Hinako’s recovery took longer than expected.
Ms. Shizune had originally predicted she would be back on her feet by Saturday, but it wasn't until Sunday morning that Hinako’s fever finally broke. We decided she would spend the rest of that day resting; if her temperature remained normal by the next morning, she would return to the academy.
Monday morning arrived. Having returned to a healthy temperature, a listless Hinako climbed into the car bound for school.
"Are you still sleepy?" I asked.
"Mm... I fell asleep at such an awkward time yesterday."
Watching Hinako doze beside me, I recalled the resolution I had made on Friday.
As her caretaker, I wanted to reduce her burden as much as possible. That feeling hadn't wavered.
"...Lend me your lap."
"Fine, fine."
With a soft thud, Hinako rested her head on my lap.
I lightly stroked the hair of the drowsy girl. She opened her eyes a fraction, looking up at me in surprise.
"Itsuki... did something change?"
"What makes you say that?"
"...You feel kinder than usual."
If that was the case, then my efforts were working. I continued to stroke her head, offering neither a confirmation nor a denial.
"It’s warm..."
Looking more comfortable than I had ever seen her, Hinako spent the rest of the commute resting against me.
I caught a glimpse of the front passenger seat. Ms. Shizune was silently watching us through the rearview mirror.
When we reached the classroom, I took my seat.
The students of Kikou Academy were already overflowing with energy, even for a Monday morning. They must maintain incredibly disciplined lifestyles. It was a far cry from the atmosphere of my previous school.
"Yo, Tomonari!"
"Good morning, Taisho-kun."
While I was hanging my bag on the side of my desk, Taisho called out to me.
I felt like the distance between us had closed significantly since the tea party. Although I had made an unreasonable request of Ms. Shizune to make it happen, it reaffirmed that deepening my ties with my classmates was indeed important.
"Konohana-san, good morning! You were out on Friday; did something happen?" Asahi-san asked.
"Asahi-san, good morning. I was helping with the family business on Friday."
"I see, that sounds like a lot of work."
While engaging in idle chatter with Taisho, I kept an ear on the conversation between Asahi-san and Hinako.
It seemed no one suspected Hinako’s absence was due to poor health. While that was technically the "correct" outcome for maintaining her public image, it still left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.
—Lunch break.
Having slipped out of the classroom in secret as usual, I was eating lunch alone with Hinako.
"Hinako, open your mouth a bit wider."
"Mm..."
I fed a side dish to Hinako, who complied by opening her mouth just a little further.
Just like before, I was feeding her.
...I couldn't help but feel this level of closeness was a bit skewed for "family."
Then again, perhaps I had done things like this with my parents when I was very small. In any case, if this was how Hinako chose to unwind, I would play along as much as I could.
"...Mu."
Hinako let out a small sound as she looked into the bento box.
"Itsuki... I'll give you this."
Hinako pointed her chopsticks toward my mouth.
Held between them was a crisp, green piece of bell pepper.
"...No. Eat your vegetables. Don't be a picky eater."
"Ehh..."
If she could relax just by me following her orders, then any caretaker could have done this job. But it hadn't worked out that way for her in the past.
What Hinako needed was a sense of security—the kind only a family could provide.
I had to interact with her in a way that made her feel she could truly lean on me.
To do that, I needed to care for Hinako even more than she cared for herself.
"If your nutrition is unbalanced, you'll just fall ill again."
"...It's not like it matters. If I get sick, I just sleep at the mansion. Actually, that might be easier..."
"Don't say that."
It was because I didn't want her to feel that way that I had decided to give this my all.
"I'd be happier if you stayed healthy, Hinako."
When I said that, Hinako lowered her gaze and pulled her chopsticks back.
"...I'll eat it."
She tentatively put the green pepper into her mouth.
Watching her try to chew while wrinkling her brow in visible distress, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
After school, once we returned to the mansion, I underwent my usual training with Ms. Shizune.
"Thank you for the meal."
Having finished dinner at the table in my room, I wiped my mouth and stood up.
Today’s focus was practical table manners. Ms. Shizune stood by my side, calmly grading me as I consumed every course using the knowledge that had been hammered into me.
"Your movements are still stiff... but it seems you have at least acquired the fundamental knowledge."
"Thank you very much."
"However, you are still careless. I believe I told you to stand from the left side when leaving your seat."
"Ah... I'm sorry. It slipped my mind."
I had remembered when I sat down, but my focus had relaxed once the meal was over, and I had stood up from the right instead.
I still had a long way to go. To stay by Hinako’s side, I had to work even harder.
"...Speaking of which, what does Hinako usually do for dinner?" I asked Ms. Shizune, the question having been on my mind for a while. "I’m always eating in my room while being taught manners, but where—and with whom—does Hinako eat?"
"The Young Lady has her dinner in the mansion's dining hall," Ms. Shizune answered succinctly.
"...By herself?"
"Yes. While the servants may assist her, the Young Lady dines alone."
I had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed still gave me a pang of sympathy.
"Um... then, would it be possible for me to have dinner with Hinako from now on?"
"That is not permitted."
I was flatly rejected.
"Itsuki-san, you have not yet mastered your manners. Once you have acquired a full set of appropriate behaviors, I will consider it."
"...Understood."
If mastering my manners meant I could be by Hinako’s side during her lonely dinners, I had even more reason to strive for perfection.
"Also, Itsuki-san. Starting tomorrow morning, you will be responsible for waking the Young Lady."
"In the morning? Me?"
"I told you on your first day that your duties would increase in stages. The role of caretaker is ultimately a position that looks after every aspect of the Young Lady’s life, from the moment she wakes until she goes to sleep."
"...I understand."
I nodded, taking Ms. Shizune’s words to heart.
The next morning.
Mornings at the Konohana estate start early. I woke up at 6:00 AM, changed into my academy uniform, and left my room immediately.
My first task was cleaning. I carefully wiped away any dust in front of the bedroom doors, in the hallways, and near the stairs, eventually gathering all the tools in the center of the first floor. Guests rarely visited the servants' living quarters, but if this area was dirty, dust might cling to our uniforms. Standing before a guest in soiled clothing was considered an extreme insult, so we were expected to be thorough.
Today was my turn for cleaning duty. On my off-days, I could sleep a little later.
At 7:00 AM, the servants gathered in the dining hall for a morning meeting over breakfast.
There were approximately thirty of us. Those on the night shift or on their day off weren't present.
"There are no changes to the schedule for today. Let us perform our duties as planned."
The servants responded to Ms. Shizune with a unified "Yes."
I had only learned this recently, but Ms. Shizune held the position of Head Maid, making her the highest-ranking maid in the household. The Konohana staff operated under two primary leaders: the Head Maid and the Head Butler.
At 7:30 AM, the servants finished their meals and moved to their posts.
I made my way to Hinako’s room.
"Itsuki-san, good morning."
One of the maids called out to me in the hall.
"Good morning."
"The caretaker’s job must be difficult, but please keep up the good work."
"I will. Thank you."
The woman gave me an encouraging smile and moved on with a graceful stride.
"...I'm gradually being accepted here."
A week had passed since I started. My face was now a familiar sight to the staff.
Reaching Hinako’s door, I paused.
"...I just have to wake her up normally, right?"
Now that I thought about it, I had never actually helped a girl wake up before.
However, Ms. Shizune was not one to give unreasonable orders. I had to believe she gave me this job because she judged I was ready for it.
"Excuse me," I said, knocking before entering.
Apparently, senior servants are supposed to enter the master's room without knocking. However, at the Konohana mansion, rookie servants were required to knock. With the advancement of modern technology, the importance of privacy had grown, and they had flexibly adjusted the traditional rules.
Hinako was sleeping soundly on her canopy bed.
"Hinako, it's morning."
"Nnh... three more hours."
The scale was completely off. If she had asked for three minutes, I might have indulged her, but I couldn't wait three hours.
"If you don't get up, you'll be late for school."
"...I want to be late."
"You can't."
If she did that, her perfect persona would go to waste. If Hinako’s reputation crumbled because of me, I would likely be dismissed. And then I wouldn't be able to stay by her side.
"Come on, get up."
I pulled the blackout curtains aside, and bright morning light flooded the room.
"Muuu..."
Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, Hinako sat up.
"A-re... Itsuki...?"
"Yeah. Good morning."
When I greeted her, Hinako stared blankly at me for a few seconds... and then collapsed back onto the bed.
Why are you going back to sleep?!
"......Help me up."
Hinako reached her hands toward me. She wanted me to pull her up. I gave a wry smile at her clinginess.
"Fine, fine."
I took her hands and pulled her upright. As I lightly caught her, Hinako smiled softly.
"Itsuki... morning."
"Good morning."
Having exchanged proper greetings, I picked up her uniform from the rack.
"I'll leave your clothes here. I'll be waiting outside."
"...Help me."
"Eh?"
"Help me... get dressed."
Hinako spread her arms, looking at me as if it were the most natural request in the world.
"No, what do you mean help—"
"Hurry up..."
My job was to wake her and take her to the dining hall. Did that really include... this?
Slowly, I began to undo her buttons.
I could see her skin through the gaps in her shirt.
"..."
Witnessing such a sight, I felt my heart hammer against my ribs.
Hinako simply kept her eyes closed, completely defenseless, entrusting herself to me.
"Calm down... stay calm, me."
I muttered the mantra as I helped her change. When her shirt came off, I caught a glimpse of her pink underwear. Keeping my eyes as narrowed as possible, I managed to get her into the uniform.
...Hinako doesn't look at me that way.
She was simply seeking the warmth and trust of a family member. To live up to her expectations, I had to purge any inappropriate thoughts from my mind.
Just as I was finishing—
"Itsuki-san, are you in there?"
"Y-yes!?" I yelped, my voice cracking in shock.
It was Ms. Shizune, speaking from the hallway.
"I forgot to mention, but the Young Lady often says strange things when she is half-asleep. For example, she might ask for help getting dressed... but surely you, a man, wouldn't be so foolish as to take that seriously?"
I took it completely seriously!
What should I do?!
Should I apologize? Should I ask her to take over even now? No, it was too late. If Ms. Shizune saw this, my life as a man would be over.
"O-Of course! I have at least that much common sense!"
"I thought as much. My apologies. It's not as if you're a monkey in heat... I have come to understand over the past few days that you have a very straightforward character. Just like the Young Lady, I have come to trust you."
It hurts... that trust hurts so much.
Ms. Shizune, why do you have to praise me at a time like this?
"Um... Hinako."
"Whaaat...?"
"Well... could you please keep the fact that I helped you get dressed today a secret from Ms. Shizune...?"
As I asked her, dripping with cold sweat, Hinako thought for a moment.
"...If you make this part of our daily routine, then okay."
"Eh."
"I’m counting on you tomorrow morning, too..."
Give me a break, I screamed internally.
"Midterms?"
In the Kikou Academy classroom I was finally growing accustomed to, I turned to Taisho.
"Yeah. Since you just transferred in, Tomonari, I figured I should let you know. Midterms start next week."
"Next week? That’s pretty early."
"Well, our opening ceremony is earlier than other schools, too."
That made sense. I hadn't heard anything from Ms. Shizune yet... but either way, I had been doing my daily preparation and review religiously. Even if an exam was coming up, my routine wouldn't change.
"By the way, these are the past exam questions. They hand them out in front of the staff room when it gets close to test time. You should go grab some if you want them."
Taisho showed me a bundle of papers.
As I scanned the contents... I began to break into a cold sweat.
This was bad.
I barely understood how to solve any of the problems. Even with Ms. Shizune’s instruction, would I be able to master these by next week? I hadn't been slacking off, but I felt an intense sense of crisis.
At lunch, I was eating alone with Hinako again.
"Itsuki... I want to eat that next."
Hinako gestured toward a piece of food. However, I was so lost in thought that I didn't respond.
"...Itsuki?"
"Hm? Oh, sorry. The hamburger steak, right?"
I picked up a piece of the wagyu steak with my chopsticks and brought it to her mouth.
"Ihyu-hi... whaf’s hron?"
"Speak after you've swallowed."
I couldn't understand a word.
Hinako swallowed and looked at me again. "Itsuki... is something wrong?"
She had sensed my unease. I answered with a heavy sigh.
"It's nothing major, but the midterms look a lot harder than I expected. I'm feeling a bit discouraged."
Actually, it was a massive deal. If my grades were poor, I could be fired.
Subjects like social studies and English were manageable with raw memorization. But math and the like... I was at a total loss.
"Want me to... teach you?"
"Eh?"
"Despite how I look, I'm actually the top student in our year... Hmph."
Hinako puffed out her chest with an adorable, boastful look.
"...Now that you mention it, you're always teaching people in the classroom."
"Mm. My skills are guaranteed... Ta-da!"
She looked triumphant. Knowing the raw, childish Hinako, it was hard to truly grasp, but she was indeed the most brilliant student at Kikou Academy.
To think that after all my effort to become someone she could rely on, I’d have to ask her for help... It was a complicated feeling, but I couldn't afford to be proud.
"Can I count on you?"
"Leave it to me!"
I fed the cheerful Hinako a side dish as a token of my gratitude.
After finishing my meal, I returned to my seat. Just as I was feeling relieved that I had a plan, Taisho and Asahi-san approached me.
"Tomonari-kun, I heard! You're worried about the midterms?" Asahi-san said. Taisho must have told her.
"Yes....As a reference, I'd like to ask: is there anything specific you two do for exam prep?"
"Hmm, I wouldn't say I do anything special. I just increase my study time more than usual, I guess?"
"Same as Asahi. I mostly do review instead of preparation."
The students here habitually studied after school anyway. They didn't need to do anything extraordinary to keep up.
"What about you, Tomonari-kun? How did you study at your old school?"
"Let's see... occasionally pulling all-nighters, I guess. And study groups."
"Study groups?"
I explained the concept to a confused Asahi-san.
"Everyone gathers to study. Having others working hard around you motivates you, and we can cooperate by teaching each other our strong subjects."
Though usually, it just devolved into chatting.
"Why don't we try that?" Asahi-san said excitedly.
Both she and Taisho were suddenly looking quite eager.
"Let's use the same group from the tea party. There were a lot of high achievers there," Taisho added.
"That's a great idea! I'll go invite them right now!"
I had only intended it as idle talk, but they were already running with it. But... what about my plan to have Hinako teach me?
"Tomonari-kun, when are you free?"
"No, well... I haven't officially decided to participate yet—"
"What! You're not coming, Tomonari-kun?! You're the one who thought of it!"
"Exactly! Since you proposed it, you're the organizer!"
The atmosphere made it impossible to say no. Well... I could just attend the study group and have Hinako help me separately.
"...Understood."
After school, I told Ms. Shizune about the plan.
"A study group?"
"Yes. To prepare for the exams, I thought I'd study with the same members from the tea party..."
"It hasn't been that long since the last gathering... Is there truly any merit in doing this as a group?" Ms. Shizune asked, her gaze sharp.
"This is strictly for exam prep, so I thought it would be meaningful to get advice from people who have actually taken the tests here before."
However, if that was the only reason, Hinako alone would be enough. I had another reason for wanting to include everyone.
"Also... this is just my own thought, but everyone I met at the tea party is someone I feel I can rely on. Asahi-san, Taisho, Tennoji-san, and Narika... I think my connections with them are valuable, and I want to cherish them."
In other words, I wanted her permission to maintain these friendships.
Ms. Shizune gave a small nod. "Understood. I was planning to implement an exam preparation curriculum starting tomorrow, but I shall adjust the schedule to accommodate this."
I blinked in surprise. "I'm sorry. You went to the trouble of preparing that for me."
"There is no need to worry. I am an outsider, after all. As you said, the students themselves likely have a better grasp of what is needed."
Even so, it would be a waste not to use it. I decided to work through her curriculum alongside the study group.
"Today's training is over. The Young Lady is waiting for you, so please head to her room."
I thanked her and left the dojo.
The caretaker’s after-school schedule was a gauntlet. After finishing my own schoolwork, I had table manners lessons over dinner, followed by more studying, and finally, self-defense training.
Once that was done, I would go to Hinako’s room and join her in the bath. I was finally getting used to it.
"...Right, before that."
Remembering something, I went to my room first to grab an item I had prepared.
"Muu..."
I joined Hinako in the bath and began washing her hair. She spent the entire time letting out dissatisfied little groans.
"...Are you still in a bad mood?"
"I was supposed to be the one teaching you... Muuu..."
"I'm sorry for deciding that without talking to you. But just because we're having a study group doesn't mean I won't study with you, too..."
"Is... just me not enough?"
"No, it's not like that..."
Her mood wasn't improving. I stood up after rinsing her hair.
"...Wait just a second."
I went to the changing room and grabbed the item I had hidden.
"This is a secret from Ms. Shizune."
I handed her the item I had pulled from an insulated bag.
"This is...?"
"Ice cream. I bought it secretly before getting into the car."
Since we were supposedly living in separate houses, Hinako boarded the car first, and I would join her at a secluded meeting point. Today, I had slipped away to buy an insulated bag and some treats, hiding them in my own bag. Ms. Shizune gave me a small amount of walking-around money for school, so I had used that.
"Hinako, have you ever eaten ice cream in a hot bath?"
"No..."
"It’s the best feeling in the world."
I had bought one for myself as well, and I took a bite to show her. Hinako followed suit, taking a bite while soaking in the tub.
"Yum...! Ohhh, this is so good...!!"
"Right?"
Her eyes sparkled with joy. Seeing her happy expression, I couldn't help but smile.
I had managed to fix her mood. The ice cream was intended as a way for her to unwind. My goal was to create a lifestyle for her where she wouldn't collapse from stress. If the old way wasn't working, I had to try new things in my own way.
"Ah..."
A small piece of ice cream fell onto the floor. The tiles were warm, and it began to melt instantly, but Hinako swiftly scooped the liquid up with her palm.
"Three-second rule."
I frowned. "No, liquids are definitely exempt from that rule. Don't do it."
"...Three-second rule."
She looked dejected as she let the liquid go.
"Just a heads-up, don't do that in front of other people, okay?"
"Mm... I'll be careful."
It was a vague reply that made me wonder if she was actually listening.
"Itsuki... when is the study group?"
"The date isn't set yet, but I want to do it soon. Tomorrow or the day after..."
"I'm going, too."
I figured she would say that. However, unlike the tea party, I had a genuine concern now.
"I’ve been meaning to ask... was the tea party the reason you fell ill last time?" I asked, feeling a pang of guilt. "If it was, then this study group might be too much of a burden. It might be better for you to just go home and rest."
"Hmm..." Hinako thought it over. "Not necessarily. 'Easy' isn't always the same as 'good'."
She didn't use many words, but I understood what she meant.
"...I see."
Being alone in the mansion might be "easy," but that didn't mean it made her happy. I wanted her to interact with others as much as possible. She needed more friends like Narika and Tennoji-san.
"Besides... I don't like it when Itsuki isn't there."
I gave a wry smile. "Then we’ll go together."
"Mm."
After school, I looked around the circular table at the gathered students.
"Alright, let's start the study group."
"Yay!!" Asahi-san cheered.
It wasn't quite the right atmosphere for studying, but I decided to keep that to myself.
We were back at the cafe from the tea party. The lineup was the same: me, Asahi-san, Taisho, Hinako, Narika, and Tennoji-san.
"I have to say, this is an incredible lineup. Having the top two students in the year here is very reassuring," Taisho remarked.
"I know Konohana-san is number one, but who is number two?" I asked.
"...I am," Tennoji-san answered from my right, her voice laced with irritation.
She clearly felt a rivalry with Hinako. I whispered a small "Sorry" in apology.
"Asahi’s grades are pretty good too, right?" Taisho asked.
"I guess so~. Oh, and Miyakojima-san’s are good too, aren't they?"
"Wh—!?" Narika’s face cramped at Asahi-san’s question. "I... I only have good grades in Physical Education and History..."
"History?"
"The Miyakojima family values the bushido spirit. Because of that, I’ve been made to study history since I was a child," Narika explained, looking uncomfortable. "But for every other subject... I’m nearly failing."
The table went silent, and Narika looked down in embarrassment. Unlike Hinako, who was a true all-rounder, Narika was a specialist.
"Um, I’m sorry I brought it up," Asahi-san said softly.
"...No, it's fine. Don't worry about it."
Narika looked genuinely sad. Because people were so intimidated by her, many of her flaws were often overlooked. Taisho and Asahi-san had looked at her with respect during the tea party, but now their gazes were filled with a softer kind of friendliness.
"It seems we must truly put our hearts into this, then," Tennoji-san muttered, looking at me. "Tomonari-san. Do you have a plan for how we should proceed?"
"No... I thought we would just gather and study."
"Then why don't we split into teachers and students? It will be much more efficient. Konohana-san, Asahi, and I will be the teachers."
That meant Taisho, Narika, and I were the students.
"Tomonari-san, which subjects are your weakest?" Tennoji-san asked.
"Anything that isn't memorization. Mathematics is particularly difficult for me."
As soon as I admitted my weakness, Hinako, sitting to my left, spoke up.
"If you'd like, I—"
"—Then I shall assist you. I am quite skilled at mathematics," Tennoji-san cut in, her clear voice drowning Hinako out.
In an instant, Hinako’s smile froze.
"Then shall I teach Miyakojima-san?" Asahi-san offered. "I don't have any amazing subjects, but I don't have any bad ones either, so I can help raise your average."
"P-Please do!" Narika replied stiffly.
"T-Then I'm with Konohana-san...?" Taisho asked, clearly nervous but visibly delighted.
"Yes. I look forward to working with you, Taisho-kun," Hinako said with a gentle smile—while simultaneously grinding her heel into my foot under the table.
It hurts, it hurts, it hurts...!
She had wanted to study with me since yesterday. Seeing Tennoji-san take that spot instead must have put her in a terrible mood. We can study together back at the mansion! Stop grinding your heel into me!
"Well then, let us begin," Tennoji-san declared.
Two hours passed.
At my old school, a study group would have turned into a gossip session within thirty minutes, but these students were incredibly focused. I suppose this is what people mean by being raised differently. For someone like me who was genuinely panicking about the exams, it was a godsend.
"Are you okay, Miyakojima-san? Want to take a little break?" Asahi-san asked.
"A-Ah... please. Honestly, my brain is about to melt..." Narika sighed, holding her head.
"Taisho-kun, let's take a break as well," Hinako suggested.
"Y-Yes-sir!!" Taisho’s voice cracked in his excitement.
"Shall we take a break as well?" Tennoji-san asked me.
"No... just a little bit more, please," I replied, without looking up from my notebook.
Thanks to her, I was finally understanding concepts that had been a total mystery to me before. I wouldn't go so far as to say I liked studying, but I was feeling the satisfaction of growth.
"Tomonari-kun, you're really serious about this," Asahi-san remarked. "I’m not making fun of you. You just seem... really earnest."
"I agree. Having an upwardly mobile ambition is quite a favorable trait," Tennoji-san added. "You were the one who organized this, weren't you? You might lack the awareness of someone meant to lead... but you excel at supporting others and giving them a push."
I had no desire to lead, so I was going to ignore the first part, but the praise in the second half surprised me.
"What is that look for?" Tennoji-san asked.
"Oh, nothing. I was just surprised to be praised so specifically."
"Hmph. My eye for people is quite certain. In fact, I chose every one of my own servants myself."
"Tennoji-san’s servants are all really sturdy-looking, aren't they?" Asahi-san noted.
"Their primary role when we go out is as bodyguards. I have different attendants for when I am at home."
While the Konohana staff were generally hired by Kagon-san, it seemed that in the Tennoji family, the daughter had the right to choose her own people.
"Then that means Tomonari-kun, who has met your standards, is a promising young man," Asahi-san teased.
"Indeed. It feels a bit rude to look at a classmate as a potential servant... but if he were so inclined, I would consider scouting him."
"The conditions for the Tennoji family servants wouldn't be bad at all~. Tomonari-kun, you should think about it!" Asahi-san laughed.
At that moment, two glares filled with absolute murderous intent were directed at our side of the table. Hinako and Narika were both staring us down with sharp eyes.
"W-Well, I'm not really looking for a career change right now," I stammered.
"Oh, what a pity," Tennoji-san said. She was obviously joking, so her voice didn't sound particularly disappointed. "Let us take a break after all. There is a limit to how long one can concentrate."
"I suppose you're right."
I had more studying to do back at the mansion anyway. I needed to pace myself.
"Oh, Tomonari. Where are you going?" Taisho asked as I stood up.
"I want to stretch a bit. I'm going for a short walk."
I left the cafe and headed for the back of the school building. I wanted to stretch, but doing it in public felt awkward. Even the hidden areas of the campus were meticulously cleaned. I took a deep breath of the outside air and began to loosen up my muscles.
"...I'm lucky, aren't I?"
I thought about the group. Hinako, Narika, Taisho, Asahi-san, and Tennoji-san. I had friends at my old school, but this wasn't bad at all. They were all kind, reliable people.
The caretaker job had seemed like such a heavy burden at first, but I was starting to feel comfortable in this environment. I wanted to support Hinako, but I also genuinely wanted to protect the life I had found here.
I’ll work hard for these exams.
Just as I made that resolution, I heard footsteps behind me.
"Tomonari-san."
I turned around to find Tennoji-san standing there.
"Oh, are you out for a walk too?"
"Yes. I thought I would loosen up as well."
Before I could respond, she continued.
"—Though that is merely a pretext. There is something I wish to ask you."
"Something you wish to ask?" I felt a prickle of unease.
Tennoji-san looked me straight in the eye.
"Tomonari-san. Are you truly the son of a mid-sized corporate successor?"
The question felt like a physical weight on my chest. My relaxed mood vanished instantly, replaced by a cold sweat.
Did she find out? How? Where did the information leak from?
Calm down. Stay calm.
I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression. "...What makes you think that?"
"Your table manners," she said simply.
"...Are you saying they were poor?"
"No. There were a few clumsy moments, but you knew what you were doing. However, to my eyes... they appeared flash-learned."
She observed me with a clinical intensity.
"There is an oddity in your movements. Your manners look like something superficial, as if you have simply crammed the knowledge into your head. They are not the movements of someone who has been groomed as a successor since childhood."
She had said her eye for people was certain. Even Ms. Shizune hadn't pointed this out to me.
"I am not particularly blaming you," she said, seeing my silence. "I was simply curious. You are a transfer student, so perhaps you simply didn't need such manners until recently. That would explain it. However... I thought your progress was almost too well-done."
"Too well-done?"
"Your knowledge is strangely ahead of your physical execution. You have put in an extraordinary amount of effort over the past few days, haven't you?"
It wasn't a guess; she was certain.
"I simply wondered why you were working so hard. I thought perhaps the answer lay in your true status....But if you do not wish to speak of it, I shall not pry any further."