my liking, so I approached it and looked at the price tag.

(So friggin' expensiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive!!)

I unintentionally looked up at the ceiling.

Thinking calmly, furniture is originally quite an expensive purchase. Moreover, since it's inside a department store, the quality is top tier. A single table costing 200,000 or 300,000 yen was the norm in this world.

...But probably, the furniture in the estate costs even more than this.

If anything, the desk that was in my room from the beginning seems like it costs about this much.

"They have a rich assortment of Ortega patterns..."

Hinako was looking at the rugs with deep interest.

Seeing that, I unintentionally called out to her.

"Do you like this kind of stuff, Hinako?"

"I do. With these patterns, due to the manufacturing method, many of them are once-in-a-lifetime encounters..."

"No, I'm not talking about the pattern."

To Hinako, who turned around, I continued.

"The play after this is like that too, but seeing you look so happy when looking at clothes and furniture, I was wondering if you like things like art appreciation."

Hinako was also the one who brought up going to the play. The fact that she prioritized having fun over using it as a reference must mean she was interested in the play.

"I think... I like them."

To my question, the perfect young lady thought for a little before answering.

"...Yes, I like them. Paintings enrich the heart, and music shakes the heart. I like art that leaves something in the heart."

Hinako carefully picked up her own feelings and put them into words.

But, were those truly words from her heart?

Before declaring that she liked art, Hinako took just a little bit of time. ...Wasn't she thinking whether a hobby like art was fitting for the perfect young lady?

(...Whoops, my bad.)

I decided to think about all that after everything was over.

For now, I will face the Hinako in front of me.

"Was there anything to your liking?"

"Hmm... sorry, reaching for this price range right off the bat is going to make my heart stop."

"I think it is fine for everyone to have their own sense of money."

She followed up for me...

Even if the furniture I use in the estate is of higher quality, I don't seem ready to brace myself to buy this store's furniture with my own wallet yet.

"Tomonari-kun, shall we go here next?"

Pointing at the directory board in front of the escalator, Hinako suggested.

The third store. The place we headed to was...

"...Tableware, huh."

Living up to the department store quality, there were many brand items lined up that are often used in the estate as well. Compared to the other stores, it had a glamorous appearance, but looking closely, the prices varied wildly, and there were many cheap items in the antique corner.

"Wedgwood, Meissen, Noritake... they have the classic brands stocked."

"Like at the academy too, rich people are pretty particular about tea utensils and vases, aren't they."

"They certainly have artistic value, but if anything, the purpose is entertaining guests. We should also be prioritizing spending money on those kinds of things at our home."

From my perspective, it looks like there is no order of priority, and everything in the estate is a luxury item... but considering the purpose is entertaining guests, items like tea utensils and vases might have a similar role to the paintings and ornaments decorating the hallways.

I felt like I understood the reason for spending money on them.

"The interior of the company is the same. For floors where guests frequently visit, they hire designers to make it luxurious and stylish. Conversely, on floors where guests do not come, they cut costs, and it often ends up with a modest appearance."

"Huh~"

"Occasionally, complaints from employees come because of that. 'Why is that floor stylish, while this floor is plain!' ...Like that. Usually, the cause is just the difference of whether guests come or not, but the effort to get the employees to understand is necessary."

I nodded along to Hinako's polite explanation.

Now that she mentions it, I have the image that the interior of a manufacturer's factory and their office are different too. For a factory, I imagine employees in work clothes and rugged floors and walls, while for an office, I have the image of salespeople in suits working at clean-looking desks.

Getting employees to understand this kind of thing... must be tough.

It would be nice if they could adjust it with benefits like salary or vacation days, though.

"That's informative."

"I thought you might like this kind of talk as well, Tomonari-kun, so I tried speaking about it a little."

I vaguely thought that might be the case.

And that prediction was spot on. For me, who wants to become a consultant in the future, the talk just now was very interesting.

(She truly is... perfect.)

Before I knew it, my heart, which had been flighty dealing with a Hinako different from usual, was also calm. That's how well Hinako had chosen a topic that interested me.

"If you'd like, would you want to tour the group's companies sometime? I believe Father would allow it if it is you, Tomonari-kun."

"I'm happy for the sentiment, but I have some resistance to utilizing something so privilege-like. I don't want to get in the way of the employees either..."

"However, I think taking a look at the environment you will work in the future will be a good learning experience, you know?"

"Work in the future...?"

At the words Hinako casually announced, I tilted my head.

Then Hinako's face turned red, and she fell silent.

"............I am sorry, I got ahead of myself."

Seeing that reaction, I realized my own face was turning red too.

In Hinako's mind, it seems it was already a decided matter that I would work at the Konohana Group in the future.

How should I say it... it's ticklish.

"If anything, you are on the coffee side, aren't you, Tomonari-kun?"

"Yeah."

I like black tea too, but since coffee can be used to wake me up, I tend to drink it more often.

Being drawn to its function rather than its taste means I can't really call myself a coffee lover, but...

"In that case, pottery or stoneware is recommended."

"...Are you talking about the materials?"

"Yes. Among these tea utensils, there is pottery made of clay, porcelain made of stone, and stoneware which is in between. Like this..."

Hinako picked up two cups lined up on the shelf.

"The thick one is pottery, and the thin one is porcelain. You may use whichever you like, but I think the thick one feels more right for coffee. It also retains heat well."

"I see. ...A class doing a cafe for the cultural festival requested two types of cups, and I was wondering why, but so that was the reason."

The cups used for coffee and black tea are different. I vaguely knew that, but I hadn't been conscious of what criteria they were separated by.

The two are also different in color tone. The thin cups often used for black tea... porcelain, frequently have brightly colored patterns like flowers and small birds applied to them. On the other hand, the thick pottery is basically dyed in a single color, but it looks like variations are produced through the dyeing method.

(...Having preferences in luxury items is, somehow, cool.)

It gives a sense of having leeway in one's heart.

Why is Hinako called the perfect young lady? The reason might be because she can enjoy this kind of conversation. Merely having good grades shouldn't be enough to be called perfect. Hinako isn't just smart; the topics she speaks of are rich as well.

At Kiou Academy, the impression of a popular person is someone who is rich in character and experience rather than someone who is funny. They have rich life experiences, rich knowledge, rich sensitivity, or rich imagination. The enjoyment exuded by such people coexists with elegance. This might be a point that clearly differs from normal high schools.

Come to think of it, Tennouji-san was like that too. A noble position rivaling Hinako's, and the life experiences accompanying it. Her deep knowledge of the arts, and her passion for dance and manners draw a clear line from other students. That's why she is liked by everyone.

Narika is the same. Her overwhelming knowledge and talent for sports, her experience in martial arts, flawlessly handling flower arrangement and tea ceremony; a way of living that combines a samurai and a Yamato Nadeshiko. Because of her personality, she had been unfortunate for a long time, but as of now, she has a depth of popularity rivaling Hinako and Tennouji-san.

A rich life. ...It might be good to try aiming for this.

For the current me, who has boring ways of spending money, it's the perfect goal.

"What will you do? There is still time until the play's performance, and we could check out other stores as well..."

"No, I'll buy something here."

Unlike clothes or furniture, tea utensils are at an affordable price.

Besides...

"Until now, I only enjoyed black tea or coffee for the sake of socializing, but if I have a favorite cup, I feel like I could start getting into it myself from now on."

My hobbies might just increase.

I wanted to cherish that premonition.

"Then, I will buy a personal cup as well."

Hinako also decided to buy a tea utensil.

Personal cup... has a nice ring to it.

Spending a moment with a cup chosen by oneself, for oneself, just for oneself, must definitely be elegant.

"Which one will you choose, Tomonari-kun?"

"For the color, I prefer something like this. Also, lately I often drink warm things, so it might be better to have a handle..."

"In that case, how about this one, or this one?"

"Let's see..."

The ones Hinako recommended are fine, but I wanted to look for something a little better.

The moment I thought about making it a hobby, I suddenly became particular about it. It looked like it would take time to choose, but that's exactly why it's fun. Probably, while sticking to this particularity, I'd end up researching various things on my own, and acquire knowledge.

"Why don't we decide on your cup first, Hinako? I can use it as a reference too."

I wanted to use how Hinako chooses a cup as a reference.

However, Hinako,

"Hmm... I will decide after you, Tomonari-kun."

"Eh, why?"

When I asked back, Hinako fidgeted.

"Um............ because I want to buy a matching one with you, Tomonari-kun..."

It seems Hinako wanted to buy a pair of cups.

I didn't expect her to be hiding such a cute intention...

"O-Oh."

A weird sound leaked out of my mouth.

After that, I bought a matching cup together with Hinako.

It's an English brand called Denby, from a series called Imperial Blue. It has a round and cute silhouette, and I chose it thinking that even a tense guy like me would feel my mind at ease looking at it.

For me it was an expensive purchase, but from Hinako's perspective, it might feel cheap. Even so, Hinako was very happy about buying matching cups.

What's important isn't the price.

I thought it was a perfect way of thinking, free from materialism.

◆

After watching the play.

Having walked in silence all the way outside the theater, we looked at each other's faces almost simultaneously.

"Hinako."

"Tomonari-kun."

Looking at each other, we let out the excitement boiling inside our chests all at once.

"――――That was really good."

"――――That was really good, wasn't it."

The one we watched this time was a musical called Les Misérables. It seems to originally be a French historical novel, and the Les Misérables in the title apparently means "The Miserable Ones."

Simply put, it's a story where the misanthropic protagonist, Jean, who had been living a prison life, is saved by the goodwill of a certain person, and makes an effort to become a righteous person himself. However, to become a righteous person, he has to fight against malice and unreasonableness, and the more he tries to keep his heart pure, the more it wears down.

"At first I was cheering for Jean, but in the second half I just wanted him to do nothing and rest slowly. ...It was painful, but it was a play I couldn't take my eyes off of."

"While holding honesty as a virtue, the parts that depicted honesty as a weakness were profound. Righteous weakness, mistaken strength... Swaying between the two, yet always choosing the former in the end, I felt Jean's way of living was noble."

As expected of Hinako, she is enjoying the play from a deeper perspective than I am.

That's the fun part of art appreciation. Depending on the sensitivity of the person watching, the parts they focus on are different. Comparing those with each other leads to new discoveries.

"Was there anything you can use as a reference for the cultural festival?"

"There were many things. Especially things like the balance of expressions shown to the audience... because the way it looks is different from the front row and the back row. Learning that, I realized I just need to prepare expressions for the front row and expressions for the back row, and switch between them appropriately."

I feel like she's talking about something incredibly advanced.

Even if I can keep up with her impressions of the play, I don't think I can keep up with this.

Lightly loosening my shoulders, I looked at the sky. The sun was about to set.

"I was so drawn in I lost track of time, but I'm a bit tired."

"Yes, we were in the same posture the whole time, after all. Shall we walk for a bit?"

"Let's do that."

The performance time for Les Misérables is a little under three hours. Even with an intermission in the middle, it's quite long. I didn't notice while watching, but my body felt a little sluggish.

I walked through the town together with Hinako. Compared to the daytime, the foot traffic had settled down.

(...I should talk to her before we head back.)

We're supposed to head back before dinner. The Konohana family's car should already be waiting for us at the designated spot.

Lately, Kagen-san has been showing his face at the estate frequently. It's probably because he's worried about the current Hinako. I respect those feelings, but the next time he meets Hinako face-to-face, he will probably convey his demand for her to "return to normal" directly. ...Because I couldn't accept Kagen-san's request.

That's why I want to talk to Hinako now.

Before Hinako talks with Kagen-san or Shizune-san and the others after this... I want to talk to her.

About Hinako's future.

"The actors were acting so happily."

We talked while passing through a small park lined with flowers and benches.

"Yes. You could tell just by watching that it was their purpose in life."

"Not just their lines, all their movements looked natural. If you master it to that extent, maybe you can act as easily as breathing."

"...Yes."

There was a slight pause before Hinako's reply.

The perfect young lady choked on her words. I should have felt more discomfort at this fact.

...I know.

I don't have to say anything anymore.

Hinako, you are too, right?

Stopping in the center of the park, I turned towards Hinako.

"Since when?"

I thrust the conviction in my heart at Hinako.

"Since when were you able to act continuously without getting a fever?"

Hinako's eyes widened slightly.

Watching her for a while, eventually, Hinako made her lips tremble slightly.

"...Why did you notice?"

"You spend more time at the estate than at the academy. If you were acting the entire time you're at the estate, the Hinako up until now definitely wouldn't have the stamina to maintain it."

I've been watching her closely the whole time. I'd like to think I vaguely understand Hinako's stamina.

The current Hinako sleeps whenever she has the chance while at the academy, but... considering everything up until now, she overwhelmingly lacks rest. It's not like she sleeps through all her classes, and she even practices for the play after school. The Hinako up until now would have absolutely collapsed.

And yet, Hinako didn't show any fatigue at all while at the estate.

She's not tired... I realized.

"I consulted a few people about you... and I thought that maybe, within you, the value of acting is wavering. Until now, you were negative towards acting, but maybe you became positive about it triggered by the cultural festival play."

Hinako was listening to me seriously.

So I continued speaking as well.

"If you became able to affirm the acting of the perfect young lady, wouldn't you stop getting tired like before? ...When that question sprang up, I thought that maybe you were intentionally creating the current situation."

I voiced the conclusion I had arrived at once again.

"This is acting too, right? You're just doing swapped acting."

Because Hinako is an acting genius, she was able to make it look like an unavoidable symptom.

Both Shizune-san and I made a mistake from the very first step. In reality, there wasn't even a need to have a doctor examine her. Because Hinako did it all of her own volition.

"...I feel a sense of incongruity with that way of thinking."

Hinako pointed out calmly.

"Didn't you think it was backwards while you were talking about it yourself? If I felt positive because of the cultural festival play, it should be my true personality, not this me, the perfect young lady."

That's true.

In the process of playing the role of Ophelia, Hinako's true personality was affirmed by her classmates. Then logically, the sense of affirmation for her true personality should rise, and she should be plagued by the anxiety that the perfect young lady is rather unnecessary.

But...

"I think that's just a matter of order. ...If you thought it would be better to show your true self at the academy, isn't it natural to arrive at the opposite idea that it would be better to act as the perfect young lady at the estate?"

If the value of her true self wavers, the value of her acting self, which is two sides of the same coin, should also waver.

"If only your true self became positive, you could just stay as your true self all the time, right? There's no need to go out of your way to continue acting as the perfect young lady like now. ...You've become able to affirm not just your true self, but your acting self as well."

For Hinako, acting as the perfect young lady was exhausting. In that case, she could just slack off all the time, both at the estate and at the academy.

But Hinako didn't do that.

To Hinako, having her true self accepted by everyone at the academy was probably more shocking than I could ever imagine. ...So, she thought about various things. That maybe, the perfect young lady isn't so bad either.

Wouldn't it be better the other way around?

Couldn't she live a smarter way of life than before?

Hinako surely thought that.

Hearing my prediction, Hinako smiled sweetly.

"Great deduction, Mr. Detective."

"Stop that, stop that, it's not like I'm solving a mystery."

"But it suits you, you know? Won't you join the cultural festival play even now?"

"Hey, don't tease me."

Don't try to sweep it under the rug.

"I'm not a detective, and I'm not a doctor. But I am your caretaker, Hinako."

For the past half year, who has been by Hinako's side the most?

Undoubtedly me.

"So, even if I can't deduce... when it comes to you, I can somewhat understand."

Even if your father doesn't notice, even if the head maid doesn't notice, even if your classmates don't notice.

I alone will notice.

Because I am Hinako Konohana's caretaker.

"...I am happy that you understand me so well."

Hearing my words, Hinako looked bashful.

"But, it's eighty points."

Hinako, smiling mischievously, was very cute.

...Hinako still isn't dropping the perfect young lady act.

That means we still haven't talked enough.

"...What's the reason for the minus twenty points?"

It's not like I've given up on thinking.

Before coming to talk with Hinako like this, I thought to my limits. I didn't think I could squeeze out an answer any better than this from my head.

"Just as you said, Tomonari-kun, I am able to affirm this acting right now. But that is not just because my true self was accepted at the academy. There is a completely separate reason why I started acting as the perfect young lady at the estate."

...I thought that might be the case.

She was able to affirm her true personality at the academy because everyone accepted that figure through the role of Ophelia. That part is simple and clear.

I merely made a paradoxical prediction that "If you could affirm your true personality, couldn't you affirm the perfect young lady as well?", and haven't reached the grounds for it.

As expected, there was a proper reason...

I thought about it again, but nothing in particular came to mind, and only time passed by.

"Time is up."

"...Can't you give me five more minutes?"

"No. Please don't say things like the me who just woke up."

Hinako chuckled softly.

"No matter how much time it takes, I am sure you will not understand, Tomonari-kun."

I wouldn't understand?

What does she mean by that?

"The reason I started acting as the perfect young lady at the estate is..."

Hinako's eyes reflected my face.

"...Because I thought you might like this side better, Tomonari-kun."

Saying that, Hinako closed her mouth.

There were no words to follow, and it took me a few seconds to understand that what Hinako wanted to convey concluded with that single sentence.

"........................Me?"

"You look like you did not expect that at all. That is why it is minus twenty points."

Hinako puffed out her cheeks, cutely appealing her dissatisfaction.

"I will say it as many times as it takes. The reason I was able to affirm the perfect young lady, the current me, is because I thought you might like this side better, Tomonari-kun."

Eh...

Really...?

Is that really all...?

"W-With just that, you were able to overcome the exhaustion of acting...?"

"I do not want you to say 'with just that'."

Hinako made a displeased expression again.

"It is a very important matter, you know? ...Because I am a girl, after all."

With her cheeks slightly flushed, Hinako said.

"Actually, I wanted to take more time to confirm it, but... since things have turned out like this, I will have you tell me the answer directly."

Saying so, Hinako reflected me in her clear eyes.

"Which me do you like, Tomonari-kun?"

My true self, and my acting self.

Hinako asked straight out which one I liked.

...She doesn't seem to be intending to tease me.

Could it be, really...

(...To think it was my feelings.)

It's not like I intend to underestimate myself.

Even so, to think that my existence was this huge inside Hinako... I'm filled with happiness, honor, and embarrassment all at once.

But, I have to calm down.

Because Hinako... is mistaken.

"Hinako."

Hinako, thinking that one or the other would be chosen, seemed terribly nervous.

But I will dissolve that tension without a moment's hesitation.

"I can't choose that."

"...Eh?"

Hinako was surprised, her eyes wide.

After taking time to calm down, Hinako slowly opened her mouth.

"...No. This is a serious talk, so please don't run a—"

"I'm not running away."

I shook my head.

"Even if you ask me which one I like, my eyes only see you, Hinako."

In front of my eyes, there was only one single girl.

There aren't two girls.

"You're misunderstanding, Hinako. In this world, there is no perfect young lady Hinako, and there is no lazy Hinako either."

"...Then, what am I?"

She probably expects me to answer that she is the perfect young lady.

Wrong. The one in front of my eyes is—.

"A perfect and lazy Hinako. ...From the very beginning, for me, there is only that one Hinako."

Thank goodness.

I didn't understand the reason why Hinako became able to feel positive about the perfect young lady acting, but... the other parts were exactly as I predicted.

As I thought, Hinako was worrying about that.

Because I thought so, I wanted to talk with Hinako.

"The Hinako I know is always perfect and lazy. There is no 100% perfect Hinako, and there is no 100% lazy Hinako either."

So, even if you ask me which one I like, I'm at a loss.

"Everyone changes their attitude depending on the time and situation. For example, the me at the estate and the me at the academy are different, right? ...Everyone lives by acting just like you, Hinako."

Even Tennouji-san, Narika, Asahi-san, and Taisho... everyone has multiple sides. Everyone lives by acting unconsciously.

"But, you were too good at that acting, Hinako. So you ended up thinking like that."

Even if we act to a greater or lesser extent, we cannot behave in a way that is so far removed from our true selves. Because we don't have the ability to falsify ourselves to that extent.

But Hinako was different. Hinako could play her exact opposite.

For us, acting is an adjustment to make human relations smoother, but for Hinako, acting is a switch to hide her true self.

That's why the idea of 'which one is better' comes up.

"There is only one Hinako Konohana. ...You don't have to think about which one will be liked."

For the sake of the people around her, Hinako was making two types of values fight within herself.

Isn't my true self better? Isn't the perfect young lady better?

I convey that such worries are unnecessary.

"...Then, what should I do?"

Hinako said, as if muttering.

"Now that I have overcome the exhaustion from acting, if I want to, I can continue being the perfect young lady forever. I cannot wipe away my doubt that it might be better that way."

Until now, because she was exhausted by acting, the idea of continuing as the perfect young lady forever didn't even exist in the first place. Precisely because she has overcome the exhaustion now, she must be facing that worry.

I could easily guess Hinako's feelings.

Many people desire the perfect young lady Hinako, not the real Hinako.

Even if the reason she was able to overcome her exhaustion was me, the ones who reinforced the idea that she might be better off continuing to act were the people around her. Kagen-san, her classmates at the academy, and above all, the people of the Konohana family. Her consideration for them is binding Hinako.

That's exactly why I want my voice, which isn't included in that, to properly reach her, but—.

"Even you, Tomonari-kun, often got nervous when you were with this me, didn't you?"

"Ugh."

Y-You noticed...

Having it pointed out by the person herself is extremely embarrassing.

Hinako stared fixedly at my face. Look, see, you like this me better after all, don't you, Tomonari-kun. ...Her gaze appealed to me like that.

That is a complete misunderstanding.

It's a misunderstanding, but... to convey that to Hinako, I need to expose what I usually think without hiding anything, and...

(............It can't be helped.)

The misunderstanding that I like the perfect young lady Hinako more than the real Hinako is something I absolutely must clear up.

"Listen here, Hinako. If you're going to say that, I..."

Steeling my resolve, I opened my mouth.

"I get nervous around the usual you too, you know."

"....................................Eh."

Hinako was visibly shaken.

"Wh, that's... that's a lie. Because, when you were with the perfect young lady me, Tomonari-kun, you had a different face than when you were with the me until now."

"My face is just different, I'm always nervous."

I see...

Seeing my unusual reactions, Hinako thought that this was the correct answer. She might have thought that acting would make me happier.

............That is nooooooooooooot the case at all.

The reason I showed fresh reactions to the current Hinako was simply because I was constantly being swayed by the current Hinako and didn't have the leeway to feign composure. I had my hands full with an unfamiliar situation, so my emotions were just leaking out, but to be frank, this is how my heart normally is.

How I always feel... I have to convey it to Hinako.

I looked around.

Right now, it's just me and Hinako here. There's no one we know.

...Then, whatever.

I might as well just... spill everything out.

"Listen here, First of all, the real you is cute."

"...Heah?"

Hinako let out a weird voice.

My statement was apparently very unexpected.

But I continued. All the feelings I had been bottling up for the past half year—.

"The way you act spoiled is cute, and the way you fall asleep right away like a baby is cute too. Seeing you clinging to your futon when you wake up is cute, and having drool marks around your mouth is cute too."

"W-Wait a minute...!? Um...!?"

"Seeing you eat vegetables looking like you hate it is cute, and conversely, seeing you stuff your cheeks with potato chips like a squirrel is cute too. The way you walk with a hunched back is cute, and seeing you occasionally troubled because you can't sleep is also—"

"S-Stop it!! That's enough!! That's really enough!!"

Hinako, her face turning bright red, stopped me.

However, I shook my head no.

"No. That's only half of it."

If I stop here, it'll be an incomplete combustion.

"Listen here, Surprisingly, you—are cute when you're the perfect young lady too."

"Nyoh."

Hinako, whose ears had turned as red as an apple, let out a strange shriek.

"Your cool gaze when you're studying is cute, and your smile when you're talking to someone is cute, the way you puff out your cheeks when you get angry is cute, and the way you politely bow your head when entering and leaving a room is cute too. The way you occasionally crack jokes is cute, and the surprisingly competitive side of you is also—"

"I-I-I-I, it's fine!! Any more than this, please, really, stop it...!!"

Her face must have been incredibly hot, as Hinako was sweating slightly.

"U-Uuuh... Wh-Why are you saying such embarrassing things right now...!! I-I am having a serious talk...!!"

I'm having a serious talk too, you know?

Besides—.

"You're the one who was saying embarrassing things, Hinako. During lunch break the other day, you told me 'here ahh' in front of everyone."

"Waaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?"

Hinako covered up my statement with a loud voice.

To think Hinako could produce such a loud voice...

"You were in your right mind back then too, right? What were you feeling when you said that?"

"Uuuh, uuuuhhhh...!!"

Hinako was doing swapped acting.

In other words, all her statements at the academy were made in her right mind.

Getting lost in the hallway, and eating only baked sweets and immediately falling asleep at the tea party, were all Hinako's own intentions. Considering that, my statements are trivial.

"In short, what I'm saying is."

Confusing her any further would get out of hand, so let's wrap this up.

"I'm always nervous. Whether you're showing your true self, or whether you're acting as the perfect young lady, I always think you're an attractive person, Hinako."

"Meep...!"

Hinako had been in a constant state of agitation.

...Why am I acting so dignified?

It's probably because I really, truly have thought so for a long time.

Right after thinking it, I felt embarrassed or shy, but as time passes, those feelings become the past and turn into facts. I'm just lining up the facts, so I don't feel embarrassed.

It's a fact that the perfect and lazy Hinako Konohana is an attractive human being.

It is a truth to not be ashamed of.

"Even so, if you say you want to narrow it down to either your true self or your acting self... I think the one to choose that is you, Hinako, not me."

I'm not forcing the choice onto Hinako.

"Because, whatever choice you make, I will be by your side."

To Hinako, whose cheeks were gradually losing their redness, I said.

"There's only one thing I can say to you, Hinako. ...When you're by my side, please don't push yourself too hard."

"...Ah."

Hinako let out a small voice.

"I said the same thing in the past too. Do you remember?"

"...There is no way I could forget."

It was right after I was fired from being her caretaker, when I forcefully entered the estate.

I want to be the one person Hinako doesn't have to push herself around. I've always thought that.

So, I don't mind whatever choice Hinako makes. ...As long as she doesn't push herself too hard, I can continue to be by her side as her caretaker.

I feel sorry for Kagen-san, but I want to prioritize Hinako not pushing herself over her returning to normal.

Because I am her caretaker.

If it's for Hinako, I will put everything else second.

"...At first, I also thought it would be bad if things stayed like this. I was scared that you were pushing yourself, Hinako. ...But, if that's not the case, then that's a different story."

Along the way, I realized that Hinako had overcome the exhaustion from acting.

Then—from there on, I just have to respect Hinako's will.

I reached such a simple conclusion.

"I want you to live freely, Hinako. If the shape of freedom inside you has changed, I think it's okay to move forward with that. ...Wherever you head to, I will follow."

Before, I thought that being in her true personality was Hinako's freedom.

But now, if that has changed, I will affirm even that change.

No matter what kind of freedom Hinako seeks, I just have to follow her regardless.

"..................Then, what if."

Hinako lowered her gaze and said.

"What if I want to continue being the perfect young lady, the current me; will you follow me, Tomonari-kun?"

"Yeah."

"Conversely... what if I want to live as my true self forever; will you follow me, Tomonari-kun?"

"Of course."

Kagen-san would definitely not allow it, but that doesn't matter.

"Whichever it is, I will follow you. ...However, if possible, you should think about it. Whether you can truly be happy living that way."

It's an important choice that shouldn't be decided recklessly.

Whichever you choose, I will follow you. But, it is necessary to think. Whether that choice is truly the right one.

"...You are unfair."

You're right...

I'm aware I'm saying it in an unfair way.

Right now, if she decides to live with her true personality forever, she will likely face many hardships and clashes. I intend to support her with all my might, but a future where she turns Kagen-san and the Konohana family into enemies would be unavoidable. To be honest, it's a situation I don't really want to think about.

"A future you can't choose now, might be choosable someday. Believing in that and waiting is also one option, I think."

I will wait together with you.

I will pull that future closer together with you.

The opportunity to choose isn't only now. As long as we are here, we should be able to do it anytime.

"Good grief... if you are that resolved, I cannot back down either."

Hinako let out a sigh and smiled gently.

"Are you sure? If you desire it, Tomonari-kun, I can stay like this forever, you know?"

Hinako confirmed my intentions.

"I am called the perfect young lady, you know? I am the most popular person at the academy, and I think I look quite cute too. I am a talented girl out of reach who can study well and excel in sports, you know?"

That's right. Hinako Konohana is the perfect young lady.

At Kiou Academy, where children of the wealthy gather, she is the embodiment of an ideal that constantly reigns at the top. The possessor of abilities fitting for the Konohana name. Yet, a person of character who doesn't boast about it.

Amazing, respectable, cute... the perfect young lady everyone admires.

"You can be together... with a me like that forever, you know?"

With moist eyes, Hinako stared at me.

"It's true that the current you is wonderful too, but..."

Even so, I can't help but think.

If Hinako wishes for it, it's fine for her to stay as she is now forever. But as I thought, the current Hinako is acting.

I—just don't want to do something like denying the real Hinako.

"I also like taking care of the sluggish you, you know?"

When I said that...

The perfect young lady blushed, looking happy, and embarrassed.

"........................Jeez."

◇

A little while ago, Hinako Konohana thought.

What should I do if Itsuki likes the perfect young lady better than the usual me...

When she arrived at that possibility, what was born inside Hinako's chest was a slight anxiety. She felt a tiny bit disappointed, but it was far from despair. To be honest, she even felt it wasn't a problem.

At that time, Hinako realized.

If it is for Itsuki, I can be the perfect young lady forever...

So she decided to confirm it. Which version of herself Itsuki liked. She decided to expose her true nature at the academy as well, and confirm the value of her true self and her acting self.

And, if Itsuki sought her acting self... the perfect young lady, she intended to stay that way forever.

But...

"I can't choose that."

What Itsuki was looking at wasn't the real Hinako, nor the perfect young lady Hinako.

He was looking at the true Hinako Konohana, who possessed both.

(...What an extravagant answer.)

Even though perfection is right here.

Even though the perfect young lady that her father and everyone at the academy love is right in front of him. Even though an elegant, polite me, who men would probably like, is right here...

Even so, Itsuki thought of Hinako first.

Hinako liked that Itsuki.

"However, if possible, you should think about it. Whether you can truly be happy living that way."

It was probably advice so that Hinako wouldn't become desperate.

At Itsuki's words, considering even her future, Hinako thought in her heart.

(...I can be.)

Even with that way of living, I can be happy.

(If Tomonari-kun loves me... I will be more than happy enough, after all.)

The truth is, as long as she has that, it's enough.

Itsuki is probably thinking about various things. Her relationship with her father, and her relationship with the Konohana family. After considering various risks, he is making a cautious assertion.

But the truth is, as long as she has Itsuki, it's enough.

Whether she spends her time as her true self forever, or as the perfect young lady forever, as long as Itsuki is by her side, it's enough. Risks are secondary.

For Hinako Konohana, Itsuki Tomonari is a treasure she is willing to put everything else second for.

(...I love you.)

While maintaining the perfect young lady act, Hinako thought.

I love you, Tomonari-kun.

I love the Tomonari-kun who always works hard, and who will stand up no matter how many times he falls.

I love the good-natured Tomonari-kun who, even though he is busy himself, cannot abandon someone in trouble.

I love the Tomonari-kun who thinks about me rather than the Konohana family.

I love the Tomonari-kun who always studies late into the night just to stand beside me.

I love the Tomonari-kun who immediately notices when I am not feeling well.

I love the Tomonari-kun who can immediately guess what I want.

I love the Tomonari-kun who discusses things with my father for my sake.

(...I wish you would just confess to me right here and now.)

I would say yes immediately.

I want you to confess to me this much, but... you probably won't notice.

To Itsuki, who is always thinking about others, I will tell him clearly someday.

I love you, Tomonari-kun.

I love you. I love you. More than anyone else in the world.

I……………. love you, Tomonari-kun!!

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