After school in the Tsuwabuki High School library.
I looked up from the book in my hands and stretched out behind the checkout counter.
It was late May, right after finals, and the library was almost empty.
“It looks like we’ve got zero customers today.”
“Y-yeah… that’s probably for the best. No talking required.”
Komari Chika—vice president of the literature club—mumbled that without once lifting her eyes from her book.
Today we were helping the library committee, staffing the desk together.
──One month since the literature club was reborn.
After our provisional suspension ended, club activities picked back up, and, surprisingly, it’s been peaceful.
Honestly, those weeks when we were “suspended” felt like hell.
Anyone who thinks that’s an exaggeration should imagine how it feels to have your secret favorite books fished out from behind the shelves and passed around by the girls.
But that humiliation is over. Over──.
Feeling a bit smug, I turned the page of the bird guide.
“Hey, Komari, did you know peregrine falcons are actually in the parrot family?”
“W-what? Have you got a parrot for a brain now?”
She finally looked up—and that’s what she said.
I shrugged in mock exasperation and pushed the guide toward her.
“It’s true. DNA analysis just confirmed it.”
“Ugh… really?”
It really is. You could trust me more often.
Peering into the guide, Komari murmured,
“Did you… suddenly get into birds?”
“Yeah. I figured I’d pick up an outdoorsy hobby, you know, like a normal young guy.”
“W-why birds?”
“Well, with birds, you don’t even need to see them—you can enjoy their song. They say by the time you get to Mr. Tanaka’s level, you don’t need to lay eyes on the bird—you just know it’s out there.”
“That… doesn’t sound like a youth-friendly pastime.”
Huh? Isn’t “being outside” literally what birds are about?
“For our school, there’s even a bird-watching club. It’s supposed to be a young people’s hobby.”
“Uh, that club got suspended because they weren’t watching birds at all.”
In a way… that sounds pretty youthful.
Komari slid the guide back and shot me a sideways glance.
“By the way, has she been coming lately? The… freshman.”
Huh? Shiratama-san?
“Almost every day, I think. She’s always there before I even notice.”
“Wha-?! Every day?”
“? Shiratama-san is basically living in the club room. You know that.”
“…D-die.”
Why the insult?
Come to think of it, even after our suspension ended, Shiratama-san showed up at my house once, and Kaju kicked her off the porch. I wish those two would just get along…
Since the wedding-hall fiasco, Shiratama-san’s fully settled into the literature club.
Yanami-san is now tamed by sweets, and Yakishio is… well, still Yakishio.
Komari, who I worried about, can now squeeze out two-word conversations with Shiratama-san on a good day.
I sometimes catch Shiratama-san chatting with Tanaka-sensei in the hallway.
To anyone who didn’t know better, they’re just a friendly teacher and student.
No one would guess she’s a cat burglar trying to steal her brother-in-law from her sister──.
Just then, someone slid a book across the counter where I was sitting. So we did have a customer.
I picked it up: Starting a Gentle Life with Chinese Herbal Medicine.
The checkout card name was──Basori Tiara.
“Um, I’d like to check this out, please.”
“Oh, uh, sure.”
She’s the student-council vice president, hair pulled back in her trademark tight bun.
Serious as she looks—probably a touch intense, too.
Even as I processed her checkout, Tiara-san fidgeted and glanced around.
“All set.”
“Ah, thank you—I’m sorry.”
But she didn’t move.
“Looking for another title?”
“Well… actually, I came to speak with Nukumizu-san today.”
“I see.”
Tiara-san glanced at Komari, who’d gone rigid behind the counter, then cleared her throat with a soft “kohon.”
“N-Nukumizu-san! I came because I have a request!”
“I see.”
…Why’d she freeze there?
Komari nudged my leg under the counter, so I had to speak.
“Um… what kind of request?”
“Oh—right! This request is that I… I mean, it’s not that I want you, Nukumizu-san… Argh!”
Tiara-san leaned forward and slammed her hand on the counter.
“In other words──I want you!”
…Did she just confess?
As she panted “zeizei,” I said calmly,
“Tiara-san, we’re on duty right now. Could you wait until we’re finished?”
“…Oh. Yes. I’ll wait. And please don’t call me by my given name.”
She bowed and took a seat near the counter.
Watching her open her book, I sighed quietly so she wouldn’t notice.
…Well, looks like another headache is on the horizon.
And Komari—stop kicking me under the counter.
~First Defeat~ Absolutely no ulterior motives
Lately, the days have grown noticeably longer.
The setting sun streaming into the literature club room gently
illuminates Tiara-san as she sits in a chair, surrounded by the
Literature Club girls.
"Here you go, Basori-senpai, some tea."
"Oh, thank you."
The steaming teacup is placed before her with a smile by first-year Shiratama Riko.
Standing behind Tiara-san like a sentinel, Yanami wears a perfect grin and watches her every move.
Seeing Tiara-san grow restless, Yanami offers a box of cookies.
"Basori-san, would you like one of these?"
"Oh, yes—thank you."
Relieved, Tiara-san takes a cookie—but her expression soon shifts into one of confusion.
"Sigh..."
I suppress a sigh of my own and tap my chair lightly.
"Um... it's a little unsettling to be stared at so intently."
It's no wonder Tiara-san is bewildered.
Yanami is leaning forward, eyes locked on Tiara-san's hand as she holds the cookie.
"Yanami, okay—just sit back down in your chair and behave."
"Nukumizu-kun, do you think I'm regretting giving away my cookie?"
Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking.
Yanami shrugs in mock exasperation and plops down into her chair.
"Listen carefully, Nukumizu-kun: each of these cookies is seventy kilocalories."
"So if Basori-san eats the cookie I was going to have... what does that mean?"
"Komari-chan, do you know the answer?"
"Huh?! Me?"
Komari, who'd been staring at her phone in the corner, looks up in surprise.
"Well—if Yanami eats fewer calories, then..."
"...That's not it. Next, Nukumizu-kun."
Oh, it's going around in a circle.
"Can you at least give us a hint?"
"All right, fine. By giving me the cookie, how do you think my own caloric intake changes?"
"Well, you didn't eat it yourself, so it's zero calories, right?"
"No. The calories I was supposed to consume have transferred to Basori-san—so it's minus seventy calories for me."
Despite my sincere protest, Yanami continues her arm-crossed exposition of this strange logic.
"That doesn't make sense."
"Think about it—"
Shiratama interjects softly, "The library is closed after hours and the librarian comes, so this room has fewer passersby."
"Meaning?"
"In other words, if Basori-san eats 110 of these cookies, I'll lose one kilogram. Here you go, Basori-san—eat more."
"One cookie is—ah, right, thank you."
Unable to refuse, Tiara-san accepts a second cookie and looks at me.
"Um... why am I eating cookies in the literature club room?"
"Isn't it obvious there are fewer people here?"
I suppose that makes sense.
But since Yanami and the others behave like some odd club spirits, there's no point worrying about it.
"But there's still a chance someone outside the club could overhear us—"
"That happens more often than you'd think, so don't worry."
"Does knowing that really make me feel better...?"
"Senpai, here's more tea."
"Huh?"
Shiratama quietly places a second teacup in front of Tiara-san.
"Oh, thank you."
Tiara-san stares at the two cups side by side, uncertainty in her voice.
"Shiratama-san—didn't you already serve me tea?"
"Please, drink it before it cools."
Slurp... Tiara-san sips her tea.
And Yanami continues staring fixedly at Tiara-san's cookies. Yes, this is just another day in the literature club.
"So, Basori-san, you wanted to talk to me?"
"Are you going to talk to me in this situation?"
Yes, I am.
Tiara-san steels herself, shoves a cookie into her mouth, and lays a single sheet of paper on the table.
"This might take a while to explain. In short, I'd like to borrow your name—Nukumizu-kun's name, that is."
"Do I just write it here?"
I produce a ballpoint pen.
"Chairman!"
Shiratama-san's face goes pale as she lunges to stop Tiara-san.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"Yes—you can't write your name without checking first!"
"Get a grip, Nukumizu-kun. My father used to stamp his seal on documents left and right, and it caused a huge mess."
Yanami picks up the paper, blinking in puzzlement.
"A nomination form for the student council...? Why does it involve Nukumizu-kun?"
"Next month, after the sports festival, the current student council's term ends, as you know."
Of course I didn't know.
Tiara-san sits up straight and looks me in the eye.
"I intend to run for next term's student council president. I'd like you to be my proposer."
"My proposer? Me?"
I echo dully—Tiara-san nods seriously in response.
"Yes—and I'd also like to ask for your campaign speech."
A campaign speech... that's the one they give in the gym on voting day,
right? Me, giving a speech in front of the whole school... I see.
"No way, I can't do that."
I snatch the nomination form from Yanami's hand and place it back in front of Tiara-san.
"Sorry, please ask someone else."
"Tiara-san, won't you hear me out?"
She persists, but I can't change my mind.
"Come on, Nukumizu-kun, at least listen to her."
Yanami says, holding out a third cookie.
Hesitant, Tiara-san takes it—and Yanami smiles broadly.
"So if Basori-san wins, will you join the student council too?"
"Yes. Since officers are appointed by the president, I'd like you to be vice president."
"Why me? Surely there are better candidates."
Yanami, always so rude.
Tiara-san nods gravely at that question. So she wasn't asking for me personally...
"The
current president and vice president are both female, so some students
have requested that one be replaced by a male next term. So..."
"Sakurai-kun would be better, wouldn't he?"
Yanami, please shut up.
"Tiara-san says Sakurai-kun isn't interested in continuing with the
student council, and there aren't any other close male friends..."
She averts her eyes awkwardly.
I'm used to elimination by process of logic. I clear my throat and interject.
"Is it really necessary to insist on having a male? It's fine with two women now, and we could explain to the teachers."
"The student council represents the students, so it's best to make it
easy for everyone to voice opinions. Having all female officers might
make male students reluctant to consult us."
Indeed, the current council is all female, so a male representative could help.
"When I became vice president, there were complications, too—"
"Basori-san, I understand what you're saying. But you're literature
club president; if you join the council, it'll disrupt the club. We need
understanding from everyone involved. Will you lend your strength as
the male student representative of Tsubaki High's male students?"
So I get that—but is it really okay for me to be the male representative?
As I ponder how to refuse, Yanami surprises me with a supportive remark. I have no choice but to go along with this momentum.
"All right, but I have club activities."
"If you lend us Nukumizu-kun, the literature club must gain some benefit in return."
Yanami wears a wicked grin. Uh-oh, I've misread the turn this was taking.
"Benefit?"
Tiara-san's eyes go wide at the unexpected question; Yanami leans forward eagerly.
"Right—benefits! Like the student council budget could be used however
you want, or the cafeteria could become all-you-can-eat! ...though you'd
still need teacher approval."
Shiratama-san and even Stoic Shiratama (who'd been lurking behind Tiara-san) clasp their hands with sparkling eyes.
"Isn't there some sort of student council perk?"
"Well, the council does prepare club budget proposals—but—"
"Decide the club's budget?! Nukumizu-kun, you should join the council!"
That's jumping the gun.
"I can't. Right, Yanami?"
"But wouldn't you like a refrigerator and microwave in the club room? And maybe a dresser?"
That has nothing to do with club activities.
"Komari-senpai, wouldn't you want a dresser too?"
"Uh... dre...?"
Komari flinches at the sudden question.
"A makeup table. But club funds can't buy that."
"True, but we might get the one in the council room if you join."
"It's decided then. Do your best, Nukumizu-kun."
"It's not decided. I don't intend to."
I refuse firmly; Yanami shoots me a challenging look.
Shiratama-san nods, "Then let's vote. Shiratama-chan, what do you think?"
Shiratama-san presses her index fingers to her temples, thinking cutely.
"Well—I think it'd be cool if our club president were vice president of the student council."
"Oh? Really?"
Shiratama-san beams at me.
"I'd brag to everyone: 'My club president is vice president!'"
"I see... that would be impressive, but still..."
"Why do I feel encouraged when Shiratama-chan says it?"
Yanami glares at me. Weren't you the one telling me to join?
"Komari's opinion matters too."
"D—Die."
"See, that's a vote against. So it's—"
Yanami nods.
"Yes—two in favor, one against."
"Don't I have a vote?"
"You're the main party, of course you do. All right, Basori-san, it's settled."
Tiara-san, who'd been silent until now, suddenly straightens up.
"Oh—yes! Nukumizu-kun, please sign here—"
She reaches for the paper, but Shiratama-san gently places a third teacup on top of it.
"Um...?"
"My vote is blank. So it's tied, one to one."
Behind the rising steam, Shiratama-san gives an angelic smile.
"Basori-senpai—drink it before it cools."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Days After the Sudden Recruitment
After school, in the home-economics room. Two days since that abrupt solicitation.
I watched, impressed, as Sakurai-kun deftly shaved strips off the burdock root.
Sakurai-kun offered a wry smile and plunged the peeled burdock into a bowl of water.
"Is that going into the president's bento side dish? You're preparing it here at school?"
"Yeah. I make the make-ahead dishes after school, then do the grilled items at home in the morning."
From the far side of the room came the happy laughter of cooking-club members.
He's not a member himself, but apparently arranges to use this space from time to time.
"...I've heard everything. You've got a lot on your plate too, Nukumizu-kun."
"If you think so, would you stand in as her proposer instead? Tiara-san ambushed me in the hallway again today."
"Basori-chan seems determined not to lean on us student-council
members. Yumeko volunteered to be proposer, but she flat-out refused."
"So a third-year can be a proposer after all."
"There's no rule against it. The proposer doesn't have to join the council, either."
I felt awkward pressing further, so I turned my gaze to the pot, its lid sounding ka-kura-kura.
"What are you simmering over there?"
"Simmering butterbur stalks with fried tofu. It's Hiba-nee's favorite."
Sakurai-kun lifted the edge of aluminum foil used as a makeshift lid.
"The president's tastes are pretty refined, huh?"
"It's mostly Japanese fare. If I leave her alone, she avoids meat and fatty foods, so I keep an eye on it."
"Hmm—so split the difference with Yanami, half and half—or maybe a quarter each, and you'll hit the sweet spot."
"This
will be the last sports festival where I can take care of Hiba-nee. The
student-council election comes first, so I figured I'd at least make
her lunch."
—Only a little longer before I can no longer look after her.
A girl with a glamorous air held out a wooden spoon to Sakurai-kun's lips.
"Cold chawanmushi, right? Is this dashi a kombu-and-katsuobushi blend?"
Many third-years will leave town for further study.
Even those who share this building will soon go their separate ways.
"The president's leaving Toyohashi after graduation."
"She's heading to Tokyo for her future. I should probably—"
Just as I spoke in a slightly forlorn tone,
"Sakurai-kuuun—here, say 'aahn.'"
A cooking-club girl suddenly cut in.
Without hesitation, Sakurai-kun opened his mouth, then nodded with a smile.
"Yeah, I took a bit of time to pull a good dashi. I'll show you how next time."
"I'm looking forward to it."
I saw...
"If you don't mind, want to come over tonight? My folks aren't home."
"I'd feel bad—so I'll pass."
The girl laughed softly, waved her hand, and drifted away.
Sakurai-kun returned the wave, then pulled out a carrot—
"Wait, what was that?! Are you dating?!"
"No, no. She's the cooking-club vice president who arranged for us to use this room."
"Oh, really? She pulled strings to secure the home-ec room..."
"Still, 'aahn' is something only a couple would do, right?"
"That's not it. There are no boys in the cooking club, so she just thought it'd be fun."
Sakurai-kun let out a wry smile. By the way, I'm a boy too.
"Honestly, I feel better knowing you're helping Basori-chan. She doesn't know many guys besides us."
"What if I refuse?"
"I think the teacher will introduce another male candidate."
He said this casually as he turned off the burner.
"Tsubaki High's student-council isn't exactly active. Every year, the teachers make sure there's at least one candidate."
"So it wouldn't matter if I didn't help...?"
"It would—if Basori-chan connects with someone else. But nobody will
speak ill of her after working together until the end. She truly cares
about others."
"She observes closely, doesn't she."
"Of course. There are only four council members, and we're all second-years."
Sakurai-kun's knife paused as he peeled his carrot.
"Hiba-nee's presence is indispensable in the current council, and I
think she has her reasons for not wanting our help. So I won't
interfere."
He stated firmly, then resumed slicing.
It didn't feel right to press him further about Tiara's situation.
I shifted my mood and picked up a peeled carrot.
"Anything I can help with?"
"Then could you slice that thinly? Use the peeler over there."
"Got it. What are we making today?"
"Probably kinpira burdock and sesame-dressed green beans."
As we worked in silence, giggles and high-pitched voices came from behind.
"Sakurai-senpai, sorry to bother you!" "Sorry!"
The next to appear was a trio of fresh-faced first-year girls.
They urged their shy friend in the middle forward.
"Come on, just say it." "Yeah, say it!"
Pressed by her friends, the fidgeting girl thrust a small package at Sakurai-kun.
"Um, Sakurai-senpai! I made these—please try one!"
In her hands lay a neatly wrapped madeleine.
"Thank you—I'll have one later."
"I-I always cheer for you!"
With squeals, the three fled.
"...What was that? Did some special event trigger?"
"Well... maybe because I don't seem 'manly,' they find it easy to talk to me."
Makes sense—I'm often told I'm not very masculine either. Still, junior girls never ask me to taste things.
Lost in these thoughts, I heard Sakurai-kun speak quietly, just for me.
"...I wanted to make the most of this past year."
He paused his knife-work and continued in a voice only I could hear.
"For me, the student council was Basori-chan, Yumeko-san, and
Hiba-nee—just those three. So this is the end. I'll see the election
results, then focus on my studies after the sports festival."
He glanced at me, then looked away awkwardly.
"Sorry I couldn't be more help."
I felt a curious sense of understanding as I silently kept peeling carrots.
I almost said, "No, I'm the one who should apologize," and managed a wry smile.
To be honest, I'd planned to dump Tiara's problem on Sakurai-kun.
And he ended up apologizing to me with a smile—there's no choice but to accept total defeat.
...No wonder Sakurai-kun is so popular.
"I, oddly convinced, silently kept peeling the carrot."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've gotten completely used to biking to school.
I see the Higashihachichō tram stop—the place I used to hop on and off
in first year—out of the corner of my eye as I speed through the evening
streets on my bike.
When the sun dips, the breeze that used to feel chilly now feels just right.
After helping Sakurai-kun, I've been heading straight home so I don't bump into Tiara-san.
She's been showing up in the shadows of the west building lately, and I'd rather avoid her.
"I'm home—"
I open the front door and notice a neat row of shoes I don't recognize.
...Okay,
what's the story here? Those shiny black leather shoes are definitely
women's, but they're not the Literature Club girls'. A friend of Kaju's?
A teacher's home visit?
Without overthinking it, I push open the
living-room door—and there's Tiara-san in an apron, standing beside Kaju
in the kitchen.
"?! Why are you here, Tiara-san?"
At my startled question, Kaju gives me a "tsk" look.
"Onii-sama, Basori-san is my guest. We promised to cook together."
"Nukumizu-san, thank you for having me. And please don't call me by my first name."
Tiara-san cooking with Kaju... right now?
I set my bag on the sofa, trying to stay calm, and sneak a peek.
Kaju is holding katsuobushi in one hand and kombu in the other, talking passionately, while Tiara-san nods and takes notes.
They're definitely talking cooking, but I can't let my guard down.
As I watch closely, the doorbell rings.
Kaju wipes his hands on his apron and goes to answer.
"I've got it. Onii-sama, please keep Basori-san company."
"Keep company?" She's a second-year now—I'd think she's okay alone, but I don't want to be rude.
So I stand next to Tiara-san and peek into the steaming pot.
"...Miso soup?"
"Yes. I don't want anyone to think I'm a woman who can't even make miso soup."
Tiara-san says this while staring jitto at the kombu in the pot.
She's still upset about forgetting the dashi at the March retreat at the president's house...
"That miso soup was delicious, though. The red miso flavor really comes through."
"That's not praise, is it? Here—please taste it."
She hands me a small dish without any warmth.
Feeling the pressure, I taste it—and that familiar flavor spreads across my tongue.
"Yeah, it's good. You used the usual kombu—tastes just like Kaju's."
"──Onii-sama, using the same ingredients doesn't guarantee the same taste."
Right then, Kaju returns.
"How you handle the ingredients makes a huge difference. That's the 'taste of home.'"
"I get it. Still, it's pretty close to the usual taste."
Kaju walks over to the fridge and grabs a jug of barley tea.
"Since you've learned directly from me, Basori-san, practice enough and
you'll be able to make Nukumizu-home flavors on your own. I'll be here
whenever you want help."
"Wha—?!"
Tiara-san jumps—ladle in hand.
"N-No—I didn't learn for that reason! I was just curious about the taste you always have... Wh-What, am I getting married?!"
No one said that. She really is all over the place...
"Um, that's not what I meant—"
Suddenly, a voice calls out:
"Oh, Basori-chan—what are you doing here?"
It's Yakishio, in a tank top and shorts, towel around her neck as she steps into the living room.
"Today I'm cooking with Basori-san—please join us, Yakishio-san."
"Thanks, Kaju-chan."
She downs the barley tea Kaju hands her in one gulp and sighs happily.
"Ahh, that hits the spot. Mind if I borrow the shower?"
"Sure, I've got a towel ready."
Waving cheerfully, Yakishio leaves. Ever since our place became the temporary club room, she's been showering here a lot...
"Basori-san, the pot's boiling over—are you okay?"
"Huh, um, why is Yakishio-san showering at our house?!"
Why indeed—I have no idea either.
"Uh... maybe because she has nowhere else?"
"But still, you don't usually shower at a guy's house, right?! Are you two... that kind of couple?!"
"Onii-sama, is that true?!"
Why is Kaju getting worked up too?
"Kaju, you were the one who offered her the shower. Now turn off the heat under the pot."
I switch off the burner, then ignore them both as I taste the dashi.
Compared to Kaju's, there's a tiny bit of roughness—but... it's not bad, actually.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've finally broken free of the kitchen and made my way toward the stairs, glancing briefly at the door to the changing room.
I can't hear any running water.
I speed up my steps to pass the door when—
"──Hey, Nukkun."
Through the door, Yakishio calls out to me.
"W-What?!"
Flustered, I stammer, but Yakishio continues in her usual tone.
"The sports festival practice starts soon, right? What events are you doing?"
...Sports festival? Why now?
"I think I signed up for the obstacle race."
I answer casually, but the sound of her toweling off her body is somehow... really unsettling.
Just one thin door between me and my classmate fresh out of the shower. Despite how I look, I'm a perfectly normal guy.
"Uh, can we talk about that later—"
"Hey, aren't you going to ask what I'm doing?"
What's with that "annoying girlfriend" line?
"Okay... so, what are you doing, Yakishio?"
"I'm in the class relay and the 200 m, and the cheer battle. Aren't you doing the cheer battle?"
The cheer battle—that's where each class does a dance or song to hype everyone up.
"I'm not. Isn't it weird to cheer for yourself?"
"What's that supposed to mean? You're overthinking it."
Yakishio laughs teasingly.
When I smile in return, her tone shifts just a little serious:
"──I heard from Komari-chan."
"Heard what?" I start to reply, but she goes on.
"That you're thinking of ditching the Literature Club again."
"...You're the one saying that?"
"Hey, that's a different issue."
Oh, it's separate—if she says so, fine.
"So, Basori-san asked me to be her proposer for the student-council election. I couldn't really say no."
"Proposer? That's it?"
"And she wants me to be vice president if she wins—"
"Nukkun, you're joining the student council?!"
With a loud creak, the changing-room door swings open, and I hurriedly look away.
"Yikes!? Didn't I say don't open it?!"
"I'm wearing clothes. See? I've got this towel wrapped on."
A towel is not clothes. Absolutely not.
But if she's fine with it... maybe I can tolerate a quick glance?
While I struggle for self-control, Yakishio pads closer barefoot, pat-pat, pat-pat.
"Huh. You refused when I tried to recruit you to the after-school club,
but you're wavering over Tiara's student-council invite. Interesting."
"I really did refuse. She just keeps after me."
"I mean, you said no, but she comes to your house and cooks for you anyway. Interesting."
From the edge of my vision, I sense her slowly closing the distance.
The post-shower shampoo scent clings to her neck, mixed with Yakishio's own fragrance—.
"Yakishio-san, are you... mad?"
"I'm not mad."
Ah—she is mad. Having a sister taught me about girls' moods.
Still facing away, I bow my head and say,
"Um, I'm sorry. I'll be more careful so Komari-chan doesn't worry."
"...Hmm. Well, I guess I'll let this slide for today."
I'm forgiven. I sigh in relief—and Yakishio suddenly peeks around in front of me.
"?! Put on clothes or you'll catch a cold!"
"I am wearing clothes. If you stare at me so much, I'll get embarrassed."
At least act embarrassed. Bath towel on bare skin is way too close for comfort.
"Nukkun, help Komari-chan out, okay?"
"Got it! Now go back!"
I wait until I hear Yakishio return to the changing room, then exhale.
The unfamiliar shampoo scent still lingers in the air.
......
...............Huh.
"Wait—did Yakishio bring her own shampoo?"
"Yeah. I'm using the one Chiha-chan gave me. You can use it too, Nukkun."
Then my parents must've noticed the strange shampoo too—
...No, I shouldn't think about that more.
Shaking off the weird feeling, I bound up the stairs two at a time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day at lunch. I headed for the old building's emergency stairs, curry bread in one hand and a milk carton in the other.
The weather's nice today, and the air feels good. If she wasn't in class, she'd surely be here—.
"Oh, I knew it."
On the third-floor landing, Komari was leaning against the railing, eating a butter roll.
When she saw me, she swallowed in surprise.
"N-Nukumizu's here?"
"Yeah—figured you might be here."
"Ugh...?"
I squeezed in beside her, ignoring her annoyed look.
Since Yakishio had asked me for backup, I had to help Komari—give and take, right?
Holding out the extra milk, I launched into my planned line.
"Uh, I accidentally bought two milks. Want one?"
"You wouldn't buy two by mistake."
As she took the milk, I added, "You're right. Mind if I think up my next line?"
"J-Just do it before lunch ends."
Watching Komari slurp her milk through a straw, I opened my curry-bread wrapper.
Okay—how do I start...?
"Komari, Tiara came by the club room the other day, right?"
"G-Go to hell."
Her comeback was fast.
Still, I can't blame her for being on edge.
After Yakishio threatened to quit, then two weeks of "suspended club" because of that troublemaking new member—
I've put the vice-president Komari through a lot. And I wasn't having fun either.
"It won't be anything to worry about. I'm the Literature Club president, after all."
"D-Don't just lean on your title forever."
"Ah, right. I'll be careful."
Hm—no luck there.
Resigned, I sipped my milk while Komari shot me a sideways glare.
"S-So Yakishio said something to you?"
"Y-Yeah... a little."
Stuck for words, I took a bite of the curry bread—and Komari sighed softly.
"I know you're too nice for your own good. S-So do whatever you want."
"I'm not planning to join the student council. And yesterday Tiara just showed up at my house."
"S-She came all the way to your house?"
Wait—Komari hadn't heard about that from Yakishio? Uh-oh, I've dug myself in deeper.
"Ah—she said she needed to see my sister. You know, through the student council connection. And Yakishio was there too."
"Y-Yakishio was there too?"
Komari's eyes turned the same look you give rotting garbage. My hole's getting deeper.
"Uh, basically—I want you to rest easy."
"You—such a shameless guy."
She tossed that aside and started munching her butter roll again.
Awkwardly, I ate my curry bread, and Komari muttered:
"I know you—you'll never be able to turn her down in the end, right?"
"No—"
"Can you really say 'no' to that?"
...No, I can't. I finished my bread in silence, then hesitated before speaking.
"Just hypothetically—what if I did agree to be Tiara's proposer?"
Komari toyed with her empty milk carton in her palm and muttered, resigned:
"I—do whatever you want, student council or whatever."
"I'm not planning to join the council."
"Y-Yeah, so—do whatever you want."
...Well, I can't exactly blame her for not trusting me. I've had too many slip-ups.
I leaned on the railing, staring off into the distance.
Beyond the spread of town lay the familiar low hills.
Their greenery's grown dense since I last looked. Next week's June—time to switch uniforms.
Another summer's about to start.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That afternoon after school, I was at the board-game café DEJANA, which isn't far from the school.
Sitting across from me at a second-floor table was the student-council secretary, Yumeko Shikiya.
Her long, light-brown hair fell in gentle waves. She tilted her head, her milky-white eyes staring somewhere I couldn't tell.
"It's... your... turn, Nukumizu..."
"Ah, yes." I hurriedly rolled the die so she wouldn't notice I'd been staring.
Moving my little brown-bear piece, I checked the board. We were playing a two-player sugoroku–style game. Despite its cutesy aesthetic—brown bears versus polar bears—it was surprisingly strategic, with how you place chips on the field and use the rules determining the winner. Incidentally, I was on a three-game losing streak.
"I'll take that chip. Please move back to Start."
"Is... that okay...? Doing that..."
Korori. Shikiya-san's die rolled a six.
"Oh—did you just take my 20-point chip?"
"Nice... assist..." Grinning, Shikiya-san plucked the chip up between her decorated fingertips.
Of course, we weren't on some lovey-dovey after-school date. I'd just asked to talk, and this spot happened to be where we met. Seriously.
Timing my moment, I feigned casualness and spoke.
"Um—how's Basori-san been lately?"
"What... do you mean...?" Her hand froze on the polar-bear piece.
"I was wondering what things have been like in the student council recently."
"Wasn't... it me... you wanted... to talk... to...?"
Shikiya-san swayed back and forth. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I bobbed my head.
"Oh, yes. I wanted to ask you for advice about Basori-san, so I thought we could talk..."
Something about this felt subtly ominous. As I fidgeted, Shikiya-san tilted her head sharply.
"The student-council-president election...?"
"Yes, I heard you were asked to be a recommender and turned it down."
"Yeah... Tiara-chan... rejected me..." Shikiya-san swayed sadly.
"May I ask why you volunteered to be a recommender?"
"Tiara-chan... was introduced by a teacher... and she refused..." She toyed with her piece, still swaying.
"Someone... has to help her... or she'll lose..."
After a while, Shikiya-san stopped swaying and turned her white eyes on me.
"Did Tiara-chan... ask you to...?"
"Yeah, it seems she wants me as a recommender. I've declined, but she just won't give up."
By then, Shikiya-san's swaying had stopped altogether.
"I see...."
Silence. I felt uneasy and poked my bear piece with my fingertip.
"Because... she... likes you...."
"Well, isn't that more... like her character thing... or... that BL-style stuff?"
"I... can't deny that." Shikiya-san softly set down her piece and resumed the game.
Distracted, I rolled the die and continued talking.
"If I gave a campaign speech, it'd probably ruin her chances. If the
teacher can find a proper recommender, that's definitely better."
"You... don't... want to support her...?"
Shikiya-san's white eyes. I slowly shook my head.
"She's earnest and hardworking—I do hope she wins." After a moment's hesitation, I added:
"If she isn't really interested in council activities, I'm not sure
it's right to be her recommender just because we know each other. And
honestly, public speaking is a bit—"
"Did you... tell her that...?"
"No, not yet. Should I try asking you again to be her recommender?"
"It's... probably futile..."
Shikiya-san paused her turn again and stared intently at the die. Her long lashes trembled, though there was no breeze.
"I... worried her... too much... and she came to hate me..."
"Uh, that's not—"
I hesitated when Shikiya-san abruptly stood.
"Nukumizu... over here..."
"Eh, wait, senpai—" Before I could finish, she grabbed my hand and led me into a corner of the room.
"Senpai, what on earth—"
"Crouch down..."
"Ah, okay." I crouched behind an empty table as told. ...My hand still felt entwined with hers.
I could feel the fine texture of her skin. A coolness seeped through, gradually numbing my hand.
"What's wrong...?"
"Ah—nothing at all." It was pretty warm today, so the cold might feel nice. Yeah, better than heatstroke.
...I stealthily glanced sideways at Shikiya-san crouched beside me. Still expressionless, she peeked over the table with just her face visible. Her thick false lashes framed her unblinking white eyes. The mature, sweet scent wafting around her was the perfume she'd been wearing lately.
As I stared absentmindedly, Shikiya-san glanced at her watch.
"It's... 5:00... exactly..."
"Are you waiting for someone—"
"Quietly... bow your head..."
Bowing my head, I followed her gaze to see a Tsubaki High girl ascending the stairs. It was Basori Tiara. She looked restless as she surveyed the floor, then sat at the table closest to the stairs. She sat up straight, staring at the stairs—surely waiting for someone.
"Why is Basori-san here?" I whispered, and Shikiya-san replied with a hint of pride.
"Because... I called her... here..."
"If it was a talk among the three of us, the student-council room would've worked too, no?"
"Don't you... want to hang out... with me...?"
"It's not— not that I don't."
Embarrassed, I shifted my gaze back to Tiara-san. Suddenly, she nonchalantly pulled something from her bag. It was a small, disc-shaped makeup compact. Opening the lid, she patted powder onto her face with a tapping motion. ...She looked like a Showa-era lady.
"Why are we hiding and watching?"
"Tiara-chan... I'm... happy... you came..." Shikiya-san swayed happily.
Come to think of it, these two were on such terms they could casually remove each other's bras. I'm not sure, but I guess this is part of their... play. Watching and being left alone—this is some next-level stuff...
My heart pounding at this grown-up scene, I realized Tiara-san was staring right at us.
"Tiara-san, isn't she looking this way? Her expression is... intense."
"This moment... is... irresistible..."
I see; this is the adult world. As I admired this, Tiara-san hurried over.
"You two are here?! Why didn't you call out to me?"
"I thought... I might be... interrupting your makeup..."
Shikiya-san rose unsteadily, slipped her arm around Tiara-san, and drew her face so close their noses almost touched.
"You're... bad at makeup... it's... too cute... it's a violation of school rules..."
"There's no... such rule—Wait, are you saying I'm bad at makeup?!"
"That's... what makes it... cute..."
"Please don't rub my cheek!"
Hm. Being caught between these two can only be called... gauche. I returned to my seat and sipped my now-cold coffee. A harmony of bitterness and acidity spread across my tongue.
"Hey, Nukumizu, stop staring and help—hey, where are you touching?!"
Watching the two entangled together, I took another swallow of coffee. Cold coffee and—yuri go well together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What the heck is this?! What are you two doing?!"
Tiara-san glares at me as she stirs her coffee with a spoon.
"And the one who called me out here just went home satisfied—what's that all about?!"
"I—I don't know what to tell you..."
Right. Since Shikiya-senpai had already left, I was the only one left
to take Tiara-san's anger. Even though it wasn't my fault.
"Nukumizu, you didn't stop her. Why were you casually messing with your phone?"
"I wasn't about to record a video or anything—no. Shikiya-senpai and
Tiara-san have that... no-strings adult relationship, right? I didn't
want to intrude."
"That's not it at all! And don't call me by my given name!"
Fuming, Tiara-san downs her coffee—milk plus three sugars—in one gulp.
After a moment, the sugar and caffeine finally calm her down. She sets the cup down with a clatter and clears her throat.
"So... um, what was this... serious matter you wanted to discuss?"
...Huh? What serious matter?
"I didn't know Tiara-san was coming."
"I heard from Shikiya-senpai and came here."
Wait—that means Shikiya-senpai used me as bait to lure Tiara-san here?
At that moment, a sharp clink of breaking glass reaches my ears.
"What's that sound?"
"Oh, Shikiya-senpai's calling."
I glance at my phone: one new message slides into view.
──"My Christmas return gift"
...She got me good. I look up at the ceiling. Last Christmas Eve, I'd used the promise of winter illumination to get Shikiya-senpai together with Tsukinogi-senpai. So this must be her payback.
"Nukumizu, don't leave me hanging—what happened?"
"Um, I guess I... offended Shikiya-senpai somehow, and this is her revenge?"
"You 'offended' her—what did you even do?"
Well, a lot of things. I dodge the question with a vague shrug and pretend to sip my empty cup.
I think over why Shikiya-senpai sent the two of us here to face each other. Then I speak up.
"So, about the student-council election..."
"Oh, yes?"
I pause to gauge Tiara-san's reaction. She sits up straight, waiting for me to continue.
──Why I refused Shikiya-senpai's offer. I almost reveal it, then stop myself.
"I'm the literature-club president; I don't want to get involved in the
council. I think it's wrong for someone with no real interest in
student-council activities to act as a recommender just for show. And
honestly, I—"
I try to laugh at myself but end up making a grimace.
"I'm terrible at speaking in front of people."
Tiara-san listens in silence, then exhales deeply.
"...Understood. I won't push you anymore."
Huh—I kind of expected more fight.
She casually places her phone on the table. The lock screen lights up, showing not a selfie but a photo of "Chikapyon," a character from "Giri Giri-Out na Musume-tachi." Why would Tiara-san have that?
I double-take and almost lift out of my chair.
"That store display pop of Chikapyon?! Why does Tiara-san have that?"
"My relative runs a business and gives me promotional goods—like this—since they figure kids like anime and manga."
With a straight face, Tiara-san pushes her phone forward.
"I don't really know much about this stuff, so I thought I'd give it to someone who'd appreciate it."
"Well...!"
I lean so far over the table I rattle it, then slowly sit back.
"Um... okay. I hope you find someone who wants it."
"Oh? Really? Nukumizu, I thought you had a very similar keychain."
"Did I? There are a lot of similar characters."
I shift my bag—but "a lot of similar characters" doesn't cover it. The
rubber strap on my bag is the exact Chikapyon. So Tiara-san knew my
favorite and set this up. I can't fall for that so easily.
.........
......No, but maybe I could at least listen a bit...
As I skirt her phone, Tiara-san smiles wryly.
"I'll give this to you—if you become her recommender."
"Huh?!"
That instant, I realize I've lost.
A playful smile tugs at Tiara-san's lips.
"I'm not saying that outright. But if someone wants it, I'll pass it on."
"Really?"
Before I know it, she's won.
"It's fine, but I'm getting attached to it, so I'd appreciate a small favor in return."
Damn, of course she'd go that route. I brace myself as Tiara-san speaks casually.
"Would you teach me some more studies?"
...Huh? Studies? That's it?
I'm caught off guard, and Tiara-san looks a bit embarrassed.
"My last test... didn't go so well."
"My grades have been slipping too, but if that's okay..."
"Yes, your explanations are clear, so they help."
I can't help feeling a bit pleased.
But does she really give up on the election that easily...? As that niggles at me, Tiara-san averts her eyes and asks:
"Did you change Shikiya-senpai's ringtone? That glass-breaking sound earlier?"
"Oh, yeah. So I can tell who's calling without looking. It's handy."
For example, when Professor Konuke calls, I can choose not to check the message right away.
Tiara-san fiddles with her phone.
──"Chirin."
My phone's ringtone—empty message from Tiara-san.
"What's this?"
She tucks her phone into her bag with a bored look.
"Your ringtone's still the default, right?"
"Well, yes."
What's her problem? She suddenly seems upset. Tiara-san dusts off her skirt and stands.
"Then please keep your Saturday afternoon free tomorrow."
"Tomorrow's... so sudden."
"Oh? Did you have plans?"
I shake my head—no plans.
Tiara-san smiles and turns her back to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That evening, I lined up my math materials on my study desk and folded my arms as I looked them over.
Tomorrow's study session—what should I bring? Bringing everything would look way too intense, but bringing too little might leave awkward gaps. Textbook and notebook are a given, so I'll pick one reference book and one problem set. That fits nicely in my bag—not too bulky—so next I need to check my outfit. On the floor I've laid out a collared short-sleeve shirt and lightweight chinos. Plain, of course. After a streak of accidental spills ruined most of my patterned clothes, plain is my only option.
"All right, perfect—"
"Onii-sama, are you heading out tomorrow?"
Before I know it, Kaju's standing behind me.
"Ah, yeah, just heading toward the station for a bit."
"Oh? Studying at the library?" Kaju glances at my bag.
Tomorrow I'm meeting Tiara at the Seibunkan Bookstore by the station, then we'll head to the study venue. There's nothing shady about it, but I really don't want Kaju finding out. Yeah, that'd be a pain.
"Uh, well, I'm just running an errand."
"...A study session with someone, isn't it?"
Kaju murmurs.
"Uh, no."
"Is it maybe a girl? Are you... on a study date at her place?!"
"No, no, nothing like that. I'm meeting a friend—yeah, a guy friend—for study." I blurt it out. Kaju's eyes light up as she shakes her head.
"I heard Sakurai-san is helping harvest cabbages at a relative's farm tomorrow, and Ayano-san has cram school. You don't have any other guy friends to study with," she points out mercilessly.
"It's true those are my only guy friends, but how do you know their plans?"
"When Basori-san visited the other day, I asked about your social circle. Definitely a study session with a girl! Is it the council president or Shikiya-senpai? Or—"
"No, that's not it. It's late—middle schoolers should be in bed."
"Hmph! I'm practically an adult!"
I let her protest slide and gently usher Kaju out of my room. Honestly, her nosiness is exhausting. Wait—Kaju shouldn't even know Ayano. And she only barely knows Tiara, and I deleted Asagumo-san's contact from her phone...
"Did I even mention Ayano in conversation?" I sigh—my own memory can't be trusted. I check my bag one more time and stuff in the pen case I'd forgotten.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The meeting spot with Tiara was the main Seibunkan Bookstore in front of Toyohashi Station.
Arriving a bit early, I finished checking the new light novels and
manga, then headed to the magazine section on the first floor. We were
supposed to meet there at 2:00 PM.
"I've still got time..."
As I wandered through the info-magazine corner, I spotted a familiar figure ahead.
"Oh—Nukumizu-kun!"
"Yanami-san? What are you doing here?"
It was Anna Yanami, leafing through a magazine.
She handed me the copy of Marutto Mikawa Tabehodo she'd been reading.
"Shiratama-chan invited me. She had free tickets and asked if I'd go to a sweets buffet with her. Here—open the page."
"Do you two hang out that much?"
"Not really, but free tickets for an all-you-can-eat sweets buffet? You don't pass that up."
Anna flipped her hair back with a flourish.
"Shiratama-chan's really nice! I had her all wrong before."
Anna's goodwill cost her exactly one sweets-buffet ticket. A bargain.
"That sounds fun. I should—"
"This Kadōwara place looks good, right? They put daikon in the ramen. Think eating that makes you lose weight?"
"Maybe. Uh, hey—"
"And quail-egg mitarashi pickles look tasty too. Oh, next page, please."
...Please don't make me hold your magazine while you read.
I flipped the page as instructed and glanced around anxiously. Tiara should show up soon. It's not a secret we're meeting, but with all the election drama, I really didn't want to be spotted now.
Still fidgeting, I almost missed Anna's mutter.
"Hey—so are you really going to be Tiara's recommender?"
"I already turned her down. I think she got it. Probably."
"You've been looking around like you're hiding from someone. Waiting for someone?"
"Uh—no, I just came to check the new releases—"
Anna snatched the magazine back and gave me a skeptical look.
"...Who, though? Nukumizu-kun, do you have any friends besides the literature-club members?"
"I do—like Ayano, Sakurai..."
"You're meeting those two?"
"Well, um..."
Crap. Anna totally suspects me.
A sweet scent drifted past my nose.
"Oh—Club President?"
Turning, I saw Shiratama in a navy-and-white polka-dot dress. Her skirt was short, revealing nicely shaped knees.
Anna dropped the magazine and suddenly hugged Shiratama.
"Shiratama-chan! Thanks for inviting me today!"
"I'm happy you came, too, Senpai."
Shiratama broke free of Anna's hug and tilted her head cutely at me.
"Club President, are you coming?"
"Huh? No—I've got... something to do."
"Oh? Rejected again?"
Shiratama teased, then pulled two tickets from her small handbag.
"Anna-senpai, I'll grab the book I ordered first—could you go on in? I'll catch up right away."
"Sure, but it feels weird to eat alone."
Anna really did feel awkward going in solo.
Shiratama clasped her hands and looked up at me sweetly.
"Sorry, but if we're late for our reservation, they'll cancel it. And the popular roast beef might be gone, you know?"
"There's roast beef too?! Got it—I'm going in!"
Efficient and economical. Anna took the tickets and, barely containing
her excitement, pushed open the glass door and dashed inside.
Shiratama waved after her, then chuckled softly.
"I'm glad she's happy. It was worth hurrying to get the tickets."
"Huh? But you had free tickets yourself."
"That's right. Exactly that."
Shiratama spun to face me.
"Recently, I exchanged contact info with Kaju-chan."
"With Kaju?"
I was thrown by the sudden topic change. As far as I knew, those two didn't get along. What happened between them...?
"I wonder when you and Kaju became friendly?"
Shiratama said nothing, only smiled.
"Kaju-chan's cute, isn't she? She gets all fired up when it's about you."
"Uh..."
Shiratama clasped her fingers behind her back, then leaned forward to look up at me.
"She's really cute—you tried to trick her, but she saw right through it. And she even let slip our meeting spot."
"Um, what are you talking about...?"
"I wonder, what are we talking about?"
Shiratama straightened and glanced behind me.
"...Hmm—Vice President, are you?"
"Huh?"
"I guess you didn't want Anna-senpai to see you together. I don't mind, though."
What on earth...? How much does Shiratama know?
"Uh—did you know I'd be here...?"
"Well, I'll go on ahead. I don't want to be in the way."
"Oh, right—"
As Shiratama passed by, she leaned close and whispered in my ear:
"Club President—I may look like this, but I'm the kind of girl who makes herself convenient, you know?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tiara-san fell into near-silence the moment we regrouped, and she walked at a surprisingly brisk pace. We slipped through the glass doors beside the magazine corner onto Tokiwa Street, passed the line at the crepe stand, and pressed on deeper into the arcade. I finally caught up and fell into step beside her.
"Um... are you upset... Tiara-san?"
"I'm not angry. I was just a bit surprised that you'd invited those two to the study session."
"But I didn't tell anyone. They were just pestering me, that's all..."
Tiara-san nodded once and rounded the corner, the chocolate shop at the end of the arcade falling behind us. After a short walk, she pressed a hand to her chest and exhaled with relief.
"Phew... now that we're this far in, we should be okay."
"Okay how?"
"This area keeps us out of sight. Things have been a bit noisy at school lately."
She looked around, then took a step closer.
"...Nukumizu-san, have you heard of the Bird-Watching Club?"
"You mean the one that got suspended for selling illicit photos?"
"Officially it's suspended indefinitely, but thanks to the president's intervention, they were allowed to keep going as the Newspaper Club."
"I didn't even know we had a Newspaper Club."
"No—we didn't. It was the president's goodwill: they were to contribute to Tsuwabuki as a newspaper club and pave the way for the Bird-Watching Club's return...but..."
I wondered if preserving that club was really so important.
"So what's the issue with that Newspaper Club?"
"They've started doing gossip-rag stuff—tailing election figures all over. Since it's only a club, not under the student council, we can't step in."
Tiara-san pressed her palm to her forehead and sighed. As a fellow bird lover, I wanted to apologize—but they probably don't care about birds at all.
We walked on side by side as I took in our surroundings. Exiting the arcade north onto Hirokoji Street, the crowd thinned—though it wasn't deserted. Houses now lined the street where shops and offices once stood, preserving the old atmosphere. Some buildings still bore their storefront façades; a few businesses even carried on inside.
Among them I noticed a brand-new, large building.
"Was there an apartment block here before?"
Tiara-san, who had been about to pass it, stopped to look up.
"It was built recently. Everyone who lived here has moved out."
"Oh—I see."
"My grandparents said this shopping street used to be bustling. But... it couldn't be helped."
She said it flatly, then started walking again, turning the next corner.
"My house is just up ahead—"
"Oh! Tiara-chan!"
A warm, stout woman's voice cut in. Tiara-san hesitated, then bowed her head.
"Hello, Michishige-oba-san."
"Oh dear, I missed you, Tiara-chan—you've grown up so much...?"
When the woman finally noticed me, her eyes widened.
"Well, well! Tiara-chan? Oh my!"
"That's not me!"
"Yes, yes, of course. I had a time like this too—back in the day, with someone different from my current husband. But that's our little secret."
"I'm telling you it's not me—I'm not her!"
"I know, I know. I know everything. Sorry to bother you."
She nodded as if to say "no worries," then passed by—oddly giving me a thumbs-up as she went.
"Tiara-chan all grown up—or about to be, I wonder..."
A neighbor's tease hit her hard—she covered her face and trembled. I couldn't help but wonder: will Yanami end up like that someday?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Basori residence is just past where we ran into Michishige-oba-san—a three-story building facing the street. The ground floor was probably a shop once; the street side is all glass. Tiara-san slid open the glass door, stepped inside, and beckoned me in.
Inside, the former shop area was dim, with shelves piled high with costume cases and cardboard boxes.
"Sorry it's so messy."
...The reflex to switch to polite speech almost kicked in. A girl's home, lived-in and personal. And the fact that we're not all that close makes it oddly more poignant.
We climbed the steep stairs to the third floor, where two doors lined the hallway.
"Hiroshi—put your bag away properly!"
Tiara-san passed the first door, calling out in a big-sister tone. At home, she really is the older sister. And her brother's name—Hiroshi—turns out to be refreshingly ordinary.
"This room's pretty bare, but please come in."
She ushered me into a six-tatami mat room. Furnishings stood out for their simplicity: a bed, a study desk, a bookshelf, and a low table. A traditional Japanese room, plain but for the pale pink rug under the table and matching curtains—subtle, girlish touches that really work.
"Please sit on that zabuton."
"Oh—okay."
I sat stiffly, folding my legs under me. It's only natural to be nervous; it's my first time inside a girl's room. (Komari's room doesn't count—she shared with her siblings, and that was an emergency.)
Tiara-san sat primly opposite me and began nervously fidgeting with her bangs.
"W-well, shall we begin?"
"Ah, yes... let's."
Even though it's just studying, the atmosphere is so... charged. We silently fetched our textbooks.
"Um... may I have you teach me math again today? I... I'm really weak on sequences."
"That's perfect—I struggle with them too."
At my offhand reply, Tiara-san let out a soft chuckle.
"That's not helpful at all. Let's study together, then."
I'm not sure why, but she seemed pleased. Relieved, I opened my book.
"By the way, how did you do on the last test?"
"There are signs of improvement here and there... I did no worse than the numbers indicate."
Tiara-san clenched her fist with determination. Positivity is good.
—About thirty minutes into our study session...
When I looked up from checking answers, Tiara-san had a serious
expression as she tackled the problem set. Her hair pulled back tightly,
her thick brows framing a beauty mark on her pale neck. Her face looked
smaller than I expected—bare of makeup during the week, but I know she
dresses up a bit on weekends.
"...Do I have something on my face?"
Without me noticing, Tiara-san had looked up and cocked her head in puzzlement.
"Oh—no, it's nothing. Just... I noticed something..."
As I mumbled my excuse, Tiara-san leaned forward, eyes bright with curiosity.
"Well? What is it? I want to know."
"Ah—well, I just realized... you really weren't recruiting me for the student council, were you?"
Her smile faded in an instant. ...I think I blew that one.
"Depending on the circumstances, I might have been. Bringing you here would've put me in control."
Her tone was ambiguous—joking or serious, I couldn't tell.
Wait—"depending on the circumstances"?
"...So you've changed your mind?"
"Actually, the deadline for president nominations closed yesterday. And by evening, I was the only candidate."
Her face half-admitted a mischievous confession.
"Wait—so there's no election?"
"That's right. It's just the platform statement and a confidence vote—no campaign speeches."
Then what was all that fuss for?
And didn't we just meet at the board-game café last night...?
"Why didn't you tell me yesterday afternoon?"
"Sorry. Technically it wasn't final until midnight, so I forgot to mention it."
I felt more relief than anger, and couldn't help smiling.
"...Oh? Were you actually considering it?"
"Yeah, I thought helping with the election would be okay."
"Heh—now you can say anything."
"It's free to say."
Tiara-san laughed at my joke. I hadn't realized she smiled like that...
After we laughed together, she wiped at her eyes and said,
"If push came to shove, I had a surprise to persuade you—but I didn't need it."
"A surprise? What kind?"
"Oh, it's nothing that interesting..."
She was trying to dodge the question. Wait—she did call it a "surprise."
"Could you show me?"
"Eh, but..."
When I leaned forward, Tiara-san recoiled. This must be something special.
"I'm really curious about your surprise."
"It's not... exactly something to show off..."
"It's not like that. It'll be our secret, I won't tell anyone."
"A secret...!"
My enthusiasm must've swayed her. Tiara-san's lips trembled as she looked up at me.
"Um... I'm not sure if it'll meet your expectations."
She pulled something from her desk drawer and, hiding it behind her, shifted in her seat. It didn't look very big—maybe an acrylic stand figure? I held my breath as she revealed it:
"Okay, I'll just go for it!"
Tiara-san placed it on her head. Then, framing her hands like cat paws, she said in a playful, sweet voice,
"Please support me—nyaa."
...What on earth, Tiara-san? There in front of me, she was wearing—a cat-ear headband.
Frozen by her full-throttle reveal, I watched her face turn bright red.
"Huh...? No, I just thought you... liked this sort of thing! I don't have those... inclinations!"
"Well, actually I do—"
"You do?!"
At Tiara-san's panicked shout—
BANG! The door flung open.
"Sis... I'm heading out—"
"Takashi?!"
It
was a fresh-faced boy in a stylish tracksuit—about Kaju's age. He
stared at his sister, then, deciding to ignore us, gave me a polite bow.
"Uh... hello. I'm Nukumizu."
Awkward silence filled the room.
"My brother has good vision?"
"Um... lately he said it's gotten a bit worse."
That was it. I nodded emphatically.
"Chances are, he didn't even notice your cat ears."
"Wait, is that possible?"
"Think about it—your sister has cat ears on and is saying 'nyaa' to a strange boy."
"Ugh!"
Tiara-san clutched her chest, moaning. Not yet—hold on a bit longer.
"Most people wouldn't keep their composure, but he looked totally unfazed."
"Really? He's never looked like that before."
"Exactly. So, paradoxically, he must not have seen the cat ears. That's the only conclusion."
Color returned to her face. Almost there.
"What about the 'nyaa'? Maybe he didn't hear that either."
"Oh, of course he didn't. The door opening canceled out the sound with inverse phase—physics class proof."
"Right... I'm a bio student, so I wouldn't notice that."
"Now, why am I saying all this?"
She looked at me, breathless.
"Boys can't help but misunderstand—"
"Huh?"
"If a boy and a girl are alone in her room, he'll assume he's being invited..."
"Eek?!"
Tiara-san slid backward, still seated.
"It's fine with me, but other guys—"
"Um... I—"
She gripped her fists to her chest, trembling. Maybe I'd said too much.
In a small voice, she asked,
"D-do you... want to...?"
"Want to what?"
At my question, her face flushed deeper.
"Want to... that... do that...?!"
Before I could answer, her phone rang.
"The phone! I'll get it!"
She stood and pressed it to her ear.
"...Sensei? Even on Saturday, thank you for your hard work. Yes, I'm okay."
Her voice trailed away down the hallway—something sounded serious. Maybe she failed a test?
...She really is something else. Lured me home to study, donned cat ears... all for nothing.
Did we even need to study at her house...?
Click. The door opened again, and Tiara-san returned, her face ashen.
"Something happened?"
She pressed her hand to her chest, took a deep breath, and spoke seriously:
"Last night, someone filed their candidacy for student council president at the eleventh hour."
In other words... it's back to a real election, not just a confidence vote?
Before I could react, Tiara-san flung herself into the seat in front of me.
"Nukumizu-san, you said I could have your help with the election!"
"Eh... I might have said that..."
Sweat beaded on my forehead.
"Wait—I did say that, but not in that sense..."
"Please! I don't have confidence to beat him on my own!"
Even with my support, there's not much I can do...
...Did she say "him"?
"Who's running? Someone I know?"
Tiara-san nodded and said:
"—Sakurai Hiroto. Sakurai-kun, the student-council treasurer."
"?! But he said he wouldn't..."
If that's true, I can't see Tiara-san winning. I might even vote for Sakurai-kun myself.
At my silence, Tiara-san pulled out the cat-ear headband again, placed it on her head, and in a trembling voice said:
"P-please fight the election with me... nyaaa."
She struck a beckoning-cat pose, trembling.
Um... what should I do? Nyaa.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~Intermission: Make Special Memories~
That afternoon in the student‐council room after school, Hibari Hokobaru, the student-council president, was carefully wiping down her desk with a tightly wrung cloth. Across the room, Hiroto Sakurai, the treasurer, paused in organizing the bookshelves and smiled when he turned around.
"You've still got a month left in your term, and you're already at it," he teased.
"I can't stand scrambling to clean right before I leave. Respect is something you build up over time," Hibari replied, rinsing the cloth in her bucket of water.
Sakurai shot her a worried look, but she shrugged it off.
"I've inherited so much from the presidents before me. It's my duty to pass it on to the next generation." She squeezed the cloth dry again and began polishing the chairs.
"You've been on the council for two years, Hiba-nee. You must have so many memories," Sakurai said.
Hibari smiled nostalgically. "Oh, yes. My predecessor was quite the character—gave even Koto-senpai a run for her money."
"I'm glad I joined this year," Sakurai laughed, then sobered. "I hope Yumeko-san is all right. Sounds like she upset Tiara-chan again."
"That's just proof they're close. Shikiya really lights up around Basori-kun."
As vice president, Tiara Basori has already filed her candidacy for next term's president. No one else has stepped up, so if she clears the confidence vote, she'll be the next president. Once I step down, I won't have any interest in the council anymore, Sakurai had decided.
Seeing Hibari satisfied with her cleaning, Sakurai smiled gently. She draped the cloth over the bucket's rim and surveyed her desk.
"Right—before I forget, I'll hand this over," she said, picking up a file. "I've summarized the pending items here. Be prepared—those supplemental-budget meetings get heated every year."
Sakurai blinked at the proffered file. "Hiba-nee, I'm not staying on the council."
"Oh—right. I'm sorry, old habit." She laughed wryly and ran a hand over the folder's cover.
"I can't help feeling you'd keep it, Hiroto. I knew it, but still..." She set the file back on the desk as if shaking off a thought.
"All right, that's enough for today. Hiroto, need help with anything?" She reached for the bucket's handle—and it came off with a clang.
"Hiba-nee—" Sakurai's hand shot out, but Hibari was already gripping the bucket's rim with her other hand. The two exhaled in relief.
"I'm not always the one being fussed over," she said.
"No kidding—I feel a ton lighter," Sakurai laughed, and they exchanged mirthful looks.
At that moment, Sakurai's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and his smile vanished.
"...It's Koharu, isn't it? Don't worry about me—just answer it."
He stared at the screen a moment, then flipped the phone face down on the desk.
"I'll call her back later. If she's calling at this hour, it can't be urgent." He spoke evenly, then walked over to Hibari's desk.
"Hiba-nee, may I see that file?"
"What's up—curious about something?"
Hibari held out the folder. Sakurai realized he couldn't look away from it. With a resolute expression, he reached for it.
"—Yes. I'm... interested."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 1 done, if you happen to see the same translation on wattpad, that person was me too.
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