Side: Rena Kusuhara (Stuck-up Woman)
It was the morning after the Rinka Festival, a day that felt like a living nightmare.
What awaited my wounded heart wasn't the warmth of encouragement or concern from those around me. Instead, it was an interrogation in the name of a "fact-finding inquiry" led by my beloved brother.
It was through him that I finally understood who I had been dealing with. I learned what kind of position that loathsome Sara Satsukawa actually held, in the truest sense of the word.
She wasn't merely the daughter of a "Senior Managing Director." She was the young lady of the Sawa Group’s Next President.
In other words, I had picked a fight—no, I had committed an act of sheer recklessness—against someone who was, so to speak, an existence far above the clouds. She was the person who effectively ruled over our company from the top down. Realizing this, I had no choice but to accept why my usually kind brother was treating me with such unprecedented severity.
"Weren't you told by the President not to cause trouble with the young lady?"
"I... I do remember being told that. However..."
Being scolded so peremptorily without any explanation or reason—I couldn't possibly be satisfied with that. Those were the words I wanted to scream.
In the first place, I had never heard a single word about Senior Managing Director Satsukawa being the Next President.
"Even you must understand that the corporate world is a vertical society, don't you? Let alone when the opponent is from the head office..."
Just because they were from the head office didn't mean they were superior in every way; such conceit was beyond the pale. That woman’s insolent and arrogant attitude was a clear reflection of that. Or so I had told myself. It was precisely because I felt that way that I had harbored such intense resentment toward Sara Satsukawa.
That was why I thought that, at the very least, I wanted to make her suffer a grand humiliation at the Miss Contest, a place that drew attention to her as a "woman."
But...
That wish had not come true. Instead, I was the one who had been utterly humiliated in front of everyone. Far from winning, I didn't even place. I was even forced to witness the incomprehensible result of a man, Kazunari Takanashi, taking the runner-up spot.
And now, I was being made to realize the even clearer difference in our social standing.
"At any rate, explain the circumstances."
The circumstances...
If I explained everything on top of what had already happened, I would... but.
And so, I ended up spending a period of time that felt like torture, exposing my miserable self-esteem—which could only be called a disgrace—to the brother I respected more than anyone else.
……………
………
…
I wished it were all a dream. Even as I thought that time and again, the day to attend school arrived nonetheless.
Carrying a heavy heart and a slight sense of fear, I walked the usual school route. What awaited me was exactly as I had expected: cold stares from everyone around me.
Perhaps it was just my imagination. Perhaps I was overthinking it.
Even as I tried to convince myself of that, there was no doubt I was being subjected to meaningful glares that felt different from usual. Moreover, while morning greetings usually flew my way from every direction, today there hadn't been a single one.
In other words... that was just how it was now.
Furthermore, while I was already feeling restless and exposed, I arrived at school only to find a crowd.
"It’s amazing, isn't it? A proposal on such a big stage."
"To think he won over that impregnable Satsukawa-san... I wonder what kind of person Takanashi-kun is?"
"I only know he’s the Vice President. He’s not someone who particularly stands out."
"Well, he is plain, for sure. But if 'that' Satsukawa-san chose him..."
"There must be something about him. At the very least, his courage is incredible!"
"I... thought he was cute, though?"
"Ah, the part where he was singing surrounded by kids? I saw the video too, and he was actually a bit cute."
The students were swarming around the School Newspaper posted all over the wall like bait, making a huge fuss about the festival. The Female Officers seemed to view the news mostly favorably. Interest was particularly focused on Kazunari Takanashi, the man who had shot through the heart of Sara Satsukawa.
And then...
"Gaaaah... Are you serious!?"
"Aaaaargh, I wanted to believe it was a dream!!!"
"Damn it! Even if I didn't have a chance, if someone else hadn't taken her, there would still be some salvation!!!"
"Engagement... and cohabitation... COHABITATION!!??"
"Guoooh!! 'Envious' doesn't even begin to describe it!!!"
As for the Male Officers, it was as if they were watching a continuation of the festival's nightmare. The woman they yearned for was dating another man. Moreover, they were already engaged and living together. They couldn't process this unbelievable fact. Their despair was written all over their faces.
"...Hey, look."
"...Ugh, there she is. The wicked woman."
"...How could she even show her face at school?"
"...Serves her right."
"...I haven't liked her for a long time."
The surrounding students who noticed me began whispering. They weren't even trying to hide their insults.
I left the area as if I were running away.
……………
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…
Sitting on a bed of nails—that was exactly the right expression for this.
Having finally endured a terrible morning in the Classroom where I experienced that reality firsthand, I fled my desk. Just like I had at the Entrance this morning, I sought refuge in a deserted corner of the courtyard.
This was my secret favorite spot. It was a space that felt like a void where no one ever came despite the presence of a bench. For the current me, it was no exaggeration to say it was the only place where my heart could find rest.
Or so I thought.
"What? There was already someone here..."
A man suddenly appeared and muttered those words with an incredibly ill-mannered tone.
"Excuse me? You are being quite blunt all of a sudden."
"Blunt? Isn't that a bit much to say?"
"I called it blunt because it was blunt."
"Whoa... Harsh. You sound just like Satsukawa-senpai did a little while ago..."
"What did you just say!?"
"Whoa!?"
Hearing the name I least wanted to hear right now, I unintentionally raised my voice. Did he not know how much bitterness that woman had made me swallow on that Stage? To make a comment comparing me to her—he must be the lowest of men, lacking both manners and a shred of delicacy. He was no longer worth dealing with.
"W-What’s with you all of a sudden? Well, whatever. Honestly, I don't have the luxury of dealing with someone I don't even know very well either."
"Wait a moment. What... did you just say?"
"Huh?"
"Did you say... you don't know me?"
Unless I had misheard, this man just said he didn't know me well.
Kazunari Takanashi had said the same thing to me before. Even if I conceded that that was just my own self-consciousness back then, this time it should have been impossible.
"Yeah, I don't know you... Hm? Now that I look closer, you do look a bit familiar..."
"Hah... I see. That’s enough."
It didn't seem like he was lying. It appeared to be true that he really didn't know me, or at most, barely recognized my face.
To think that even after such an uproar, there were still students who didn't know me was a surprise. But if that was the case, it might actually be a blessing for me right now.
"What’s been up with you for a while now? Wait, oops, sorry. Are you a Senpai?"
It wasn't because he realized who I was; he had simply noticed my school year from the color of my badge. Even if he hadn't noticed who was the senior or junior, the fact remained that he was incredibly rude.
But right now, more than that...
"I am here because I want to be alone. I don't know what business you have, but please leave."
"Even if you say that, I came here because I wanted to be alone too, you know?"
"I was here first. That means I have priority."
"There’s no such thing as priority for an individual on school grounds, right? Besides, if you're a Senpai, shouldn't you let your junior... Ah, whatever. Heave-ho."
"Wait!?"
Just as I thought he was looking at me with a nonchalant face, the rude man suddenly sat down on the edge of the Bench I was occupying.
This was the second person, following Kazunari Takanashi, to be so presumptuous as to defy me so directly. What in the world was he thinking!?
"How can you just..."
"I came here because I wanted to be alone too. If you won't give me space, Senpai, I have no choice but to share."
"You should just go to another place!"
"I can't think of any other place, and it’s a waste of time. Besides, if we both stay quiet, it’s peaceful here, isn't it?"
"That’s not the issue..."
What was with this man!?
In a way, he was even worse than Kazunari Takanashi. He barged in without any consideration whatsoever. He was truly of the worst sort. I didn't recall anyone ever treating me like this before. That said, I had no intention of arguing with him any further.
I had no choice but to ignore him. Dealing with people like this was just a waste of time.
"Hah..."
"........."
"Sigh..."
"........."
"Ahhh..."
"You are being noisy! What is it, really!?"
"Ah, sorry. It just slipped out."
"...Huh?"
In contrast to a moment ago, his voice was now weak and drained of energy. Looking closely, his expression clearly showed a shade of sadness. His emotional fluctuations were so intense that I couldn't keep up. He really was like a child. Wait—why was I even trying to keep up!?
"Hah... I suppose you were rejected by a woman or something of the sort?"
"Well, that’s not far off."
"How simple. Are you also one of those who would spout nonsense about being heartbroken because you were shocked that Sara Satsukawa is engaged? Everyone is just ridiculous."
"That’s not it. I mean, it’s not like I didn't admire a super beauty like Satsukawa-senpai at all... but it’s someone else."
"Is that so? I said something unnecessary."
Because there were too many fools thinking similar things, I had unintentionally taken a cynical view.
Even so, to be heartbroken... Even if it was still a simple matter, it was a territory I didn't understand well since I had no experience with it myself.
"You look like you've never been heartbroken, Senpai."
"Indeed. Although I have been confessed to many times, I have never taken such an action myself. Furthermore, why did you think that?"
"No, I just thought a beauty like you would be super popular."
"Huh?"
"Satsukawa-senpai is one thing, but you aren't losing to her either, you know?"
"W-What is this all of a sudden? So out of the blue..."
"I just thought that might be the reason. Sorry if I'm wrong. But it’s not a lie or flattery."
"......"
This... was a bit of a surprise.
I thought he was a thoughtless Teppei Yamakawa without a shred of delicacy. But while I wouldn't say he was completely off the mark, he seemed to have noticed that I harbored some kind of hidden feelings toward Sara Satsukawa.
However, in terms of being so open and lacking any hidden side, he reminded me of the first impression I had of Kazunari Takanashi.
"I didn't mean it that way... but I will offer my thanks for now."
"I see. But you didn't deny that there’s something between you and Satsukawa-senpai, did you?"
"It’s not as if it’s something I need to hide."
The fact that I had clashed with Sara Satsukawa and my blunder at the Miss Contest were things that almost every student in this School knew. If this man knew that, by now he would be like all the others...
"Sorry... I stepped in too far."
"Up and down, you really are sudden, aren't you? What is it?"
"I've got a lot going on myself."
"Is that so? Well, it has nothing to do with me."
"Harsh as always. Well, I guess it’s a feeling someone living a fulfilled life like you wouldn't understand, Senpai."
"Huh? Who is living a fulfilled life?"
If it were the old me, maybe. But for the current me, those words were nothing but sarcasm. To think he would say that so shamelessly... was I wrong to think he might be a somewhat decent person?
"I mean, you've never been rejected, right? Then you've never had the experience of seeing the person you liked acting all lovey-dovey with another woman right in front of your eyes, have you?"
"There’s no way I would... In other words, you happened upon such a scene?"
"She was hugging his head and even patting it."
"That is, again, a very familiar sight."
I recalled Sara Satsukawa doing exactly that to Kazunari Takanashi on the Stage. To think there were other fools in this school who would do such things besides those two.
Ah, I've gone and remembered something I didn't want to think about. How loathsome.
"And so... because you were rejected by her and then shocked by seeing her being intimate with another man, you fled here?"
"If I put it bluntly, that’s about it."
"I see. But that can't be helped. The fact that she rejected you means that’s just how it is."
"No, for her, she only intends to dote on him as a Younger Brother, you know?"
"Hah? If they are siblings, then being jealous in the first place is nonsense, isn't it?"
I thought he had witnessed his love interest being intimate with a romantic rival. But if they were siblings, it was just a part of their Physical Intimacy (though it seemed like overkill). I thought being shocked by that was, regardless, a bit much.
"Well, if you can't give up to the point of being so obsessed, why not try attacking one more time? Provided the other person doesn't have a Lover or someone they like... that is."
"No, I can't do that. When I was rejected, I promised I wouldn't push my one-sided feelings on her ever again. I don't want to trouble her any more than this and make her truly hate me."
"I don't quite understand what you are saying."
Not pushing one-sided feelings?
Did that mean not forcing his feelings of unrequited love onto the other person?
Why would he make such a promise... wait!?
"Wait a minute. Why do I have to listen to your story about being heartbroken?"
"Even if you say that, you were the one who brought up the topic, Senpai. Well, I don't really know why I'm telling a Senpai I just met about this either."
"That’s because you are so noisy with your 'this and that,' isn't it!?"
"Oh, was that it? W-Well, whatever. But Senpai, even though you seem hard to approach, you're actually surprisingly easy to talk to, aren't you?"
"Easy to talk to?"
"Yeah. You listen to what I have to say, and you even give me sincere advice..."
"I... gave advice?"
For a moment, my understanding couldn't catch up with what I was being told. But it was true that while thinking he was annoying and a nuisance, I had somehow been swept into his pace.
Furthermore, even though it was a story that didn't matter to me at all, my rhythm was being thrown off completely by this man.
But to be told I gave sincere advice... it might have been the first time I'd ever been told such a thing. Come to think of it, I didn't recall ever being consulted about such a private matter before.
"Hah..."
"What’s wrong?"
"No, it’s nothing. I just wondered what in the world I was doing, that’s all."
"Now, now, that’s just because you're kind, Senpai."
"Do not misunderstand. This is merely a whim. Ordinarily, I would not even speak with someone of your sort..."
"There you go again, saying things you don't mean."
"Listen to what I am saying!!!"
"Yes, yes."
Aaaargh, I couldn't get through to him!!!
What was with this man!?
With the men I'd dealt with until now, they would either take the lead in listening to me, or at the very least, they would never take such an overbearing attitude!!
Honestly... it was like I was dealing with a child who couldn't even listen properly!!
"Sorry."
"What is it this time?"
"I was just happy that someone listened to me, so I ended up blabbing away... but if you find it a nuisance, Senpai, then I've gone and 'done it again'..."
"Again?"
After all that fuss, once more he suddenly hung his head in a dejected manner. I wanted to tell him that enough was enough... but he had just used a curious phrasing.
"You don't mean to say... that you were doing such ill-mannered things even to the person you were interested in, do you?"
"Urgh."
"Hah... In a case where the other party has no interest in you, pushing such one-sided feelings is rather counterproductive. Did you not even understand that?"
"Since I wasn't even on her radar in the first place, I thought nothing would start unless I promoted myself."
"I see. And that leads to your previous statement about not wanting to trouble her any more and not wanting to be truly hated. That makes sense."
In other words, this man—just as he was doing to me right now—ignored the other person's inconvenience and just kept pushing his own affection. As a result, he was rejected.
It was exactly as I had imagined. I almost burst out laughing... no, it was nothing.
However...
"Does promising not to trouble her anymore mean that you apologized?"
"Yeah. My buddy is super close with that person... so I took the plunge and asked for advice, and I realized how much I was troubling her."
"I see. This might be overthinking it, but the friend you consulted... he’s a man, right? Could it be that that person is actually already..."
"No, that’s not it. He already has a Girlfriend, and that person dotes on my buddy as a Younger Brother too."
"As a Younger Brother? That is quite complicated. Honestly, doting on another man as a Younger Brother is something I can't underst—ah, but for example, if they were childhood friends, such a relationship might not be so strange."
If they had interacted like siblings since they were young, I could understand such a connection.
But for two people like that, it was highly likely that their sibling love would eventually turn into romantic love. Or, conversely, they might never be seen as a romantic interest.
Hm?
Like a Younger Brother?
"Could it be that the story about the hugging and patting you mentioned earlier was..."
"Correct. Man, Senpai, you're actually listening to my story really well, aren't you? You denied it earlier, but you really are kind after all."
"I told you!! ...Hah, fine. Interpret it however you like."
Really... why was I taking the trivial story of such an insignificant person so seriously? I didn't even know why myself.
Only...
"Even if your one-sided feelings were a nuisance... you went as far as to apologize, and even promised never to harbor such feelings again, didn't you? Was there a need to apologize so subserviently?"
Certainly, even if pushing his feelings and thoughts one-sidedly was a nuisance... for the person himself, they must have been genuine feelings.
I supposed it was love at first sight, or something close to it, so while its depth could be questioned... to go as far as to apologize and even make a vow regarding the future, wasn't that a bit too subservient?
I felt it was even a little pathetic for a man... well, since I didn't know the background, I couldn't just generalize and decide.
"But I'm the one who was in the wrong. Of course, it wasn't on purpose, and it’s true that I genuinely liked her... but that doesn't become a free pass to do things the other person dislikes, does it?"
"Well, that’s true. But... are you not frustrated? I might be saying too much, but it’s like you're saying 'I'm sorry for falling in love' to someone you genuinely liked, isn't it? And making a vow on top of that... such a humiliating..."
"I do feel that I'm pathetic, but even so, I'm the one in the wrong. Besides, if apologizing means I can avoid losing something precious, then that’s the top priority. For that sake, not being stubborn and just apologizing honestly is no big deal."
"!!??"
Not being stubborn... for the sake of not losing what’s precious.
To think that I would be so shocked by the words of such a frivolous man...
...Yes, in truth, I already knew.
What I should do right now, what I must do...
Even if it was against my will, I had to take responsibility for what I had done. That was the conclusion reached during the talk with my brother the other day.
I already clearly understood who I was dealing with and who I was spitting on. And even if I were asked why I did such a thing, in the end, it was nothing but the simple and shallow reason that "I didn't like Sara Satsukawa, who was always one step ahead of me."
And...
Because I was so fixated on that, I fell into tunnel vision and failed to think about things calmly.
To me, Sara Satsukawa was an archenemy who would snatch away everything I had built up until now. Moreover, that insolent attitude of hers, looking down on others, was a clear indication of her bad personality. Against such a person, there was no way I could lose. That’s what I had thought.
But once the lid was opened, I hadn't won a single thing.
Until I graduated from Middle School, I had never lost to anyone in anything that involved competition. Of course, this appearance I inherited from my Mother was my pride, and I thought I wouldn't lose to anyone. Until I met Sara Satsukawa.
But... that woman’s absolute ability. Her absolute popularity.
I didn't want to admit it, but she was superior in every way. Everything I had built up until now was denied, and the result of that was that ultimate insolent and arrogant attitude that made light of others.
That was why I didn't like her.
That was why I couldn't lose to her.
And on top of that, of all people, she was the woman my Father told me "not to oppose," which was unbelievable. Without even knowing the reason, even though she was undoubtedly the greatest and worst enemy in my life... how could I possibly endure such a humiliation!!
...That was what I had thought.
But now... because of my careless actions, not just me but my Father... no, the entire company was in a predicament.
While I wanted to laugh it off as an exaggeration for such a personal matter, unfortunately, it was a fact. Moreover, it seemed it had even been pointed out that the person who exposed the cohabitation of those two at the Miss Contest had a secret connection with me. I didn't know how much of the truth they had grasped, but there was no doubt they were implicitly suggesting that I was the mastermind.
And as a result of those things, it was currently starting to affect my Father and the company itself. While it wasn't a preposterous story about being crushed overnight, depending on the situation, the entire management team could be replaced. It could lead to a situation where it was impossible to imagine what would happen to the company as a result.
The person I had been dealing with... the person I had turned into an enemy was someone like that.
The Next President of Sawa Group, a member of the Group’s Founding Family, the daughter of the Next President, and... a candidate for the next-next President.
Turning such people into enemies wouldn't end as a merely personal matter. No matter how little social experience I had, there was no way I wouldn't understand that. That was why my Father and brother, and by extension the company itself, were currently in such a predicament. And it was all caused by my actions.
If that was the case, then naturally, there was only one thing required of me...
To apologize to Sara Satsukawa.
To beg forgiveness for all my previous discourtesy and foolish acts, and to keep bowing my head until the day I was forgiven. This was the treatment required of me by my brother... and my Father.
But for me, that meant a complete and perfect unconditional surrender, a clear defeat.
To change my previous attitude and beg for forgiveness with the utmost humility. There would no longer be any pride or anything of the sort.
It’s not as if I'm the only one at fault...
If that woman hadn't taken such a mocking attitude toward people, I wouldn't have...
I couldn't help but think that. And while I was already being hated by those around me, if such a thing were to be discovered...
This time for sure, I would...
But...
"The precious thing you spoke of... what is it?"
"Huh? Uh, I can't put it well, but... like my current relationships, or the bond with my friends... hm, is that a bit different?"
"No, it is fine. In other words, if it is for the sake of that precious thing... your own appearance, grudges, and humiliation are secondary, and things like apologies and vows are not such a big deal... is that it?"
"Eh!? Uh, I feel like it’s not such a grand story, and I feel like the point is slightly different... Ah, but I think you're not wrong."
"I see... if it is for the sake of what’s precious..."
Honestly...
To think that I would be taught something so essential by such a frivolous man.
The most important thing for me right now.
The thing I must protect.
Such a thing went without saying; it was my Father, my brother, and by extension the company, not my pride or my appearance.
Whatever the cause, as long as it was a problem triggered by my own direct actions, it was only natural to apologize. Even though I knew what would happen to those around me if I didn't, not doing so would be nothing but irresponsibility.
How could I...
As the daughter of the President who managed everything for the company "Kusuhara," and as someone in a position to shoulder the company in the future!!
How could I possibly do such a thing!?
If the fate of the company... the fate of the employees hung on my actions, then a momentary humiliation was no great matter!!
Ding-dong...
"Ah, crap!? The First Bell rang!! Sorry, Senpai. In the end, it was nothing but my boring stories."
"I do not mind. Well, it is true that it was a boring story, though."
"Haha, harsh as always. But I already know that you're actually kind, Senpai."
"Take it as you like. I am tired of denying it every single time."
It wasn't flattery or an empty compliment. It was my first experience being called kind by another person like that. Well, it wasn't bad.
If it had been from a more appropriate person, I would have had nothing to say.
"Well then, Senpai, I'll be off now. Thank you for listening to me!"
"I haven't done anything to be thanked for. Besides, your troubles haven't been resolved either, have they?"
"No, having you listen to me made me feel refreshed, Senpai. So next time, I'll listen to your story!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself. It’s offensive to have you think my troubles are on the same level as yours."
"Yes, yes. In that case, tell me about the difference next time. Well then..."
"Wait. At least state your name before you go."
I didn't quite know why I said such a thing myself. But well, at the very least as a courtesy, I supposed I should remember his name.
Of course, there was no other intention. So don't misunderstand... now, who exactly was I saying that to?
"Ah, I completely forgot. It’s Teppei Yamakawa. And you, Senpai..."
"I am Rena Kusuhara."
"Rena Kusuhara... I feel like I've heard that somewhere..."
"You don't have to remember it. You will anyway, soon enough..."
"...? Well then, Kusuhara-senpai. See ya!!"
"Indeed. ...If you are still such an eccentric who wants to talk to me even after learning who I am."
"Eh? What was that?"
"It’s nothing. More importantly, go quickly."
"Yes, yes. You should hurry too, Senpai. Later!"
"Who do you think you're speaking to... wait, how fast he is."
In the blink of an eye, he was already out of earshot. After turning back to look this way one last time, Teppei Yamakawa waved his hand grandly.
Really... what was with that man?
Overbearing, pushy, frivolous, and an ill-mannered person who couldn't even use honorifics properly...
Despite that, he was somehow hard to hate—a type that had never been around me until now. To think he was the second person, after Kazunari Takanashi, who could take such a natural attitude toward me.
Still...
I wonder what kind of attitude he will show once he learns about me.
Well... more importantly for now, I should think about the apology to Sara Satsukawa first. While I am not looking forward to it, I suppose I should try to make contact.
I don't intend to make any more excuses.
I will do it for the sake of my precious things...
Isn't that right... Yamakawa-san?